Between the tower and transept of the Maartenskerk is the oldest part of the present-day church: it dates from the early 11th century and was built of tuff stone. Village architecture, a variety of walking routes and the landscape around Wagejot each offer Oosterend their own distinct themes for planning a trip.
Village character and building history
Narrow streets run around the church; houses with wooden gables define this part of the village. Oosterend is designated as a protected village ensemble under number 1457. The gables and the church building offer different points of interest: the visible details of the houses on the one hand, and the Maartenskerk’s long building history on the other.
Two other buildings also tell stories of different uses and structural changes. The building at Peperstraat 26 was restored in 1981; the restoration was completed in 1982. Today, it serves primarily as a music centre. The historic drainage complex at Stuifweg 4, including its mill, was restored. A so-called “Rundmaalcircuit” was also laid out there.
A tradition with details that change each year
The Advent window tradition in Oosterend began in 2007 and has taken place every year since. The participating houses and the dates when the windows can be seen vary from year to year. So if you would like to include the tradition in your trip planning, check the dates and participating houses for the relevant year.
Walking routes by length and course
The route details offer a practical comparison: the Vissersommetje is a free 5-kilometre walk past Oosterend’s most beautiful spots. The Boerenommetje is 5.3 kilometres long and loops around the village. Also free is the 12-kilometre “Slufter tot Kaap” walking route, which runs from De Slufter to Oosterend. When choosing a route, both the stated distance and its course are therefore key considerations.
Other historic routes have a different focus. The Historische Leitjesroute passes through Oosterend; check locally to confirm whether it is available. There is also the historic walking route “Oosterend: een verborgen parel rond 5 kerken”. The different route descriptions and names can help you sort the walking options according to your interests, without assuming that their courses are the same.
Wetland and natural garden
The Wagejot nature reserve lies on the eastern side of Texel, near Oosterend. The wetland is particularly attractive to birds and was created in 1977 as part of a dike reinforcement project. It can be viewed clearly from Lancasterdijk, connecting a nature experience with a specific look at how the area was formed.
Natuur Goed in Oosterend is an edible nature garden covering one hectare. It has edible plants, berries and nuts. The “Theeproeverij – de smaken van de natuur” offers a selection of teas and light bites; more than 20 herb species grow in the garden. As the tasting is scheduled seasonally, dates may change.
Whether you are interested in village architecture, building history, walking or nature, Oosterend offers several distinct themes to shape your trip around. The routes mentioned differ in length and course; for the seasonal tradition and tasting, it is worth checking the relevant dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: De Cocksdorp, Oudeschild, Den Burg, De Waal, Den Hoorn, De Koog.
For the main travel overview: Texel.
