At 47 meters high
The lighthouse of Texel
Everything you need to know about the lighthouse
When you say Texel, you probably also say Eierland. Yes, because that's the name of the beautiful lighthouse on the northernmost tip of Texel, named after the area in which it stands. This red beacon has a rich and special history and is still worth a visit today.
Photo gallery Lighthouse
History of the Texel lighthouse
Texel became an island in 1170 when it was separated from North Holland during the All Saints' Flood. Until the 13th century, Eierland (the northern area of Texel) was still part of Vlieland, until the Eierlandse Gat was formed at the end of the 13th century and Eierland became an island in its own right. In 1625, the States of Holland decided to build a sand dyke to connect Texel with Eierland. In 1835, work began on diking the salt marsh area between Eierland and Texel in order to utilise the reclaimed land for agricultural purposes. Eierland thus became part of Texel.
In the middle of the 19th century, the construction of a lighthouse was discussed. A beacon had been burning near Den Helder and Vlieland for several centuries, but at Eierlandse Gat it remained dark. One person who campaigned for a lighthouse was Johannes Ludovicus Kikkert. The passage was life-threatening for ships and Johannes pointed out that 72 ships had sunk here between 1848 and 1860. After a long wrangle between ministers and studies, the decision was made in 1863: a lighthouse had to be built.
World War II
When the Netherlands surrendered to Germany, the Germans confiscated the lighthouse complex. Although things remained relatively quiet on Texel during the war, there was a turnaround towards the end.
On 6 February 1945, 400 Germans arrived with 800 Georgian prisoners of war to fight alongside the Germans. However, on the night of 5 April, the Georgians decided to rebel underground with the help of the resistance. Unfortunately, this uprising failed and the Georgians were driven northwards, where they entrenched themselves in the lighthouse. On 19 April, the lighthouse came under heavy fire from cannons and grenades. The violence continued for days and the lighthouse was in ruins. In the end, none of the Georgians survived the battle. The bullet holes in the lighthouse can still be seen today.
After the war, the lighthouse was repaired and it was decided to repair the damaged shaft and build a new, wider concrete shell around it.
Visit to the lighthouse
There is a car park near the lighthouse where you can easily park your car or bike. Then follow the path to the lighthouse, passing all kinds of signs. You will then come face to face with the red lighthouse, close to the beautiful and imposing structure.
Inside the lighthouse, you will discover the NHN level, learn about old buoys, lamps, the guard post and the rich history of this iconic tower. Climbing the tower is an informative adventure and on the way up you will pass the lighthouse keeper and a great souvenir shop (highly recommended!). At a height of 47 metres, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the beach, the island of Texel and Vlieland.
You can also read about our personal visit to the lighthouse.
Our tips for your visit
The lighthouse is very popular, so we recommend booking online to avoid disappointment, especially in high season. The lighthouse is worth a visit at any time of year, but the view is best on a clear day. So take a look at the webcam beforehand to see what the weather is like.
And don't you want to take your visit to the next level? You can even experience an exciting escape room in the lighthouse. Perfect for adventurers of all ages! However, this must be booked in advance.
Visitor information
Address: Vuurtorenweg 184, De Cocksdorp
Website: Vuurtoren
Check the latest information and opening hours on the provider's website!
Restaurants and beach
The area around the lighthouse is really beautiful. Nearby you will find a wide, quiet beach, a birdwatching spot and cosy restaurants such as the Torenpaviljoen and Faro Beach Texel.
For hikers, the path across the beach from De Koog to the lighthouse is highly recommended. This leads past the special nature reserve De Slufter, where you can discover shells, birds and perhaps even unique beach finds.
And if you are at the lighthouse towards the end of the day, you will be rewarded with a beautiful sunset on a clear evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Texel lighthouse is located at the northern tip of the island, on Eierland, near the village of De Cocksdorp. It stands right by the sea, between the North Sea beach and the Wadden Sea beach. The lighthouse is also close to De Krim holiday park and Hotel Molenbos making it easy to reach for guests staying there.
The opening hours of the Texel lighthouse vary depending on the season. The current times can be found on the provider's website.
We strongly recommend that you order your tickets online in advance. The lighthouse can be very busy, especially in high season, so you can avoid disappointment at the ticket office.
With 118 steps and a spiral staircase dating back to 1864, the lighthouse exudes a beautiful piece of history. At the top, at a height of 47 metres, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Did you know that the Texel lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the Netherlands from which you can see the sea from three sides?
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Editors De Krim Texel
Update: 26 May 2025 15:25
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