I always thought that I would have to leave my dog at home when I explored Europe. My dog is a part of my family. He has a wet nose and a heart of gold. Germany changed my mind completely. It is a place where dogs are a normal part of society. You see them in offices, in shops, and even in some of the most luxurious places you can imagine. Within the last ten years, the number of households with dogs in Europe has grown to over 60 million. Germany has about 11 million of these households. This makes it a perfect spot for people like us who love to travel with their furry best friends.
First of all, I want to tell you that planning a trip here is quite easy. You just need to follow some basic rules. If you come from outside the European Union, your pet will need a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and an official health certificate. Lufthansa is a great choice if you need to fly. They allow a maximum of two animals per person. You must register your pet at least 72 hours before you leave. A small dog can stay with you in the cabin, but a large breed must go in the hold. However, you should know that snub-nosed dogs or fighting breeds cannot travel in the hold for safety reasons.
Plus, you will find that most hotels are very open to your pets. About 71 per cent of hotels in Munich and 64 per cent in Berlin allow dogs. They often charge a small fee, which usually starts around €10 to €15 per night. This is a small price to pay to have your best friend with you. I have spent many nights in various cities across this beautiful country. I want to share my favorite spots and some tips to make your journey smooth.
The Luxury of Berlin
Berlin is a city of surprises. It has everything from historic five-star spots to cool design hotels. When we stayed in the center of the city, we felt that the hotels really understood that pets are family.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski
This hotel is legendary. It sits right next to the Brandenburg Gate. I was shocked by how they treat dogs like VIP guests. They gave us an organic pet food selection and a plush bed. Additionally, they offered expert pet-sitting and dog-walking services. The location is perfect. We were only 450 feet from the gate and 2,000 feet from Tiergarten Park. However, luxury has a cost. The pet fee is €95 per stay, and you have to pay a €150 deposit per night.
25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin
We later moved to a more modern spot in the Charlottenburg district. This hotel is very stylish. It sits right next to the Berlin Zoo. They gave us a welcome package that included an oversized dog pillow and a treat bag. I loved that we could eat breakfast with our dog at the Monkey Bar or Neni restaurant. On top of that, they allow multiple pets in one room. The fee here is much lower at €20 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton Berlin
If you want total pamper mode, this is the place. They have a package called The Pawfect Stay. Your dog gets a cuddly lion toy named Roary and a special dinner menu. My dog loved the beef fillet strips with roasted potatoes. The hotel even has a digital dog guide to help you find the best vets and dog shops in the area.
Similarly, the Hotel Berlin, Berlin is a great choice. They do not charge any additional pet fees. This is rare for a big city hotel. They even gave us a custom walking route based on what my dog needed.
Castle Stays for You and Your Pooch
Best Dog Friendly Hotels Across Germany often include castles. You can live like a king or queen in a medieval fortress. Germany has many beautiful castles that welcome four-legged guests.
Schloss Bensberg
This is a 300-year-old Baroque palace near Cologne. It is one of the best dog friendly hotels in germany because it blends history with five-star service. The rooms are huge. Some are up to 120 square meters. They have a restaurant called Vendôme which has three Michelin stars. Your dog can enjoy the extensive grounds while you enjoy the world-class food.
Schlosshotel Kronberg
This castle is near Frankfurt. It was built by Empress Victoria in 1893. We felt like we were in a film. Kristen Stewart even filmed a movie here about Princess Diana. The gardens are in an English style and perfect for long walks. Therefore, it is a top choice for anyone who wants elegance.
Burg Colmberg
We found this 14th-century castle on the Romantic Road in Bavaria. It is very atmospheric with thick walls and wooden beams. The staff are incredibly friendly. We ate hearty Franconian food in a medieval dining room while our dog relaxed at our feet. It is a very cozy spot and costs less than $150 per night.
On the contrary, some castles only allow dogs in the gardens. Schloss Favorite is beautiful, but dogs cannot go inside. You must check the rules before you go to avoid any sad faces.
Exploring the South and the Alps
Southern Germany is famous for the Alps and the Black Forest. It is a paradise for hikers. We spent weeks exploring the trails with our dog.
Hotel Schlehdorn
This four-star hotel is deep in the Black Forest. It is very dog-friendly. You can take your dog almost everywhere except the spa. They even have a restaurant where your dog can sit under the table. We loved the lakes nearby. Schluchsee and Titisee both have spots where dogs can swim.
