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sunset, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

Recreation on Texel

Texel is a popular holiday destination for everyone, no matter what age. It is a multi-functional, easy-to-reach vacation island for a wide public. You can take walks, bike, swim, camp, fish, go beachcombing or shopping or just get a breath of fresh air. Although you can get around without it, you can easily bring you car. There is also a yacht harbor and a small airfield. Texel is large enough that even on the busiest days of the year, there are still lots of quiet places for nature lovers.

  • Thousands of visitors per day
    in Den Burg, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

    During the high season, there are more tourists than residents on the island. Between 55,000 to 60,000 people can be found on the island per day. Did you realize that the island receives around 800,000 visitors yearly? Many Texelaars work in the recreation sector. And the majority of the job opportunities in the retail and catering is directly related to tourism. More than 70% of the island economy is dependent upon the tourist sector. The State Forestry estimates around four million people visit the woods and dunes per year.
    In order to control the number of tourists on the island, an absolute maximum of 47,000 'beds' has been established. In reality, the aim is a limit of 45,000. This upper limit has not yet been exceded, nor is it desired by the residents. This would lead to an increase in delays by the ferry (4 to 5 hours), undesirable traffic pressure, extra disturbance in vulnerable nature areas and eventual expansion of built-up surface area, roads, harbor and parking terrains. And the question is whether or not the costs are worth it.

  • Something for everyone
    in the Slufter, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

    Should you ask, the tourists say they come to Texel peace and quiet, space and nature. Therefore, it is strange that most tourists all go to the same beach areas, while the entire west coast is beach. Or you see them in the busy streets of Den Burg and De Koog or at the markets in the other villages.

    When you come to Texel, you can't miss the diversity in landscape with garden walls instead of fences. Or the strange looking sheds that seem to be cut in half, the famous sheep sheds (schapenboeten). Even the villages are fun to visit, with their characteristic houses. There are lots of trails for walking and biking and many facilities for resting, getting views and public barbeques. There are extensive beaches, places for surfing, canoeing and sailing. If you're not afraid of heights, you can even try parachute jumping at the airfield. Or maybe you prefer to golf by the golf club by De Cocksdorp.

    During the summer, there are lots of extra cultural activities. Something for everyone!

  • Sustainable tourism
    Cycling in flowers, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

    In 1998, the non-profit organization 'Stichting Duurzaam Texel' (Sustainable Texel) was founded. Sustainable tourism means tourism in harmony with nature and the environment. Those that have joined this foundation come from the recreational, environmental and nature protection sectors. The organization plays an important role in developing a good relationship between the tourist and the envrionment on Texel. Just to give an example, they promote environmentally friendly houses and a separate waste collection system.

  • Aquatic sports
    Harbour Oudeschild, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

    Not only can you have fun on land, there is also lots to do in the surrounding seas. Just walking through the yacht harbor of Oudeschild is an eye-opener. The blue flag waving in the wind means that nature and the environment is taken into consideration in managing the harbor.

    Many sailors and skippers of the 'brown fleet' (passenger sailing boats for tourists) dock in the harbor. If you really want to be adventurous, try anchoring by De Cocksdorp. But watch out! You won't go far at low tide. It's a very shallow bay. There are two places where you can learn to sail a catamaran. The world-famous and largest cat race in the world is held on the island once a year: Round Texel Race. Or do you prefer to go surfing or sea kayaking...

  • Ferry service Den Helder - Texel
    Ferry Dr. Wagemaker, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

    When you travel to Texel via Den Helder, you step on board one of the ferries run by the TESO. This company was founded in 1907 at an initiative of Dr. A. Wagemaker. What makes the TESO so unusual, this company is not interested in making profits, but wants to provide a good and inexpensive ferry service from and to Texel. Many residents of Texel are TESO stockholders. 

    Up till the 1960s, the ferry boats ran from Den Helder to Oudeschild. In 1963, the ferry harbour was moved to 't Horntje with a roll-on-roll-off system. Due to the increasing numbers of cars, the TESO now has two double deckers. The present ferries are the Schulpengat and the Dr. Wagemaker.

  • Ferry service Texel - Vlieland
    Ferry between Texel and Vlieland, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

    During the summer, you can take the small ferry de Vriendschap from Texel to Vlieland. Islander Sil Boon exploits this tourist line, which departs from an improvised landing. The passengers are picked up on the Vliehors by a converted army truck and brought to the Posthuys. This is the same route used up till the early 20th century to bring mail to Vlieland.