I recently decided to take a holiday with dog in europe, and I found the most perfect spot. Diekirch, Luxembourg. It is a beautiful town right in the middle of the Nordstat. You will find it tucked between the Hart, Goldknap, Zaitert, and Herrenburgg hills. The town sits right on the banks of the Sûre River. I love a good adventure where I do not have to leave my best friend behind. This town is a dream for anyone who wants a holiday with dog.
Planning Dog Friendly Holidays in Diekirch, Luxembourg is much easier than you might think. First of all, the town is famous for its history and culture. It has four different museums. On top of that, it is home to the oldest house of worship in the whole country, the old St. Laurent Church. The historic center has the first pedestrian zone in Luxembourg. It is the best place to stroll or sit on a terrace and relax. You will also see a lot of donkeys. The donkey is the mascot of the town. You will see them on every corner. Diekirch is a city of four bridges. It feels so cozy and welcoming.
Getting Into Luxembourg with Your Dog
Before you pack your bags for your holidays in luxembourg, you must handle the paperwork. If you come from within the European Union, your dog needs three main things. They need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccine, and a European pet passport. However, rules are a bit different if you travel from outside the EU, like from the United States. Your dog will need a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and a health certificate.
The microchip is very important. It must be working and ISO-compliant. This usually means it has 15 digits. Your vet must scan the chip before they give the rabies vaccine. Additionally, your dog must be at least 12 weeks old before they get that first shot. You then have to wait at least 21 days before you can travel. Therefore, you cannot just get up and leave tomorrow. You need to plan ahead.
If you bring more than five pets, the rules get even stricter. You will then have to follow commercial transport rules. This involves extra clinical exams and more certificates. Plus, you must make sure you check the rules for any countries you drive through, like France, Belgium, or Germany.
Free Public Transport for You and Your Dog
One of the most amazing things about Luxembourg is the transport. Since the year 2020, all public transport in the country is free. This includes second-class trains, trams, and buses. You do not even need to buy a ticket for yourself or your dog. This makes a holiday with dog in europe so much cheaper.
You must follow some simple rules when you are on a bus or train. Small pets should stay in a basket, a cage, or a carrier bag. Larger dogs must stay on a lead and sit on the floor. They are not allowed to sit on the seats. I suggest you look for the “square” spaces where four seats face each other. This gives your dog more room to lie down comfortably.
Muzzles are a topic people ask about a lot. You do not always have to use one. However, you should have one with you. The staff can ask you to put a muzzle on your dog if they think it is necessary for safety. Some people on Reddit, like the user ForeverShiny, mentioned that they have bad allergies. It is a good idea to be polite and keep your dog away from people who might be uncomfortable or sick. Similarly, if the driver does not feel comfortable, they can ask you to leave the bus. I have never seen this happen, but it is a rule to keep in mind.
Where to Stay in and Around Diekirch
Finding dog friendly hotels or campsites is quite simple here. I spent time looking at a few great options.
Camp Diekirch is a fantastic choice for families. It is right on the banks of the Sûre River. They have these amazing safari tents that can fit up to 6 or 8 people. They even have small bell tents for two people. Your dog is very welcome there, though you have to pay a small extra fee. The location is very peaceful and full of greenery. It is only a few minutes from the town center.
Camping de la Sûre is another solid option in Diekirch. It is open from March 28 until October 6. They have large pitches for tents, caravans, and camper vans. Dogs are welcome here as well. You can bring a maximum of two dogs per pitch. The cost is 3.00 Euros per dog each day. You must keep your dog on a leash while you are on the campground.
Resort Walsdorf is located in Tandel, which is very close to Diekirch. This place is perfect if you want to stay in a lodge or a chalet. They describe themselves as a pet-friendly vacation park. It is hidden in the woods, so you can go on long walks right from your door. They have new accommodations like the Mamer Lodge, which even has a hot tub.
If you prefer a more private feel, you can look for Nature houses. I saw some in nearby Eppeldorf and Dirbach. These are often cottages that sit right in the wild. They are great if you want to interact with locals and see the culture. Some of these are perfect dog friendly places to stay at christmas because they are so cozy and surrounded by forests.
Exploring the History of Diekirch
You cannot visit Diekirch without seeing the museums. I started with the National Museum of Military History. This place is incredible. It has over 100,000 military items. They use life-size diaramas to show what life was like for soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge in World War Two. You see realistic scenes of the battles that happened right in this area. There are 50 vehicles on display as well. It is very emotional to see what the soldiers and civilians had to go through.
Later, I visited the National Conservatory of Historic Vehicles. It is located in an old car factory. This museum shows the history of cars and transport from the late 19th century. The best part? It flows right into the Diekirch Beer Museum. You can see both in one building. On special days, beer even flows from the donkey fountain in the pedestrian zone.
The Diekirch History Museum is also worth a stop. It has been open since 2011. You can see ancient Roman mosaics and artifacts from prehistoric times. It tells the story of the town from the very beginning. It is right in the center of the old town.
Walking and Hiking with Your Dog
Hiking is probably the best part of any holiday with dog. Diekirch has so many well-marked paths.
First of all, there is the Diekirch City Park. This is a linear park about 1.5 kilometers long. It runs along both sides of the Sûre River. It is full of public art and monuments. It is open all year and is completely free. This is a great spot for a leisurely stroll if your dog is tired.
