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Resources & References

Resources & References

Frisian Islands, Netherlands

Digital Resources

Helpful Apps for the Destination

  • Texelhopper App

    Needed for booking the flexible, on-demand Texelhopper bus service, which reaches many stops off the main Line 28 bus route. Download this before you arrive.

  • 9292

    The comprehensive public transport planner for the entire Netherlands. This app presents real-time information and planning for train and bus journeys, including the Arriva Line 28 on Texel, showing departure times, connections, and routes.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    For general navigation, finding directions to attractions, restaurants, or walking/cycling paths. They offer live traffic updates and public transport options.

  • Buienradar

    A highly popular Dutch weather app known for its accurate, real-time rain forecasts, including precipitation radar. This is specifically useful on Texel due to the changeable island weather.

  • Google Translate

    Useful for quick translations of Dutch signs, menus, or conversations. Its camera translation feature is useful for menus.

  • Booking.com / Airbnb

    Useful for last-minute accommodation searches or managing existing bookings.

Helpful Websites for Additional Planning

VVV Texel Official

This is the most comprehensive resource for planning your Texel trip. It offers detailed information on accommodation, activities, events, practical tips, and often has a direct booking portal for island properties.

Visit VVV Texel

TESO Ferry

The official website for the ferry service between Den Helder and Texel. Important for checking current schedules, fares, and any updates regarding car reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Check Ferry Schedules

Dutch Railways NS

The official website for train schedules and tickets across the Netherlands. Important for planning your train journey from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Den Helder.

Plan Train Journey Arriva Bus Info

Social Media and Digital Content

Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • Search for "VVV Texel" or "Texel" on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
  • Many local businesses, restaurants, and attractions also have active social media presences.
  • These offer current information, event announcements, and visual inspiration.

Podcasts and Digital Content

  • Search for travel podcasts focusing on the Netherlands or specifically the Wadden Islands.
  • You might find episodes discussing Texel's unique nature, history, or local life.
  • Travel blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to Dutch travel also offer valuable insights and visual guides.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Local Texel Maps: VVV Texel offices, local bookstores, or bike rental shops sell excellent maps specifically for the island. These highlight cycling and walking routes, points of interest, and village layouts, offering a clear overview.
  • General Netherlands Guidebooks: Larger guidebooks covering the Netherlands (e.g., Lonely Planet or Rick Steves) provide broader context for Dutch culture, history, and travel within the country.
  • Books About the Destination: For more understanding, seek out books on Texel's unique history. Books on the Wadden Sea or Frisian Islands history enrich your visit.
  • Local Publications: Look for free tourist magazines, brochures, or local newspapers at the ferry terminal, VVV offices, and hotels. These contain current event listings, local advertisements, and useful practical information specific to your visit dates.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contact and Medical Details

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112. This is the nationwide emergency number for all services in the Netherlands. Operators speak Dutch and English. Use this number for situations needing immediate assistance.
  • Non-emergency Police: 0900-8844. Use this number for non-urgent police matters, like reporting a non-violent crime or requesting information.
  • Hospital (De Horp, Den Burg): +31 (0)222 369 369. This is the direct contact number for the local hospital on Texel.
  • Pharmacies (Apotheek): Pharmacies are available in main villages like Den Burg and De Koog for prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Ziekenhuis De Horp: Haffelderweg 50, 1791 AS Den Burg, Texel. This small local hospital offers basic medical care and emergency services.
  • For more specialized or severe conditions, patients may transfer to larger hospitals on the mainland.

Lost Document Procedures

  • If your passport or other important travel documents are lost or stolen, report it to the local police (use the non-emergency number 0900-8844) immediately to obtain a police report.
  • Then, contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance with emergency travel documents.

Documentaries and Films

Documentaries and Films

  • While specific documentaries solely about Texel are rare, search for films or documentaries about the Wadden Sea ecosystem, Dutch coastal life, or general Netherlands history.
  • The movie "The Forgotten Battle" (2020) is a fictionalized film set during WWII in Zeeland. It captures the intensity of the Dutch experience during that period, similar to Texel's Georgian Uprising.

Music and Art to Experience

  • Explore Dutch folk music, traditional sea shanties (relevant to Texel's maritime history), or contemporary Dutch artists.

Connect and Learn

Online Communities and Forums

  • Online platforms like Reddit (e.g., r/Netherlands, r/Travel) or dedicated travel forums offer peer-to-peer advice, specific questions, and recommendations from other travelers who visited Texel or the Netherlands.

Language Learning Resources

  • If learning more Dutch is of interest, resources like Duolingo or other language learning apps offer a basic foundation in the language, enriching your interactions with locals.

Important Note

Embassy and Consulate Information

  1. For your specific nationality, refer to your government's official travel advisory website for the contact details and locations of your country's embassy or consulate in the Netherlands (typically in The Hague or Amsterdam).
  2. They may help with lost passports, emergencies, or legal issues.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  1. While major natural disasters are rare on Texel, severe storms and high winds are possible.
  2. In case of extreme weather warnings or local emergencies, follow instructions from local authorities (police, VVV, accommodation staff) and monitor local news outlets or weather apps (like Buienradar) for updates.
  3. The robust dike system protects the island from most flooding risks.

Emergency Information

In an urgent situation, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services across the Netherlands. For less urgent police matters, dial 0900-8844.

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