Eierland Lighthouse on Texel: The red and white lighthouse towers over houses with orange roofs in a dune landscape. A windmill on Texel with a pathway crossing a canal, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic clouds.
Netherlands

Texel: An Island of Winds, Waves, and Wool

A Dutch polder scene on Texel, where windmills have been managing water levels for centuries.
 Texel, Netherlands, July 2022

Texel is bigger than you’d expect—and far more varied. Windmills and old churches dot the landscape, fishing boats rock in quiet harbors, dunes roll toward wide, open beaches. A bright red lighthouse stands watch over it all. And then, of course, there are the sheep. Everywhere. On dikes, in fields, peering at you from front yards. It feels like Texel is made up of equal parts land and livestock.

The sea leaves its own mark here. At the Shipwreck and Jutter Museum, you’ll find a collection of everything the waves have carried ashore over the decades—rusted ship parts, forgotten relics, and all manner of curious debris. The Dutch word “jutter” once meant beach scavenger, though these days, it’s more about collecting than looting.

Texel isn’t an island that can be pinned down in a single snapshot. One moment, you’re walking through dunes, the next, past golden fields or along a quiet harbor. But no matter where you are, one thing is certain: somewhere nearby, a sheep is watching.

Map of Texel
A picturesque view of the Little Church of Den Hoorn in Texel, surrounded by green fields and grazing sheep under a partly cloudy sky.
The little white church of Den Hoorn has watched over sailors and islanders alike for nearly six centuries. Built in 1425, its modest steeple once served as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Wadden Sea. Surrounded by windswept fields, this quiet sentinel remains a favorite subject for photographers, a timeless postcard of Dutch coastal life.
A windmill on Texel stands beside a calm waterway, surrounded by colorful wildflowers and green fields.
A classic Dutch windmill on Texel, standing between land and water. For centuries, structures like this have helped reclaim and maintain farmland in the Netherlands.
A windmill on Texel with a pathway crossing a canal, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic clouds.
A Dutch polder scene on Texel, where windmills have been managing water levels for centuries. This traditional landscape is a reminder of the Netherlands’ ongoing battle against the sea.
Sheep on Texel: Three sheep stand on a green meadow under a cloudy sky.
Sheep on Texel: A sheep rests on a meadow beside calm waters under a cloudy sky.
Eierland Lighthouse on Texel: The red and white lighthouse towers over houses with orange roofs in a dune landscape.
The Eierland Lighthouse on Texel has been guiding ships along the North Sea coast since 1864. Damaged during World War II, it was later restored, standing today as a symbol of resilience against the elements.
Buoy cluster on Texel: A colorful assortment of yellow, orange, and green buoys hangs from a tree.
Colorful life rings and safety equipment adorn a wall in Texel, featuring international titles and various vintage designs.
Lifesaving equipment in Texel: A room filled with orange buoys, life jackets, and wooden tables, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Colorful buoys in a museum on Texel: Numerous vibrant floats hang from the ceiling in an inviting space.
Beach museum in Texel: A narrow interior filled with ropes, lifebuoys, flags, and boats showcasing maritime memories.
Boats and fishing gear on Texel: A narrow aisle filled with colorful buoys, helmets, and various equipment.
A traditional windmill standing by the harbor in Texel, with boats docked and grassy hills in the background.
Windmill on Texel: A green windmill on a hill, surrounded by visitors and grass, under a typical Dutch sky.
A sturdy windmill stands atop a Texel dike near Oudeschild, a relic of the island’s battle with water and wind. Once vital for draining the lowlands, now it’s a stop for visitors looking to step into the past.
A scenic view of Texel with a lighthouse, dock, and people enjoying the seaside under a partly cloudy sky.
A bustling harbor in Texel with visitors enjoying the waterfront and colorful buildings under a partly cloudy sky.
Sailing boat in Texel: A sailboat gently glides on the water, approaching a pier with wooden posts.