Camping with dog on the Baltic Sea

Throwing sticks on the beach, running over dunes and running for hours next to the bike over the dykes - dogs are rarely as happy as when on holiday with their masters and mistresses on the coast. Nowadays, four-legged companions are no longer just tolerated when camping at the Baltic Sea , they are more than welcome. The most dog-friendly campsites offer exercise areas, courses and dog schools nearby.

Destinations

There are far more dog-friendly campsites on the German Baltic Sea coast than on the German North Sea coast. The short journey from Germany, the high recreational value and the moderate temperatures make the coastal region very popular with dog owners. Near Zingst and on the extensive islands of Fehmarn and Rügen , there are ideal conditions for camping with dogs on the Baltic Sea.

Most of the campsites on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula are located directly on the beach. Some beaches are only open to dogs from October until spring. In summer, spacious campsites with meadows and deciduous trees or in the pine forests are a better choice than the popular sites along the coast. Beautiful dog-friendly campsites can be found in Dierhagen, for example. In addition to dog showers, there are dog toilets in case your tail-wagging favourite doesn't make it to the forest.

There are some fantastic campsites on the island of Fehmarn that are ideal for camping with dogs by the Baltic Sea. Thanks to small hedges and bushes, privacy is created between the pitches and neighbouring dogs don't get in each other's way. Some pitches offer park-like walking paths and artificial ponds. Dog showers are available after walks on the beach.

Rügen is the largest island in the Baltic Sea and a paradise for dogs. It is famous for its natural beaches, breathtaking chalk cliffs and historic seaside resorts. There are beaches almost everywhere where four-legged friends are allowed to jump into the water. From the campsites in the green belt outside Rappin, your pet can run straight into the forest, and there are also dog playgrounds and dog showers so that it doesn't get too sandy in the caravan or motorhome.

Top tips

• The descriptions on the campsite pages range from Dogs allowed to We have a heart for animals. Such phrases give a good impression of the dog-friendly atmosphere on the campsite.
• The most dog-friendly campsite is less interesting if there is no dog beach nearby or if four-legged friends are only allowed in the water during the winter season.
• The larger campsites on the Baltic Sea now have small food shops as standard. Not all of them stock dog food and if they do, it is often more expensive than in your local supermarket. To save money, it is advisable to take enough food and treats with you from home.
• Campsites that offer a dog shower or dog toilet are a good choice. The four-legged friends can also relieve themselves late at night in the fenced-in areas. Plastic bags are available here to dispose of their waste properly.

Activities and excursions

Beach, dune and dyke walks are among the favourite activities of dogs and their owners, and well-behaved pooches can also go to the museum.

Dog cycle paths on the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea cycle path stretches from the Danish border near Flensburg along the Baltic Sea to Usedom. In total, the coastal route is almost 800 kilometres long. The landscape is particularly attractive for dogs. There are picnic facilities and highlights such as lighthouses, manor houses and fishing villages along the route. Bicycles with trailers can be hired in the villages so that your pooch can take a breather.

Pack walk on the Baltic Sea

Dogs are sociable animals and enjoy travelling in packs or with the whole family. On Rügen, so-called pack walks are offered in the Jasmund National Park. In the area of the chalk cliffs, however, the four-legged friends must be kept on a lead. In addition to professionally organised tours, there are also spontaneous excursions with your dog from the campsite. There are over 400 kilometres of hiking trails for dogs and their masters along the Baltic Sea coast.

Open-air museums

Most open-air museums on the Baltic Sea can be visited with dogs on a lead. The Schwerin-Mueß Open-Air Museum, the Groß Raden Archaeological Open-Air Museum and the State Museum of Folklore in Molfsee near Kiel are also open to Bello & Co.

Events

From harbour festivals to open-air festivals - numerous events on the Baltic Sea can also be enjoyed with dogs.

June

• Kieler Woche: From the promenade at the harbour, dogs and their owners can soak up the atmosphere of one of the largest and oldest sailing events in the world.
• The Störtebeker Festival also invites dog owners to the open-air stages from June to September. The spectacle with fireworks is more suitable for dogs with sensitive ears.

July

• Warnemünde Week: A wide variety of boat classes race off the coast of the Baltic seaside resort of Warnemünde. The races can be watched from the shore.
• The cultural summer at Cape Arkona invites visitors to open-air theatre, song recitals and street art.

August

• The Hanse Sail is one of the largest maritime events in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Those who don't sail along can enjoy the side programme on land.