Camping with dog in Baden-Wuerttemberg

In green Baden-Württemberg, you can sniff the best forest air and chase after hare tracks everywhere. It's no wonder that more and more campervan and motorhome drivers are taking their four-legged friends on holiday with them. The short journeys from all over Germany and the many particularly dog-friendly campsites in Baden-Württemberg make a holiday in this extensively forested federal state an enticing prospect.

Destinations

From Lake Constance and the Black Forest to the Swabian Alb and the West Allgäu - the southern federal state is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Germany. The region is ideal for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and fishing. Water rats, dog lovers and hikers will find adventures in the great outdoors everywhere, while Lake Constance with its unspoilt beaches invites you to swim and romp around. Dogs will be happy to fetch a stick from the water or accompany their masters on a fishing trip. Families with dogs are particularly welcome at the Wirthshof campsite in Markdorf. The campsite, which has been awarded 4.5 ADAC stars, is located in the hinterland of Lake Constance and is surrounded by lush meadows. There is a farmers' market once a week. In addition to an outdoor pool and wellness facilities for young and old, small four-legged friends can enjoy dog showers. In the south-west of Baden-Württemberg on the border with France, the Black Forest attracts nature lovers and dog owners.

Germany's largest low mountain range offers endless opportunities for exercise in the fresh air. The holiday paradise Schwarzwälder Hof in Seelbach, for example, is idyllic and dog-friendly. Awarded five ADAC stars, this super campsite offers a rustic feel-good atmosphere with a comprehensive wellness programme. The dog showers and exercise areas get dogs' tails wagging. In the West Allgäu region, the Swabian way of life delights dogs and their masters. The landscape is characterised by moraine hills and raised bogs. Waldbad Camping Isny is a paradise for dogs. The campsite, which has been awarded four ADAC stars, is located in the middle of a forest and offers many trees and bushes. A natural lake in the immediate vicinity invites you to swim and splash around.

Top tips

• Dogs are very welcome at the Neuhausen ob Eck Open-Air Museum. However, your four-legged friend must be kept on a lead and should not bark at every encounter with a cow, pig or goose.
• You can also visit the Black Forest Open-Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof with your four-legged companion. A picnic amidst the traditional farms and against the natural backdrop of the Black Forest will quickly become the best holiday experience.
• The Haus und Hund museum of local history in Önsbach takes you to a farm from the 17th century, where your four-legged friend can sniff out the way of life of his ancestors.
• The Lake Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen on Lake Constance not only shows the underwater world of Lake Constance, but also how the pile dwellings were built in the water. Dogs are allowed on the shore.

Activities and excursions

The landscape of Baden-Württemberg is one of the biggest attractions for dogs and their owners.

Hikes and excursions in the Black Forest

From colourful mountain meadows to beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking gorges - the Black Forest offers plenty of variety. A hike up the Merkurberg is a leisurely high-altitude experience. On the way back, you can take the Merkurberg railway down into the valley. At the valley station of Baden-Baden's landmark, an animal enclosure invites visitors with dogs. Here you can sniff and observe mouflon, fallow deer, red deer and wild boar. A trip to the Triberg waterfalls, famous throughout Germany, is a great adventure. You can watch the 163 metre deep waterfall in awe as the spray sprays around your nose. The 31.5-kilometre Vierburgenweg trail from Waldkirch to Kenzingen can easily be hiked in two stages. Castles and palaces along the way invite you to visit them.

Water fun and excursion destinations on Lake Constance

Lake Constance offers almost endless water sports opportunities. You can surf, sail, ride the waves and go kayaking on Germany's largest lake. Dogs are welcome on board. They are also allowed on a lead on the excursion boats and ferries. The island of Mainau on Lake Constance is a particularly beautiful excursion destination. The 4-hectare flower island delights visitors all year round with its well-tended park, castle and many exhibitions. Leashed dogs are allowed on the island of Mainau, but not in the castle or the butterfly house. Dogs are also allowed on a short lead on a trip to the wildlife and leisure park in Allensbach on Lake Constance. You can admire over 300 wild animals in open-air enclosures on footpaths through the 75-hectare site.

Little Europe in Baden-Württemberg

Excellent news for dog owners with children: Dogs are allowed on a lead in Germany's largest leisure and amusement park. On the 950,000m² site near Rust, there are over 100 rides, restaurants, 18 theme parks, a cinema, five hotels and a dog-friendly campsite in Baden-Württemberg.

Events

In addition to dog fairs and shows, masters and mistresses can take their four-legged friends to a number of events in the southern federal state.

February

• Horse market in Öhringen: The fair invites all animal lovers with rabbit shows and breeding horse awards.

August

• Lake night festival on Lake Constance: In Constance, stalls and music invite you to celebrate on the lakeside promenade. It's up to you to decide whether the fireworks are something for your little companion.

November

• ANIMAL in Stuttgart: At the pet fair, everything revolves around the fascinating world of our favourite animals.

December

• Dog Christmas market at Europabad: An Advent market centred around dogs takes place in Karlsruhe in mid-December. From special treats to beautiful collars - the gifts for the four-legged family member are particularly creative.