Texel, Municipality in North Holland, Netherlands
Texel is the largest island of the West Frisian Islands in North Holland, stretching about 25 kilometers long and 9 kilometers wide between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. The municipality includes seven villages, as well as the lighthouse in the north and the harbor of Oudeschild in the south, where fishing boats dock.
The All Saints' Flood of 1170 separated the area from the mainland and shaped several islands in the region, including this one. In the 17th century, the anchorage off the coast served as a waiting station for ships of the Dutch East India Company before they departed for Asia.
The name comes from Old Frisian and means watershed, referring to its position between two bodies of water. Families visit to watch sheep grazing on the dikes, while local breweries and cheese farms sell their products in small farm shops.
A ferry from Den Helder departs hourly and reaches the island in about 20 minutes, with tickets available online or at the terminal. Bicycles can be rented everywhere and provide access to most villages and beaches, as paths are well maintained.
The Dunes of Texel National Park contains heathlands, woodlands, and swamps that provide habitat for numerous bird species throughout the year. Much of the dune landscape has remained free from development, allowing wild rabbits and foxes to roam freely.
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