The fresh sea air fills my lungs. The soft sand shifts under my feet. My four-legged friend runs through the waves with a happy heart. There is nothing like a day at the beach with a dog. Many people travel across Europe to find the perfect spot for their pets. I found that the Netherlands is a true heaven for dog owners. The coastline is huge and the people are very welcoming to pets. I want to share my journey with you. We will look at the best Dog Friendly Beaches netherlands has to offer. You will learn about the rules, the best spots, and how to have a stress-free time.
First of all, I must say that the Dutch coast changes a lot during the year. Autumn and winter are the best times for beach dogs. From October to May, the beaches are almost empty. This gives your dog the ultimate freedom to run and play. Most beaches allow dogs to be off the leash all day long during these colder months. However, the summer months from May to September have more rules. You usually have to keep your dog on a leash between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM on the main beaches. Do not worry. There are special areas that stay open for dogs all year round.
Traveling to the Coast
I found that travel with dog to netherlands is very easy. Public transport is clean and reliable. Small dogs usually travel for free if they sit on your lap or stay in a carrier. Larger dogs need a simple day ticket for trains. This ticket is often called a “Dog Day Pass”. I noticed that seeing pets on trains and trams is very normal here. People often smile or say hello to my dog. It makes the whole trip feel very relaxed.
If you drive a car, you will find plenty of parking near the beaches. I recommend that you reserve a parking space in advance if you visit a busy city like Amsterdam. Additionally, you should bring a first-aid kit and a foldable water bowl for your dog. On top of that, you must have an EU Pet Passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination. These are legal requirements that you cannot skip.
The Best Spots in South Holland
South Holland is a hotspot for dog lovers. One of my favorite places is Noordwijk. It is known as one of the most dog-friendly netherlands locations. There is a special dog beach south of beach exit 1. Dogs can run free here all year round. The sand is soft and there is so much room for pups to play. Plus, many beach bars here welcome dogs with open arms. They even provide water bowls for thirsty pets.
Later, I visited Kijkduin in The Hague. This is a quieter choice than the busy Scheveningen beach. Dogs are welcome all year round south of beach access 2 towards Monster. The best part? Parking is free at the end of Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan. The dunes here are beautiful for exploration. Pure peace. Total quiet. Just the sound of the ocean.
Scheveningen is the largest seaside resort in the country. It gets very crowded in the summer, with millions of visitors. However, from October 1 to May 15, dogs can run without a leash on the whole beach. If you visit in the summer, you can go to the Noorderstrand area. This spot is past marker 34 towards Katwijk. Dogs are allowed there every single day of the year. Similarly, Wassenaar has a dedicated section for dogs. You can reach it through the beach entrance between markers 91 and 92. Your dog can run free in the direction of Katwijk.
Exploring North Holland
North Holland has some of the most famous stretches of sand. Many people ask, is zandvoort beach dog friendly? The answer is a big yes, but you must check the dates. From October 1 to April 15, dogs are allowed all day long. I love the dog beach zandvoort because it is 9 kilometers long. It is a spectacular place for long walks. During the summer, dogs are only allowed before 9:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. If you are there in the summer, you can take your pet to the nearby public dunes where they can run free all year.
Another gem is IJmuiderslag in IJmuiden. People also call this the Kennemerstrand. South of beach post 57.5, dogs can run free all year round. This area is about 6 kilometers long. It is perfect for dogs that love freedom. Gradually, I found that Egmond aan Zee is also a great choice. It is a charming coastal village. Dogs can roam off-leash all day from October to April. In the summer, they can be free before 10:00 AM and after 7:00 PM.
If you are looking for dog-friendly beaches amsterdam, you will have to travel a little bit outside the city center. Zandvoort is only 30 minutes away by train. Noordwijk is about 45 minutes away. IJmuiden is also very close. These are the best places to go with dogs netherlands for those staying in the capital. The city parks like Vondelpark are nice, but nothing beats the holland beach experience.
The Peace of Zeeland
Zeeland is a paradise for dog-friendly holidays netherlands. It has wide beaches and a very relaxed vibe. Renesse is a famous spot. In the summer, it is very crowded. However, from October to April, the 21-kilometer beach becomes a peaceful place for dogs. No leashes are needed during these months. I also visited Strand Westerschouwen. This wide beach is one of the few in Zeeland where dogs are welcome in the summer. They must be on a leash between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, but they can run free the rest of the time.
On top of that, Banjaard beach on North Beveland is stunning. It has vast stretches of sand. Dogs can run free from October 1 to May 1. During the summer, you must use a leash during the day. Later, I went to Cadzand and Groede. These beaches are near the Belgian border. They offer a quiet and natural setting for your pet to dig and run.
I must mention the Dog Spa in Zeeland. Your dog can get beauty treatments or a relaxing wash while you enjoy the luxury villas. Some villas even have fenced gardens so your dog can run around safely. It is the perfect way to spend a holiday.
