{"id":1430,"date":"2011-06-28T12:47:38","date_gmt":"2011-06-28T12:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/dutch\/?p=1430"},"modified":"2011-08-11T11:54:39","modified_gmt":"2011-08-11T11:54:39","slug":"a-day-trip-to-texel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/dutch\/a-day-trip-to-texel\/","title":{"rendered":"A Day Trip to Texel"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo Credit: Heather Tucker<\/p><\/div>\n

Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to visit Texel<\/a>, an island in the Netherlands.\u00a0 Texel is the biggest and most populated of the Frisian Islands.<\/p>\n

The weather was not looking promising as we headed off for Den Helder, where we would take the double-decker ferry across to the island.\u00a0 But our guide had assured us that the weather on the islands can be in complete contrast to the mainland.\u00a0 The ferry ride to Texel only lasts 20 minutes but in those 20 minutes the weather did indeed change \u2013 still windy but almost no rain and even some sunshine.<\/p>\n

Den Hoorn<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our first stop was the small town of Den Hoorn.\u00a0 Small shops and unique houses lined the streets.\u00a0 Sheep-filled fields were dotted around and the church was a natural photo stop.<\/p>\n

De Slufter<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Den Hoorn we travelled to the nature reserve \u201cDe Slufter.\u201d\u00a0 The area is the result of an opening in a formation of dunes, which allows sea-water to flow in.\u00a0 Attempts to close the opening were for some time unsuccessful and it was later decided to leave the opening open and keep the area as a nature reserve.\u00a0 Access into the nature reserve area itself is only possible with a guide (although you can wander around the outskirts) and water-proof shoes\/boots are recommended.<\/p>\n

The Lighthouse<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Heather Tucker<\/p><\/div>\n

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After our walk around De Slufter, we rode to the North of the island where a red lighthouse and a windy, sandy beach awaited us.\u00a0 It is possible to climb to the top of the lighthouse (a fee applies) but I decided to walk along the beach instead, collecting shells and spotting a crab.<\/p>\n

Flotsam<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to an article by The Independent<\/a>, Texel\u2019s shores receive over 2,000 kg of sea-offerings a day.\u00a0 Over 500 messages in a bottle, alone were on display in the main maritime museum once.\u00a0 If you are into scavenging then Texel could be a great place for you.<\/p>\n

Oudeschild<\/strong><\/p>\n

We finished our trip in the harbor town of Oudeschild.\u00a0 Fresh fried fish to eat and fishing boats to photograph were in no short supply.<\/p>\n

Before my trip to Texel, I must admit that I did not know much about the island or just how much there is to do there.\u00a0 The trip I went on only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the number of activities, culinary opportunities and nature locations Texel has.\u00a0 I encourage you to visit their website<\/a> and have a look at the video below.<\/p>\n