Cycling on Texel
Texel is a real cycling island, with an impressive 140km of cycle track, including some extremely beautiful routes. Cycle across the dyke with views of the Waddenzee, through stunning nature reserves, dunes, polders, woods and charming villages with cosy (pavement) cafés, where you can catch your breath for a while. Explore places by bike that you can’t reach by car. Happy cycling!
Do you want to rent bikes on Texel? Read all about bicycle rental.
Trail route - Polder Waalenburg (NL)
Godwits, redshanks, field-larks and other wading birds all opt for the farmlands of Polder Waalenburg. In spring, this polder landscape is coloured in the hues of different kinds of plants, such as the Ragged Robin and wild orchids. Old meandering dykes lead you into this beautiful area.
Distance in kilometres: 21.5
Starting point: Ecomare
Trail route - Verdwenen haventjes (NL)
For centuries, islanders have braved the elements for trade and fishery. Strong currents shaped the landscape, and the harbours, which were strategic trade locations, moved with the flow. This cycling route passes these lost harbours, offering an impression of 750 years of Texel fishery. Following the hiking trail, you will dive into the history of the fishing village Oosterend.
Distance in kilometres: 40
Starting point: Peperhof 7, Oosterend
Texel tip from Simone
De Krim Texel employs many people originally from Texel. They have a lot of knowledge about the island and can give you the best and most original tips for a wonderful and unique holiday. Simone employed by De Krim Texel for 5 years as first receptionist at Holiday Park De Krim.
Being the daughter of the bicycle repairman in De Cocksdorp, it is no surprise that Simone can recommend a great cycling tour. “Cycling is wonderful, a great way to empty your mind, enjoy nature and stop for drinks or an ice cream along the way,” she says happily.
You can cycle all over Texel, but as a Holiday Park De Krim employee, she has plotted a course starting from here. “You cross the dunes towards De Koog. From there, you cut through to nature reserve Waalenburg and then, via Oosterend or the hamlet Oost, you head for the dyke and then return to De Cocksdorp. A nice 34-kilometre tour in a varied landscape.”
Trail route - De Krim (NL)
During the cycle route De Krim you will pass various places of interest. For example, you will pass the lighthouse and the lifeboat house. There is also plenty of natural beauty on this route. For example, you will pass De Schorren and De Slufter. The village of Oosterend is also on this route.
Distance in kilometres: 30
Starting point: Bike rental at Holiday park De Krim
Round Texel by bike
If you want to cycle around Texel, you will end up with about 53 kilometers. The island is 20 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide. It can be done in one day, provided you don't stop at every attraction. But cycling the route in parts is also a great idea. The sights, viewpoints and pleasant terraces along the way make a round Texel trip worthwhile.
You can start the route from any park of De Krim Texel, as all parks have direct access to the cycle path network. The starting point in the downloadable route starts at the TESO ferry port and rides counterclockwise along the Wadden Sea dyke towards the lighthouse.
100 kilometre MTB route
This 100 kilometre MTB route is a challenge for mountain bikers. It goes straight through the dunes, the forest and beautiful nature reserves along the west coast. The path along the east coast is partly paved, but this means more time for coffee at the lighthouse and tasting some fish at the harbour.
Photo gallery cycling on Texel
Texel cycle routes
Since 2011, Texel has an extensive cycle junction network. Handy for putting together your own route. The network consists of 57 well-organised junctions, with information boards with a network map spread across the island. As for cycle maps, try the Texel cycle junction map by VVV Texel or Falk’s cycle map with a themed cycle route across Texel. Several cycle maps are, of course, also available from our reception desks.
TIP: One of the most beautiful cycle trails in the old part of Texel is Skillepaadje, between 't Buurtje and Brakenstein. A trail on a small ‘dyke’ through the brackish Mielanden at the foot of Hoge Berg.
Most De Krim Texel parks provide bike hire. Also, there are bike hire shops in most Texel villages. Quite a few them offer tandem bikes and e-bikes besides ordinary bikes. And across the island, at regular intervals, you will find places where you can relax for a while and recharge your electric bike!
Our Texel Tips for you
Book your stay on Texel
Take to the road by bike: no less than 140 kilometers of cycle path await you! Cycle through one of the many nature reserves that Texel has to offer. You will cycle through heathland, forests and dunes. Time for a break? Then take a seat at a terrace in one of the villages.
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