Dog-Friendly Mosel Guide: The Best Places to Stay, Eat and Explore with Your Dog in Germany’s Most Scenic Valley

The Mosel Valley is one of our favourite places to visit in Germany — peaceful, picturesque, and incredibly welcoming to dogs. Only a short drive from the Netherlands or Belgium, it’s the kind of place that instantly slows you down. Think terraced vineyards, quiet riverside trails, medieval towns, and some of the best food and wine Germany has to offer.

We stayed here again at the end of summer, basing ourselves in Trittenheim in our camper at the riverside campsite. The combination of relaxed walks, scenic boat trips, and dog-friendly cafés made it one of the most enjoyable dog travel experiences we’ve had in Europe.

If you’re planning a getaway with your dog — whether by campervan, car, or bike — here’s your complete guide to a dog-friendly Mosel adventure.

Where to Stay: Dog-Friendly Accommodation Along the Mosel

Campingplatz Trittenheim

This riverside campsite is perfect if you’re travelling by camper or van. Spacious pitches overlook the Mosel River, there are plenty of grassy areas for your dog to stretch their legs, and it’s a short walk to the village for restaurants and wine tastings. Dogs are welcome for a small daily fee and the friendly host gives them lots of attention.

Hotel Zehnthof – Cochem

A charming stay overlooking the Mosel and Cochem Castle, Hotel Zehnthof welcomes dogs for a small fee and provides bowls in-room on request. It’s a relaxed base for exploring the valley, with walking paths and river views right on the doorstep.

Moselgarten Boutique Hotel – Bullay

A stylish boutique hotel Hotel Moselgarten welcomes one dog per room with prior reservation. Dogs are allowed in the gardens, terrace, and restaurant area, and there are hiking map recommendations at reception so you can plan walks easily around the vineyards.

Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue – Traben-Trarbach

A beautiful Art Nouveau hotel that allows dogs. Set beside the river, it’s close to riverside promenades and shaded walks. Ideal for a more luxurious stay.

Hotel Deutschherrenhof – Zeltingen-Rachtig

Historic hotel surrounded by vineyards, dogs welcome in non-carpeted rooms. The courtyard is perfect for relaxed evening drinks together.

The Best Dog-Friendly Towns and Walks

Trittenheim

A quiet village in the heart of the Mosel with peaceful riverside trails and vineyard walks. One of our favourite hikes here loops up into the hills overlooking the famous Trittenheim river bend — ideal early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light hits the vines.

You can also take a dog-friendly riverboat north towards Bernkastel-Kues. We were able to take our dog on the ferry for free (bring a towel and water bowl).

Bernkastel-Kues

A fairytale town with cobbled streets and colourful houses. The riverside promenade is perfect for easy walks, and dogs are welcome in many outdoor cafés.
Try a gentle hike through the “Bernkasteler Schweiz” vineyards or up to the castle ruins for stunning valley views.

Dog-friendly eats:

• Cafe Hansen – great for coffee and cake with outdoor seating.
  
• Café Thiesen – A popular lunch and café spot in town, has a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed meal by the town centre.  Dogs may be allowed inside, check with staff.

Traben-Trarbach

Known for its wine cellars and art nouveau charm. Walk along the riverbank or explore the forest trails just behind town.

Dog-friendly eats:

• Weinstube Aacher-Hof – dogs welcome, a cosy tavern serving hearty local dishes
  
• Die Graifen – modern riverside restaurant with dog-friendly terrace and scenic views.
  

Cochem

One of the most famous Mosel towns, overlooked by the striking Reichsburg Castle. It’s busier than the smaller villages, but early mornings and evenings are calm and great for dog walks along the river.

Dog-friendly eats:

• Restaurant Herbs Im Hegenbarth’s - A relaxed spot with regional dishes and vegetarian options where dogs are welcome and the service is consistently friendly.
• Café Zoe – Great for breakfast or a casual drink, and very welcoming to dogs. 

Ürzig & Piesport

For something quieter, visit Ürzig — a tiny village surrounded by vines. The Ürziger Würzgarten vineyard trail is short but steep, with rewarding views. Piesport is another great base for peaceful walks and relaxed wine tastings.

The Best Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Mosel

Take a Boat Trip

Dogs are welcome aboard most local Mosel river boats, for free or with a small fee. From Trittenheim, you can sail north to Bernkastel-Kues or south to Trier, passing vineyards, castles, and tiny river towns. Keep your dog leashed and bring shade if it’s sunny.

Vineyard Walks

The Moselsteig Trail stretches for over 350 km, but you can easily enjoy shorter segments near towns like Trittenheim, Ürzig, and Bernkastel-Kues. The paths weave through vineyards and forests with constant river views.  Bring a long leash to give your dog a bit more freedom on these walks and take water as there is not a lot of shade.

Wine Tastings and Local Markets

Many Weingüter (wineries) allow dogs on outdoor terraces. Try Weingut Clüsserath-Weiler in Trittenheim where Pepper got a warm welcome from the host and a big bowl of water. 

Local weekend markets often have stalls selling sausages, cheeses, and wines — ideal for a riverside picnic with your dog.

Explore the castles

With views of the river, some of the castles on the Mosel are fit for a fairytale. We’ve rounded up the dog-friendly options in or near the Mosel:

• Reichsburg Cochem – dogs allowed on the grounds (leash required)
• Burg Landshut, Bernkastell-Kues – leash-friendly outdoor areas
• Eltz Castle, Eltz Forest – dogs permitted on the grounds
• Veldenz Castle, Veldenz – leash-friendly grounds

Swimming Spots

While the Mosel itself has strong currents, you’ll find small tributaries and shallow access points near Trittenheim and Neumagen-Dhron where dogs can safely cool off. Bring a towel and rinse after, as the river can have algae in late summer.

Practical Tips for Traveling Mosel with Your Dog

• Tick protection: Vineyards and forests are tick hotspots, so check daily.
  
• Water and shade: Some trails are exposed; carry a collapsible bowl and water.
  
• Off-season travel: Spring and autumn are perfect — warm days, cool evenings, and quieter trails.
  
• Long lead: Ideal for vineyard paths to give your dog more freedom safely.
  
• Pet passport: Keep it updated for EU travel.
  
• Local etiquette: Most dogs in Germany are well-trained and leashed in public.
  

Why We Love the Mosel

There’s something special about this valley — maybe it’s the slower rhythm, the warmth of the locals, or the balance of nature, food, and simple pleasures. The Mosel feels made for slow, thoughtful travel — the kind where your dog gets as much joy as you do.

Whether you’re camping by the river, sipping wine under the vines, or wandering quiet cobblestone streets together, it’s a place that stays with you — and keeps calling you back.

FAQ: Dog-Friendly Mosel Travel

Is the Mosel region dog-friendly?
Yes, the Mosel is one of the most dog-welcoming areas in Germany, with outdoor cafés, walking trails, and many accommodations that accept pets.

Can dogs go on Mosel boats?
Most boats allow leashed dogs for free or a small fee. Some even provide water bowls and shaded seating areas.

What’s the best time to visit the Mosel with a dog?
Late spring or early autumn are perfect — warm enough to sit outdoors, cool enough for hiking, and fewer crowds.

Are dogs allowed in restaurants and wineries?
Dogs are welcome on most terraces and outdoor dining areas. Always ask before entering indoor spaces.

Is the Mosel easy to reach?
Yes. From the Dutch border, it’s roughly a 3–4 hour drive or 5 hours from Calais, making it perfectly accessible for dog-friendly trips.