Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Germany

Germany offers many beautiful and diverse dog-friendly beaches along the North Sea and Baltic Sea—perfect for a weekend trip or a longer beach holiday with your four-legged companion. This guide features the best beaches for dogs in Germany, highlighting their locations and leash rules.

What to know before you go?

Check the rules: Some beaches allow off-leash dogs, others require leashes at all times. Always verify local regulations.
Research the location: Look up whether the beach is natural, urban, crowded, or quiet—choose one that suits your dog’s personality.
Bring fresh water and a bowl: Avoid letting your dog drink seawater.
Protect against heat: Hot sand and strong sun can be dangerous. Bring shade (umbrella, pop-up tent) and avoid midday hours.
Pack waste bags: Always clean up after your dog, even on natural beaches.
Towel & cleaning supplies: Many beaches don’t have dog showers—come prepared to clean sandy paws.
Know your dog: Only visit public spaces if your dog is socialized and responds to basic commands like “come” and “stay.”
Watch for wildlife or hazards: Seaweed, jellyfish, or sharp shells can pose risks—stay alert.
Leash & ID tag: Even on off-leash beaches, it’s good to keep a leash and identification on your dog at all times.

1. Dog Beach in Norden-Norddeich

Norden-Norddeich, a popular seaside resort on the North Sea, has a 2-hectare beach area specifically for dogs. No leash is required, making it a perfect spot for dogs to run and play freely. The beach is very popular, so expect some company—but if you and your dog enjoy socializing, you’ll love it here.

Location: North Sea coast, Lower Saxony
Leash Rules: No leash required

2. Dog Beach on Juist Island

Juist, a car-free East Frisian island, is often called a "dog paradise." The island provides dog waste stations, and you’ll find wide, sandy dog beaches on both sides of the main bathing beach. In Ostdorf, there's even an off-leash dog park. Note: Outside of these areas, leashes are required.

Location: Car-free East Frisian island
Leash Rules: Required in most areas outside dog zones. Off-Leash area in Ostdorf.

3. Dog Beach on Spiekeroog Island

Spiekeroog is a peaceful, green, car-free island in the Wadden Sea National Park. While most of the island has leash requirements, there’s a dedicated off-leash dog beach east of the main beach, separated by a barrier. You can relax in a beach chair while your dog runs freely.

Location: East Frisian island in Wadden Sea National Park
Leash Rules: Leashes required island-wide, except at the dog beach

4. Dog Beaches in St. Peter-Ording

This famous spa town offers five dog-friendly beaches and two off-leash areas. The beach near the “Bad” district is especially popular and features a flat shoreline, ideal for splashing in the sea. With pine forests and salt meadows nearby, it’s also perfect for long walks.

Location: North Sea, Schleswig-Holstein
Leash Rules: Required in most areas; 2 off-leash areas

Check out our pet friendly holiday house in St. Peter-Ording:

5. Schwedeneck in the Eckernförde Bay

Schwedeneck is a natural and quiet beach located on the Baltic Sea. With forested cliffs and deep blue water, it feels like a hidden paradise. Infrastructure is minimal, but freedom is plentiful—dogs can usually run off-leash, making this a great choice for nature lovers.

Location: Baltic Sea coast, Schleswig-Holstein
Leash Rules: Usually no leash required

6. Dog Beaches in Kühlungsborn

Kühlungsborn is known as the “Green City by the Sea,” and it's easy to see why. A nearby forest offers cool shade, while three dog beaches (east, central, and west) provide leash-free zones. The gently sloping shoreline is great for dogs that love the water.

Location: Baltic Sea, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Leash Rules: No leash required

7. Dog Beaches on Fischland-Darß-Zingst

This stunning peninsula boasts white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. While leash rules apply generally, they're often relaxed on quiet beach sections. In Prerow, there is a designated leash-free dog beach with waste bins and doggy bags provided.

Location: Baltic Sea peninsula between Rostock and Stralsund
Leash Rules: Generally required, but relaxed in quiet areas. Official off-leash zone in Prerow

8. Ahlbeck Dog Beach on Usedom

Usedom is famous for its fine sandy beaches. The 1.2 km-long dog beach in Ahlbeck is spacious, leash-free, and equipped with trash bins and even beach chairs. A small nearby forest offers shade on sunny days—perfect for dogs and owners alike.

Location: Usedom Island, Baltic Sea
Leash Rules: No leash required

9. Binz Dog Beaches on Rügen

Binz is one of Germany’s most beautiful beach towns, and it offers two dog-friendly beaches. The main one is located near the famous pier, while another can be found near the IFA resort. Both feature soft white sand and no leash requirement.

Location: Binz, Rügen Island
Leash Rules: No leash required

10. Travemünde Dog Beaches

In Lübeck Bay, Travemünde features two dog beaches. One has a special bathing pier at Brodtner Ufer; the other, located on the Priwall Peninsula, has shallow water and white sand—ideal for dogs who love to swim and dig.

Location: Lübeck Bay, Baltic Sea
Leash Rules: No leash required

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are dogs allowed on all German beaches?

No, dogs are only allowed on designated dog beaches or during the off-season.

Do I need to keep my dog on a leash?

It depends on the beach. Most dog beaches listed here allow off-leash activity, but on islands and national parks, leashes are typically required.

What should I bring to a dog beach?

Always carry water, waste bags, and a towel. In some areas, shade or shelter is limited, so plan accordingly.