🐾 Traveling to Germany with Pets
Pet-Friendly Germany
Germany is highly pet-friendly, particularly for dogs, which are a common sight in parks, trains, and beer gardens. From the Black Forest trails to Berlin's urban green spaces, pets are welcome in many public areas, making it an ideal destination for traveling with animals.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with German embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide ban, but some states (e.g., Bavaria, Berlin) classify certain breeds as dangerous.
Breeds like Pit Bulls may require muzzles, leashes, and liability insurance in public areas.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with German authorities.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Germany on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Berlin & Munich): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for €10-25/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like Ibis and NH Hotels are reliably pet-friendly.
- Black Forest & Bavarian Chalets (Baden-Württemberg & Bavaria): Rural lodges often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct access to hiking trails. Ideal for scenic walks with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in countryside areas. Entire homes provide space for pets to roam freely.
- Farmstays (Bauernhof): Farms in Bavaria and Lower Saxony welcome pets alongside resident animals. Great for families combining pet and child experiences in rural settings.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Most German campsites are pet-friendly, with dog exercise areas and trails. Sites near the Baltic Sea or Lake Constance are popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: Upscale hotels like The Westin Grand Berlin offer premium pet services including spa treatments, gourmet meals, and walking services.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Forest & Hiking Trails
Germany's Black Forest and Bavarian Forest offer extensive pet-friendly trails for dogs.
Leash dogs near protected areas and check national park rules at entrances.
Lakes & Beaches
Bodensee and Baltic Sea beaches have designated dog areas for swimming and play.
Check local signs for seasonal restrictions; many spots allow pets off-leash in designated zones.
Cities & Parks
Berlin's Tiergarten and Munich's Englischen Garten welcome leashed dogs; outdoor beer gardens often allow pets.
Hamburg's parks and canals are dog-friendly; most outdoor seating areas accommodate well-behaved animals.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
German café culture includes pets; water bowls are common outside establishments.
Many Berlin and Munich cafés allow dogs inside; always confirm with staff before entering.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Berlin, Cologne, and Munich welcome leashed dogs without extra fees.
Historic sites are generally pet-friendly outdoors; skip indoor museums and cathedrals with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Bavarian cable cars allow dogs in carriers or muzzled; fees around €5-10.
Verify with operators; some require reservations for pets in high season.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Deutsche Bahn): Small dogs travel free in carriers; larger dogs require half-price tickets and muzzles or carriers. Allowed in all classes except quiet zones.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Berlin and Munich public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs €2-3 with muzzle/leash. Avoid rush hours.
- Taxis: Confirm with driver; most accept pets with notice. Apps like Free Now offer pet-friendly options.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Sixt and Europcar allow pets with notice and cleaning fee (€30-80). Opt for larger vehicles for comfort on long drives.
- Flights to Germany: Check airline policies; Lufthansa allows cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flights on Aviasales for pet-friendly options.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Lufthansa, Eurowings, and KLM permit cabin pets (under 8kg) for €50-100 round-trip. Larger pets in hold with health certificates.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Berlin (Tierklinik Hofheim) and Munich provide urgent care.
EHIC/travel insurance covers pet emergencies; consultations €50-200.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Fressnapf and ZooRoyal chains stock food, meds, and accessories nationwide.
Pharmacies carry basic pet meds; bring prescriptions for specialized treatments.
Grooming & Day Care
Cities offer salons and daycare for €20-50 per session.
Reserve in advance during festivals; hotels often recommend locals.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and local apps provide sitting for day trips or overnights.
Concierge services in hotels can arrange trusted sitters.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, parks, and nature reserves. Off-leash allowed in designated areas away from traffic and wildlife.
- Muzzle Requirements: Certain breeds or large dogs need muzzles on public transport in some states. Always carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Bags and bins are everywhere; fines €35-500 for not cleaning up. Carry extras on outings.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated dog beaches on North Sea/Baltic; some ban pets in summer peak hours. Respect other visitors.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating welcomes pets; indoor varies. Keep dogs calm and off furniture.
- National Parks: Leash required near wildlife; seasonal restrictions during breeding (March-June). Stick to paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Germany
Germany for Families
Germany delights families with efficient transport, interactive museums, fairy-tale castles, and outdoor adventures. Safe cities, playgrounds everywhere, and child-focused amenities make it stress-free for parents and fun for kids.
Top Family Attractions
Europa-Park (Rust)
Europe's largest theme park with rides, shows, and themed areas for all ages.
Tickets €60 adults, €50 kids; open seasonally with family packages and dining options.
Berlin Zoo
World's most species-rich zoo with pandas, polar bears, and aquarium.
Tickets €20 adults, €15 kids; full-day fun with playgrounds and animal feedings.
Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria)
Fairy-tale castle inspiring Disney's Sleeping Beauty with guided tours.
