NL
The Wadden Islands offer everything you and your dog need for a successful holiday: wide beaches where running and digging are allowed, quiet dune areas for endless walks and accommodation where dogs are warmly welcomed. Travelling by car, you drive comfortably to the ferry terminal, board the ferry and discover islands such as Texel and Vlieland where your dog is allowed to roam freely for most of the year. Time to plan your next driving holiday with dog?
Accessibility and crossing by ferry
You drive by car to one of the ferry ports: Den Helder for Texel, Harlingen for Terschelling and Vlieland, Holwerd for Ameland or Lauwersoog for Schiermonnikoog. Dogs are welcome on board all ferry services. Keep your dog on a lead during the crossing and clear up poo properly. Book in advance for both the car and the dog, especially during school holidays and the summer months, as spaces fill up quickly.
Take a blanket or dog crate with you on the boat to reduce stress during the crossing. Most islands have car-free zones in the village centres, but there is plenty of parking at campsites, holiday parks and nature areas. This makes it easy to explore the island without constantly having to search for a parking spot.
‘ During lifeguard supervision or in the breeding season from March to September, dogs must be kept on a lead. ’
Dog-friendly beaches on Texel
Texel is a favourite among dog owners. On unguarded beaches your dog can run off-lead all year round. During lifeguard supervision or in the breeding season from March to September, dogs must be kept on a lead. This also applies in areas where seals rest. Keep your distance and do not disturb the animals.
Most beaches on Texel offer plenty of space for playful moments in the surf and long beach walks. In addition to the beaches, there are forests such as De Dennen and the Krimbos. Here, dogs can run free under control. Before you travel, check the seasonal rules on the official Texel website, as these are updated regularly.
Vlieland and other islands for dogs
Vlieland is known for being largely car-free, which creates peace and space. You park the car at the ferry port and explore the island on foot or by bike. Dogs are allowed off-lead on the beaches all year round. Do take poo bags with you and use them. The tranquillity and wide open spaces make Vlieland ideal for dogs that enjoy a relaxed pace.
Similar rules apply on Ameland. Dogs can run off-lead on most beaches, except on the Groene Strand. In the dunes, forests and on the mudflats, dogs must be kept on a lead. There are special off-lead areas such as Koudenburg in Hollum and the Roosduinen in Ballum. Terschelling offers beaches and forests where dogs can run free all year round, as long as your dog responds reliably to recall. On Schiermonnikoog you will find off-lead sections on designated parts of the beach; elsewhere, dogs must be kept on a lead. During the breeding season from 15 April to 15 July you need to be extra careful.
Rules and seasonal differences per island
Each Wadden Island has its own rules, designed to protect nature and breeding birds. Always bring a lead, poo bags, a water bowl and toys. In high season some beaches are supervised by lifeguards and stricter rules apply. Outside high season, dogs generally have more freedom.
- Texel: off-lead on unguarded beaches, on-lead where there is lifeguard supervision and during the breeding season, off-lead areas in the forests
- Ameland: off-lead on most beaches except Groene Strand, on-lead in dunes and forests, off-lead areas at Koudenburg and Roosduinen
- Terschelling: off-lead on beaches and in forests all year round, provided your dog has good recall
- Vlieland: off-lead on beaches all year round, poo bags required
- Schiermonnikoog: off-lead on designated parts of the beach, on-lead elsewhere, extra care needed in the breeding season
Check the current regulations on the islands’ websites. Some zones may be temporarily closed to protect wildlife.
‘ Check the house rules and conditions when you book. ’
Accommodation that welcomes dogs
The Wadden Islands offer holiday parks, campsites, hotels and holiday homes where dogs are allowed. Often there are restrictions, such as a maximum of one or two dogs per accommodation, and there is usually a surcharge per dog per night. Check the house rules and conditions carefully when booking.
On Texel you will find Landal Sluftervallei, which has special cottages for dog owners. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the park itself, but can run free in the nearby dunes and on the beaches. Ameland has Recreation Park Koudenburg with safari tents and chalets, close to the beach and golf course, where you can usually bring up to two dogs. Terschelling offers cottages with private gardens on the edge of forests and dunes. Many places to stay provide dog beds and there are usually designated dog walking areas on site.
Ideally, choose accommodation with a spacious garden and direct access to walking areas. This makes toilet breaks easier and gives your dog more room to move.
Activities and tips for dog and owner
Besides beach walks and dune trips, the Wadden Islands also offer other activities for your dog. Many nature reserves allow dogs, sometimes only on a lead. Seal-spotting boat trips often allow dogs on board too; check with the operator in advance whether your dog can join.
In car-free parts of the islands, you can use a dog bike trailer. These can be hired at several locations. Many beach pavilions, cafés and restaurants welcome dogs, so after a long walk you can enjoy a drink or meal together.
Check your dog for ticks after walks through dunes and forest. Keep vaccinations up to date, and make sure microchip details are current as well. Take enough water and toys with you so your dog can enjoy a comfortable day outdoors.
Practical preparations before departure
Prepare your driving holiday thoroughly to prevent stress during the trip. Get your dog used to travelling by car and take a blanket or crate for the crossing. Check whether you have packed enough poo bags, food, water and any medication – and make sure you bring sufficient food for the entire stay.
Before departure, check the official websites of each island for the latest rules. Regulations change with the seasons and additional nature conservation measures can also lead to changes. Book the ferry and your accommodation well in advance, especially in summer and during school holidays.
Take a canine first aid kit with you and save the phone number of a vet on the island in your phone. That way you are prepared for minor mishaps and can act quickly in an emergency.
‘ Book your ferry tickets and accommodation in good time. ’
Plan your trip to the Wadden Islands
The Wadden Islands combine peace, space and natural beauty with dog-friendly facilities. Use the information in this article to prepare your journey well and check the current regulations for each island before you leave. Book your ferry tickets and accommodation in good time, and check what documents you need when travelling with your dog within the Netherlands. Plan your route, note any required stops and discover more practical tips on Traveler Tips.
Frequently asked questions
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You can easily drive to ferry ports such as Den Helder, Harlingen, Holwerd and Lauwersoog and take your dog on the ferry to islands like Texel, Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog. Dogs are welcome on the boats (on a lead), and on the islands you will find many dog-friendly campsites, holiday parks, hotels and cottages. On most beaches dogs are (largely) allowed off-lead, although during the breeding season there is more often an on-lead requirement in dunes and nature areas. Check the current rules for each island in advance, as well as the house rules of your accommodation.
By car you can easily reach the ferry ports (including Den Helder, Holwerd, Lauwersoog, Harlingen) and then continue by boat to the Wadden Islands, where dogs are welcome on the ferries. On Texel, Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog you will find many dog-friendly places to stay, such as holiday homes, campsites and parks. Dogs are allowed off-lead on many beaches, although each island and each season has specific rules for leads and nature protection, especially during the breeding season. Prepare your trip well by checking the rules, making reservations for the ferry and ensuring your dog’s vaccinations are up to date in advance.
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