Texel
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The island of Texel can be reached by car ferry from Den Helder (long delays during the main holiday season). With an area of 16,000 hectares/40,000 acres (length 24km/15mi, breadth 9km/6mi), it is the largest of the West Frisian islands. The sandy hill in the center of the island was occupied in Neolithic times.The island's principal source of income apart from the tourist trade is agriculture (mainly sheep farming). Cheese is produced both from ewes' milk and from cows' milk (the well-known Texelaar cheese).
Related Attractions
Beaches
Texel's beautiful beaches attract large numbers of holiday-makers, both Dutch and foreign, in winter as well as in the main summer holiday season.
Nature Reserves
Large areas on Texel are designated as nature reserves, as Texel is famous for its bird life. In summer it is the haunt of many thousands of birds, including spoonbills and various species of ducks and sandpipers.
Den Burg, Netherlands
The chief place on Texel is the attractive village of Den Burg in the center of the island. Six lamb markets are held here during the months of May and June. The village church (Reformed) dates from the 15th century; the upper half of the tower was added in the 16th century, the spire in 1604. The Museum of Antiquities (Oudheidskamer) illustrates the way of life of the islanders.Each week an outdoor market is held in the main square.
Ecomare Marine Aquarium, De Koog, Netherlands
The seaside resort of De Koog is popular with tourists and is home to Ecomare museum of natural history, with a special section devoted to seals. It also surveys the history of the island from the earliest times to the consequences of modern tourism.
Oudeschild, Netherlands
In the old port of Oudeschild on the southeast coast - now a fishing village - ships used to lie at anchor in the 17th and 18th centuries before setting out on the voyage to the Dutch overseas colonies. Near the harbor is a museum displaying large numbers of objects which have been washed up on the shores of the island.The village of Oudeschild also has a high hill, the Hoge Berg, with a nearby Russian cemetery.
De Cocksdorp, Netherlands
At the northern tip of Texel, near the village of De Cocksdorp, is a lighthouse, now leaning dangerously off the vertical as a result of the washing away of the dunes by the sea.The village offers sports activities, beautiful scenery and historical sites.
Den Hoorn, Netherlands
The village church of Den Hoorn is the most photographed sight on the island.Den Hoorn hosts an annual event in August - the Floating Corso - featuring decorated boats.
Catamaran Race
Catamaran Race around Texel.Texel is well known for the annual catamaran race held here each summer.
Amsterdam
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Utrecht
The Hague
Leyden
