Dogs at the swimming spot: can I bring my dog?

The main rule: dogs and the bathing season

At most designated swimming locations and busy beaches, a daytime dog ban applies during the bathing season — roughly 1 May to 1 October, and on the coast often 15 May to 1 October. The reason is a mix of crowds, hygiene and the water quality that is specifically monitored at these spots. Outside the bathing season, dogs are welcome again at many of those same places, often off-leash.

Note that this is a general pattern, not a guarantee. Every municipality sets its own rules and many spots post their own signs with times and zones. Some beaches ban dogs year-round, while others have a designated dog beach where dogs are always allowed. So always read the signs on site and, when in doubt, check the municipality's or the site manager's website.

When is your dog allowed?

There are roughly three situations where your dog is usually welcome. First, outside the bathing season: from October into spring, many beaches and recreation lakes are open to dogs again. Second, at designated dog beaches and off-leash zones that are open all year — on the coast often marked by a beach post or access point from which the zone begins. Third, in the early morning or evening, as some municipalities allow dogs even in high season outside the busy daytime hours.

Leashing and cleaning up apply almost everywhere. In dunes and nature reserves a leash requirement is nearly always in force, partly because of nesting birds and grazing livestock. A clean-up obligation (and carrying a bag) applies at virtually every beach and swimming spot, including the off-leash zones.

Blue-green algae is extra dangerous for dogs

Even where dogs are allowed, the water itself is not always safe. Blue-green algae is more dangerous for dogs than for people: they drink the water and lick their fur clean, ingesting the toxins, which can cause serious poisoning. Never let your dog swim in or drink from water with a blue-green algae warning.

On this site, algae measures show as a violet label on the spot and on the map. You can read more about recognising it and the risks in the blue-green algae guide. So check that status for your dog just as you would for yourself.

How this site shows dog-friendly spots

For spots where we know, we show whether dogs are allowed as a facility in the panel and on the detail page. The seasonal rules — when dogs are and are not allowed — are in the access information for the spot. The 'Dog-friendly' filter on the map shows only the spots marked as dog-friendly.

This marking is an aid, not a substitute for the signs. A municipality can change its rules and times differ by season. Treat the label as a starting point and always check the current situation on site.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog to the beach in summer?

At many busy beaches and official swimming locations a daytime dog ban applies during the bathing season (roughly 1 May – 1 Oct, on the coast often from 15 May). There are exceptions: designated dog beaches and the early morning or evening. Always check the signs and the municipality's website.

When is my dog allowed at the water?

Usually outside the bathing season (roughly October to May), at designated dog beaches and off-leash zones open all year, and in some municipalities in the early morning or evening. Leashing in the dunes and cleaning up are required almost everywhere.

Can my dog swim when there is blue-green algae?

No. Blue-green algae is extra dangerous for dogs because they drink the water and lick their fur clean. Do not let your dog swim or drink during an algae warning, even at spots where dogs are allowed.

Where do I find dog-friendly swimming spots on this site?

For spots where we know, 'Dogs allowed' appears under facilities, with the seasonal rules in the access information. On the map you can use the 'Dog-friendly' filter to show only those spots.