De Waal
De Waal is the smallest and one of the oldest villages in Texel, in which the original structures of roads and historical buildings have been largely preserved. The name originates from a dyke breech (in old Dutch wiel or waal), which occured in former times. The village dates back to the 12th century and lay by the sea until 1613. Now it sits on the polder “Waal en Burg”, upon which many wading birds breed and feed. The houses and farms were built relatively close together, as a consequence of the surrounding water and because they were built on mounds (so called “Keileembulten”). The village has many authentically restored houses of historical value and even counts 24 monuments.
In De Waal you can find an Agricultural museum in which amongst other things are a forge, authentic handtools and a collection of old farm carts. Demonstrations are held regularly, as are tours with a horse and cart.
A gallery: “Langwaal” (Longwall) is housed in an old parsonage, which also has an ornamental garden.
Out in the countryside, one of the oldest yet still existing bridleways on Texel (1624) has wonderful views over the northern farms with “schapenboet”, characteristic of the Texel landscape. You also find garden walls around De Waal, which were built around 1600 as a barrier for pastures (formerly communal). They form wonderful sheltered spots for the many spring lambs as well as for plants, birds and insects.
Texel is a many-faceted area, which has been described as The Netherlands-in-miniature. This is also true of nature, as you find woodlands, dunes, beaches, polders, wetlands and salt marshes, each with its own vegetation and wildlife.
Due to its central location, De Waal is an ideal starting point from which you can explore the island by bicycle. For example, to the north towards Oosterend along the “Waddendijk” (inner and outer dikes), silted ares, nature reserve “Drijvers Vogelweid De Bol”, de Schorren (outer mud-flat), a paradise for birdwatchers and the birds which fourage here, or merely to enjoy the wonderful views over de “Waddenzee”. Towards the Cocksdorp and back along a cyclepath, right across rugged dunes, via de Slufter, a unique nature area, with its own vegetation, which has an open connection with the sea. Via De Muy and De Koog you return to your accommodation (a trip of about 22 miles).
On the other hand a southerly route via the wood takes you towards Den Hoorn and De Geul, well-known for its spoonbills and then to Oudeschild (fishing village) along the dike and back to the Waal via the Hoge Berg (a specific, sloping area formed in the Ice Age, with old historical sites).
If you prefer a shorter tour (10 miles) then you can go towards Oosterend, then along the “Waddendijk” towards Oudeschild, and via Hoge Berg back to De Waal. Or you can go in the direction of De Koog, via the “Waalenburgerdijkje”, along the polder Waalenburg, which is at a stone’s throw.
So there are countless possibilities of things to do and charming places to visit in Texel.
De Waal, a picturesque village with many restored features. Much loved by visitors who value its space and rustic charm.