Buzz
After a two-hour train ride from Amsterdam, we arrived in Den Helder. Amidst the summer bustle, this coastal city in the northwest of the Netherlands teemed with tourists from all over. Like many others, we came here for the renowned Wadden beaches. Our group itinerary was to enjoy Den Helder until after lunch, then board the ferry to Texel island.
Wadden – the Mysterious Coastal Wonder of the Netherlands
The Twice-Daily Disappearing Beaches
The Wadden region is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing flat beaches and sprawling mudflats stretching from the Netherlands to Germany and all the way to Denmark… In the Netherlands, this area is characterized by extensive mudflats, tidal channels like veins, and beautiful sandy islands.
Normally submerged beneath the water, twice a day, when the tide recedes, vast mudflats up to 15km wide are revealed. This is one of the few remaining tidal flats on Earth.
The mesmerizing tropical zone has been attracting numerous tourists to the northwest coast of the Netherlands. A simple pleasure is walking barefoot on the mud layer as the water recedes. We delight in wading through the wet mud, letting our toes receive a natural 'massage' and witnessing countless marine creatures stranded. In an instant, the Wadden Sea fills with migratory birds, ducks, geese, terns, and seals hunting for prey.
On sunny days, many tourists even hire horses to ride across vast mudflats, accompanied by guides as certain areas are prone to dangerous quicksand. Families often opt for horse-drawn carriage rides, charming vehicles with over a dozen seats always full of passengers exploring the famous coastal area teeming with diverse fauna and flora.
Departing from the Den Helder ferry terminal, we set foot on Texel island in just 20 minutes. From afar, the refreshing green outline dotted with pristine white sheep herds greets us. Islands in the Wadden Sea region are characterized by numerous sandbanks and expansive sandy beaches. Texel, the liveliest and most beautiful, boasts a 30km stretch of beach.
The first order of business for most visitors upon arrival is renting bicycles. Texel boasts a 135km network of bike paths, each offering breathtaking scenery. These paths connect seven villages, each resembling a colorful painting with unique natural landscapes.
The island exploration journey begins from the town of Den Burg situated in the heart of Texel. Here, ancient houses intertwine with modern ones, all meticulously arranged to delight tourists' eyes. Inside the venerable Molenstraat church, a stained glass depicts a boat, highlighting the area's longstanding fishing profession.
Approximately 5km east of Den Burg lies Oudeschild, a fishing port dating back to the 17th century, surrounded by picturesque coastal fishing villages. The road connecting these two destinations is adorned with blooming lavender, saturating the air with a romantic shade of lilac. Just a single lavender-lined path is worth the group's biking effort of over half an hour. We pause briefly in Oudeschild as the entertainment options here mainly involve shrimp fishing or seal watching at sea.
The Island of Countless Sandbanks
On the journey from Oudeschild to the village of De Cocksdorp, everyone slowed down, partly due to the strong sea breeze, partly engrossed in counting the... sandbanks. I've never seen any island with such an abundance of interconnected sandbanks. The pristine white sand, smooth and fine, interspersed with clusters of vivid green grass. After traversing the white sand area, a picturesque scene unfolds with houses surrounded by blooming flowers, all front facades adorned with striking red brickwork, some even with quaint benches placed in the garden. We've arrived at De Cocksdorp!
During this season, visitors are often treated to freshly harvested fruits from the garden houses. Sweet ripe strawberries, crisp flavorful apples make everyone forget the nearly ten kilometers of cycling they just did, eagerly proceeding to climb the lighthouse. De Cocksdorp boasts a 150-year-old lighthouse, standing 45 meters tall. From here, we get a panoramic view of the beautiful island, even catching a glimpse of the neighboring Vlieland island.
Despite the somewhat challenging road, the whole group decided to spend the evening in the ancient fishing village of De Koog. This village has a road leading to the main beach on the island, now developed into a seaside resort with various upscale amenities. Nevertheless, there are tropical swimming pools, convenience stores, and plenty of eateries catering to budget-conscious tourists.
With Skuumkoppe beer, light Juttertjet liquor, succulent lamb, and exquisite cheese ready, all are specialties of this unique island, everyone enjoys their evening meal while admiring the twilight descending over the vast beach. The serene red sky suddenly stirs with the chirping of birds. It turns out, nature has bestowed this beautiful island with up to 300 species of marshland birds. Many ornithologists believe Texel is one of the ideal places for bird watching worldwide.
The second day of the group's stay on the island falls on a Monday, which is fortunate because on Monday mornings in the center of the island Den Burg, there is a market. This weekly market has been held regularly for centuries. Despite the island's seemingly remote location, visitors can find at the Den Burg market many unique antique items, including intricate jewelry made of coral, rare amber, and exquisite souvenirs. Although we had no shopping needs, we still felt richer after experiencing the island's lifestyle. Observing elderly Texel residents selling homegrown fruits, bread, sausages, homemade apple wine is indeed fascinating. Life on the island is so wholesome that Texel's elderly are remarkably robust and agile.
After the market, it's off to the museum. Ecomare Natural History Museum includes a marine animal conservation area, specializing in caring for injured seabirds and seals. While young visitors eagerly watch the seal feeding and their performances, adults leisurely stroll, taking photos in the flower-filled valley nearby. Ecomare is extensively invested in, housing almost all information about the unique ecosystem of the Wadden region as well as the methods for maintaining and restoring the ocean's natural value.
For centuries, Texel was the site of fierce naval battles and the final battleground of Europe during World War II. But now, the island is a tranquil place with untouched sandbanks, endless beaches, leisurely grazing sheep, and relaxed tourists immersing themselves in nature on cycling routes...
By Bich Tram/Entrepreneur Saigon
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourSeptember 1, 2017