Naturpark Hotel Grüner Baum
This is another gem in the Black Forest. They only charge €15 per day for one dog. If you bring a second dog, the price is only €25 for both. They provide food bowls and a cozy blanket at the front desk. Gradually, you will realize that the nature here is much better than any city park.
Hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park
We took a nine-kilometer walk through the Aschau Gorge. It was nice and cool inside the gorge. However, you must be careful. Some bridges have metal gratings that can hurt a dog’s paws. My dog was a bit nervous at first, but he did a great job.
First of all, make sure you bring enough water for your dog during these hikes. A collapsible bowl is a must-have item. You should also bring a first aid kit and tick tweezers. Ticks are a concern in the woods here.
The Port City of Munich
Munich is the gateway to the Alps. It is a city that loves its beer and its dogs.
Meininger Hotels
We stayed at one of the two Meininger spots in the heart of the city. They are very affordable. You can stay in a private room with your pet for just €15 extra per night. They even have a shared kitchen if you want to cook your own meals.
Hotel Jedermann
This is a nice three-star hotel about ten minutes from the city center. It costs around $176 per night. Additionally, they have a concierge who can help you find the best dog parks.
We spent a lot of time in the English Garden. It is one of the largest parks in the world. There is a designated meadow where dogs can run off-leash. My dog loved meeting other playmates there. Gradually, we made friends with many local owners.
Beach Days on the Baltic Sea
Northern Germany has some of the best beaches for dogs. The coastline is about 2,000 kilometers long. You can find many places where your dog can jump in the water and play in the sand.
Binz on Rügen Island
This is a very popular seaside resort. The North Beach is specially for dogs. They can run off-lead all year round there. However, from May to September, dogs are not allowed on the main beach. You must use the designated dog areas during those months. We stayed at the Nymphe Strandhotel. About 45 per cent of their guests bring dogs. They have a creative restaurant called Strandlücke that welcomes pets.
Usedom Island
This is another paradise. The Kaiserbäder resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin have four dog beaches. The climate is great for both humans and animals. Finally, we found a dog flyer at the tourist office that showed us all the best routes.
Ahrenshoop
This beach has an “artists’ colony” feel. It is about 80 meters wide with powdery sand. Leashes are compulsory all year round here, but it is still a beautiful spot for a walk. After a swim, you can walk to a viewing platform to see the red thatched roofs of the village.
A Journey Along the Rhine
The Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is famous for its wine and its beautiful landscapes.
Parkhotel Andernach
This hotel sits directly on the banks of the Rhine. Dogs are expressly allowed in the rooms. They charge only €9 extra per dog per night. We took a trip to the volcano park nearby and our dog loved the long walks. Spring is a great time to visit because flowers bloom early in the deep valley. However, you should bring your own dog food because the hotel does not offer any.
I once looked for the best dog friendly hotels france has to offer. They are great, but the dog friendly country hotels in Germany feel very special. The forests here are dense and cool, and the rivers are refreshing.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
Dog friendly germany is a reality, but you must know the local customs. People here expect dogs to be well-behaved. Many owners take their pets to behavior classes.
Dining Out
Most restaurants and cafes allow dogs. Traditional brauhaus spots and small cafes are your best bet. I was surprised to find that many burger shops and kebab shops do not allow dogs inside. Also, German bakeries are usually off-limits for pets. You will see a sign at the door that says “I must remain outside”. The only exception is in train stations where the bakery is just a counter.
Shopping
Dogs are allowed in many shops and shopping malls. However, they are usually not allowed in grocery stores or supermarkets for hygiene reasons. Always check for a sign at the entrance.
Public Transport
You can take your dog on almost any form of public transport. Deutsche Bahn is the main train operator. Small dogs in a carrier travel for free. Large dogs need a child’s fare ticket. Additionally, large dogs must wear a leash and a muzzle on the train. In Berlin, if you buy a day ticket for yourself, you can often bring your dog for free.
Walking Your Dog
Leash rules vary by state and city. Generally, you must use a leash in busy areas or during the breeding season in nature parks (March to July). Always pick up after your dog. You can find free waste bags at tourist offices or near public toilets in many towns.
More Top Hotel Choices
I have gathered some data on other great spots you might consider. Similarly, these places have high ratings from other travelers.
