First of all, I must say that I love traveling with my dog. My four-legged friend is a cherished member of my family. We recently explored the area around Münster and the broader North Rhine-Westphalia region. Germany is truly one of the most dog-friendly countries I have ever visited. Dogs are a normal part of society here. It is not even rare to see people take their dogs to work. Therefore, I knew this trip would be a total game-changer for us. If you want a Münster and Surrounds – Top Dog Friendly Hotels for a Relaxed Getaway in Germany, you are in the right place. I have gathered so much data and personal stories to share.
The Journey Begins: How We Got There
First of all, you need to know about the travel rules. I traveled into Germany, and the rules are quite clear. If you come from another EU country, your dog needs a microchip and an EU pet passport. They also need a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before the trip. However, if you come from outside the EU, like the United States, you need an EU health certificate. There is an import fee of 55 euro for pets coming from outside the EU. Frankfurt International Airport may also charge 35 to 55 euro per pet. This fee increases by 50 percent on weekends or holidays.
We used the train a lot. The main operator is Deutsche Bahn. Small dogs that fit in a carrier travel for free. My dog is a bit bigger. Therefore, I had to buy a child’s fare ticket for him. He also had to wear a leash and a muzzle. I learned that some ticket inspectors are very strict about the muzzle. One lady even yelled at a passenger because their dog was on the seat. You should always keep your dog on the floor. Plus, I found a new app called next.db that lets you add a dog to your ticket easily.
Luxury Near the City: Schloss Bensberg
I wanted a bit of magic for our stay near the city. Gradually, Finally, we found Schloss Bensberg. This hotel is a majestic 300-year-old Baroque palace. It is located in Bergisch Gladbach, which is very close to Cologne and Düsseldorf. This area is a great base for exploring the surrounds of Münster.
The palace is enormous. It has 5 stars and some of the best facilities I have ever seen. The restaurant there, Vendôme, has 3 Michelin stars. It is often called the best restaurant in all of Germany. On top of that, the views are breathtaking. You can see the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine Valley from the rooms.
The rooms are very elegant. They have marble bathrooms and very comfortable beds. Some suites are as large as 120 square meters. The Presidential Suite even has a private sauna and hot tub. However, I recommend avoiding the basic single or double rooms if you have a big dog. They can be a bit tight for space. Prices here usually fall between $150 and $300 per night. It is one of the best dog friendly hotels in germany.
Retro Vibes in Düsseldorf: HENRI Metropolitan House
Later, we stayed in Düsseldorf. This city is very close to Münster and easy to reach by train. We chose the HENRI Metropolitan House Düsseldorf. I loved the style of this place. It has a retro design inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. It is located in the Pempelfort district. You can walk to the famous Königsallee shopping street from here.
The hotel feels very cozy. Additionally, it has a wellness area with a sauna and steam bath. There are 79 rooms in total. It is a great spot for a relaxed getaway. On top of that, I found that most hotels in this region are very welcoming. Research shows that 64% of hotels in Berlin and 71% of hotels in Munich allow pets. Similarly, the hotels in the Düsseldorf and Münster surrounds follow this trend. You will usually pay a fee starting from €10 per night for your dog.
Finding Peace in the Forest: Harz Eco Lodges
I also wanted to see the nature of Germany. We drove a few hours to the southern Harz Mountains to stay at the Harz Eco Lodges. This place is in a town called Bad Sachsa. It is a brand-new boutique holiday park. At that time, the winter air was crisp and fresh.
The houses are made of wood and have private saunas. Our house was surprisingly spacious. It had a double bedroom and two rooms with single beds. This setup gave my dog his own quiet spot to relax. The kitchen was fully equipped. I loved the bright living room. Plus, we could walk straight into the forest for our morning walks.
Harz Eco Lodges is truly dog-friendly. The staff were very welcoming. They made us feel at ease immediately. Additionally, the area has many hiking trails. We went on a full-day hike and climbed small mountains. My dog loved every minute of it. If you go in December, you can visit the Bad Sachsa Christmas Market. It is like a fairytale with twinkling lights and Glühwein.
A Specialized Wellness Stay: Hotel Okelmann’s
Also, I must mention Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony. This is a family-run eco-hotel. Two sisters, Maren and Kristin, run the place. They are the third generation of their family to do so. They have a deep love for dogs that you can feel everywhere.
They offer a special package called “Hundeleeve”. The town of Warpe is surrounded by fields and forests. Most of the rooms for dog owners have direct access to the garden. On top of that, they have a small restaurant and café called Café Heimatliebe. They even have an integrated concept store where you can buy dog treats and accessories.
One of the coolest things was Yin Doga. This is a private yoga class where your dog can join you and relax. If you do not like yoga, you can try a sound bath with your dog. They use singing bowls on the humans to help them relax. Therefore, this is a perfect spot for anyone who wants a wellness break with their pup. Similarly, they provide a welcome treat for the dog when you check in.
