Den Burg: History, culture and Texel cuisine

History, remembrance and religious heritage

The Texel House of Antiquities is located in the centre of Den Burg, in a stone guesthouse dating from 1599. The building was originally used as a guesthouse. Its construction date and former function give it a specific historical connection. The small De Oudheidkamer museum is also in the centre of Den Burg, in one of the oldest houses on Texel.

The Protestant church De Burght on Binnenburg is a distinctive landmark in Den Burg. An exhibition on Texel’s religious heritage can be viewed in the church. Two aspects are brought together here: the church’s importance to the townscape and a look at the island’s religious history.

The De Goede Herder memorial is a bronze statue. It commemorates 142 Texel residents who lost their lives in acts of war during the occupation years. The number and the specific historical context give the memorial a clear commemorative purpose. For your travel planning, this differs from the museums and religious heritage: here, the focus is on remembering the victims.

The history of the Wezentuin can be traced as a sequence of events. A monastery was built there around 1400; after the Reformation, it was used as an orphanage, and the garden came to be called the Wezentuin. Anyone interested in how historic places have developed will find several successive uses at this named location.

Walks and art in Den Burg

The Stadswandeling Den Burg starts at VVV Texel, Emmalaan 66 in Den Burg. The route recommends climbing the tower of the large Burghtkerk to enjoy the view over Den Burg. Check access arrangements for the tower before your visit.

A historic walk is led by guide Gelein Jansen and passes characteristic buildings. Along the way, you can explore the cellars of the Wezentuin. This adds a distinct feature to the walk alongside the Stadswandeling’s recommendation to climb the tower: the Wezentuin cellars are also part of this walk. Check availability for your preferred date in advance.

Art also has a place in Den Burg: the artwork Onbekommerd by Jan Wolkers stands in the pond opposite the bus station. The location of the artwork is clearly specified; its setting differs from the town’s churches, museums and memorial sites.

Market and Texel specialities

The Weekmarkt Den Burg takes place on Mondays in the centre, at Groeneplaats. When planning a visit, you can coordinate Monday with your other plans.

“Proef het Eiland – Den Burg” is a culinary route through shops, restaurants and cafés in Den Burg. It introduces local Texel specialities, including artisan apple pie, lamb stew, sheep’s cheese and Texel liqueur. The selection ranges from cake and cheese to a savoury dish and liqueur. The route offers a culinary way to discover Texel products, though the specialities are not all alike.

Discover more destinations

Den Hoorn, Oosterend, Oudeschild, De Waal, De Koog, De Cocksdorp

For the main travel overview: Texel.

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