Best things to do on the island Texel in The Netherlands

When you think of the Netherlands, canals, tulips, and windmills may come to mind. But just off the northern coast lies Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands — a popular vacation spot for locals and germans have also found their way here. It’s a the perfect spot for a relaxing and quiet getaway. On Texel you’ll find a beautiful coastline, birdwatching, wildlife, and lots of rural charm.

Meet the Seals at Ecomare

Start your Texel journey with a visit to Ecomare, the island’s renowned nature center and seal rehabilitation center. This is where sick, injured, or orphaned seals are rescued, rehabilitated, and whenever possible returned to the wild. Seals are some of my favorite animals, because they are so fun to watch! The way they swim and their curiosity is a really wonderful thing to see up close! If you come to the center at 11:00 or 15:30 you can see the staff feeding the seals. Ecomare also features aquariums, bird exhibitions, and nature education about the Wadden Sea and North Sea ecosystems.

Discover the Texel Sheep Farm

Texel is famously home to its own breed of sheep, known for their strong build and excellent wool. A visit to the local sheep farm is such a fun activity. Great for a family with kids or just because you’d love to cuddle some sheep. When the lambs are born you get the opportunity to meet these cute little guys and pet them. Texel’s sheep have been part of the landscape for centuries and play a key role in maintaining the island’s unique ecosystem.

Boat Safari to See Wild Seals

If you loved the seal rehabilitation center, you may also love seeing seals in the wild! Hop on a boat safari and head out into the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experienced local guides will take you near sandbanks where wild seals haul out to sunbathe. The seals often glance curiously at the boat before lazily returning to their nap. Some trips also include views of seabirds and an explanation of the area’s tidal system.

Go Shrimp Fishing with the TX20

For a hands-on experience, join a shrimp fishing trip aboard the TX20, a traditional fishing boat. This unique excursion teaches you how shrimp are caught, sorted, and cooked right on board. Fresh shrimp straight from the sea? Yes, please. Kids and adults alike will enjoy pulling in the nets, spotting other sea creatures like crabs and flatfish, and learning about Texel’s fishing heritage. The boat trip takes 2 hours and there’s a chance you’ll see seals during this trip as well.

Visit the town ‘Den Burg’

Den Burg is islands ‘capital’. About half of the almost 14,000 Texel residents live there. This makes it Texel’s most lively village. Den Burg has a cute city center. There are several lovely cafe’s and restaurants, but also some historical buildings and museums. If you feel like doing a bit of exercise during your visit, then climb the church tower. The building is called ‘De Burght’. At the top you’ll have a great view of the town. I personally also really loved ‘Museum Galerie RAT (Recomposed Art Texel)’. The art inside is made with trash that’s found on the island and the eclectic collection is fascinating!

Cool Off at the Ice Cream Farm

No day of island exploration is complete without a sweet treat. Stop by Texel’s Ice Cream Farm, where the ice cream is made fresh on-site using milk from their own cows. With a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to more modern flavors, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day in the sun.

Explore the Untamed Beauty of De Slufter

One of Texels main draws is the beautiful nature and peace and quiet! De Slufter is one of Texel’s most stunning natural reserves. This unique salt marsh is connected directly to the sea, creating a landscape that constantly changes with the tides. In spring and summer, it’s covered in blooming sea lavender and a haven for birds. Trails allow for hiking through this extraordinary scenery — just remember your waterproof boots!

Climb the Texel Lighthouse

No trip to the island is complete without visiting the iconic Texel Lighthouse in the northern village of De Cocksdorp. Climb the 118 steps to the top for sweeping views of the North Sea, the island, and even the neighboring island of Vlieland on a clear day. The lighthouse, built in 1864, has a fascinating history — including surviving World War II battles.

If you don’t feel like climbing the lighthouse, you can also just visit the beach for sunset! It’s one of Texels nicest beaches and the sunset here is beautiful!

Where to eat on Texel?

Paal 9: My favorite beach club on the island is Paal 9. Easy, affordable meals and a view of the ocean, what more could you want?

Texelse Branding: For lunch I can highly recommend this cute spot. They have a lovely little terrace outside and really tasty and affordable lunch options.

Branding & Citrus: This is the same spot as the lunch spot Texelse Branding. Thursday to Saturday from 17:30 in the evening it transforms into a restaurant. They have lots of tasty fish options, but also have vegetarian choices!

Witlof foodbar: An amazing vegan restaurant. The food is inspired by asian cuisine and made with a lot of local products.

De Dadel: Cute coffee spot with lovely cakes.