Texel, Netherlands

Texel, pronounced as Tesel, is an island north of the Netherlands, one of many islands spread out along the northern coast, with the shallow Waddon Sea separating them from the mainland.   

Texel is a popular holiday destination for the Dutch people, easily accessed by a 20 minute ferry journey from Den Helder.   The island contains dunes, forest, heathland, beaches, mudflats, polders, meadows, bicycle paths, walking tracks and charming little villages.  There is one tourist resort, which we were not impressed with when we drove through, all hotels, resorts, and tatty shops.   But then this could just be just our prejudices showing, regarding resorts in general.    Texel is also well known for Texel lamb, which we saw plenty of, during our stay there.  But did not sample, due to the reluctance to eat any of those fluffy little lambs.   

Of course the downside can be the weather, although it may be fine, sunny and warm, but it is more likely to be very windy, wet and cold.    We, of course, experienced the latter type of weather last week.    Luckily we had a motorhome to tour in, so had a warm haven to return to when returning from walks.   We did manage two short bicycle rides to the local town, Den Burg, although cycling back with a strong head wind was not pleasant.   We are not hardy Dutch folk, it seems.   

On the ferry travelling across the Waddon Sea.   Where is Texel?  Certainly no mountains in sight, or even any hills.    Just low lying sand dunes.   

A walk through the sand dunes in the windy weather.    All rugged up, of course.

We visited Ecomare, a museum which has a display about the ecological history of Texel, as well as acquariums, and outside pools which contained rescued seals and dolphins.   A fascinating place.   The whale bones in the photograph below were taken from a whale that had been found dead on one of the beaches of the Netherlands.  

A seal waiting patiently for its meal of fish.

Feeding time, with commentary.   The seagulls also took part in trying to grab the fish before the seals got to them.  Quite exciting.

A small sting ray.    Children were allowed to put their hands in the water and stroke the fish and pick up crabs, if they were brave enough.

A straight road, flat land, and very little traffic.   A pleasure to tour Texel in the motor home.  However, the idea is to cycle around on the excellent bike paths.   The island is only about 26 kms long, and not very wide, and is regarded as the best cycle region in the Netherlands.  There are about 140 kms of bicycle pathways to choose from.   But heavy going in such wet and windy weather.  And too much for us.

The girls, hardy most of the time, loved sitting in the back of the motorhome, and watching the world go by their large window.

A clean, and very tidy little village.

A picturesque Texel scene.

Lunch in the motorhome, with heater on, and plenty to eat.   Soup for Mia and toasted sandwiches for Abi and me.   All delicious.

The striking red lighthouse at the northern tip of the island.    The sun came out for this part of the trip, which made it all the more picturesque.

White hard sand everywhere.   A huge expanse of it, all around the northern tip of the island.   So beautiful.   Swimming in the sea here is not allowed, due to strong currrents and rips.   Also very windy.

Mia and Abi, smiling and braving the cold wind.

We drove to the western side of the island, with acres of sand dunes, and safe beaches.   We laughed when we saw the bicycle parked below, right underneath the sign which said parking of bicycles here was not allowed.  

Mia and Abi having fun in the deep foam blown in from the waves.    They got very wet.  Luckily the motorhome was only a 10 minute walk away.

And the weather deteriorated even more on Saturday, the day we drove home via the Afsluit Dijk, which separates North Holland from Friesland.   The dike, 32 kms long, 90 metres wide, and 7.25 metres above sea level, was opened in 1933.   On one side there is the Waddon Sea, and on the other side the IJsselmeer, which is now a fresh water lake.   The aim was to create a fresh water area, and build new polder land on reclaimed land within the dyke.

The weather was atrocious, so we were unable to get out of the van, and walk across the walkway to the viewing platform, which was a pity as Mia and Abi had never been to this part of the Netherlands.  Instead we sat in the warm and comfortable van, listening to the sound of the wind outside, and ate our lunch.

Despite the weather we had a lovely time, Texel is a beautiful place, and we enjoyed being with Mia and Abi.  Always great being with grandchildren,