Holiday with a dog in the Harz

Behaviour in Harz National Park
In Harz National Park, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round. This protects native wildlife such as lynx, wildcats and deer. Compliance is monitored by national park rangers, and violations are punished with fines. You should also avoid leaving filled plastic bags by the wayside. Since there are no bins outside towns and only occasionally at hiking car parks, please take your rubbish back with you. The #NimmsWiederMit Initiative offers further tips on environmentally friendly behaviour. Your dog’s droppings may be left where they fall – if the pile is right on the path, you can simply push it aside with a stick.

Breeding and birthing season in the Harz
The Harz region lies within the federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. During the breeding and birthing season, dogs must be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing wild animals and their young. In Lower Saxony, this period lasts from 1 April to 15 July, in Saxony-Anhalt from 1 March to 15 July, while in Thuringia dogs must be kept on a lead in the forest all year round. Ignoring these rules can result in fines ranging from 50 to 2,500 euros.

Considerate behaviour
As everywhere, mutual consideration also applies in the Harz. Not everyone feels comfortable near off-lead dogs, and not every dog seeks contact with others. A quick chat between dog owners can prevent misunderstandings and help ensure a relaxed atmosphere on the hiking trails.

“No dog – no me!” – that’s true for many people, and in the Harz Mountains you don't have to make any compromises. For your holiday with your four-legged family member, you’ll find a wide range of hotels of every category, holiday homes and apartments, as well as glamping and camping options in every town. Sometimes a small extra fee applies, but in return there are often dog bowls, treats, or cushions ready. The teams at the tourist information offices are also happy to help you find the right accommodation for the best time of the year.

New Year’s Eve holiday with your dog
Many dogs are sensitive to fireworks and loud noises. In the Harz Mountains, the New Year is also welcomed with fireworks, but there are places where the celebrations are calmer than in big cities. To protect the historic half-timbered houses, setting off fireworks is prohibited in the old towns of Goslar, Wernigerode and Quedlinburg – though even there, it’s not completely quiet. In Harz National Park, fireworks are generally banned, which makes it a particularly suitable retreat for noise-sensitive dogs. A good place for a relaxed New Year’s celebration is, for example, the dog-friendly Torfhaus Harz Resort.

Spending the most beautiful time of the year with your dog is a special experience. In the Harz Mountains, you don’t have to miss out on shared excursions, as many sights welcome four-legged friends.

In addition to the destinations listed below, dogs are also allowed on several cable cars: in Thale to the Hexentanzplatz, in Braunlage to the Wurmberg, in Hahnenklee to the Bocksberg and in Bad Harzburg to the Burgberg. Depending on the operator, dogs can travel free of charge or for a small fee. Dogs are also welcome on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways and can relax their paws on the ride up to the Brocken.

In addition, several dog-related events have become established in the Harz region. A highlight is the Harz Dog Days in Hahnenklee, which take place every spring. Training sessions, guided hikes, workshops and a fair await both two- and four-legged visitors.

Below you’ll find an overview of sights and excursion destinations where dogs are welcome.