Autumn and winter are perhaps the most beautiful times of the year for many people who love Texel. The beaches on Texel are quiet and what could be better than enjoying a long walk on the beach or through the dunes and then heading off to a beach pavilion to relax in front of a fire with a hot chocolate or Texel bock beer?

Walking in the wind

From September onwards, bigger atmospheric differences are evident in high and low-pressure areas. The wind gets trapped between these areas and starts to pick up speed – especially in coastal areas.

Although storms can become increasingly more severe from the end of October, Texel usually experiences its heaviest storms in January. Did you know that, here in the Netherlands, we define a storm as a situation where the wind is blowing at a minimum of 75 kilometres an hour for a minimum of 10 minutes? This is the equivalent of wind force 9 on the Beaufort Scale! A storm of wind force 10 or more is very rare in the Netherlands.

At the Flora Beachcomber Museum, you can see what can wash up in a "storm" and maybe see some interesting finds on the beach yourself.

Hiking

Texel's nature is impressive in every season, a good way to admire this diversity is to go for a walk. Whether it's on the beach, through the dunes, in a nature reserve or rather through a small village, the choice is vast, so check out our hiking routes for inspiration.

Dog-friendly beaches

The best walk with your dog is a walk on the beach! You can let your dog run free on many of Texel’s beaches. However, on lifeguarded beaches and the nudist beaches at Den Hoorn and De Cocksdorp, dogs must be kept on a lead. Here you can see where your dog can run free and where your dog must be on a leash. Be mindful of seals, which sometimes lie on the beach: read what you can do if you encounter a seal with your dog.

Enjoying a hot chocolate in the beach pavilion

What could be nicer than warming up inside after a long walk (by the sea) and enjoying something hot? The beach pavilions on the west coast of Texel offer the perfect location for this. Many are also open in winter. Here you will find everything from hot chocolate to a Texel bock beer.

Visit Texel and relax

Are you thinking about coming along to Texel to enjoy the fresh air there this autumn or winter? Can you imagine yourself walking into the wind, dressed in a cosy, thick winter jumper or falling asleep listening to the wind whistling around your holiday home or hotel?

Take a look at the accommodation options available: