Texel, the largest of the West Frisian Islands, is a windswept paradise in the North Sea, offering a quintessential Dutch island escape just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Part of the province of North Holland, Texel is renowned for its vast, unspoiled beaches, dramatic dunes, and rich maritime heritage. This is a destination where nature reigns supreme, from the seals basking at Ecomare to the sheep dotting its iconic green pastures. The island's charm lies in its peaceful villages, cycling paths that crisscross the landscape, and a palpable sense of tranquility. With 65 hotels ranging from cozy B&Bs to seaside resorts, visitors can find comfortable lodging with an average price of around $101 per night, making it an accessible retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you're watching the sunset over the North Sea, exploring the tidal flats of De Slufter, or climbing the historic Lighthouse Texel, this island promises a deeply restorative and authentically Dutch experience.
Texel's history is deeply intertwined with the sea, having been a vital hub for fishing, whaling, and maritime trade for centuries. The island's culture is proudly Frisian, with its own dialect and a strong sense of local identity centered around agriculture and tourism. Texel is famous for its Texelaar sheep, whose wool and meat are island staples, and its thriving natural ecosystems. The main districts are charming, distinct villages: Den Burg is the bustling central hub with shops and restaurants; De Koog is the lively beach resort town facing the North Sea; De Cocksdorp in the north offers access to the lighthouse and quieter beaches; Oudeschild is the historic fishing port with a maritime museum; and Den Hoorn is a picturesque village in the south. The island is most renowned for Texel National Park (Dunes of Texel), a protected area of shifting sands, heathlands, and forests, and Ecomare, a center for seal rescue and Wadden Sea education. It's a destination for nature lovers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and anyone craving fresh sea air and wide-open spaces.
The best time to visit Texel is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when days are long, temperatures are mild, and nature is in full bloom. This is the peak season, perfect for beach activities, cycling, and outdoor exploration. July and August are the warmest and busiest months. Spring (April-May) brings blooming flowers and migrating birds, while autumn (September-October) offers dramatic skies and fewer crowds. The island hosts major events like the Texel Cata-Cup (kite-surfing) in June, the Round Texel sailing race in June, and various sheep-related festivals. The off-peak season (November-March) is quiet, windy, and cool, with many tourist facilities closed, but it appeals to storm watchers and those seeking solitude. Winter can be starkly beautiful, and Christmas markets add a cozy charm. Regardless of season, always be prepared for changeable North Sea weather.
Texel has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and moderate rainfall spread throughout the year. Wind is a constant feature, especially in autumn and winter.
Increasingly mild with blooming flowers. Days grow longer, but rain showers and brisk winds are common.
The warmest and sunniest period, ideal for beaches. Temperatures are rarely hot, and sea breezes are refreshing.
Cooling temperatures, increasing rainfall, and strong winds. Beautiful, dramatic skies and fewer tourists.
Cold, damp, and windy with occasional frost. Snow is rare. Short days with a stark, peaceful beauty.
Best for: storm watching, cozy indoor visits
Best for: birdwatching, quiet walks
Best for: early spring cycling
Best for: flower spotting, hiking
Best for: bird migration, beach starts
Best for: beach, sailing events
Best for: peak beach season, cycling
Best for: family holidays, outdoor dining
Best for: quieter beaches, hiking
Best for: autumn colors, photography
Best for: museums, local pubs
Best for: Christmas markets, cozy retreats
Getting around Texel is best done by bicycle or bus. The island is a cyclist's dream, with over 140 km of well-marked bike paths traversing dunes, forests, and polders. Numerous rental shops offer standard bikes, e-bikes, and even tandems. The public bus network, operated by TexelHopper, connects all major villages and key attractions like Ecomare and the ferry port at 't Horntje. A day pass offers good value. Taxis are available but relatively expensive; ride-sharing apps are not prevalent. Walking is excellent within villages and nature reserves like De Slufter. For airport transfers, visitors typically fly into Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), then take a train to Den Helder (about 75 minutes), followed by the 20-minute TESO ferry to Texel. The ferry runs frequently and accepts cars, but booking ahead in summer is wise. Once on the island, a car is convenient for flexibility, but parking can be limited in peak season. Overall, biking and buses provide an efficient, scenic, and eco-friendly way to explore.
A magnificent, expansive beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and long, invigorating walks along the shoreline.
