On Texel, your dog has plenty of room to roam. Whether running along the beach, wandering off-leash through the woods, joining you on a bike ride, relaxing at a beach pavilion, or even hopping aboard a boat or covered wagon. Here, you can truly enjoy a holiday together. And after a day spent outdoors? A holiday home with a fenced garden might be waiting for you. Here are 10 reasons to bring your dog to Texel.

1. Over 30 kilometers of beach to enjoy the fresh air together

Texel boasts over 30 kilometers of beach, and dogs are allowed off-leash on a large portion of it. There is plenty of space to run, romp through the sand, or splash in the sea. Leashes are required on guarded beach sections and in certain other areas. And if you spot a seal while out and about? Keep your distance and put your dog on a leash immediately.

2. Plenty of places where your dog can run off-leash

Your dog has plenty of room to move on Texel, even away from the beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash in most parts of the De Dennen and Krimbos forests. It’s wonderful for dogs that love to sniff around and for owners who want to discover new paths. However, leashes are required in playgrounds and in areas with livestock or large grazing animals. You can read exactly what to keep in mind on our page about off-leash and on-leash rules for dogs on Texel.

3. A different walk on Texel every day

You never have to look far for a great walk on Texel. One day you might stroll across the beautiful Hoge Berg or through De Dennen, and the next, along the Wadden Sea dike. This allows you to head in a different direction each day of your holiday. You can find more inspiration in our walking tips for visiting Texel with your dog.

4. Sit down together after your walk.

On Texel, you can often simply bring your dog along when stopping for coffee, lunch, or dinner. They are also welcome at most beach pavilions. Check our page listing dog-friendly beach pavilions to see where you can go together, so you can easily settle in for a bite or a drink after a walk on the beach.

5. Bring your dog along on your bike ride

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Texel, and your dog doesn't have to stay behind. Rent a bike with a dog basket, a dog trailer, or a dog cargo bike, and combine your ride with a walk on the beach or through the woods, for example. Check out our tips for cycling on Texel with your dog. Please note: do not let your dog run alongside the bike when temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius.

6. A pet shop with a Texel touch

Souvenirs do not have to be just for the owner. At De Texelse Dierenwinkel in Den Burg, you will find dog toys with a Texel twist, such as toys shaped like a seagull, a seal, or the lighthouse. They also stock locally made dog accessories, like leashes. And, of course, you can pick up food, treats, and grooming products if your supplies run out sooner than expected during your holiday. You can find even more dog gear on Mondays: the weekly market in Den Burg features a large stall packed with items for dogs.

7. Go tracking together, or even hop on a boat or covered wagon

There are plenty of activities for your dog on Texel, too. For instance, you can learn tracking together: your dog follows a person's scent trail while you learn to better interpret their behavior. Prefer to get out on the water? Your dog is welcome on various seal-watching tours, such as those offered by Het Sop and TX44. Dogs are also welcome on covered wagon tours.

8. After a day outdoors, your dog can hit the dog wash

Anyone who has walked through De Dennen after a rain shower knows what ends up in the car afterwards: sand, mud, pine needles, and a dog that might smell a bit like a ditch. Fortunately, there are several places on the island where you can wash your dog: the dog wash at the pet store in Den Burg, at Holiday Park De Krim, or at Dune Park De Robbenjager.

9. Over a thousand holiday rentals where your dog is welcome

At VVV Texel, you will find over a thousand accommodations that welcome dogs. Choose from options like a holiday home, apartment, hotel, B&B, or campsite, and simply indicate how many pets are coming along when you search. This way, you can see which places suit your needs. Search for and book your dog-friendly accommodation on Texel directly on our website. We have also compiled a list of accommodations that welcome multiple dogs. There are even holiday homes with fenced gardens, perfect if your dog wants to relax outside after a long walk.

10. Practical matters are also well taken care of

On holiday, you mostly want to be outdoors, but it’s good to know that practical services are available on Texel. There is a veterinarian in Den Burg, and you can pick up food, snacks, and grooming products at De Texelse Dierenwinkel if you run out or left something at home. We have gathered key information, covering topics such as off-leash areas, walking routes, accommodation, and facilities on our "activities for dog owners" page

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