- Hotel Palace Berlin: This hotel has a location score of 9.5. It is right across from the Berlin Zoo. They offer pet-friendly room service and soundproofed rooms.
- Regent Berlin: This is a very elegant spot with marble floors. They offer professional dog sitting and special housekeeping preparations for your pet.
- InterContinental Berlin: They have a welcome package with a toy and a surprise treat. They allow two dogs per room up to 37.5 kg.
- Mair am Ort (Italy): While not in Germany, many German travelers go here. It was the first dog hotel in South Tyrol. They have a dog pool and even dog massages.
Interesting Facts and Statistics
- There are over 130 professional orchestras in Germany, which is more than any other country.
- The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest fair in the world.
- The minimum wage in Germany is €12.00 an hour as of 2023.
- A city tax of 5.35% applies to hotel stays in Berlin.
- 71% of hotels in Munich allow pets, which is higher than Berlin at 64%.
Tips from Fellow Travelers
I found some great advice on a forum. A user named KatzenMutter818 asked if it is common for hotels to allow pets in large cities. A helpful user named bobs-not-your-uncle replied that the Accor chain is 100% pet friendly. This includes brands like Ibis, Novotel, and Mercure. Another traveler named prosonik mentioned that finding hotels for cats can be harder than for dogs.
A user named WeeblsLikePie shared a funny story about a cat peeing in its carrier on a flight. They had to bathe the cat in a hotel sink! I do not recommend that experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most dog-friendly city in Germany?
- Berlin is often considered the most dog-friendly city, as it offers a vast range of accommodations from five-star properties to boutique hotels and features numerous green spaces like the Großer Tiergarten Park. Munich and Hamburg are also highly popular for their blend of history, art, and pet-welcoming outdoor areas.
- Which hotel chain is the most dog-friendly?
- Several chains are noted for their pet policies: Accor (including Ibis) is frequently cited as 100% pet-friendly, while Scandic welcomes dogs at all its locations. Marriott Bonvoy is regarded as one of the most welcoming luxury groups, and MEININGER Hotels offers shared kitchens and low pet fees starting at €15.
- Where to go in Germany with a dog?
- Popular destinations include the Baltic Sea Coast for its dog-friendly beaches and the Black Forest for nature trails. Urban explorers often choose Berlin, Munich, or Cologne, while those seeking history visit Quedlinburg or stay in dog-friendly castles across Bavaria and Thuringia.
- Can dogs go everywhere in Germany?
- Dogs are a normal part of society and are welcome in most places, provided they are well-behaved. However, exceptions exist: they are typically excluded from grocery stores, bakeries, certain kebab shops, and most museum or church interiors.
- Can you leave a dog in a hotel room by itself?
- While leaving a dog alone all day is discouraged, most hotels have no strict rule against short periods of solitude and often provide “dog in room” door-hangers to alert staff. Some hotels, like those in the Black Forest, specify that dogs must remain in the room if their owners are using the wellness or spa areas.
- What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
- The Baltic Sea is a top choice due to designated dog beaches like those in Binz and Prerow, where pets can run off-leash. Sylt is also highly recommended and is frequently referred to as “Dog Island” for its exceptional pet facilities.
- Is Germany a pet-friendly country?
- Yes, Germany is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, with pets being integrated into daily life, including workplaces and public transport.
- Can dogs fly in cabin Lufthansa?
- Yes, Lufthansa allows animals to be transported in the cabin or the hold, depending on their size and weight.
- Can you take a dog into a restaurant in Germany?
- Most restaurants and cafes allow dogs both inside and outside, particularly traditional brauhaus establishments. It is common to see well-mannered dogs sitting quietly under tables while their owners dine.
- How do I travel with my dog to Germany?
- Travelers from the EU need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Those arriving from outside the EU must provide a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate.
- How to avoid dog tax in Germany?
- Short-term visitors and tourists are exempt from the dog tax; it is generally only required for those living in Germany permanently.
Concluding words
Germany is an exceptional destination for pet owners, offering a diverse range of accommodations from five-star luxury hotels in Berlin to historic castle stays and nature-centric retreats in the Black Forest. The country’s high standards of pet hospitality ensure that dogs are welcome on public transport, in most restaurants, and at numerous designated dog beaches along the Baltic Sea. By following local leash regulations and maintaining high standards of canine behaviour, travellers can enjoy a seamless and inclusive holiday with their four-legged companions.
