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Texelstroom departing from Den Helder, 03-09-2023
Texelstroom arriving in Den Helder, 03-09-2023

TEXELSTROOM

Schulpengat arriving in Den Helder, 03-07-2005
Schulpengat arriving in Den Helder, 03-07-2005

SCHULPENGAT

Molengat deparing from Texel, 03-07-2005
Molengat moored at Texel, 11-06-2006

MOLENGAT

Dokter Wagemaker arriving in Den Helder, 03-09-2023
Dokter Wagemaker arriving at Texel, 10-06-2006

DOKTER WAGEMAKER

Texel Ferry Service - information about the crossing and ferries

The ferry to Texel operates between the port of Den Helder on the mainland and the port of 't Horntje on Texel. This connection has been operated since 1907 by TESO (Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming). A unique aspect of this shipping company is its cooperative structure; it is largely owned by the island's residents themselves, ensuring that the interests of the island always come first.

The ferry service to Texel

TESO provides hourly departures between Den Helder and Texel daily. On busy days, a second ship is deployed, resulting in a departure every thirty minutes. The regular crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. This ferry service is the busiest in the Netherlands and serves as a vital lifeline for tourism, the local economy, and the daily needs of the islanders.

History of the Texel Ferry

TESO was founded in 1907 by the people of Texel themselves, following dissatisfaction with the quality and pricing of private ferry services at the time. Led by Dr. Adriaan Wagemaker, the residents joined forces. Since then, the company has grown into a modern enterprise with an impressive fleet. Over the decades, the ships have become increasingly larger and more sustainable, evolving from early steamboats to today's state-of-the-art hybrid vessels.

The current fleet

Currently, the ferry service to Texel is maintained by two large, modern ships specifically designed for this route:

  • Texelstroom - the primary vessel that carries out the daily scheduled service
  • Dokter Wagemaker - primarily serves as a reserve and additional vessel during peak times

Together, these ships provide an enormous capacity, capable of transporting hundreds of cars and thousands of passengers per crossing.

Overview of all Texel ferries

On this page, you will find a complete overview of all ferries to Texel currently in service or those that have operated on the route in the past, such as the iconic Schulpengat and Molengat. For each ship, you can discover photos, technical specifications—such as the unique double-deck loading ramps—the ship's history, and the historical background of the TESO fleet.

Current departure times and practical information

For current sailing times, fares, and online ticket bookings, please visit the TESO website.

 

Fähre Texel

Die Fähre auf Texel verbindet die weitläufigen Niederlande über den Hafen von Helder mit der größten Watteninsel. Die Fahrt dauerte 20 Minuten und wurde an die TESO (Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming) übergeben, die 1907 gegen Entgelt mit der Realisierung des Helden auf Texel beauftragt wurde. Das Fahrzeug gehört laut den Besitzern der TESO dem „Texelstroom“ und „Dokter Wagemaker“.