15 Fun & Best Things to Do in Texel Island, Netherlands

My family and I spent a few days on Texel Island as a getaway from Amsterdam. It was great to explore a new perspective on Holland and get to know a more local experience in Dutch culture. Here are several things to do in Texel Island, Netherlands.

Texel Island is one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam you could ask for, especially in summer. There are plenty of quality things to do on the island of Texel in Holland, including ways to relax, plus family-friendly activities.

We wanted to find more weekend trips from Amsterdam, so we did our homework. We found a true gem that we suggest you explore. Here are some of the best things to do in Texel. If you prefer watching, watch our full YouTube travel guide to this beautiful island.

TL;DR

Things to Do in Texel, The Netherlands

1. Climb to the Top of the Kerk Den Burg

Address: Binnenburg 2, 1791 CG Den Burg, Netherlands

Den Burg is the main town on the island of Texel. There is a church in the main square called Kerk Den Burg. I suggest you enter the church and climb up the tower to get amazing ocean views and the rest of Texel Island. The climb is steep and adventurous. It’s worth it, though. Just look at these photos!

2. Dine and/or Stay at Hotel de Lindeboom

Address: Groeneplaats 14, 1791 CC Den Burg, Netherlands

Hotel de Lindeboom is one of the best accommodation options on the island. By staying here, you’ll be centrally located in the middle of the island in Den Burg (the largest city) and the middle of the square.

The hotel includes breakfast, which is fantastic, by the way. You look out to the square at their quaint cafe. The hotel recently underwent a renovation, so it’s clean and well-designed. The rooms look out to the square, so you can gaze while enjoying a Dutch treat or beverage.

See Related: Best Hotels in the Netherlands

3. Visit the Dunes of Texel National Park

Address: Molenstraat 83, 1791 DK Den Burg, Netherlands

Grab your cycle and hit the roads. Once you get to the dunes, you will see the fantastic coastline and cycling opportunities. It’s a great way to see the landscapes of this gorgeous Wadden Island while also getting some exercise.

The dunes are actually a national park called Dunes of Texel National Park. The simplicity of the sand dunes provides a unique perspective that you wouldn’t think exists in Holland. It’s a great variation of perspective. The dunes give a sort of a Scotland vibe to the island.

The dunes are a national treasure. While you explore, you might spot some friends, including seals, birds, flora, and more. For those who love outdoor activities, this area offers well-maintained trails and paths ideal for hiking and biking. Immerse yourself in the park at your own pace, admire the diverse landscapes, and spot several species of birds in the nature reserve.

See Related: Best Tours in Amsterdam

4. Visit Ecomare

Address: Ruijslaan 92, 1796 AZ De Koog, Netherlands

Experience the wonders of marine life at Ecomare. Begin your adventure by participating in the feeding of the adorable harbor porpoises. Watch their playful antics and learn more about their behavior and dietary habits.

Next, go to the seal enclosure, where you can feed these charming creatures. Discover their unique characteristics and understand more about their life in the sea.

Lastly, engage in an exciting session on beach findings. Uncover hidden treasures, learn about different types of shells, and admire the beach’s natural beauty. Every moment at Ecomare promises to be a delightful learning experience filled with fun and fascination.

The nature museum costs about 13 euros for adults and 9 euros for children ages 4 to 13. This is an excellent activity for the whole family to see and experience the marine life around the Wadden Islands.

5. Climb the Texel Lighthouse

Address: Vuurtorenweg 184, 1795 LN De Cocksdorp, Netherlands

Texel Lighthouse or Eirland Lighthouse is a great place to take some photos. Located on the island’s most northern tip, the lighthouse is an excellent opportunity for some nature and landscape photography.

In 1977, the lighthouse was covered with a red coating, so you can’t miss it if you journey to the northern end of Texel. Since 1982, the lighthouse has been a Rijksmonument of the Netherlands.

Going up can be challenging, with 118 steps to ascend, but trust me, it’s worth it. Reaching the top felt like an achievement, and the panoramic view from 45 meters above sea level was breathtaking.

Overlooking the North Sea, Wadden Sea, and Vlieland from such height painted extraordinary landscapes that I won’t forget.

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6. Wine & Dine on Michelin Restaurant Row

Whoa, my wife and I were blown away. The restaurant scene here was phenomenal—the street where a handful of these restaurants are located was pretty quaint, too. Along Gravenstraat, which is right behind Hotel de Lindeboom, there are a handful of great restaurants that you need to visit.

1. Freya de Texelse Bodega
2. Eilandkeuken
3. Restaurant het Kook Atelier
4. Hart van Texel Eten & Drinken

These restaurants are all 5-star dining options and are great for a night when you’d like to splurge. The above restaurants offer prix fixe menus for dinner, so you’ll enjoy starters, entrees, and desserts. You will get a whole experience out of your dinner.

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7. Soak in the Dutch Architecture

If you aren’t from the States, you might not be as obsessed with housing in The Netherlands as I am. Everyone has such great style and design. I can walk through the streets and gaze at the buildings.

You’ll see photos of the amazing architecture throughout this article. I just can’t help snapping away while I wander.

8. Shop & Buy Local Wool

Texel has great markets in each square filled with shops. You will definitely notice the plethora of sheep once you arrive in Texel. Why not buy local? Get some handmade wool blankets or sweaters as a souvenir to take home.

Each day the markets in the square change between cities. We were in Den Burg on a Wednesday, so we were able to catch the market.

9. Walk and Explore De Slufter

Address: De Slufter, De Cocksdorp, Netherlands

De Slufter features an expansive walking path with dunes and waterways like the dunes. Again, bring your camera because you will likely come across different wildlife and natural settings that make for excellent photos along this North Sea beach.

