Texel is a great place to visit with beautiful beaches and nature. Read more about how to do a day trip to Texel from Amsterdam.

About Texel

Texel is a beautiful island in the Netherlands. It is the largest island in the Wadden Sea and a great place for a holiday. Texel has long beaches, high dunes, and rich nature. No wonder it is so popular by Dutch and German tourists.

Many birds live there as well, and the island is known for its sheep. Somewhere around one third of the island is populated with sheep. Visitors can walk, cycle, and swim in the sea. The ferry from Den Helder takes only 20 minutes.

The island also has charming villages, interesting shops, and cozy restaurants. It is a lovely place to explore and relax. Texel is not only a popular getaway for Dutch locals but also attracts international visitors seeking tranquility and the beauty of nature. It is possible (and recommended) to do a day trip to Texel from Amsterdam

The history of Texel

Texel is a beautiful island in the Netherlands. It is the largest of the Wadden Islands. People have lived on Texel for a very long time. A long time ago, the island was connected to the mainland, but the sea slowly separated it.

The name Texel comes from the old word Tessel, which people used many years ago. The island was important for trade and fishing. Ships stopped there on their way to other countries.

Texel also has a history of sheep farming. The Texel sheep are now famous around the world. Today, many people visit Texel to enjoy nature, the beach, and the peaceful atmosphere.

What to do during a day trip to Texel from Amsterdam

When you visit Texel in the Netherlands, you can ride a bike on many paths. These paths go through dunes, forests, and small villages. You can go to Ecomare, a museum and seal center, to learn about animals and the sea. At Texel Dunes National Park, you can walk and see the coast. You can also go to the beach to rest, swim, or try sports like kite surfing or sailing.

You can learn about the island’s culture at the maritime museum Kaap Skil in Oudeschild or visit the Texel Brewery to try local beer. Texel is a good place for birdwatching, especially when birds move to new places. If you like history, you can go to the Texel Airfield Museum to learn about World War II. You can also eat fresh seafood and Dutch food at many restaurants.

Famous places to visit for a day trip to Texel from Amsterdam

The Lighthouse

You should visit the lighthouse in Texel because it is very beautiful. The lighthouse is red and very tall. You can climb to the top and see the sea, the beach, and the island. The view is amazing! The lighthouse is also very old and has a lot of history. It is a great place to take pictures and enjoy the fresh air. If you visit Texel, the lighthouse is a must-see!

Den Burg: the largest town of the Island

Den Burg is a lovely town in Texel and a great place to visit. It is the largest town on the island and has many shops, cafés, and restaurants. You can walk through the charming streets and see historic buildings. In the center, there is a big church, and every Monday, there is a market where you can find local products and souvenirs. Den Burg has a cozy atmosphere and is perfect for exploring and enjoying Texel.

De Koog

De Koog is a nice village on the Dutch island of Texel. It has beautiful sandy beaches where visitors can walk or try water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. The village has small cafés, shops, and restaurants with fresh seafood and local food. Nearby, there are nature reserves with many plants and animals. It is a good place for people who like nature and birdwatching. De Koog is quiet and pretty, making it a good holiday spot for families, couples, and people traveling alone.

Oudeschild: Harbor Village in Texel

Explore Oudeschild, a small harbor village on the Dutch island of Texel, gives a special look at the island’s maritime history. The town is known for its busy fishing port, where you can see local fishermen unload their daily catch and eat fresh seafood at nearby restaurants. Walking through Oudeschild, you will see quiet streets with traditional houses, shops, and a friendly feeling.

The Texel Museum nearby shows interesting details about the island’s history and culture. There are also walking and cycling paths that offer beautiful views of the coast and nature. Whether you are enjoying a meal by the water or exploring the area, Oudeschild is full of charm and local character.

Activities to do in Texel

Explore the nature at Texel

Texel is the biggest island in the Dutch Wadden Islands. It is a great place for people who love nature. The island has many different landscapes, like sandy beaches, green meadows, and tall dunes. These areas are home to many animals and plants. People can visit the Texel Nature Reserve to see the island’s beautiful flowers, birds, seals, and more. Texel works hard to protect its nature. It is a perfect place for walking, biking, and watching birds. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful nature, Texel is a calm place to enjoy nature.

How to do a trip to Texel from Amsterdam

Reaching Texel is a straightforward journey, whether you choose to drive or use public transport. If you’re traveling by car, you can drive to Den Helder, where you can catch a ferry that will take you directly to the island. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the surrounding waters, making the journey enjoyable.

Alternatively, if you prefer public transportation, you can take a train to Den Helder’s train station. From there, a bus service conveniently connects you to the ferry terminal, ensuring a seamless transition to the boat heading to Texel. Either way, the trip to this beautiful Dutch island is easily accessible and well worth the effort.

The Ferry Service between Den Helder and Texel

The ferry service between Den Helder and Texel, operated by TESO, provides a vital connection to the island, accommodating both vehicles and foot passengers. For those traveling with cars, the process is straightforward: vehicles queue up at the ferry terminal in Den Helder, where staff assist with boarding. Once on the ferry, cars are parked securely on designated decks, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic ride across the Wadden Sea.

For travelers using public transportation, the journey is equally convenient. After arriving at Den Helder by train, passengers can take a short bus ride to the ferry terminal, where they can board the ferry as foot passengers. The ferry offers comfortable seating and amenities, making it an enjoyable experience as you take in the beautiful views en route to Texel.

The Arrival with the Ferry at ‘Het Horntje’

Arriving at Het Horntje in Texel from the ferry is a picturesque beginning to your island adventure. As you disembark, the fresh sea breeze fills the air, inviting you to explore the natural beauty and charm of Texel. From this point, visitors can easily travel along Route N501, whether by car or public transportation, providing access to delightful destinations such as the quaint village of Den Hoorn, known for its historic architecture and vibrant gardens; Den Burg, the island’s largest town, bustling with shops, cafes, and cultural attractions; and Oudeschild, a charming harbor town that offers a glimpse into Texel’s maritime heritage. Each stop along the way reveals the unique character and stunning landscapes of this enchanting Dutch island.

Please check in advance the website of TESO (the Ferry) to book tickets in advance for a day trip to texel from Amsterdam. Click here for more information in English on the website of TESO.

The accessibility for a day trip to Texel from Amsterdam

Is the island Texel family friendly

Texel is a great place for families. There are many fun things to do with children. You can play on the beach, ride bikes, and see animals at the farm. There is also a big nature park where you can walk and watch birds. The island has nice playgrounds and small museums for kids. The people are friendly, and the food is tasty. It is easy to travel on Texel, and everything is close. Hence, a day trip to Texel from Amsterdam is recommended for families.

Is the island Texel wheelchair friendly

Texel is also a great island for everyone, even if you use a wheelchair! The paths are smooth, and many places are easy to reach. The beaches have special paths, so you can go close to the sea. There are also wheelchair-friendly hotels, restaurants, and nature parks. You can take a special beach wheelchair to ride on the sand. The buses on the island are also easy to use with a wheelchair. Texel wants everyone to have a fun and easy holiday.

Trivia about Texel

Texel and ‘TV-TAS’ (TV Bag) as a mnemonic

Texel is the first Dutch Wadden Island of the list to study during preliminary school. The list of TV-TAS ( ‘TV Bag) consists out of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog.

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