Camping with dog in Germany

Racing after sticks on the North Sea beach, jumping into the waves on the Baltic Sea, sipping the water of mountain streams, sniffing the forest air and chasing after hare tracks - holidays in the great outdoors inspire dogs and their owners. When camping with dogs in Germany, four-legged friends not only get their money's worth in the great outdoors, but also on the campsite. In addition to agility courses, many campsite operators offer fenced-off meadows for the tail-wagging contemporaries to run around in, as well as dog showers and training sessions.

Destinations

Dog owners who like to jet off spontaneously with their camper or plan a longer trip attach great importance to the company of their pets. If you want to give your dog a truly relaxing holiday, choose one of the dog-friendly campsites in Germany recommended by the ADAC.

The German North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts

On the German coast, many campsites are located parallel to the beach. One excellent dog-friendly campsite in Germany is Camping am Freesenbruch on the Zingst peninsula in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The campsite, which has been awarded 4.5 ADAC stars, impresses with its location between the beach, forests and meadows. This means that the site offers plenty of exercise for Bello & Co. After returning from the beach, dog showers are available so that it doesn't get too sandy in the motorhome or campervan.

The Harz Mountains

The low mountain range region will delight you with its dense forests, reservoirs, rivers, streams and many historical sites. At the centre is the Brocken, northern Germany's highest mountain. The KNAUS Campingpark Walkenried is a lovely dog-friendly campsite. The 4.5-star campsite boasts a swimming pool and play facilities for children. There are showers for dogs. The site is an excellent starting point for exploring the southern Harz region.

The Allgäu

This multi-faceted holiday region is characterised by mountains ranging from gentle to steep. The proximity to Lake Constance makes swimming trips possible. Dogs and their owners will feel particularly at home at Camping Elbsee. The campsite is located near a lido and blends naturally into its surroundings. The holistic feel-good concept not only attracts visitors with a steam bath and sauna, but also with lush meadows and shady trees. Many cycling and hiking trails start directly at the campsite.

Top tips

• Visits to open-air museums are ideal for dog owners interested in culture and history. The ancient villages, such as the Detmold open-air museum or the pile-dwelling museum in Unteruhldingen, allow dogs. At the Neandertal Museum in Mettmann, dogs are allowed from 2.00 pm.
• Four-legged friends like to spend hot dog days on the beach. The best place for campers with dogs to do this is an excellent dog beach. There is a particularly nice one in Niendorf. There are the most dog beaches on the Baltic Sea around Neustadt, with four in total.
• The Berlin-Hoppegarten racecourse allows dogs on a lead and is situated in a very scenic location.

Activities and excursions

Germany is a very dog-friendly country. Dogs are welcome in many places. They are even allowed in restaurants, castles and zoos.

Water sports, boat trips and more

The long beaches on the German coast are perfect for a stroll. Cycling is popular on the dykes. Most four-legged friends run after the bike, tail wagging. Bike trailers can be hired for those with less stamina. On Rügen, there are pack walks for Bello & Co. Some dogs also like to hop into a canoe, for example for a fishing trip with their master on the Mecklenburg Lake District. Dogs are also welcome on longer boat trips on the Moselle or the Rhine.

City tours

Germany is known for its beautiful cities, which can also be visited with dogs. Large cities such as Munich and Berlin have plenty of green spaces for four-legged friends. In Berlin, the Tiergarten is not only the green lung in the centre of the city, but also a paradise for dogs, while in Munich the English Garden is the equivalent. Small German towns with their medieval markets and city walls offer opportunities to run in front of historic facades. Celle, Wetzlar, Limburg, Bernkastel-Kues, Cochem and Münster are all great places to visit with your dog.

Off into the mountains

From the Weserbergland to the Sauerland, the Taunus and the Rhön, the German low mountain ranges invite you to go hiking, walking and mountain biking. The Black Forest and the Allgäu also offer great excursions in unspoilt nature. Man-made natural areas can be found on the grounds of the state and federal garden shows. Although dogs are not allowed at many of them, some, such as the state garden show in Bad Iburg, now offer dog care. The same applies to zoos and animal parks. In the Serengeti Safari Park Hodenhagen near Walsrode, for example, dogs may be kept on a short lead. Dog kennels are also available.

Dog fairs and events with dogs

Dogs somehow belong at shooting and folk festivals. At dog fairs and shows, masters and mistresses can learn and experience a lot.

February - March

Carnival: Germany's carnival strongholds celebrate with processions and parades.

May - June

1. May Horse racing: Berlin-Hoppegarten racecourse Kieler Woche: world-famous sailing event Harbour and fishing festivals: maritime festivals on the North and East Frisian Islands

July

Summer concerts and local festivals: public concerts are held in many places, which can also be attended with dogs.

November

World Dog Show: the world's largest dog fair in Leipzig Hund & Pferd: trade fair in Dortmund Animal Stuttgart: pet fair

December

Christmas markets: The Christmas markets can be visited with dogs if they are not too crowded.