Oudeschild is the only village on Texel located directly by the sea. Harbour trips, the ebb and flow of the tides, fishing and maritime history shape the ways to explore the village. When planning, it helps to distinguish between trips on the water, museum visits and routes through the Texel countryside.
Harbour trips and life by the water
At the harbour in Oudeschild, you can watch the ebb and flow of the tides. Several boats depart from here for trips on the Wadden Sea; some run almost daily. Timetables may change, so check departures before your visit. This makes it easier to fit time at the harbour around other plans without committing to a specific trip in advance.
Visitors can take a trip across the Wadden Sea aboard the historic pilot boat Texelstroom. TX Garnalenvissen offers a different experience: guests head out on the Texel fishing boats TX 10 Emmie or TX 20 Walrus. Shortly after leaving the harbour, the nets are cast and shrimp are caught. The two experiences have different focuses: the Texelstroom centres on a trip aboard a historic pilot boat, while TX Garnalenvissen focuses on catching shrimp. As departure times may change, it is worth checking the latest trip details.
Fishing and maritime history
At Museum Kaap Skil, you can see finds recovered by divers and fishermen, as well as insights into island life a century ago. The exhibition “Schip in Zicht – De Reede van Texel en de Wereld” brings the hidden stories of 160 ships to light with the help of a maritime model and new techniques. The museum thus features both finds and everyday history, as well as shipping on the Roads of Texel.
The exhibition “Leven van de vis” at De Oude Vismarkt focuses on another aspect: contemporary fishing on Texel. It is free, interactive and accessible to people with disabilities. If access is important for your visit, check the latest information in advance.
A fishing monument in Oudeschild commemorates the local fishing industry. It consists of a piece of railing from the TX 3 (Biem-Jan), a replica of the TX 11’s centreboard made from the original at Museum Kaap Skil, and information panels about fishing on Texel. Together, the components bring a specific piece of a fishing vessel together with a replica and explanatory context.
The historical story goes back further: Fort de Schans near Oudeschild was built around 1574 on the orders of William of Orange to protect Texel and the Roads of Texel from the Spanish. Oudeschild itself was established at the beginning of the 17th century. Trade and prosperity were linked to the VOC ships anchored off the Roads of Texel.
Routes through the Texel countryside
There are routes to explore beyond the harbour, too. Several cycling and walking routes pass the Wezenputten. In the area between Den Burg and Oudeschild, Texel’s characteristic landscape—with sheep pastures, Tuunwallen, sheep sheds and pools—is especially well preserved; the Hoge Berg can be explored on foot or by bike.
HavenVIStijn’s programme includes demonstrations and music, including performances by the Oudeschilder Visserskoor; visitors can also take a short trip with the KNRM. As programme details may change, check the dates in advance. If you are considering Oudeschild as a place to stay, the harbour trips, fishing activities and routes through the countryside offer different ways to decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Oosterend, Den Hoorn, De Koog, De Waal, Den Burg, De Cocksdorp
Return to the main travel overview: Texel.
