The Old Land of Texel

This route takes you over the oldest part of Texel that was created by glaciers in the Ice Age. From the tourist office in Den Burg you cycle towards the Dennenbos. This forest was created at the beginning of the 20th century as a production forest. Now Staatsbosbeheer manages De Dennen as naturally as possible. The forest offers many recreational opportunities. At the Rozendijk-Bakkenweg intersection, on the right-hand side of the dune between the trees is the Fonteinsnol lookout tower. Here you have a beautiful view of the island. The picturesque village of Den Hoorn is also along the route. The charming church of Den Hoorn with its white turret seems to be the most photographed object on Texel. It is also a beacon for shipping. Strong lamps have been placed on the tower, with which seafarers can determine their position in the Schulpengat navigation channel. Many sheep barns can be seen in the landscape reserve De Hoge Berg. These are typical Texel barns. These fines are not used as a sheepfold, but only for the storage of hay and small tools. They are asymmetrical and almost all stand with the bevel to the west, the predominant wind direction. The 'garden walls' that can be seen at De Hoge Berg are only found on Texel. These are field fences made of sod. The 'old land of Texel' is the part of the island where most sheep are kept. In the spring, the tens of thousands of lambs in the meadows provide the ultimate spring feeling. Halfway through the Doolhof is the Zandkuil, the only insect reserve in the Netherlands. 40 species of digger wasps and bees live here. The name Maze refers to the grove along the route. This grove used to be a maze. This cycle route is offered to you by VVV Texel. For more information, visit www.texel.net.