Dog-Friendly Germany (Freiburg)

Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Yet again, Luna and I found our apartment on couchsurfing. This time, I posted a couch request that basically said “hey, I’m looking for a place to rent for two weeks with my small, non-shedding pup – anyone on here know of something like that?” And boy did I luck out. I found a gorgeous two-bedroom apartment just outside the city (and only 5 minutes from the Black Forest) right in my budget range.

Pups on Trains
Different trains may have different restrictions, but we were told that the dog was free as long as she stayed in her carrier. She’s considered hand baggage! (Note: this is also the case on some Belgian trains, but we didn’t find out until we were leaving.)

Eating Out, Shopping, and Sight Seeing
The word on the street is that dogs are welcome just about everywhere, but it’s polite to double check. They are, of course, always welcome in the open-air markets, where you can feast on sausages or fresh fruit while purchasing hand-made goods (and really what more do you need?).

Some of the more fancy restaurants may have a no-dog policy, so always check if you are going upscale.

Our Favorite Walks
The whole Black Forest is at your doorstep here in Freiburg, with easy strolls, challenging upward climbs, thick forested areas, and expansive meadows with mountain views. Whichever way you enter and whichever way you go, you’re in for a treat.

As for the city itself, our favorite walk was to the tower overlooking the city. To get to said tower, head to Munsterplatz and take the cobbled road straight away from the back of the church. You’ll see a church ahead of you and a tourist center to your right. Turn right and then immediately left (alongside the church ahead of you). Make your first right onto a cute cobbled lane. Very quickly you’ll come to a cafe with a large cement staircase beside it. Take the stairs and walk straight past some houses and over a bridge. Follow signs upward to the tower. If you (or your pooch) are afraid of heights, skip the tower itself and just enjoy the views along the way.

Health & Safety
The Black Forest is home to a whole lot of ticks, so take appropriate precautions (checking your dog over a couple times a day, removing any found ticks promptly, etc.). Most ticks don’t carry disease, but some do, so this is something to keep in mind in any wooded or high-grass area. (You should also check yourself over after hiking).

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