What do you have to pay attention to?
For a relaxing trip to the dog beach, there are a few important things you should keep in mind:
- Leash requirement: Find out if and where you have to put your dog on a leash on the beach. There are stricter regulations, particularly around nature reserves, to protect nature and native animal species. You can often face a high fine if you don't comply with the leash requirement.
- Droppings: It goes without saying that you should clean up your dog's droppings. You can often find dispensers for poop bags on beaches. It's best to bring a few bags with you.
- Be considerate: Dog beaches are very popular and well attended, especially during peak season. You should therefore be considerate of other beach visitors, whether with or without four-legged companions, and always keep an eye on your dog.
- Tourist tax: On many beaches on the Baltic and North Seas, it is not only holidaymakers who have to pay tourist tax. There is also often a small fee for animal companions.
I pack my beach bag and take with me…
- fresh water
- snacks and treats
- towels for drying off
- toy
- life jacket for dogs
- leash and collar
- blanket
- poop bags
- sun protection
- first aid kit for emergencies
Dog beaches at the North Sea
- Norddeich (Norden) : The fenced-in green and sandy beach offers your dog plenty of space to romp around. There are also agility equipment that you can use to really let off steam. However, you must keep your dog on a leash on the rest of the beach.
- Utersum (Föhr) : On the island of Föhr, your four-legged friend can move freely and without a leash on the huge dog beach in Utersum. However, dogs must be kept on a leash in the dunes.
- Sahlburg (Cuxhaven) : With direct access to the water, your dog will definitely feel at home here. There are also showers for dogs and a drinking water station. Dogs must be kept on a leash on the beach.
Dog beaches at the Baltic Sea
- Grömitz : The spa town offers two different dog beaches, which you can even enjoy without a leash.
- Timmendorfer Strand : There is a separate dog beach near the beach promenade, including beach chair rental. Perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.
- Heiligenhafen : A visit with your dog to the dog beach in Heiligenhafen is definitely worth it. Off the leash, with a place in a beach chair and a view of a picturesque beach, you will have a wonderful time here. Outside of the breeding season, from November to March, dogs are also allowed on all other beaches in Heiligenhafen.
From the Netherlands to Denmark: The most beautiful dog beaches in Europe
- Texel (Netherlands): The beaches on the Dutch island of Texel are a paradise for every four-legged friend. Your dog can romp around to his heart's content on almost all beaches. In summer, dogs must be kept on a leash only on the guarded beach areas and in the nudist areas.
- Lakolk (Denmark) : A real insider tip for those who like it a little quieter and look forward to long walks on the white sand. A special feature of the dog beach on the Danish North Sea island of Rømø is that you can drive there by car.
- Lake Hallstatt (Austria): If you don't necessarily have to go to the North Sea or Baltic Sea, you can visit Lake Hallstatt in Austria with your dog. You can enjoy the landscape here with your four-legged friend without a leash.
- Plage de Gironde à Lanton (France) : Many French resorts have strict policies regarding dogs on the beach or do not tolerate dogs at all at certain times of the year. Near Bordeaux you will find a small section of beach that is specially designed for dogs.
Why dog beaches are also attractive in winter
A visit to the dog beach is not only worthwhile in the warm season. The beaches offer a welcome change, especially in the cold season. The cool air and the empty beaches invite you to take long walks, during which your dog can enjoy the fresh breeze. In the off-season, many beaches are less visited. This can be an advantage, especially if your dog feels uncomfortable in large crowds.