Hidden Gems and Islands
I found a very special place called Erkemederstrand in Zeewolde. It is in the province of Flevoland. This beach has a dedicated area that is 1.5 kilometers long. Dogs are welcome to swim, dig, and play there all year round. It was even voted the best dog walking spot in the Netherlands in 2018. They provide free poop bags and even dog showers. This shows how much the Dutch care about pets.
Another unique spot is Lauwersoog. The dog beach here is about one kilometer wide and is mostly grass. Dogs can run free and swim all year. It is located in the Lauwersmeer National Park. The setting is very peaceful and perfect for nature lovers.
Finally, I must talk about the islands. Schiermonnikoog is a car-free island. Dogs are allowed all year round on most of its beaches. It is so quiet and full of nature. Texel is the largest Wadden Island. Most of its beaches are dog-friendly. On the unguarded beaches, your friend can run free. I saw many dogs playing in the Slufter Valley. Just keep an eye out for seals. You should always check if there are seals around before letting your dog loose.
Essential Rules for Every Beach
Though the Netherlands is very friendly, there are rules we must follow. First of all, you must always clean up after your dog. This is required by law. I always carry extra waste bags with me. Many beaches provide bins, but you should be prepared.
Respecting wildlife is also very important. For example, you must stay away from sea turtle nesting zones in some areas. Fines can be up to $170 if you do not follow these rules. Additionally, some beaches are off-limits for dogs to protect the ecosystem. Always check the local signs at the beach entrance.
You should also ensure your dog listens to your commands. If your dog does not come back when you call, it is safer to use a long leash. Respect other beachgoers too. Not everyone loves dogs as much as we do. Keeping your dog under control makes the beach better for everyone.
Preparation and Gear
Autumn and winter weather can be tricky. October temperatures are usually between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius. It rains a lot, with an average of 218mm of rainfall in the autumn. Therefore, you should pack the right gear. A water-resistant dog coat is a great idea. Waterproof dog boots can protect paws from the cold and damp ground.
I also suggest bringing several towels for a post-beach clean up. Sand gets everywhere. Your car will thank you for the towels. Plus, a quality harness is better for off-leash areas than a simple collar. It gives you more control if you need to grab your dog quickly.
Why I Love the Dutch Coast
The Netherlands has a unique way of managing its beaches. I learned about the Sand Motor at the Delfland coast. This is a huge pile of 21.5 million cubic meters of sand. Natural forces like waves and wind spread this sand along the coast to build dunes. This project creates new habitats for nature and more space for recreation. It even has a lagoon that is protected from big waves. This area has become a beautiful spot for walking and enjoying the view.
The Dutch mentality is very relaxed. They see dogs as part of everyday life. Whether I am in a busy city like Rotterdam or a quiet village like Edam, I feel welcome. The small towns and slower routes showed me a side of the country that many people miss. I love sitting outside a café with my dog and just watching the world go by.
FAQ
Is the Netherlands dog-friendly?
Yes, I found the Netherlands to be one of the most pet-friendly places in Europe. You can take your dog on trains, trams, and even into many cafés without any stress.
What beach is the most dog-friendly?
I believe Noordwijk is a top choice because it has a large area where dogs can run free all year. Erkemederstrand in Zeewolde is also fantastic and was even voted the best spot for dog walks recently.
Can dogs go on Holland on Sea beach?
This beach is actually located in the United Kingdom and not in the Netherlands. My experience shows that the Dutch coast focuses on beautiful spots like Zandvoort or Texel instead.
How dog friendly is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a great city for pets. Dogs are welcome on most public transport and you will find many parks like Vondelpark where they can play.
Which European country is the most dog friendly?
The Netherlands is often at the top of the list for dog owners. The rules are clear, and the people are very welcoming to four-legged travelers.
Can I take my dog on a beach?
Yes, you certainly can. You just need to follow the seasonal rules or visit a designated year-round dog beach.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
I recommend the Dutch coast because of the wide beaches and high-quality hotels that allow pets.
Why are dogs not allowed on most beaches?
Rules exist to keep the sand clean for families during the busy summer months. These restrictions also help protect local wildlife and birds that nest in the dunes.
Can dogs go on Zandvoort beach?
Yes, they can. They have total freedom during the winter months, but summer visits must happen early in the morning or late in the evening.
Which beach is best for dogs?
Noordwijk and IJmuiderslag are two of the best spots because they offer massive off-leash areas every day of the year.
Can you take dogs on a ferry to Holland?
Yes, you can. Ferries like Stena Line or DFDS offer pet-friendly cabins so your dog can travel in comfort.
Concluding words
The Netherlands is a true paradise for anyone who loves the sea and their dog. You will find miles of soft sand and very welcoming people. Though some summer rules exist, many beaches offer freedom all year round.
Noordwijk, Zandvoort, and the Zeeland coast are perfect for long walks. Therefore, you should pack your bags and head to the Dutch coast. Pure joy. Happy tails. Endless waves. Your dog will love the adventure.
