Oudeschild: Harbor, Fishing and Island History
Accommodation in Oudeschild
Oudeschild is the only village on Texel located directly by the sea. The harbor, fishing and maritime history shape many of the reasons to visit. When choosing a hotel, it may be helpful to first consider whether you mainly want to experience the exhibitions, take a trip on the Wadden Sea or explore the surrounding landscape.
Trips on the Wadden Sea and life at the harbor
Several boats depart from Oudeschild harbor for trips on the Wadden Sea; some run almost daily. Check the current timetable for your planned trip, as departure times may change. Visitors can take a trip across the Wadden Sea aboard the historic pilot boat Texelstroom.
On TX Garnalenvissen, visitors head out onto the Wadden Sea aboard the Texel fishing vessels TX 10 Emmie or TX 20 Walrus. Shortly after leaving Oudeschild harbor, the nets are cast and shrimp are caught.
You can observe the ebb and flow of the tide in the harbor. HavenVIStijn features demonstrations and music, including performances by the Oudeschilder Visserskoor; visitors can also join the KNRM for part of a trip. Check the specific dates and event details in advance.
Museums and fishing history
At the Kaap Skil Museum, 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” (Ship in Sight – The Texel Anchorage and the World) brings the hidden stories of 160 ships to light using a maritime model and new technologies.
The exhibition “Leven van de vis” (Life of the Fish) at De Oude Vismarkt offers a different perspective. It is free, interactive and focuses on contemporary fishing on Texel. The exhibition is accessible to people with disabilities; as access information may change, check the latest guidance before your visit.
The fishing monument includes a section of the railing from the TX 3 (Biem-Jan), a replica of the TX 11’s centerboard made from the original at the Kaap Skil Museum, and information panels about fishing on Texel.
From the fort to the Texel Anchorage
Fort de Schans near Oudeschild was built around 1574 on the orders of William of Orange. It was intended to protect Texel and the Texel Anchorage from the Spanish. Oudeschild itself was established in the early 17th century, so the fort predates the village.
VOC ships lay at anchor off the Texel Anchorage, bringing trade and prosperity to the area. The story of a fortification with its specific defensive purpose thus complements the broader trading history of the anchorage, although the two have different historical reference points.
Routes and landscape around Oudeschild
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 kolken—is particularly well preserved. The Hoge Berg can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Alongside the harbor and exhibitions, the landscape and its distinctive features offer another way to experience the area.
Find a hotel in Oudeschild to suit your stay
When looking for a hotel in Oudeschild, consider what you want to focus on during your stay: the exhibitions and fishing history, a trip on the Wadden Sea or routes through the landscape. These themes offer different ways to experience the village and its surroundings. If you’re planning a trip or event, include the latest schedules and dates in your plans.
Discover more destinations: De Koog, De Cocksdorp, Den Burg, Den Hoorn, Oosterend, De Waal.
Back to the main travel overview: Texel.
