Texel
The Largest And Most Visited Wadden Island: About 30 Km Of North Sea Beach, Dunes National Park, Ecomare Seal Centre And Sheep · Den Burg, North Holland
Texel is the largest and most visited of the Dutch Wadden islands, a 20-minute ferry ride from Den Helder at the tip of North Holland, and for many Dutch families it is the classic seaside holiday. On the west side are about 30 km of wide, pale North Sea beach backed by the Dunes of Texel National Park; on the east side are dikes, polders full of sheep and the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come to cycle between seven villages on flat, separated paths, to watch rescued seals at Ecomare, to walk above the tidal valley of De Slufter, to climb the red lighthouse near De Cocksdorp, and to eat Texel lamb and drink the island's beer. It is also one of the best places in the country for birds, with spoonbills, avocets and great winter flocks of geese. The honest caveat: in July, August and on long spring weekends it is full, with car queues at the ferry and beds booked months ahead, the weather is North Sea weather, and the island rewards a bike and a few nights far more than a rushed day trip.
Texel, the largest Wadden island, by TESO ferry from Den Helder to 't Horntje; Den Burg is the main village, Den Burg, North Holland, Netherlands
The island is open all year and the TESO ferry sails daily from Den Helder to 't Horntje, roughly every hour from early morning to late evening, with extra sailings on busy days (about 20 minutes crossing - confirm the timetable). Foot passengers and cyclists buy a ticket and walk on; cars cannot be reserved and queue in order, which can mean an hour or more on summer Saturdays. From Amsterdam take the NS train to Den Helder (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and the connecting bus to the ferry. Ecomare is usually open daily about 10:00-17:00 - confirm. Book accommodation well ahead for summer, Easter and Whitsun.