Texel history is alive in the Waelstee Museum
On more than 1500 m2, Museum Waelstee shows a versatile, often surprising picture of how people worked and lived on the isle of Texel. Let yourself be drawn into (farming) life on Texel in the past!
Our village, De Waal
De Waal is a picturesque village on the border of the ancient land and an old polder of Texel. The village only has a few narrow streets lined with lovely old houses and farms. You enter De Waal south, called the ‘Bomendiek’, which is one of the oldest dikes on Texel. The museum, which you will find well worth visiting, is in the heart of De Waal beside the square in front of the church.
From Farmhouse to Wagon Museum
A group of enthusiastic people of Texel founded the Farm and Wagon Museum Texel several decades ago in an authentic farmhouse. The focus was initially on preserving the history of rural life on the island.
Growing larger
Over the years the museum has gradually expanded its exhibition space, warehouse and workshop. At present, with more than 1500 m² of exhibited collection the museum takes up much more of its original area. This physical growth of the museum also gave room for expansion of the museum’s collection widthways. Currently, the museum provides a many-sided picture of life on the island in the past.
Authentic Texel
In the museum you can see several authentic wagons and carriages, utensils and old farming machinery, that were traditionally used on Texel. Additionally all kinds of machinery and utensils for milk processing and cheese and butter making. But you can also learn how people lived and worked on a farm 100 years ago.
Role of women
The role of women in farming, in the dairy industry and in flax and wool processing is exposed in the museum.
Smithy
Our smithy should be mentioned as well! Beside products for entrepreneurs, souvenirs are also made there. These are offered for sale at the museum. There are regular demonstrations of old crafts and exhibitions of art. See info in the local media for that.
Facilities
- Elevator available for the disabled
- Wheelchair accessable (including the toilets)
- Guided tours
- Puzzle tour for children
- Museum shop with Texel products
- Coffee with Texel cake
- Soft drinks
- Charging Point E-bikes
- Ample parking for your bike
- Parking for cars and buses within walking distance
On February 25, 2022, the elevator for the disabled in the museum was festively put into use. Realization of this lift was made possible by sponsorship contributions from Texelfonds, Rabobank, Stichting Samen Een Texel and the Piusstichting.