Feel like going for a bike ride? Here are five fun places to check out by bike.

1. Fonteinsnol

Starting in Den Hoorn or De Koog, plan a route through the beautiful De Dennen nature reserve. Leave your bike at the small car park on Westerslag, near the Rozendijk, and climb up the Fonteinsnol lookout point for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Texel. You’ll see the island’s forests and farms sprawling in the distance, and of course the North Sea. Did you work up an appetite from the climb? Hop on your bike again and continue on to the Peek aan Zee at Paal 15 for a delicious lunch or dinner!

2. De Marel Nature Centre

The Waalenburg, a ‘new’ nature reserve in the middle of Texel, makes for great cycling. You’ll be surrounded by meadow birds, and in May and June the fields are dotted with all kinds of special orchids. You might even hear a bittern calling from the reeds. Follow the wide bike path to De Marel Nature Centre, where you can browse around the shop, feast your eyes on a beautiful collection of stuffed birds, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of apple pie. There’s also a children’s corner!

3. The lighthouse

Go for a scenic ride past De Muy, along De Slufter and across the Eierland Dunes to the Texel lighthouse. From the top of the lighthouse, at the northernmost tip of the island, you have wonderful views of the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, the northern part of Texel and the neighbouring island of Vlieland. On your way up the stairs, you’ll find information about the lighthouse’s storied history.

4. The ‘Bossie’

At the top of the Hoge Berg lies the Doolhof, a small wooded area with winding paths and magnificent views of the surrounding area and the village of Oudeschild. The ‘Bossie’ (Tiny Forest), as the Doolhof is affectionately called by locals, is a fun play area for kids. It’s also a great place to go for a stroll, especially in spring when the crocus flowers are in bloom. And don’t forget to bring a picnic basket! There are several beautiful cycle routes through the Hoge Berg area that will take you to the Doolhof.

5. The Prins Hendrikzanddijk lookout point

If you follow the route along Texel’s Bird Boulevard, you’ll pass by lots of fun places. Like the Prins Hendrikzanddijk lookout point, where you can check out the area’s natural beauty through a telescope. You will cycle past nature reserves and bird breeding grounds, such as Utopia and Wagejot, and along the IJzeren Kaap and the Het Noorden windmill, with beautiful views of the Wadden Sea.

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