Autumn boring? Not on Texel!

Rain, falling leaves, shorter days, and cold—that’s how some define autumn. A season with nothing to do? Not on Texel! Autumn on the island is anything but boring. There’s plenty to see and enjoy.

Many activities are (nearly) free. In October, the Texel forest puts on a colorful show—from green to yellow and bright red. Before the leaves fall, the canopy is beautiful to walk through. Also fun: join a mushroom excursion. Ecomare offers several of these in autumn. A knowledgeable guide will show you various fungi, explain which ones are edible and which are toxic. If you’re walking with young children, check out the Sommeltjespad near De Koog. It’s a 1.5-kilometer trail featuring the Sommeltjes—mythical creatures that dance in the moonlight and turn to stone in sunlight. They can also appear as animals. Go on an adventure and try to find them all!

Night of the Night

Texel has little light pollution, meaning it gets truly dark at night! Wait until it’s dark, find a dune hollow, and gaze at the stars. The longer you look, the more you see! Tip: want to recognize constellations beyond the Big and Little Dipper? Use free apps like Night Sky Lite (iPhone) or Star Chart (Android), which use augmented reality—just point your phone at the sky. At the end of October, Texel hosts the Night of the Night with night hikes, dune excursions, and panoramic views from the church tower in Den Burg. For times and starting points, check the VVV Texel agenda.

Taste the season

After a brisk autumn walk, nothing beats a Texel autumn bock beer or a Juttertje. Want to taste the season? There’s plenty of local fare: stews, pumpkin soup, chestnuts, lamb. No inspiration? Texel’s culinary journalist Annette van Ruitenburg features many seasonal recipes in her books, such as Smaak van de Wadden.

Stay in the woods

Want to immerse yourself in autumn on Texel? Stay at Vakantiehuizen Texel. Their cozy bungalows are right on the edge of the forest with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.