You can enjoy great mountain biking on Texel. There is a challenging 8 km MTB route through the De Dennen forest area. In addition, you can experience the longest MTB route in North Holland of no less than 100 km.

What MTB routes are there on Texel?

There are now four different mountain bike routes on the island:

Route Zuid – 44.8 km:

The Texel South Loop route is located in the south-west of the island and connects the Den Burg and De Waal routes. The route consists of single tracks through woods and dunes and along tree-lined paths, with a few enjoyable climbs and lovely descents. The route runs mainly over sandy ground and, in the Waalenburg polder, over clay soil. And, inevitably, there are also sections of tarmac on the route. You can start this route at the ferry terminal.

Den Burg route – 8.1 km:

The Texel Den Burg route is located in the south-west of the island and forms part of the southern loop. The route consists of single tracks through the woods, a few enjoyable climbs and lovely descents. The dunes are visible from time to time. The route runs mainly over sandy ground.

De Waal Route – 12.9 km:

The Texel De Waal route runs alongside and across the Waal and Burgerdijk, a single track that circles the entire polder. The route is mainly on clay soil. It is a flat route, though your handling skills will be put to the test in some sections. There is very little elevation gain. Above all, enjoy the beautiful views along the way as you cycle around one of the largest nature reserves for meadow birds. The route is still under development and offers a lovely change from the route through the dunes and woodland on Texel.

Route Noord - 40.6 km:

The Texel North Loop route is located in the north of the island. The route is suitable for the whole family. It consists of single tracks through dunes and tree-lined paths, a few short, enjoyable climbs and pleasant descents. Youwill have lovely views of Het Noorden windmill and the lighthouse. You can combine the North Loop with the De Waal route, or with the South Loop for those who really want to rack up the kilometres.

Rules for the Texel MTB Route

Please observe the following rules:

• The MTB routes are only accessible between sunrise and sunset.
• Cycle only on the route marked with the MTB logo.
• Respect the natural environment.
• Cycle in small groups.
• Be considerate of other users. The route is one-way. The correct direction is signposted.
• Avoid unnecessary braking: protect the ground.
• Do not leave any litter behind.

Longest MTB trail of North Holland

Are you really looking for a challenge? Then try the longest MTB trail in North Holland. The MTB-100 km route takes you from the ferry port along the west coast of Texel. You will pass alternately dune area and through the forest. Once you have arrived at the northern tip of Texel you can use the Waddendike on the eastsite to get back. On the way back you will pass the polder and the villages Oosterend, De Waal and Oudeschild.

MTB rentals

Want to hire a mountain bike on Texel? Many bike hire companies on Texel also offer mountain bikes. We recommend reserving bikes in advance online:

• Bets bikes (shop in Oudeschild)
• Van der Linde bicycles (shops in Den Burg, De Koog and De Cocksdorp)

Cycling on the beach

On Texel you can also cycle on the beach. The sand is soft, so a normal bicycle is not suitable. With a mountain bike or special beach bike you can make a beautiful ride on the beach. Tip: it is best to cycle during low tide and close to the waterline, for the least rolling resistance.

Rules

You would be mistaken in thinking that all the countryside on Texel is suitable for off-road biking but the wildlife is more vulnerable than you suppose. Please keep to the designated paths and be considerate of other users of the tracks and paths.