A brisk walk through the dunes, exploring the Texel landscape by bike or a lesson in surfing: the Texel countryside is a great place to be active!

1. Hiking

On Texel you often walk in the middle of nature. Over dune paths, straight through farmland or along the extensive mud flats. A must for enthusiastic walkers is the Pieter Kikkertroute. This walk across Texel was laid down in 1791: a trip of over 50 kilometres at the time and the oldest walking route on the island. The current, adapted route is only 18 kilometres long - and one of the many beautiful walking routes you can follow on Texel.

2. Cycling

Cycling is one of the healthiest ways to explore the island. With over 140 kilometres of cycle path, the island is waiting for you. A route that perfectly suits an active day in the open air is Rondje Texel. This 65-kilometre tour takes you all over the island. Highlight on the way: the lighthouse at the northernmost point, overlooking the sea and beach. You can bring your own bike, or rent one on the island.

3. Action on and around the water

Water sports enthusiasts are also well served on Texel. At sea, you can kayak or raft through the surf, (wind)surf, sail or e-foil. On the beach, you can go powerkiting or blokarting, for example. Prefer a more relaxing activity? Start the day with a yoga class on the beach or go and fly a kite.

4. Bird-watching

Texel is one of the best places in the Netherlands for birdwatching. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or want to learn more about birds, you will see birds all year round on Texel - from spoonbills to harriers and from kingfishers to black-tailed godwits. On a birding excursion, you will go out with a guide to the best spots at the time. You will learn what to look for and get explanations about what you see and hear.

5. Nature excursions

Texel is full of surprises. On a nature excursion with a guide, you look at the landscape differently: you discover plants on the mud flats, learn to read tracks in the woods or hear stories about dune life. Guides know exactly where to go - and what can be seen at that moment in the season. There is also plenty to do in the evening. On a night excursion, you can listen to sounds you don't notice during the day, search for bats or spot moths in the dark.

6. Running

The many paths and varied landscape make every running route on the island different. For instance, you can run over sandy paths in De Dennen, along the Wadden dyke with a view of the Wadden Sea or over the beach with the wind at your back. You simply map out your own route, or use one of our walking routes as a base. Like to do sports together? Nature boot camps are organised regularly in the National Park. Jumping over tree trunks, going up and down dunes - enjoy being outdoors with everything you meet along the way.

7. On horseback through dunes and sea

Texel from horseback suddenly looks very different. You ride through the woods, along bridle paths or along the tide line of the beach. There are several riding schools on the island where you can book an outdoor ride - even if you have little experience.

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