Holiday Home with Dog in the Netherlands: The Most Beautiful Destinations!

Although nature in the Netherlands may not be as vast as in some other European countries, there are still plenty of places where dogs can roam and have fun! Is your four-legged friend a true family member? Then a holiday home with dog in the Netherlands is a fantastic option! And if you think bringing your dog along would limit your holiday, this article will show you why that’s hardly the case — and which spots in the Netherlands are perfect for a fun holiday with your dog!

Holiday with Your Dog in Drenthe

Drenthe is one of the best provinces for a holiday with your dog in the Netherlands. Endless nature walks through heathlands, forests, and fens await you each day, and you’ll never get bored! Want to fully enjoy nature? Then booking a holiday home with your dog in the Drentse Vennen nature reserve is a fantastic idea! A beautiful walking route has been mapped out especially for you and your dog: the Veenpluisroute. This route takes you through the wilderness of Drenthe, over vast heathlands and past fens and streams.

Off-Leash Areas

In the northern part of Drenthe, where the Drentse Vennen are located, you’re also well-positioned for day trips. Visit the Frisian Lakes, the Drents-Friese Wold, or the historic city of Groningen. While dogs are often required to be leashed to protect local wildlife, areas like the Drents-Friese Wold have designated off-leash zones marked with green signs. On recreational beaches, dogs are not always allowed, but at Heidemeer in Heerenveen (Friesland), not far from the provincial border, dogs can run freely and swim in the lake outside peak season. Parking is free. Tip: visit Brasserie de Stal — chances are the friendly staff, many with intellectual disabilities, will give your dog plenty of love (and cuddles)!

Holiday with Your Dog on the Veluwe

The Veluwe offers lush forest nature and several areas where dogs are allowed off-leash. Did you know there’s even a dog playground at the holiday park in Beekbergen? Close to nature, you can unwind for a weekend or a week in the fragrant woods of the Veluwe. And if you want to entertain not just your dog but also your kids, the Veluwe is perfect. One ideal family trip — with dog — is a visit to Castle Rosendael. This estate is known for its beautiful gardens and orangery, where you can enjoy a drink or meal with views of the castle and its surroundings. A visit to Rosendael combines perfectly with a scenic walk, as it’s close to the Posbank — one of the Netherlands’ most stunning heathlands!

There are many more spots on the Veluwe where you can combine castle visits with walking trails, and where restaurants welcome your dog with open arms. Tip: At "Bij Maarten In het Koetshuis", located on the Cannenburgh Castle estate, your four-legged friend is greeted with a special dog menu!

Holiday with Your Dog by the Sea

When walking your dog along the coast, you’ll often encounter rules. In many places, dogs must be leashed during certain hours, especially in the high season. But there are also beaches where dogs are welcome all year round. For example, enjoy the fresh sea breeze and beach views together with your dog at Westkapelle in Zeeland. Long walks along this beach, with the salty wind in your face, help you leave all stress behind in the sound of the waves. Is it warm? Then your dog will love cooling off in the sea. Want to go cycling during your holiday too? If you have a small dog, rent a bike basket from a local rental shop. At Breezand, you can rent a small basket for €5 per day or a dog basket for €20 per week. From Breezand, it’s less than an hour’s bike ride to the dog-friendly beaches of Westkapelle, where your dog can run and play freely.

Burgh-Haamstede

Zeeland not only has many dog-friendly beaches but also some great off-leash areas away from the shore. Wherever you stay in Zeeland, nature is never far away. A great spot for recreation with your dog is Burgh-Haamstede. Park at "Het Groene Duin" and walk into a forested off-leash area, with the option to continue on to the wide beach of Nieuw-Haamstede.

Veere

Want to extend your outing with a visit to one of Zeeland’s charming towns? Hop in the car and head to Veere. It’s smaller than Middelburg but full of storybook charm! In the town center, enjoy the picturesque streets, or walk along the old city walls with views of the Veerse Meer. The lake is worth a return visit — especially for a canoe trip! We recommend exploring Pietkreek!

Holiday Home with Dog in the Netherlands

Want to enjoy a holiday in the Netherlands with your furry friend and save on kennel costs? Rent a holiday home with your dog and discover how rewarding it can be to vacation together! Thanks to off-leash areas, dog-friendly restaurants, and even dog playgrounds, you’ll see that traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be a hassle. Want to combine walks with cycling adventures? Rent a bike basket or electric cargo bike and take your dog along for the ride!