For many people, the dog is as much part of a beach day as the board is on the car. The four-legged friend just is not allowed everywhere, especially in summer. The good news: on the Baltic Sea there are plenty of dog beaches, often right next to the spots. Here you can read what to keep in mind so the day turns out nice for everyone.
The thing about the season and the lead
The most important rule first: in high season, roughly from April to October, dogs are usually not allowed on the normal swimming beaches, and in town a lead requirement often applies. Instead there are designated dog beaches, some with a lead, others without. From November to March things relax, and then dogs are allowed on almost every beach.
The exact rules depend on the place and do change now and then. A quick look at the signs on site or at the tourist office website is worth it before you set off.
Where your dog may run free
A few examples from the popular areas: Fehmarn has several dog beaches at once, for instance at Grüner Brink, in Bojendorf and in Meeschendorf. In Pelzerhaken the dog may even romp off the lead by the lighthouse. On Rügen there are free sections around Binz, and on the Darß the dogs are allowed in the water and across the beach in Zingst, Prerow and Ahrenshoop. With a bit of planning you will find a corner for the two of you almost everywhere.
Dog and watersports, here is how it works
Many dogs love the water, and on a calm SUP board they happily come along after a short while of getting used to it. What matters is flat, sheltered water, a life vest with a handle, and patience while feeling your way in. With offshore wind or waves, the dog stays on land, that is no playground.
While you are out on the water yourself, you provide shade, something to drink and someone to keep an eye on the dog. Then it lies relaxed in the sand while you carve your lines, and by the evening both of you are happily tired. Which dog beaches are close to our spots, we are happy to tell you.
Off the leash or on it? The seasonal rules
Whether your dog is allowed on the beach, and whether it can run free, depends heavily on the season. In the summer season most beaches require a leash, or dogs are only allowed on designated dog beaches. In autumn and winter the beaches open up and off-leash is allowed in many places. A rough overview for our regions:
| Region | High season (approx. May to September) | Off-season (autumn and winter) |
|---|---|---|
| Schleswig-Holstein (Baltic) | Leash required, often only designated dog beaches | Off-leash usually 1 November to 31 March |
| Rügen | Leash or dog beaches | Off-leash 1 October to 30 April |
| Usedom | Leash or dog beaches | From 1 October on all beaches, but still on the leash |
| Danish Baltic | Leash from 1 April to 30 September | Off-leash 1 October to 31 March, only under full control |