Germany
The best of Germany to experience with your dog
Germany is one of those destinations that quietly surprises you, with beautiful nature, endless hiking options, and plenty of history along the way. I explored parts of it with my dogs and loved how easy it was to combine forest walks and scenic viewpoints with visits to charming towns and castles. The landscapes are varied, making it a great place for relaxed hikes with your dog. It’s an easy, no-fuss country to travel through, and one I’d happily keep coming back to for more outdoor adventures.
The ultimate guide to Germany | dog friendly hikes & spots to visit
Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is a beautiful stop to make when you’re exploring Germany with your dog. From the parking area, it’s a lovely uphill walk through the forest that slowly reveals the castle tucked away in the valley. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the castle itself, walking around the grounds is absolutely worth it for the views alone. Afterward, we headed down to the creek behind the castle, where the dogs could splash around in the water, with a stunning view of Burg Eltz towering above, a perfect way to end the visit.
Winterberg
Winterberg is best known as a ski area, but it’s also a great destination for hiking with your dog. The surrounding forests offer plenty of walking trails, making it a really nice place to explore year-round. When we visited in March, there was still some snow left, which made the walks even more fun, especially for the dogs. They absolutely loved sniffing around the forest and playing in the snowy patches along the trails.
Cochem
Cochem is a lovely village to explore with your dog, with beautiful views of the castle overlooking the town and river. We really enjoyed walking along the water, taking in the scenery and wandering through the streets at a relaxed pace. It’s a great place for an easy stroll with plenty to look at, and the dogs enjoyed exploring just as much as we did. I would avoid visiting in peak summer if your dog isn’t comfortable with crowds, as it can get quite busy, but outside of high season it’s a fantastic and very walkable place to visit. Good to note: have cash on you. The last time we visited not all restaurants/cafes accepted card.
Trier
Trier has an absolutely stunning city center and is a wonderful place for a relaxed stroll with your dog. The main square is beautiful, and the Porta Nigra, the impressive Roman city gate, is a real highlight and makes wandering through the city feel extra special. Even in winter there are plenty of cozy outdoor terraces to stop for a drink or a bite. We also found a great, affordable spot in the center for a currywurst (Schlemmerland Imbiss) definitely worth it, just make sure to bring some cash, just in case.
Steinhauer hike | Losheim am See
The Steinhauer hike in Losheim am See is an almost 11 km trail and easily one of the most stunning hikes in the area. The route takes you through a great variety of forest landscapes, past impressive rock formations, and along a very well-marked path with interesting historical information along the way. You’ll also cross several small creeks, which my dog Dunya absolutely loved splashing through and cooling off in. Parking is straightforward and conveniently located right at the start of the trail, making it an easy hike to plan. If you’re anywhere near Losheim am See, this hike is an absolute must.
The Black Forest
The Black Forest is one of those regions that instantly makes you want to slow down and explore more. There are endless beautiful hikes, from gentle forest walks to longer, more challenging trails, and just driving through the area is an experience in itself with scenic roads and plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. The mix of dense forests, rolling hills, valleys, and small villages makes every day feel different, and it’s incredibly easy to plan dog-friendly outings here. We found it to be a great place to travel with dogs: lots of shade, quiet paths, fresh air, and plenty of space for them to explore. If you're looking for a place to stay here, check out this hotel.
Neuschwanstein castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is just as magical in real life as it looks in photos, and the hike up to the viewpoints is absolutely worth it. We walked both up and down, and even in the rain it was very doable, with a beautiful forest trail along the way. There is a shuttle bus, but dogs aren’t allowed on it, so hiking is the best option if you’re visiting with your pup. We explored several viewpoints for photos and skipped going inside the castle since dogs aren’t allowed, but simply wandering around the area was already a great experience. At the bottom, near the parking area, you’ll find plenty of shops and cafés, making it a nice place to relax before or after the walk.
Dog-friendly stays in Germany
Saarland
Spacious dog friendly apartment in Hausbach located right next to the forest.
For the full review, please click here
The Black Forest
Dog friendly hotel in the middle of the Black Forest with delicious breakfast.
For the full review, please click here