Tickets €15 adults, free for kids under 18; shuttle or hike up for family adventure.
Deutsches Museum (Munich)
Hands-on science and technology museum with experiments and planetarium.
Tickets €15 adults, €8 kids; ideal for rainy days with interactive exhibits.
Legoland Deutschland (Günzburg)
Lego-themed park with rides, building zones, and Miniland displays.
Tickets €50 adults, €40 kids; seasonal operation with family workshops.
Bavarian Adventure Parks
Tree-top courses, summer toboggans, and climbing in Bavarian Alps.
Activities for kids 4+ with safety equipment; €20-30 per person.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Germany on Viator. From Rhine cruises to castle tours, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Berlin & Munich): Chains like Novotel offer family rooms for €100-180/night with cribs, kids' menus, and play areas.
- Bavarian Resorts (Alps): All-inclusive family hotels with kids' clubs and pools. Properties like Alpenhof cater to families with programs.
- Farm Holidays (Bauernhof): Farms in rural Germany provide animal interactions and outdoor play for €50-100/night including meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering options with kitchens for family flexibility and space to relax.
- Youth Hostels: DJH hostels in cities like Hamburg for €60-90/night with family rooms and communal kitchens.
- Castle Hotels: Historic stays like Schloss Elmau for immersive family experiences in stunning settings.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Berlin with Kids
Berlin Zoo, Legoland Discovery Centre, TV Tower views, and Tiergarten picnics.
Interactive history museums and boat rides on Spree River engage young explorers.
Munich with Kids
Deutsches Museum, English Garden playgrounds, Viktualienmarkt, and zoo visits.
Oktoberfest (family areas) and bike tours through parks keep children entertained.
Bavaria with Kids
Neuschwanstein tours, Alpine cable cars, salt mines with slides, and fairy-tale roads.
Easy hikes and lakeside swims in Chiemsee for family outdoor fun.
Rhine Valley (Rhineland)
River cruises, Marksburg Castle, chocolate factories in Cologne, and playgrounds.
Boat trips and easy trails with scenic views perfect for little legs.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Kids under 6 free; 6-15 at 50% with family cards on DB. Family compartments with stroller space available.
- City Transport: Berlin and Hamburg family tickets (2 adults + kids) €10-15. Most systems stroller-friendly.
- Car Rentals: Child seats €5-10/day mandatory under 12/150cm. Book ahead for family vans.
- Stroller-Friendly: German cities feature ramps, elevators, and accessible paths. Attractions offer stroller storage.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants provide Kindermenü with nuggets, pasta for €5-10. High chairs standard.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Brauhauses and market halls like Munich's Viktualienmarkt welcome families with play spaces.
- Self-Catering: Rewe and Edeka supermarkets stock baby essentials and organic foods for apartments.
- Snacks & Treats: Pretzels, sausages, and ice cream from street vendors energize kids on the go.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, stations, and museums with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Apotheke): Carry formula, diapers, meds; English-speaking staff available.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters €15-20/hour via services like Betreuung.de.
- Medical Care: Pediatric services in cities; EHIC for EU coverage, hospitals equipped for kids.
♿ Accessibility in Germany
Accessible Travel
Germany excels in accessibility with barrier-free transport, inclusive sites, and support services. Tourism offices provide guides for wheelchair users and those with disabilities.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: DB offers wheelchair spaces, ramps, and assistance booked 24h ahead. Accessible toilets on most routes.
- City Transport: Berlin U-Bahn and trams low-floor with elevators; audio for visually impaired.
- Taxis: Wheelchair taxis via apps; standard ones fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Frankfurt and Munich fully accessible with priority services and facilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Palaces: Berlin's museums and Sanssouci Palace feature ramps, lifts, and audio guides.
- Historic Sites: Rhine castles accessible by boat; Berlin Wall with smooth paths.
- Nature & Parks: Black Forest trails and Tiergarten wheelchair-friendly with viewpoints.
- Accommodations: Hotels list accessible features on Booking.com; seek roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) for festivals and outdoors; winter for Christmas markets and skiing.
Spring (April-May) and fall (Sept-Oct) milder, less crowded, with harvest events.
Budget Tips
Deutschland-Ticket for affordable transport; family discounts at attractions like zoos.
Picnics and grocery shopping cut costs for varied family meals.
Language
German official; English common in tourist spots and among youth.
Basic phrases help; Germans are accommodating to families and travelers.
Packing Essentials
Layers for variable weather, sturdy shoes for cities and trails, rain protection.
Pets: familiar food, leash, muzzle, bags, and vaccination papers.
Useful Apps
DB Navigator for trains, Google Maps, and Pawshake for pet services.
BVG and MVV apps for city transport real-time info.
Health & Safety
Germany safe; tap water safe. Apotheken for advice.
Emergency 112; EHIC for EU healthcare coverage.