Practical Tips for the Münster Area
First of all, you must know where dogs are allowed. In Germany, dogs are generally allowed in most restaurants and cafes. You will often see several dogs lying at their masters’ feet at neighboring tables. However, you should look for signs. Some places, like many kebab shops or certain burger restaurants, do not allow dogs inside. Similarly, dogs are almost never allowed in bakeries or grocery stores.
You will often see a sign that says “Wir müssen draußen bleiben”. This means “We must stay outside”. On top of that, dogs are forbidden on playgrounds and in supermarkets. However, they are usually welcome in shopping malls. Always check the doors for any signs.
Public transport in the Münster region is excellent. You can use buses, trams, and trains to reach almost every corner. In the VRR region, which includes some of the surrounding areas, taking your pet is often free. However, you must ensure the safety and order of the vehicle. You should not let your dog bother other passengers.
Training and Fun in the Black Forest
Though it is further from Münster, the Black Forest is a top spot for dog lovers. I heard about the Roth family and their dream holiday homes there. They have homes in places like Enzklösterle and Alpirsbach. These homes often have fenced properties. This means your dog can roam the garden safely.
They provide amazing things like orthopedic dog mattresses and food bowls. The mattresses are made of thermoelastic memory foam. They even have faux sheepskin on the surface for a restful sleep. Therefore, your dog will feel like royalty.
You can even combine your holiday with dog training. A training school called Beutelgreifer does sessions there. They do mantrailing in the winding streets of Altensteig. They also do tracking work with Gouda cheese. One trainer even wore a Halloween mask and hid behind a rock to help dogs build trust with their owners. It is a very cool experience for both the dog and the human.
Coastal Escapes: Dog Beaches and Rules
If you want a change of pace, the North Sea and Baltic Sea are great. Sylt has 15 designated dog beaches. In most of these spots, dogs can run without a leash. Similarly, Rügen has 14 dog beaches. However, you should be careful if your dog drinks seawater. Plus, swallowing salt water can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. I suggest you avoid playing fetch in the water to prevent this.
On the contrary, some islands like Amrum require a leash everywhere because of breeding birds. Each resort sets its own rules, so you should check with local authorities. During the off-season, from October to March, many more beaches open up to dogs.
Finding the Right Price: Duisburg and Beyond
Therefore, if you are on a budget, look at Duisburg. It is very close to Münster. I found several hotels where dogs stay for free.
- Hotel Ramor Garni has an excellent rating of 8.9.
- Central Pension is a good 3-star choice.
- Apartment Sunny is just 3.3 miles from the city and has a 9.7 rating.
- Minsu Hotel is another great option where dogs stay free.
These spots are very cost-effective. Also, they provide convenience for pet owners who want to explore the Münster and Surrounds – Top Dog Friendly Hotels for a Relaxed Getaway in Germany.
FAQ
What is the most dog-friendly city in Germany?
While many cities are welcoming, Berlin and Munich are highly rated, with 64% of Berlin hotels and 71% of Munich hotels being pet-friendly. Berlin specifically allows dogs in many restaurants and bars.
Where to go in Germany with a dog?
You can visit the Black Forest for extensive hiking, the Harz Mountains for eco-lodges, or the Baltic and North Sea for designated dog beaches. For history, Quedlinburg is a charming medieval town where dogs are welcome to join your wanderings.
Is Germany a dog-friendly country?
Yes, it is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, where dogs are a normal part of society and often accompany owners to work. Dogs are welcome nearly everywhere if they meet high standards of behavior.
How do I travel with my dog to Germany?
Pets from the EU or Switzerland need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Those traveling from outside the EU also require an EU health certificate (Annex IV) and potentially a rabies titre test.
Which European country is most dog-friendly?
Germany is a top contender, though the UK has the highest population of dog households in Europe at 12 million, followed by Germany with 11 million.
Are restaurants in Germany dog friendly?
Most restaurants and cafes allow dogs both inside and outside, and many will even provide a bowl of water. However, they are strictly forbidden in supermarkets, most bakeries, and some specific food shops.
Can dogs fly in cabin Lufthansa?
Yes, Lufthansa is one of the airlines that permits pets. Generally, only small dogs and cats are allowed to fly in the cabin.
Which country has the most dog lovers?
Based on household numbers, the United Kingdom leads Europe with 12 million dog households, while Germany follows closely with 11 million.
Is Germany ok for dogs?
Germany is an excellent destination for dogs because they are permitted on all forms of public transport and in most outdoor sightseeing spaces, including palace gardens.
Is Munich dog-friendly?
Munich is very accommodating, offering pet-friendly hotels and attractions like the Tierpark Hellabrunn zoo, where dogs are permitted on a short leash.
Concluding words
Germany is an elite destination for pet owners, offering a wide array of luxury castle stays, eco-lodges, and wellness hotels that treat dogs as family members. From the fenced gardens of the Black Forest to the high-end amenities in Münster and beyond, these accommodations provide orthopedic mattresses and specialized dog menus to ensure a relaxed getaway.
Because dogs are welcome on public transport and in most dining establishments, traveling through Münster and its surrounding regions is both simple and rewarding for humans and their four-legged companions.
