Texel Island: The Gem of the Dutch Wadden Sea

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [al-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je
  [dank ye]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [so-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het met jou?
  [hu gat hut met yow]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [good. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprake ye engels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-grayp hut neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk wil graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ik vil hraag duh menu-kart zeen, al-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet kheyn vlays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ik vil hraag buh-tah-luhn, al-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ha vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de Politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-tuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vuhr-dwahld]
• I'm illIk voel me ziek
  [ik fuhl muh ziek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil hraag koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kayk al-leyn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vel kost hut]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt u duh prays vur-lah-ghun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hu laht is hut]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [hut is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [half elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okht-uhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuh-run]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tvay]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-vun]
• 8Acht
  [ahkh-t]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [var is ayn/de...]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vat is hut ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt u may lah-tun zeen (op duh kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [ven-nur is duh vol-hen-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kart-yuh (nar)]

Texel Island, part of the West Frisian Islands, has a history dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries suggest that the island was inhabited as early as the Mesolithic period, around 8000 BCE. The fertile land and rich marine resources made it an attractive settlement area for early humans.

During the Middle Ages, Texel became a significant maritime hub due to its strategic location along the North Sea. The island served as a staging post for ships traveling to and from the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic. The town of Oudeschild emerged as a prominent port, facilitating trade and commerce.

In 1672, Texel played a notable role in the Franco-Dutch War when the Dutch fleet, under Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, engaged the French and English fleets in the Battle of Texel. The island's strategic position once again proved crucial in the defense of the Dutch Republic, highlighting its maritime significance.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Texel was fortified by the French to defend against British incursions. Fort De Schans, originally built in the 16th century, was reinforced and expanded. These fortifications served as a military stronghold and a reminder of the island's strategic importance.

Texel's history took a dramatic turn during World War II with the Georgian Uprising of 1945. Georgian soldiers, who were forced to fight for the Germans, revolted against their Nazi commanders in one of the last battles of the European theatre. The uprising led to heavy fighting and significant casualties, leaving a lasting impact on the island's history.

In the post-war period, Texel transitioned from a primarily agricultural and fishing community to a popular tourist destination. The island's natural beauty, including its expansive beaches, dunes, and wildlife reserves, attracts visitors from around the world. Historic sites, such as the lighthouse at Eierland and the Maritime and Beachcombers Museum, offer glimpses into Texel's rich heritage.

Texel Island is located in the Wadden Sea, north of the Netherlands. The most common way to reach Texel is by taking a ferry from Den Helder, which is easily accessible by train or car from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes. You can bring a car on the ferry, or alternatively, there are buses and taxis available on the island.

Once on Texel, you can get around by car, bicycle, or public transport. Bicycles are highly recommended as the island has an extensive network of cycling paths, and bike rentals are widely available. Public buses run regularly and connect various towns and attractions on the island. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Walking is another great option, especially within smaller towns and nature reserves.

The official currency on Texel Island is the Euro (EUR). Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit and debit cards, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are available in major towns such as Den Burg and De Koog.

Texel Island is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any travel destination, it is always a good idea to stay vigilant. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas such as markets and popular tourist spots. There are no specific areas or neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services in the Netherlands. There are medical facilities and pharmacies in major towns like Den Burg. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, you can visit local pharmacies for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and practically, especially if you plan on outdoor activities like cycling or hiking. Layers are recommended due to unpredictable weather. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, although the island is relatively secular. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don’t play loud music or talk loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' (Good morning). A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Texel lamb and sheep cheese. Don’t forget to sample the locally brewed beers. It’s polite to finish all the food on your plate.

To experience Texel like a local, visit the weekly markets in Den Burg where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Rent a bicycle and explore the island’s extensive network of cycling paths. Visit the less touristy eastern side of the island for a more peaceful and authentic experience. Don’t miss out on visiting the Ecomare, a center for the Wadden Sea and North Sea with a seal sanctuary. For a unique local experience, join a mudflat walking tour during low tide.