Texel is the perfect island to explore by bike. It’s easy to navigate, flat (apart from a few dune tops) and almost all the best attractions are within cycling distance of one another. From seals at Ecomare to cuddling lambs and the iconic lighthouse: with a hire bike from our bike hire service at Texel, you really won’t need to take your car out of the garage. We’ve listed the best cycling destinations below. For a complete overview of all the activities on the island, you can also visit the website at VVV Texel.

Ecomare — De Koog

A nature museum, seal sanctuary, bird sanctuary and dune park all in one. At Ecomare At Ruijslaan 92 in De Koog, you can see seals up close, explore the marine aquarium and learn all about the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. The feeding times at 11.00 and 15.00 are highly recommended. Ecomare is open daily from 9.30 to 17.00 and is situated in the heart of the Duinen van Texel National Park, making it the perfect place to combine with a cycle ride through the woods.

Schapenboerderij Texel — Den Burg

Texel is home to roughly as many sheep as it has residents. At Schapenboerderij Texel At Pontweg 77 in Den Burg, you can cuddle lambs all year round. In spring, lambs are born almost every day, but there are always little ones around in summer and autumn too. As well as lambs, you’ll find 25 different breeds of sheep, chickens, Jopie the donkey, pygmy goats, pigs, calves and ponies here. Every day at 11.00 and 14.00, there’s a sheep-herding demonstration with Australian working kelpies. A fun and educational day out for the whole family.

Museum Kaap Skil — Oudeschild

In the picturesque fishing village of Oudeschild, you’ll find Museum Kaap Skil, a museum brimming with stories about the Reede of Texel, ships from the Golden Age and the life of beachcombers. The centrepiece is the almost 400-year-old silk dress recovered from the Palmhout wreck. Behind the museum lies an open-air museum featuring authentic fishermen’s cottages, a grain mill and a smithy. The architecture award-winning building alone is worth a visit.

Eierland Lighthouse — De Cocksdorp

De felrode Vuurtoren Eierland Situated at the northernmost tip of Texel, it is the island’s iconic landmark. Climb the 118 steps and enjoy a fantastic view from the top. On one side you can see the North Sea, and on the other the Wadden Sea. On a clear day, you can see as far as Vlieland and even Terschelling. The cycle route from De Koog to the lighthouse through the Duinen van Texel National Park is one of the most beautiful on the island.

Texelse Bierbrouwerij — Oudeschild

Are you a beer lover? Then a visit to the Texelse Bierbrouwerij At Schilderweg 214b in Oudeschild, it’s a must-visit. In the tasting room, a ‘beer expert’ will tell you all about the Skuumkoppe, Goudkoppe and other Texel speciality beers. A great combination: pair this with a visit to Kaap Skil, which is just 1.5 km away.

Nature reserve De Slufter

Not a tourist attraction but a natural phenomenon: De Slufter is the only place in the Netherlands where seawater flows freely inland. The salt marsh landscape is a paradise for birds and birdwatchers. Park your bike at the Sluftertrap and walk to the viewpoint for a sweeping panorama. The salt-loving plants are in full bloom, particularly in spring. You can find more information about De Slufter and other nature reserves at VVV Texel.

Practical tips for fietsen op Texel

Bee strandopgangen and you can park your bike for free at all the locations listed above. Follow the Texel cycle junction signs, and you’ll reach everywhere via the most scenic routes. Bear in mind that it can be quite windy on the island; a e-bike Our bike hire service at Texel will make your day a lot more relaxing, especially when you’re cycling into a headwind.

Texel Bike Hire: hire your bike from Fietsen op Texel

Looking for a reliable bike hire service on Texel? At Fietsen op Texel You can easily hire the bike that suits your day, from city bikes to e-bikes. With 25 depots spread across the island, you can be on the saddle in no time. Book your bike here straight away …and discover the best spots in Texel by bike!