Camping with dog in North Rhine-Westphalia

Without question, North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most populous and diverse federal states. The Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region with its industrial and cultural cities dominates the region. Here, dog-friendly campsites beckon on the banks of the Rhine and in the Ruhr Valley. From here, dog owners can simply set off into the countryside or go cycling. In addition to the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation, the varied landscape is also impressive: large reservoirs, mountain ranges and dense forests are particularly attractive for campers with dogs.

Destinations

The Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region impresses with its dog-friendly cities. The Rhine is not only a great place to walk your dog, but also an excellent place to camp. Well-kept green spaces also make city trips attractive for dog owners. Duisburg has a dog café and the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, which is well worth a visit. Many industrial monuments such as the Zollverein colliery can be visited with dogs. The Blaue Lagune campsite is a lovely place to camp right by the water. Located to the west of Düsseldorf in Straelen, the caravan and motorhome site is right next to a small bathing lake. The dense pine forests of the Sauerland stretch from Westphalia to Hesse. The low mountain range offers numerous attractions, such as the Warsteiner brewery, the Möhne dam, the Atta cave, the Fort Fun amusement park and the bobsleigh run as well as the ski jumps in the winter sports resort of Winterberg. The most famous hiking trail is the 156.8 km long Rothaarsteig from Brilon to Dillenburg. This long-distance hiking trail can be completed in several stages.

A dog-friendly campsite in North Rhine-Westphalia is located in Winterberg. The Hochsauerland camping park has 70-110 m² pitches for motorhomes and campervans. There are dog showers and plenty of exercise for your four-legged friend. The site is open all year round and is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The Eifel is a low mountain range between North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate and is characterised by its proximity to the Rhine and its many wine-growing areas. The pitches at the Eifel-Camp Freilinger See are around 80-180 m² in size. The campsite, which has been awarded 4 ADAC stars, has a terraced meadow area with dog showers. Guided cycling and hiking tours are also offered.

Top tips

• Holidaymakers in the greater Detmold area can visit two historical sights with their dog: the Detmold Open-Air Museum and the monumental Hermann Monument. The view over the Teutoburg Forest from the highest statue in Germany is unrivalled.
• The Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest are also of cultural and historical significance. The striking sandstone rock formation is a protected natural and cultural monument and is located in a park-like area that is easy to visit with a dog.
• Every first Friday of the month is doggy day at the Neandertal Museum in Mettmann. Dogs are allowed in the museum from 2.00 pm.
• The Xanten Archaeological Park is also an insider tip for dog owners interested in culture and history. Particularly clever: poop bags are even handed out at the ticket office.

Activities and excursions

In North Rhine-Westphalia, dogs and their owners can experience a lot together.

For water and boat lovers

For many dogs, it's great fun to be whisked through the countryside in a canoe or kayak. With their snouts stretched out into the wind, they pass the most beautiful landscapes. In the Teutoburg Forest alone, there are more than eight recommended canoe tours on the Werre, Weser or Bega. The Ruhr and Rhine are also suitable for trips on the water or for swimming. On most excursion boats, for example between Cologne and Koblenz past the Loreley, dogs are allowed on a lead as passengers.

Cultural and nature programme in Cologne

Cologne is a sociable city for dogs and their owners. The Rhine meadows invite you to take long walks, and the city centre is surrounded by a green belt suitable for walking, cycling and jogging. In the breweries, four-legged friends are welcome to take a seat under the table. Although they don't get a Kölsch beer here, they are served a bowl of water. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside Cologne Cathedral.

Zoos and animal parks for dogs in NRW

Dogs usually have to stay outside, but not in NRW. There are five zoos in this dog-rich federal state alone where Bello & Co. are very welcome. At Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, dogs are allowed on a lead, and dogs are also allowed at Bochum Zoo and Fossilium, as well as at Hamm Zoo. Dogs only have to wait in front of the petting enclosure, but there are drinking stations for thirsty slobbery tongues throughout the park. At the all-weather zoo in Münster, your animal companion doesn't even have to pay admission, but dogs must be kept on a short lead. Four-legged friends have to wait outside the horse museum, petting zoo and monkey house, but there are bowls with drinking water everywhere in Münster. Dogs are also admitted to the Brüggen Nature and Animal Park and the Gangelt Wildlife Park.

Events

North Rhine-Westphalia is home to numerous events all year round. Some of them are suitable for dogs.

May - June

• Ruhr Festival: One of the oldest theatre festivals in Europe transforms Recklinghausen into an international cultural stage. Theatre and live music are not only staged classically in the Festspielhaus, but also at numerous open-air venues: ideal for a visit with your four-legged companion.

May - September

• Rhine in Flames: From May to September, the fireworks spectacle puts the Rhine in the limelight in many places, accompanied by a musical and culinary programme. You can marvel at the fireworks in a relaxed atmosphere on a river cruise, but it is not for sensitive dog ears.

December

• Christmas markets: The Christmas markets in Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Cologne should only be visited with dogs on weekdays in the early afternoon if it is not too crowded.