Texel, Netherlands

Things to do

2 days in Texel

Day 1

  1. MorningRent a bike and cycle through the dunes to the red lighthouse at the island's tip.
  2. AfternoonVisit Ecomare, the seal sanctuary and nature centre.
  3. EveningWatch the sunset from the beach at De Koog.

Day 2

Take a boat trip from Oudeschild to see the seals on the sandbanks.

What to eat

Texel lamb and a Texels beer, brewed on the island.

Local tips

Make the most of Texel

Beat the crowds

Summer is busy. Spring and autumn are calmer and good for birds.

Best photo spot

The red lighthouse at the north tip and the beach at sunset.

Getting there

Trains run to Den Helder, then the ferry takes about 20 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

The Ecomare seal centre and the dunes national park.

Good to know

Rent a bike: the island has many cycle paths. Try the local lamb, as sheep graze all over the island.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Texel

Our most hidden places around Texel: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Texel to take with you.

32 km away
51 km away
88 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Texel

Getting there

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)85 km away
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)125 km away
  • Haarlem75 km away
  • Amsterdam75 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryNetherlands

Questions

Texel: good to know

Is Texel worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. The largest Wadden island, with dunes, wide beaches and seals.

How many days do you need in Texel?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Texel?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer is busy. Spring and autumn are calmer and good for birds.

How do you get to Texel?

The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), about 85 km away. Trains run to Den Helder, then the ferry takes about 20 minutes.

What is there to see near Texel?

Nearby hidden places include Hoorn (49 km), Edam & Volendam (63 km) and Zaanse Schans (65 km).

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