If you want something more challenging, try the local hiking trail DK 3. This trail is a circular route that starts and ends in Diekirch. It is about 8.05 kilometers long. The hike takes about two and a half hours to finish. It is rated as medium difficulty. The highest point is 356 meters, and the lowest is 191 meters. You will see some amazing views of the village and the green hills. You should wear sturdy shoes and bring water for yourself and your pup.
On top of that, you are very close to the Mullerthal region. People call this “Little Switzerland”. It is famous for huge rock formations and narrow canyons. Dogs are allowed on all the trails here as long as they stay on a leash. I read a Reddit post by Anna_Swan who planned to hike for 7 days there. She mentioned walking between 14 and 24 kilometers a day. Some dogs, like her corgi mix, might get tired and need a lift. However, many dogs love the terrain.
Rules for the Upper Sûre Reservoir
If you want to cool off, you might think of the Upper Sûre Reservoir. This is a big lake used for drinking water and power. Because it is a drinking water, there are very strict rules. Dogs are not allowed on most of the beaches. The only exception is the “Rommwiss” beach. You must keep your dog at a distance from other people there so everyone can relax. You also cannot have fires or loud music without headphones. Wild camping is strictly forbidden in the whole area.
Dining Out with Your Dog
You do not have to worry about eating alone. Many restaurants in Luxembourg let you bring your dog inside. You should always ask at the door first just to be sure. Alternatively, you can sit on one of the many outdoor terraces.
In Diekirch, you will find everything from traditional places to trendy bars. I highly suggest trying some local food. I heard about grilled prawns and stuffed meat being popular. After a big meal, you can burn off those calories by hiking up the hills that overlook the town.
Practical Information for Pet Owners
It is always good to be prepared for an emergency. There are several vets in Diekirch if your dog gets sick or hurt.
- Dr. Saskia Bissen is located at 148 Bamertal.
- There is also an Emergency Vet service listed at the same address, which includes Molitor Nathalie and Aaby Ina.
If you need to go somewhere where dogs are not allowed, like the inside of Vianden Castle, you might need boarding. Maison Dog in Eisenborn is a great option. It is the only FearFree certified boarding place in Luxembourg. They have 5000 square meters of fenced land. They take all kinds of dogs, including puppies, elderly dogs, and even reactive dogs. The price for a day of boarding is about 61.50 Euros.
Weather and the Best Time to Visit
The weather in Diekirch changes a lot throughout the year.
- Summer (June to August): This is the best time for outdoor fun. The average high in July is 72°F. The days are long, with over 16 hours of sunlight in June.
- Winter (November to March): It gets very cold and windy. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 31°F.
- Rain: June is usually the wettest month, with about 10 days of rain.
- Snow: You might see some snow between December and February. December usually gets about 1.7 inches.
Based on the tourism scores, the most pleasant time to visit is from late June to late August. However, the town is also lovely in the fall during the hunting season. You just have to be careful and check the maps for where hunters are active.
A Few More Tips for Your Trip
I want to share a few final thoughts to help you out.
- Leashes are a must. You must leash your dog in all built-up areas, parking lots, and on public transport.
- Pick up the poo. The city of Luxembourg provides free poo bags at 400 different spots. I am sure Diekirch has plenty of bins too.
- Check the breed rules. Luxembourg has strict laws for breeds they call dangerous, like Pitbulls or Mastiffs. You might need special permission to bring them into the country.
- Vianden is close by. It is only a 20-minute drive. The town is beautiful, but remember that dogs cannot go into the historic rooms of the castle. They can walk on the paths around it on a lead.
- Canoeing. You can take your dog on a canoe trip on the Sûre River. It is a great way to see the nature from a different angle.
Diekirch is truly a place where history meets nature. Whether you are exploring a museum or hiking through a forest, your dog can be right by your side. It is one of the best spots I have found for a holiday with dog in europe. I hope this guide helps you plan your own amazing adventure.
Enjoy your Dog Friendly Holidays in Diekirch, Luxembourg! You and your furry friend are going to have a wonderful time.
FAQ
Is Luxembourg dog friendly?
The country is a very welcoming place for pets. You can bring your dog along to many places without a problem. It is truly a great spot for a pet friendly vacation. A total dream.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Luxembourg?
Yes. Public transport has been free since 2020. Dogs can ride for free on buses, trains, and trams. Small dogs can stay in carriers or on your lap. Big dogs must stay on a lead on the floor. No tickets needed.
How do I bring my dog to Luxembourg?
You need a microchip and a valid rabies vaccine for your pet. Travelers from the EU need a pet passport. People from outside the EU must have a health certificate. Therefore, you should check your paperwork early.
Which city is the most dog friendly?
Luxembourg City is a very popular choice for dog owners. Diekirch is another top spot because it has so many parks and museums. The best choice.
What all is free in Luxembourg?
Public transport like the second-class trains and buses is free for everyone. You can also find free poo bags at 400 spots in the city. Entry to the City Park in Diekirch is also free all year. Such a good deal.
Does Luxair accept dogs?
Yes. The airline Luxair takes pets in the cabin and the cargo hold. You must pay a fee of 70 Euros for a one-way trip in the cabin. A bit expensive.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Diekirch is one of the best spots. It has four museums and a lot of green space. You can also stay at the pet friendly Resort Walsdorf in nearby Tandel. A perfect getaway.
Concluding words
I think a holiday in Diekirch is the best choice for any pet owner. You can enjoy the rich history and the beautiful nature trails together. The free transport makes the whole trip very easy and cheap. Additionally, the town is very cozy and full of life. No more leaving your best friend at home. Start your adventure in the heart of the Nordstat. A true paradise.
