Dog-Friendly Travel Guide: Netherlands Edition
The Netherlands is a fantastic destination for dog owners, it offers a mix of pet-friendly cities, easy hiking in nature, and unique water travel experiences. We’ve used our local knowledge to find the best places in the Netherlands to explore with your furry companion.
Best Dog-Friendly Cities in the Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most dog-friendly cities, with plenty of parks, pet-welcoming cafés, and even dog-friendly boat tours. A must-visit is Vondelpark, a sprawling green oasis where dogs can run off-leash in designated areas. A quieter option but still close to the city is Rembrandtpark, which offers open spaces perfect for an afternoon walk. Many cafés, like 't Blauwe Theehuis and Pllek happily welcome dogs while you enjoy a coffee or food. Check out our other article Top 10 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is Amsterdam's modern opposite with dramatic architecture and wide-open spaces that make it a great place to explore with a dog. Het Park, near the Euromast, provides beautiful walking paths, while Kralingse Bos offers an off-leash area and a large lake where dogs can swim. After exploring, grab a bite at Parqiet, a charming dog-friendly café in a historic setting.
Utrecht
Utrecht is a short train ride of 20 minutes from Amsterdam and it's laid-back vibe and less tourist driven culture make it a quieter destination for dog lovers. Griftpark offer fantastic spaces for dogs to run and play. Many local cafés, such as Broei, allow dogs, so you can unwind with a coffee after sightseeing.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Dog-Friendly Destinations
The "Dutch Venice"
Escape the cities and visit Giethoorn, a car-free village known for its scenic canals and wooden bridges. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the water, or rent a pet-friendly boat to explore the area with your dog.
A Hidden Nature Retreat
Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen near Tilburg is a stunning nature reserve that offers lush forests, serene lakes, and peaceful hiking trails. It’s a perfect escape for dog owners looking to enjoy fresh air and open spaces.
Island Adventures
For a truly unique experience, visit Schiermonnikoog, one of the Wadden Islands. This car-free island has vast beaches where dogs can run off-leash year-round. Explore the dunes, salt marshes, and quiet village for a memorable getaway.
Peaceful Hiking
Skip the crowds at De Hoge Veluwe and explore Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park instead. This forested area is home to ancient castles, rolling sand dunes, and excellent hiking trails. While dogs need to be on-leash in some areas, there are several designated off-leash zones.
Unique Dog-Friendly Activities
- Dunes of Schoorl – The highest dunes in the Netherlands, perfect for adventurous dogs who love to explore, check for routes that allow dogs.
- Maasduinen National Park – Rolling hills, lakes, and heathlands with scenic trails where leashed dogs are welcome.
- Austerlitz Pyramid – A hidden historical site in the woods, surrounded by picturesque trails where dogs are welcome.
Where to Stay: Dog-Friendly Accommodation in the Netherlands
Looking for a pet-friendly place to stay? Here are some unique options:
- Buitenplaats Beekhuizen (Veluwe) – Luxury glamping tents and lodges where dogs are welcome.
- Dog-Friendly Houseboats (Friesland) – Experience a floating stay with your dog on a houseboat in the Frisian lakes.
- Het Wylde Pad (Drenthe) – A boutique countryside retreat offering dog-friendly cabins with plenty of space to run.
- Ecolodge Tiengemeten – A secluded eco-friendly retreat on a nature island, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Helpful Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in the Netherlands
- Dog Community: Connect with local dog owners by signing up to WagFriendly and find the best spots and recommendations
- Pet-Friendly Ferries: Some islands, like Terschelling and Ameland, welcome dogs on ferries, making them great getaways.
- Wild Swimming Spots: If your dog loves water we will be posting a list of dog friendly swimming spots in the coming weeks.
- Public Transport Rules: Small dogs travel free on Dutch trains and trams, while larger dogs require a pet ticket.
Exploring the Netherlands is very easy, English is widely used and the travel connections with the with the UK and other European countries make it an accessible holiday option. There is a great mix of urban and nature destinations so it is perfect for a dog friendly trip.
Know of any hidden dog-friendly gems in the Netherlands? Add them on to WagFriendly to help other dog parents.