Things to see and do in Texel
Texel is a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back island life. The island’s diverse landscapes pristine beaches, dense forests, and sprawling heathlands make it a haven for hikers and cyclists. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting seals at the famous Ecomare center, while food lovers can indulge in local delicacies such as Texel lamb and fresh seafood. The island is also known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for both families and solo travelers. My family and I often travel here in spring or autumn, before the heavy crowds strike down on the island. Scroll down for the best places to stay on the island!
Top 10 things to do and see in Texel
With so much to explore on the island, you’ll never be bored. Texel is even in our top list with things to do in The Netherlands. Here are the must-see attractions and activities on Texel. If you don’t have enough time to visit the island you can also book this daytour from Amsterdam.
#1 De Slufter
De Slufter is one of the most breathtaking natural areas in the Netherlands. This vast salt marsh is the only place in the country where the sea can freely enter and retreat, creating a unique landscape filled with winding creeks, rare birds, and blooming sea lavender in the summer. Whether you want to hike through its serene beauty or simply soak in the view, De Slufter is a must-visit for nature lovers. Like nature? Than you will love the national parks of The Netherlands.
#2 Ecomare
Ecomare is Texel’s beloved seal sanctuary and marine life center. Here, you can get up close with rescued seals and learn about the Wadden Sea’s delicate ecosystem. The center also houses an impressive aquarium and interactive exhibits about the region’s wildlife. It’s an educational yet entertaining stop for visitors of all ages.
#3 Texel’s beaches
With over 30 kilometers of sandy coastline, Texel is a paradise for beach lovers. The beaches at De Koog and Paal 17 are among the most popular, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or kitesurfing. For a more peaceful experience, head to the remote southern beach near De Hors, where you’ll feel like you have the entire shoreline to yourself.
#4 Lighthouse of Texel
Standing tall on the northernmost tip of the island next to the village of Cocksdorp (we know, take a photo with the cityroadsign), Texel’s iconic lighthouse offers breathtaking views over the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. Climb the 118 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the island’s dunes, beaches, and even neighboring Vlieland on clear days.
#5 Cycling through Texel
Texel is a cyclist’s dream, with over 140 kilometers of well-maintained cycling paths winding through forests, dunes, and quaint villages. Rent a bike and explore at your own pace, stopping along the way for a bite of local cheese or a drink at a cozy beach pavilion. You can ride around the island in about 2 hours! I even did it with my kids as the roads are smooth and easy to ride. If you don’t like cycling take a traditional moped or electric bike! The following rental shop is great.
#6 Dunes of Texel National Park
Covering nearly a third of the island, the Dunes of Texel National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With a mix of dunes, forests, and wetlands, the park is home to an array of wildlife, including rare birds and Highland cattle. Hiking here is a true escape into nature.
#7 Sheep farms and Texel lamb
Texel is famous for its sheep, and the island’s lush pastures are home to thousands of them. Visit a local farm, such as Schapenboerderij Texel, where you can bottle-feed lambs and learn about traditional sheep farming. Be sure to try the island’s renowned Texel lamb, known for its rich and tender flavor.
#8 Den Burg and De Koog
Den Burg is the island’s largest village, offering charming streets lined with shops, cafés, and historical buildings. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Texel’s relaxed atmosphere. De Koog, on the other hand, is a lively beach town with plenty of restaurants, bars, and access to the island’s best beaches.
#9 Texel Brewery
Beer lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Texelse Bierbrouwerij, where the island’s famous Skuumkoppe beer is brewed. Take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and sample a selection of Texel’s finest craft beers.
#10 Wadlopen (Mudflat walking)
For a unique and adventurous experience, try wadlopen hiking across the seabed at low tide. This guided excursion takes you deep into the Wadden Sea, allowing you to explore tidal flats, spot marine life, and witness one of the most dynamic landscapes in Europe. This is one of the most epic experiences you will get in the Netherlands. Unique in the world and full of exciting moments.
Food and local specialties
Texel’s cuisine is deeply connected to the land and sea. Texel lamb is the island’s most famous dish, thanks to the salty grass the sheep graze on. Fresh seafood, particularly mussels and North Sea fish, is also a staple. For a sweet treat, try “Texelse Jutter,” a local herbal liqueur, or indulge in homemade Texel cheese from a farm shop.
The best hotels on Texel
Texel isn’t that big yet it can take some time to travel from south to north for example. Most fun villages to stay are De Koog or Cocksdorp but Oosterend or Den Burg are also nice but smaller. In De Koog you should go for Hotel Boschrand or Van der Valk Texel – De Koog, in Cocksdorp Hotel het Anker van Texel, in Den Burg the Hotel De Lindeboom and the fancy Op Oost Boutique hotel & Restaurant het Kook Atelier in Oosterend. We really like the last spot and always try to book there when visiting Texel.
Events and festivals
- Ronde om Texel (June) – The world’s largest catamaran sailing race, attracting competitors from all over the world.
- Texel Airshow (every few years) – A spectacular aviation event showcasing impressive aerobatic displays.
- Lammetjeswandeling (Spring) – A delightful walking tour through Texel’s fields during lambing season.
- Texel Culinair (September) – A food festival in De Koog where you can taste the best local dishes.
Living in Texel
Texel offers a unique island lifestyle that attracts both Dutch and international buyers. The most popular areas include Den Burg (the island’s main hub), De Koog (near the beach and dunes), and Oudeschild (a picturesque fishing village). While housing prices are generally higher than in mainland rural areas, the tranquility and beauty of island life make it worth it.
A bit of history
Texel has a long and fascinating history, from Viking raids in the Middle Ages to its role in the Dutch Golden Age as a key naval base. During World War II, it was the site of the infamous Georgian Uprising, a dramatic and tragic chapter in the island’s past. Today, Texel’s history can be explored in its museums and historical sites.
5x fun facts about Texel
- More sheep than people – Texel has about 14,000 residents but over 20,000 sheep!
- The Texel Egg War – In the 17th century, Texel exported huge quantities of eggs to Amsterdam, leading to disputes over supply.
- A double lighthouse – Texel’s lighthouse has an inner and outer wall, a rare architectural feature.
- Seals love Texel – The Wadden Sea around Texel is one of the best places in the Netherlands to spot seals in the wild.
- Texel beer was once brewed in space – NASA experimented with Texel’s yeast to see how it behaved in microgravity!
Things to do in the area
- Vlieland (Ferry, 30 min) – A smaller, car-free island perfect for nature lovers.
- Den Helder (Ferry, 20 min) – Visit the Dutch Navy Museum or explore Fort Kijkduin.
- Wadden Sea (UNESCO site) – Experience one of the most unique tidal ecosystems in the world.