Dune landscape with hiking and cycling trails
Lively Texel village with shops, restaurants, and bars
A peaceful northern Texel village known for its lighthouse and as a gateway to the pristine nature reserves of the island's tip.
A vast and protected area of dunes, forests, and heathland, offering incredible hiking and cycling trails and rich wildlife.
The renowned seal sanctuary and nature museum, offering fascinating insights into the local marine environment and wildlife.
Long sandy beaches perfect for walking and water sports.
A unique salt marsh inlet where the sea flows in and out, creating a dramatic and ever-changing landscape rich with birdlife.
Texel's most popular beach, wide and sandy, perfect for walks and water sports.
Climb the iconic red lighthouse for panoramic views of the North Sea, Wadden Sea, and the entire island.
Historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of Texel island.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for mudflat hiking and birdwatching.
The bustling, central 'capital' of Texel, with the main shopping streets, restaurants, and services. It's inland but well-connected.
The main beach resort town directly on the North Sea coast. Lively with hotels, bars, beach pavilions, and tourist amenities.
A historic fishing port on the Wadden Sea side. Home to the Maritime Museum, fish auctions, and a working harbor atmosphere.
The northernmost village, known for its proximity to Lighthouse Texel, wide beaches, and the nature reserve of De Slufter.
A picturesque village in the south with a characteristic white church, surrounded by polders and close to the ferry port.
A traditional fishing village with narrow streets and historic houses, offering an authentic, quiet island feel.
The ferry port area, primarily functional with the terminal and some accommodations. Not a village but a key transit point.
Texel's cuisine is a hearty reflection of its island setting, emphasizing fresh seafood and local lamb. Signature dishes include Texels lam (tender lamb, often roasted or in stews), freshly caught North Sea fish like plaice and sole, and kibbeling (battered fried cod chunks). The island is also known for its sheep's cheese and craft beers from the Texelse Bierbrouwerij. Must-try foods are 'Texelse schapenkaas' (sheep cheese), 'suikerbrood' (a Frisian sugar loaf), and a bowl of creamy fish soup. Dining culture is casual and cozy, with many restaurants in villages like Den Burg and Oudeschild offering terraces. For a unique experience, visit a 'bierlokaal' (beer pub) or a farm selling local produce. Price ranges from budget-friendly snack bars for kibbeling (€5-8) to mid-range restaurants with mains around €20-30. Etiquette is straightforward; reservations are recommended for dinner in peak season. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary for good service.
Visit the Royal Netherlands Navy Museum and the historic naval dockyards. The main ferry connection point to Texel.
Guided walking tour on the tidal flats between Texel and the mainland, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with life.
Take a passenger ferry to this car-free, even quieter Frisian island for hiking, cycling, and pristine nature.
Famous for its traditional cheese market (Friday mornings, April-Sept). A historic city with canals and museums.
A stunning inland national park with heathlands, forests, and the Kröller-Müller Museum featuring Van Gogh works.
Texel is an exceptionally safe destination with very low crime rates. Common sense precautions are sufficient. The primary risks are natural: be cautious of strong currents when swimming in the North Sea, always heed lifeguard flags. When hiking in the dunes or De Slufter, stay on marked paths as tides can change rapidly. Bicycle theft, while rare, can occur; always lock your bike. There are no notable scams or areas to avoid. Emergency number is 112 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non-emergency police, call 0900-8844. Health recommendations include checking for ticks after walking in grassy or wooded areas due to Lyme disease risk. The tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies (apotheek) are available in Den Burg. Overall, Texel is a family-friendly, secure island where the main focus is on enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
Texel can suit various budgets, though it's not a budget backpacker hub. A budget traveler could manage on €50-70 per day by staying in a hostel or campsite (€20-35), self-catering with supermarket food (€15), using a bike rental (€10/day), and enjoying free activities like beach walks and hiking. Mid-range travelers should budget €100-150 per day for a comfortable hotel or B&B (€80-120), eating at casual restaurants for two meals (€30-40), bus passes or e-bike rental (€15-25), and paid attractions like Ecomare (€15). A luxury daily budget of €200+ covers boutique hotels or seaside suites, fine dining, guided tours, and spa treatments. Money-saving tips: visit in shoulder seasons for lower accommodation rates, rent a bike for unlimited transport, purchase a TexelPas for discounts at attractions, picnic with local produce from markets, and use the efficient bus system with day passes. Many of the island's greatest attractions—the beaches, dunes, and villages—are free to explore.