The Netherlands
The best dog friendly places in The Netherlands
Discover the charm of The Netherlands, a country that offers a wealth of dog-friendly experiences. From scenic hikes through beautiful nature to cozy restaurants that welcome pets, you'll be able to enjoy countless of adventures with your dog here. Whether you’re exploring the sandy dunes of the Soesterduinen, relaxing at a pet-friendly café in Amsterdam, or enjoying a waterfront stroll in, you’ll find plenty of spots where dogs are not just allowed, but welcomed with open arms. As someone who lives in The Netherlands and is always on the lookout for new places to visit with my dogs, I keep this guide regularly updated with the best dog-friendly spots around. The Netherlands is truly a fantastic destination for dog lovers, offering endless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation.
The ultimate guide to The Netherlands | dog friendly hikes & nature spots
Soesterduinen
The Soesterduinen might be one of my favourite spots to take my huskies. Once you've parked your car, you'll first walk through a short stretch of forest before reaching the dunes. It's an incredible park where your dog can run and explore off leash. There's often many dogs around which my huskies always love playing with. One time I visited I stumbled upon a large puddle in the middle of the dunes, a delightful surprise after days of rainfall. My dogs had a blast splashing around in the water. The combination of sandy landscapes and lush greenery makes Soesterduinen a fantastic spot.
Het Stenen Hoofd
Het Stenen Hoofd in Amsterdam is a fantastic dog-friendly spot located within walking distance of Central Station. This completely fenced-in area features a large field and a beach, making it a perfect place for dogs to cool off and enjoy some fun in the water. My Husky X Golden Retriever mix absolutely loves it here, especially with so many other dogs around to play with and plenty of sticks to retrieve from the water. During the summer months, there’s even a café within the fenced area where you can grab coffee, drinks, and a bite to eat while watching your dog have a great time. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing day out with your dog in the heart of Amsterdam.
Ouderkerkerplas
Ouderkerkerplas is a lovely dog-friendly destination just a short drive from Amsterdam. The park features a scenic walking path around the lake, which takes under an hour to complete, offering a beautiful backdrop for your stroll. One of the highlights is the dog beach located on one of the small islands, where you’ll find plenty of other dogs playing in the water, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. Just keep in mind that during the summer months, some areas of the park are off-limits to dogs, so be sure to look for the clear signage to guide you. Overall, Ouderkerkerplas is an ideal spot for enjoying a day outdoors with your dog close to the city.
Ooijpolder waalstrandje
Ooijpolder Waalstrand is a beautiful dog-friendly destination located near Nijmegen, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. This area is perfect for long walks with your dog, and on warm days, the Waalstrand beach offers a great spot to cool off together. I love bringing my dogs here, as we can swim side by side, making it a relaxing experience for both of us. Just keep in mind that there may be wild animals like cows and horses in the vicinity, so it’s important to keep your dog leashed. I usually bring a 10-meter long leash, which gives my dogs some freedom to explore while keeping them safe.
Loonse & Drunense Duinen
The Loonse & Drunense Duinen is a stunning natural reserve and a paradise for dog owners. Known as one of Europe’s largest sand drift areas, this expansive park combines vast, rolling dunes with lush forests, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. Dogs are welcome to explore the area off-leash, making it an ideal spot for your four-legged friend to roam freely and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re wandering through the sandy plains or shaded woodland trails, the ever-changing scenery adds a sense of adventure to every visit.
Spiegel en Blijkpolderplas
Spiegel- en Blijkpolderplas is a beautiful and serene destination perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog. We visited on a late summer afternoon and spent a good 3.5 hours here, including a delicious dinner at Charly's Diner, a charming spot along the route serving fantastic American-style food. Not sure if the inside is dog friendly, but they had a big terrace. The walk around the large lake is both scenic and peaceful, with plenty of opportunities to take in the surrounding nature. The dogs loved it too, they even enjoyed a refreshing swim in the clear water. The final stretch of the hike takes you through a quaint little town that feels like something out of a postcard.
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't Twiske (beach & park)
't Twiske is a fantastic dog-friendly park just north of Amsterdam, perfect for a day out in nature. This large recreational area offers beautiful walking trails, peaceful lakes, and open fields where dogs can run freely and play. One of the highlights is the dedicated dog beach, a small but sandy spot that's perfect for cooling off on warm days. In the summer, you'll often find plenty of other dogs splashing around, creating a fun and social atmosphere. Dogs are allowed off-leash here, but only if they have good recall, as the regular (dog-free) beach is right next to it.
Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos is a beautiful, expansive forest just outside the ring of Amsterdam, making it the perfect escape into nature. This massive park is incredibly dog-friendly, with large off-leash areas where dogs can freely explore the forest, splash in the lakes, and run across open fields. There are plenty of scenic hiking routes to choose from, offering a mix of woodlands, meadows, and water views. Whether you're looking for a long walk or a relaxed picnic spot, Amsterdamse Bos is a great spot that we absolutely love coming to.
Kasteel de Haar gardens
The gardens of Kasteel de Haar are a stunning place to explore with your dog. While you do need to pay an entrance fee for the gardens, it's well worth it to walk around and admire the breathtaking castle up close. Though dogs aren't allowed inside the castle itself, they are welcome in the gardens as long as they stay on a leash. The beautifully landscaped grounds, charming bridges, and scenic pathways make for a lovely stroll. There’s also a café in the park where you can take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One of the highlights for my dogs was watching the deer up close, which added an extra special touch to our visit.
Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen
Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen is a beautiful and diverse nature reserve, perfect for a walk with your dog. The landscape here varies from open heathlands and forests to wetlands and serene lakes, making every part of the walk feel different. One of the highlights is a lovely lake with a small sandy beach where dogs can swim, run around, and cool off on warm days. There are several areas where dogs are allowed off-leash, giving them plenty of space to explore and play freely. Just be mindful of the horse and bike trails throughout the area, as it can get busy with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Duindamseslag Beach in Noordwijk
Duindamseslag Beach in Noordwijk is a fantastic year-round dog-friendly beach, perfect for those looking for a more peaceful coastal spot. While it’s not the most accessible by car, the 10 to 15-minute walk through the dunes to reach the beach is absolutely beautiful and well worth it. Because of the limited access, the beach tends to be quieter, making it a great place for a relaxed stroll or playtime with your dog. Dogs are welcome all year, but during high season (June 1st to August 31st), they must be on a leash. Outside of these months, they can run freely along the shore. We visited in September and the dogs loved roaming freely on the quiet beach. Just keep in mind that there is a nude beach nearby.
Dog beach between Noordwijk and Katwijk
The dog beach between Noordwijk and Katwijk is a fantastic spot where dogs are allowed off-leash all year long. It’s a lively and social beach, especially during high season when it can get quite crowded with lots of dogs playing together. If your dog loves making new friends, this is the perfect place! One of the highlights for me was the beach tent, which rents out sun beds and parasols, super convenient for relaxing in comfort while making sure the dogs had plenty of shade. For more information on this rental click here.
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The best dog friendly cafes & restaurants in The Netherlands
Woof & Me | Amsterdam
Woof & Me in Amsterdam is a great dog café where you and your dog can relax and enjoy some delicious bites together. This welcoming space allows dogs to roam off-leash, making it a fun and social environment for pets and their owners. The café offers a variety of homemade treats for dogs, along with classic puppuccinos (Dunya's favourite!) that are sure to please your pup. The human menu is just as impressive, featuring tasty options that are frequently updated. Plus, Woof & Me hosts a variety of dog-friendly activities, making it a fantastic spot for connecting with fellow dog lovers while enjoying a great meal.
Noosh | Amsterdam
Noosh is a delightful dog-friendly café in the heart of Amsterdam's De Pijp, just steps away from the bustling Albert Cuyp market. From the moment we walked in, Dunya was welcomed with so much love by the friendly staff. She was immediately offered treats and showered with attention and cuddles, making her feel right at home.
The atmosphere at Noosh is warm and inviting, and the staff genuinely love interacting with the dogs. As for the food / drinks, the chai latte was great and their classic carpaccio sandwich was absolutely delicious. If you're in the area, Noosh is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy great food with your dog.
Rainbowls | Amsterdam
Rainbowls is a lovely dog-friendly café in the heart of Amsterdam’s De Pijp, known for its delicious vegan açai bowls and refreshing smoothies. The laid-back vibe makes it a perfect spot to relax, and Dunya seemed super chill the entire time we were there. The staff were friendly, and while it’s not a place where dogs get lots of attention, she was more than welcome to join. The açai bowls were absolutely delicious, packed with fresh fruit and granola, and the hot drinks were a great addition.
Bistro Belle | Utrecht
Bistro Belle in Utrecht was a lovely find during our walk in the area. We stumbled upon this charming spot and decided to take a break, and it turned out to be the perfect place to relax. The atmosphere was super chill, and the staff were very welcoming to the dogs. They were immediately offered a bowl of water, which was a nice touch. Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat while exploring the area, it's a nice place to go to.
More spots coming soon!
Dog-friendly stays in The Netherlands
Dog friendly cabin in Noordwijk with a private garden and very close to the beach
For the full review, please click here