The seven villages of Texel
Each with its own character and face
All of them are worth visiting. Discover De Cocksdorp, Den Burg, Den Hoorn, Oudeschild, De Koog, Oosterend and De Waal.
De Cocksdorp
Texel numbers seven villages. The youngest village is “De Cocksdorp”, originates from 1835 and grew from the harbour where the “Roggesloot” flows into the “Eierlandsche Gat”, (Eierlands inlet). Its original name was changed only after a few short months from “Nieuwdorp” to “De Cocksdorp”, named after N.J. de Cock, who initiated the land reclamation of Eierland. “De Cocksdorp” has a relaxed holiday atmosphere about it.
The village serves as a hub for the larger holiday and camping parks in the area. There are many restaurants and pubs as well as a supermarket. In the summer months on Thursdays, there is the “Durpermarkt”, which local dialect for village market.
Den Burg
Approximately half of the nearly 14,000 inhabitants of Texel live in Den Burg. Certain essential facilities such as local government, the tourist office, a cinema and an outdoor pool are here. The inviting centre of town offers terraces and an extensive number of shops.
There are also dozens of monumental houses as well as several churches well worth a visit. In one of the oldest buildings in Den Burg you will find the “Oudheidkamer”, or Antiquities Chamber, an intriguing museum and in its courtyard, the smallest spice garden in Holland.
Den Hoorn
Den Hoorn is home to the most photographed piece of Texel: the church with the white tower. Especially in spring, when the surrounding tulip fields are blooming, this makes for a wonderful portrait. The village also is home to a large number of artists and in June forms a bustling middle point of the island wide art manifestation “Lange Juni”, (Long June).
Den Hoorn was once primarily wharfs and whaling pilots. Among others, the “Walvisvaardershuisje” which is open to the public, is a remnant.
Oudeschild
Oudeschild is home to the fleet of Texel’s fishermen. In particular, the tourists tend to find the old port particularly charming. It is inviting and always lively. Oudeschild was founded in the first part of the 17th century with a few houses at the end of what is known as the “Skilsloot”.
Through this narrow waterway, the ships of the VOC anchored off of Texel, were supplied their drinking water before setting sail. The village’s glorious past can be relived in the “Kaap Skil” museum.
De Koog
De Koog is Texel’s beach resort. The touristic centre is a vast array of restaurants, pubs and shops. For those who enjoy the night life, De Koog is the place to be. The village proper and the beach is separated by the dunes. Its name comes from “de Cooghen”, small patches of reclaimed land connected by small dikes.
Once a fishing village, De Koog now has tourism to thank as its major source of income.
Oosterend
Travel back in time in Oosterend. The Medieval “Maartenskerk” is the ceremonious centre of this nostalgic village. Splendid monumental houses and idyllic shops give the village its charm. Oosterend has long been home to farmers and fishermen alike.
Hint: “de Leitjesroute”, (writing slate) take you through all of Oosterend’s nicest spots. Maps are available in the village.
De Waal
The smallest of Texel’s villages is De Waal. Centrally located on the island and built on clay boulder. It is home to some 400 people. Although there are no shops, there are two hotels and one exceptional restaurant.
The Cultural Historical Museum on the “Hogereind” is a favorite amongst tourists. In this authentic old farmhouse, one can have a taste of life on Texel from times long since gone. Each year there are new expositions.