OudeschildSeeing the Wadden Sea from a powerboat is what makes De Bruuzer stand out to us: an outing with some speed. The boat reaches speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour and carries up to twelve passengers. A skipper leads the trip, with life jackets, rain overalls and suspension seats provided on board. Seals are sometimes spotted, though sightings are not guaranteed. Alongside outings for families, friends and groups, the boat is also described as a water taxi between Texel and Den Helder. Larger groups can be accommodated through combinations with other boats.
OudeschildSeeing where your shrimp come from is what we like about this trip: onto the Wadden Sea from Oudeschild aboard a traditional trawler. Once out on the Wadden Sea, the fishers demonstrate how they cast and haul in their nets. Crabs, fish and starfish may appear in the catch alongside the shrimp. The shrimp are cooked on board in seawater, after which you can peel and taste them yourself. The trip combines explanations of fishing methods with stories from the crew and views across the Wadden Sea, for adults and children.
Den BurgAt Modehuis Moerbeek on Parkstraat in Den Burg, we like the combination of plenty of choice and personal clothing advice. Its white façade conceals more than 650 square metres of retail space, with collections from over fifty brands. The range extends from casual jumpers to complete suits for special occasions. The shop emphasises fit, quality and personal advice on details such as colour and size. Dry-cleaning services are also available. Its central location makes it a stop during a shopping trip through Den Burg.
OudeschildThe combination of brewing, explanations and tasting makes the Texelse Bierbrouwerij in Oudeschild interesting to us, including its De Texels Beleving tour. Familiar names include Skuumkoppe, Stormbock, Springtij and Texels Tripel. The De Texels Beleving tour explains the brewing process and the history of beer on Texel, with a close look at the brewing kettles. Other features include a guided tasting in the tasting room, an outdoor terrace among hop vines and beer packs to take home.
OudeschildWatching a film from a bed gives Texeler in Oudeschild a distinctive character for us, with Texel sheep’s wool running through the story. Its range includes duvets, mattress toppers, underblankets and pillows. In the bed cinema, you watch a film from a bed, following the journey from sheep’s wool to finished product. The film covers shearing, processing and the craft behind duvets and mattresses. Texeler works with Texel sheep farmers and welcomes visitors of different ages, bringing information about local wool together with an introduction to bedding production.
OudeschildFinding inspiration for indoors and outdoors is what appeals to us about Texels Wonen, in Oudeschild’s former ice factory on Schilderweg. It covers around 1,200 square metres, divided between a homeware hall, plant department and outdoor area. Inside, the selection includes cushions, lighting, candleholders and wall decorations. Outside are pots, statues, fire baskets, flowering plants and perennials for gardens, terraces or balconies. The shop brings indoor accessories and outdoor plants and objects together at one location in the former factory.
De KoogWhat fascinates us about Maritiem- en Juttersmuseum Flora is its view of Texel through everything the sea brings ashore. Its collection includes ship parts, buoys and objects recovered from wrecks and washed-up containers. Themed rooms tell stories about beachcombing, shipping, the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. For children, there is a play corner, treasure hunts and an outdoor maritime playground. The grounds also contain shipwrecks and old rescue huts, combining objects and stories with activities that explore the island’s relationship with the surrounding sea.