Texel (Oudeschild)
Oudeschild · Den Hoorn · Texel harbour · Texelstroom
53°02.6'N 04°51.2'E
Depth
1.5–3.5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on mud and sand in 1.5–3.5m. Allow for 2m tidal swing — use adequate scope. The Marsdiep channel passes close west — anchor well within the designated area and away from the main fairway. Monitor AIS for ferry traffic.
About This Anchorage
Texel is the largest and most accessible of the Dutch Wadden Islands — the main ferry from Den Helder runs 20 times daily (20 minutes). The island (population 13,500) has the full range of Dutch island character: cycle paths, nature reserves (De Hoge Berg, De Slufter), sheep farms (Texel is famous for its lamb), and the excellent Texel Brewery (Skuumkoppe beer). Oudeschild is the main fishing harbour on the Waddenzee side — less developed than the west coast resorts. The Maritiem & Jutters Museum (museum of beachcombing and maritime heritage) is in Oudeschild. The Marsdiep channel between Texel and Den Helder is one of the most trafficked waterways in the Netherlands — strong streams, commercial shipping, and Navy vessels.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €15–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Marsdiep channel — strong tidal streams 3–4kt; commercial shipping; Navy vessels (RNLN base at Den Helder); anchor only in designated areas; De Slufter and De Hors nature reserves closed in nesting season; no anchoring in main Marsdiep fairway.
Hazards
- !Marsdiep channel — 3–4kt tidal streams at springs; one of the busiest shipping lanes in Netherlands; Navy vessels from RNLN Den Helder base
- !Tidal range 1.8–2m — check depths; anchorage can be tight at LW
- !Ferry traffic (Texel–Den Helder, 20 crossings/day) in Marsdiep — monitor AIS
- !West coast surf beach (De Koog) — exposed North Sea swell; only approach from Marsdiep or Texelstroom
- !Busy tourist island in July–August — harbour berths fill early
Skipper's Tips
- →Texel Brewery (TEXELS, De Waal) produces excellent island beers including Skuumkoppe — available in Oudeschild harbour shops
- →The Maritiem & Jutters Museum in Oudeschild covers North Sea beachcombing and ship salvage — one of the best maritime museums in Netherlands
- →Hire bicycles at Oudeschild for the island circuit (50km) — cycle paths pass through all nature reserves and main villages
- →De Slufter (northwest tip) is the most dramatic natural area on Texel — a tidal inlet with seals visible from the shore path
- →HW Oudeschild is approximately 30min after HW Den Helder — time departure with the ebb for the crossing back to mainland
Facilities
Oudeschild fishing harbour has restaurants and fish shops. De Koog (west coast resort) has full range of shops. Supermarket in Den Burg (main town, 5km by bicycle).
Nearest provisions: Oudeschild village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Texel is the most accessible Wadden island and the most crowded in summer. Spring (May–June) offers the best combination of weather and fewer visitors. Texel lamb season peaks in spring.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Wadden Sea, anchor drag during a rising tide can strand you in a drying channel. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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