Best things to do in Texel

Texel Essentials

Discover the diverse landscape of Texel, from the bright red lighthouse at the island's northern tip to the unique salt marshes of De Slufter where the North Sea flows freely into the dunes. This collection highlights the island’s heritage through the 16th-century Fort De Schans, traditional sheep farming at Schapenboerderij, and the maritime exhibits at Museum Kaap Skil. Explore the biodiversity of the Dunes of Texel National Park and visit the seal sanctuary at Ecomare.

Mark Wolter / CC-BY-SA

Lighthouse Texel

One of the most romantic sceneries in the Netherlands. Climb 153 steps of this lighthouse for the gorgeous views it offers.

Rasbak / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Het Noorden

A historic polder windmill built in 1878 to drain the northern polder near Oosterend. It stands as a prominent heritage site in the island's agricultural landscape.

Mark Wolter / CC-BY-SA

Ecomare

Duinen van Texel National Park is a national park located on the North Holland island of Texel in the Netherlands.

Schapenboerderij Texel

A working farm where visitors can interact with Texel sheep and lambs year-round. The site includes a farm shop selling local wool products and hosts demonstrations of sheep herding.

De Slufter

A unique nature reserve and salt marsh where the North Sea breaches the dunes. The area is characterized by tidal channels and salt-tolerant flora such as sea lavender and glasswort.

Ecomare/Salko de Wolf / CC BY-SA 4.0

Fort De Schans

A star-shaped fortification built in 1574 by William of Orange to protect the island and monitor shipping lanes. The site features reconstructed earthen walls and views over the polder.

Peter Borst / CC BY-SA 4.0

Texelse Bierbrouwerij

Local craft brewery located in a former dairy factory. It produces specialty beers using island-grown barley and provides guided tours detailing the brewing process.

Museum Kaap Skil

Maritime museum featuring a massive scale model of the 17th-century Reede van Texel. The site includes shipwreck artifacts and an open-air section with traditional fisherman cottages.

Unknown / CC BY-SA 4.0

Hervormde kerk

A Protestant church dating back to 1425, distinguished by its iconic white tower. Historically, the tower served as a navigation beacon for sailors entering the Marsdiep strait.