Texel — Island Paradise★★
Texel (pronounced "Tessel") is the largest and westernmost of the West Frisian Islands — and a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and beachcombers. 30 km of North Sea beach, dune landscapes, Wadden Sea (UNESCO World Heritage), sheep pastures, and a surprisingly good culinary scene make the island the perfect multi-day excursion.
Highlights on Texel
- Beaches — 30 km of the finest North Sea sand, divided into numbered beach sections (Paal 9 is particularly popular). Wide, clean, and never crowded even in high summer.
- Ecomare — Nature museum with a seal sanctuary. Seals and grey seals are nurtured here and released back into the wild. A highlight especially for families (€13.50).
- De Slufter — A unique nature area where the sea flows inland through a gap in the dunes, creating a salt marsh. In summer, the sea lavender blooms purple here — spectacular.
- Texel Brewery — The Texelse Bierbrouwerij brews excellent craft beer with island ingredients (sea salt, algae). Brewery tour with tasting: €14.50.
- Sheep — More sheep live on Texel than people (approx. 14,000 vs. 13,500). Texel lamb is famous in the Netherlands. In spring (March–April): lambing season!
Getting There
Ferry from Den Helder (TESO ferry, 20 min. crossing, every 30–60 min.). Round trip: pedestrians €3, car with passengers approx. €27. Den Helder is reachable by train from Amsterdam in 75 min. On the island: renting a bike is a must! Many rental shops right at the harbor.
💡 Tipp
Texel is at its most beautiful in spring (April–May): lambs in the meadows, tulip fields, few tourists. In summer, there can be waiting times for the ferry on weekends — travel early or come during the week.