10. Visit the island’s incredible beaches

What would a trip to Texel be without experiencing the island’s famous sandy beaches? Spanning 20 miles of the island’s coastline, the breathtaking beauty of Texel’s beaches is undeniable.

We suggest spending a full day at either Vuurtorenweg Texel Beach for amazing views of the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. In contrast, the Dunes of Texel National Park near Ecomare is only a North Sea beach (but still equally worthy in its regard).

If you visit during summer, you must spend some time at the beach. Pack a picnic and spend a day soaking up the sun and playing outdoor games.

The beaches are expansive, pristine, and an absolute treat for beach enthusiasts. If you hit the beach, be sure to bring one of these top beach blankets with you so you can avoid the annoying sand everywhere.

11. Pet sheep and lambs at Schapenboerderij Texel

Address: Pontweg 77, 1791 LA Den Burg, Netherlands

Speaking of sheep, why not visit a sheep farm? Schapenboerderij Texel is a Texel Sheep Farm. If you are an animal lover, you will love this spot. They have baby lambs, guinea pigs, chickens, goats, bunnies, and more. It’s a great spot to bring kids. I’m sure you can find some excellent wool here as well.

12. Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum Flora

Address: Californiëweg 1c, 1796 PA De Koog, Netherlands

You can visit the Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum Flora by stopping from Den Burg to De Koog. If you do not know (much) about beachcombing, you should not skip this museum during your visit to the island.

You will truly appreciate what beachcombing means. The Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum Flora is a surreal mix of funny and tragic remains resulting from shipwrecks and losses at sea.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Alkmaar

13. Cycle around the island

One of the best ways to explore this stunning destination is by bike. With over 140 kilometers of cycle paths, you can easily navigate the island’s dunes, forests, polders, and beaches while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Renting a bike on Texel is easy, with various rental shops available throughout the island. You can choose from many bikes, including electric bikes, tandems, and even trendy cargo bikes. It’s recommended to make your reservation in advance to ensure availability. You can download GPS routes or purchase a book with cycling routes for more convenience.

Remember to follow traffic rules when cycling on Texel and be mindful of other cyclists and pedestrians. It’s also important to carry essentials such as water, snacks, a map, or a GPS device, and dress appropriately for the weather.

See Related: Things to Do in Zandvoort

14. Go Fruit and Flower Picking at Zelfpluktuin

Address: Mediterranean Road 4 Between Den Burg and Oudeschild, 1792 CG, Texel, The Netherlands

One unique experience that shouldn’t be missed is a visit to Zelfpluktuin, a pick-your-own fruit and flower garden. Zelfpluktuin is a family-owned business run by the Boersen family.

It was established in 1994 when it realized that allowing customers to pick their fruit could be a fun and interactive way to connect with the land and the people.

At Zelfpluktuin, you can wander through the orchards and fields, picking fruits like apples, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. The farm also offers an array of vegetables, such as capsicums. And if you’re looking for beautiful flowers to brighten your day, they have those too!

15. Try local beer at Texelse Bierbrouwerij

Address: Schilderweg 214b, 1792 CK Oudeschild, Netherlands

A must-try experience is visiting the Texelse Bierbrouwerij, where you can taste and appreciate the locally brewed beer. Texelse Bierbrouwerij, now owned by Heineken, has been crafting unique beers that capture the essence of the island since 1999.

The brewery takes pride in using natural ingredients and traditional brewing techniques to create unique and flavorful beers. Not only will you have the opportunity to sample various beers, but you can also learn about the brewing process during a guided tour of the brewery.

After the tour, visit the onsite tasting room to relax and savor the delicious beers while enjoying the cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of cycling.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

What is Texel, The Netherlands Known For?

Texel is a municipality of The Netherlands and is considered to be one of the Dutch Wadden Islands. Texel is part of the North Holland province. The island is known for its significant bird-rich dunes within the Dunes of Texel National Park, along with incredible coastlines on both the North Sea and the Wadden Sea.

In addition to the dunes, the island features many sandy beaches, outdoor trails, small village towns, an aquarium, and a number of different wildlife sanctuaries. There are several key cities and towns on the island: De Koog, De Cocksdorp, Den Burg, and Den Hoorn.

See Related: Things to Do in Haarlem

How to Get to Texel

The journey to Texel looks daunting on a map, but it is straightforward from Amsterdam. From Amsterdam Centraal Station, take a train heading to Den Helder. Use Trainline to check tickets, prices, and options for your route.

The train leaves every 45 minutes during the weekdays and costs about 15 euros a person. The train ride takes about two hours because you take it to the last stop.

• Step 1: Take the train to the last stop at Den Helder. You can walk or take the 33 Steiger bus to the TESO ferry port. The walk takes about 30 minutes. The bus takes about 10. We recommend taking the bus so you don’t miss your ferry.
• Step 2: Take the TESO ferry across to Texel. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes and takes about 20 minutes to cross the ocean.
• Step 3: Leave the ferry and take the 28 bus to your destination. The bus leaves every 30 minutes and is synced to the ferry arrival times. Take the bus to Element in the center of Den Burg – a great stop after your journey.

ViaTravelers Tip: Buy the round-trip ferry ticket to save time on your way back. You don’t need to choose what time you come back or what day, so it is still flexible. Purchase your TESO ferry tickets online to avoid the line. They are 2.50 euro a person and include a round trip. Just download the pass to your phone, and they can scan it before you board the ferry.

Texel has an excellent transportation system. You can get around in their public transportation, private shuttles, or buses around the entire island.

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