A Haven for Wildlife
A Dutch island in the North Sea, Texel is best known for its wonderful sand dunes - a haven for birds. Common and grey seals also swim off its shores and some can be seen in the Ecomare rescue centre just outside De Koog.
Home to the largest concentration of Texel hotels, De Koog is a real seaside town and the centre of the nightlife, with a few bars and restaurants. At the island’s northern tip is its most recognisable landmark – the red lighthouse in De Cocksdorp. A ferry leaves from here to neighbouring Vlieland island in summer.
South is Texel Airport and its aviation museum, while inland are the polders typical of the Netherlands. Some are bulbfields that are a sea of colour in spring, while others are home to sweet-looking Texel sheep.
Oudeschild on the Waddenzee coast is a fishing village with a windmill by its harbour. Midway between here and Den Burg – the largest town – is Hoge Berg, an Ice Age clay mound. Next door is Texel Brewery, producing beers from the island’s wheat and barley.
Ferries to Texel from Den Helder arrive at t’Hoorntje and the closest village is Den Hoorn whose church spire can be seen for miles around. Wherever you choose to stay, Booking.com has a great range of accommodation in Texel.
