The 10 best dog beaches in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Pure nature on the Baltic coast

Between Wismar and Ahlbeck, a good stretch of Baltic coast runs through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – and if you are out with a dog, you have more choice here than elsewhere. Usedom and Rügen stand out: Most of the officially designated dog areas with infrastructure are found there. If you prefer peace and quiet, head to the mainland – there is still room to breathe even in July, and outside the season dogs often have almost the entire coast to themselves.

Which dog beach suits my dog?

It really depends on the character of the dog. Shy or older animals are better off in Juliusruh than in Bansin, where it can get lively at weekends. Social four-legged friends, however, thrive exactly there. In short: Those who want bustle, dog showers and conspecifics choose differently from someone who simply wants to stroll undisturbed through the dunes with their dog.

Ückeritz: Wide sandy beach with shallow water entry

Ückeritz on Usedom is one of those beaches that you quickly underestimate. The strip of sand is among the widest in the region, and the designated dog area lies east of the main access – so somewhat away from the bathing traffic. Parking is free at the edge of town on Waldstrasse, from there it is five minutes on foot.

What is really practical here: The water entry is exceptionally shallow. Even with moderate surf, dogs can get in without being washed away immediately. From October to March, the leash requirement generally applies only for the first 50 metres from the dune – afterwards dogs are allowed to run freely as long as they do not annoy anyone.

Bansin: Meeting point for social four-legged friends

If you know Bansin, you know: There is something going on at the weekend. The dog beach lies 300 metres west of the pier, and especially on Saturdays and Sundays a noticeably large number of dog owners meet there. Parking is possible at the paid car park „Strandstrasse” or free at the edge of town – with a bit of walking. A dog shower stands directly at the beach access, which is worth its weight in gold after a thorough bath in the salty water.

Tip from experience: There is significantly less traffic in the morning than in the afternoon. If you prefer it quieter, come early. The leash requirement applies daily between 9 am and 6 pm from April to September.

Juliusruh: Natural beach on Rügen

Juliusruh is something for dogs that prefer to sniff around rather than play. The dog beach begins north of the main beach – from the car park simply follow the coast to the right for about 500 metres. Behind it opens up a dune landscape that actually still smells of nature: beach grass, sea buckthorn, wind. Marked nesting areas should nevertheless be respected and the dog kept on a lead or kept away there.

Free parking spaces are located directly at the beach. The leash requirement usually applies only in the summer months of July and August – but you should briefly check the exact regulations on the municipality website beforehand, as they change occasionally.

Sellin: Best infrastructure on Rügen

If you do not feel like packing your own water bowl and poo bags – Sellin forgives that. The designated dog area east of the pier is the best-equipped dog beach on Rügen: Dog showers, drinking water stations, poo bag dispensers – everything is there. The route via the L30 is well signposted, parking at the large car park „Seestrasse” costs fees (around 200 metres to the beach), at the entrance to town you park for free, but have about 10 minutes’ walk.

After the beach visit, a short detour to the historic pier is worthwhile – dogs are allowed there on a lead.

Hohenkirchen: Quiet beach on the mainland coast

Hohenkirchen in the Wohlenberger Wiek is one of those places that locals would rather keep to themselves. Even in high summer it remains surprisingly quiet here. The route leads from the A20, exit Grevesmühlen, via the L12 towards Wohlenberg – in Hohenkirchen simply follow the signs „Strand”. The car park lies directly at the dike, the water is 100 metres away.

Dogs are allowed to run freely here almost all year round. Only during the bird breeding season from March to July does the leash requirement apply in the reed beds – which is absolutely sensible and easy to comply with.

Gross Schwansee: Freshwater alternative to the Baltic Sea

Not every dog loves salt water – some drink it, others simply refuse to go in. Gross Schwansee is interesting exactly for these cases. The dog beach lies on the inland lake of the same name, only a few hundred metres from the Baltic Sea. The water is crystal clear, pleasantly cool even in summer and above all: salt-free. A real alternative that many do not have on their radar.

Route via the A20 to exit Schönberg, then the B104 towards Dassow. The car park at the lake is free. The leash requirement applies only in the nature reserves around the lake.

Frequently asked questions about dog beaches in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Are all dog beaches in MV free of charge?

The beaches themselves cost nothing. What costs money is parking – at tourist hotspots like Bansin or Sellin you should expect 3 to 5 euros per day. At the quieter mainland beaches you usually park for free.

May my dog go into the water outside of dog beaches?

In the peak season, roughly from May to September, dogs are not allowed on regular bathing beaches. Outside of the season, they are tolerated in many places – but it is not officially permitted everywhere, so it is better to read the signs.

Are there dog beaches that are also open in winter?

All the beaches mentioned here are accessible year-round. In winter, the stricter leash requirement regulations usually lapse, allowing dogs to run much more freely – which makes autumn and winter visits particularly attractive for many dog owners.

Where can I find current leash requirement regulations?

The most reliable sources are the municipality websites of the respective locations – these list the current beach regulations. The periods for leash requirements sometimes change from year to year, so it is worth checking again shortly before your holiday.

What equipment should I bring for the dog beach?

A few towels for the dog, enough drinking water (not every beach has a water source), poo bags – and a long lead for areas where keeping the dog on a lead is prescribed. Anyone who brings these items is well prepared at all the beaches presented here.

You represent a destination or a dog-friendly offering in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? With a free account, you can keep your details up to date yourself.