The Black Forest is dog country

The Black Forest is one of the best hiking regions in Germany — and for dog owners, that goes double. Vast forests, cool streams, soft woodland trails, and little traffic on the hiking paths make the region an ideal travel destination with a dog. At Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest, you get fresh mountain air and endless possibilities for long walks on top of that.

That said, there are a few things dog owners should know before setting off. Here are the most important tips for a successful holiday with your dog at Feldberg.

The best hiking trails with a dog

Feldsee circular trail (3 km, easy)

The loop around the mystical Feldsee is flat, easy to walk, and one of the most beautiful short hikes at Feldberg. Dogs must be kept on a lead here, as the trail runs through the nature reserve — but the atmosphere at the lake more than makes up for it. The soft forest floor is gentle on dog paws, and along the shore there are spots where your dog can drink (swimming in the Feldsee, however, is not permitted).

Seebuck summit loop (5 km, easy to moderate)

From the Haus der Natur to the Seebuck summit and back — a manageable tour with fantastic views. The path is wide enough to easily pass other hikers, and there are several rest stops along the way. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps. Dogs should be on a lead here as well within the nature reserve area.

Zastler valley (variable, easy to moderate)

The Zastler valley west of Feldberg is a beautiful, quiet valley with a stream that winds through meadows and forest. It is noticeably less busy than the main trails, and there are plenty of spots where dogs can splash about in the stream. The paths are partly natural and unpaved — sturdy footwear is recommended, but for dogs, that is exactly what makes it ideal.

Windgfallweiher loop (6 km, easy)

The Windgfallweiher lies between Feldberg and Schluchsee and is a small, quiet lake with a flat shoreline path that is perfect for a relaxed walk with a dog. The trail is suitable for pushchairs and dogs alike, and there are spots at the lake where dogs can get into the water. In summer, it is a genuine hidden gem, because most visitors head to the larger lakes.

Feldberg nature reserve — rules for dog owners

The Feldberg nature reserve is one of the oldest and most important protected areas in Baden-Wurttemberg. Clear rules apply for dog owners:

Lead requirement on all paths within the nature reserve — no exceptions
Stay on the marked trails — neither humans nor dogs should leave the designated paths
Do not dispose of dog waste bags in the forest — it sounds obvious, but unfortunately happens regularly. Take bags with you and drop them in the nearest bin
The rules are enforced, and rangers patrol regularly

Outside the nature reserve, there is no general lead requirement on hiking trails, but during the breeding and fawning season (April to July), keeping dogs on a lead is strongly recommended to protect wildlife and ground-nesting birds.

Swimming spots for dogs

Not every lake allows dogs in the water, and at official lidos they are usually not permitted. But there are alternatives:

Schluchsee — away from the official lido, there are several freely accessible shoreline spots where dogs can swim. Particularly along the southern shore towards Aha, it is quiet enough
Windgfallweiher — a small lake with dog-friendly access, less crowded
Streams in the Zastler valley and Wiesental — for dogs that prefer splashing to swimming, the shallow streams are ideal
Feldsee — swimming is generally not permitted here (nature reserve), including for dogs

Dog-friendly restaurants in the region

Dining out in the Black Forest is generally dog-friendly — significantly more so than in many other holiday regions. In most inns and restaurants with an outdoor terrace, dogs are welcome. Some even provide water bowls.

A few addresses that have proven reliable:

Berggasthaus Todtnauer Hutte (at Feldberg) — rustic Black Forest cuisine with a terrace, dogs welcome
Gasthaus Unterkrummenhof (between Schluchsee and Aha) — hearty regional food, dog-friendly
Cafes at Titisee (various options along the Seestrasse) — most outdoor areas allow dogs
Mountain inns along the hiking trails — dogs are almost always welcome here, since the guests come straight from hiking anyway

For indoor seating, ask first — the vast majority of hosts are relaxed about it, but a quick “Is the dog allowed inside?” is good form.

Vets nearby

In case of an emergency, it is good to know the nearest vets:

Titisee-Neustadt (about 15 min. from Feldberg) — several veterinary practices in town
Loffingen (about 25 min.) — veterinary practice with extended opening hours
Veterinary clinic Freiburg (about 45 min.) — for emergencies outside regular hours, the safest option

Save the phone numbers before you leave — mobile reception in the Black Forest is not perfect everywhere.

Packing list for a dog holiday

Besides the usual (food, bowl, lead, bed), a few things that are especially useful at Feldberg:

Long line (5-10 meters) for paths outside the nature reserve, where your dog can have more freedom to roam
Towel for the dog — after a swim in the lake or a hike through wet forest, you will need it
Paw protection in winter — road salt and ice on roads can irritate paws
Tick protection — the Black Forest is tick territory, particularly from March to October
Illuminated collar or flashing light — it gets dark early in winter, and on unlit forest paths, visibility matters
Waste bags — goes without saying, really, but better to have too many than too few

Dog-friendly accommodation at Feldberg

Many hotels in the Black Forest only accept dogs reluctantly — with surcharges, no access to the restaurant, and the feeling that you are basically a nuisance. A holiday apartment is almost always the better choice for dog owners.

At Black Forest Dream, dogs are expressly welcome. The apartments offer enough space for your dog to spread out, and self check-in means no lobby stress with an excited dog after a long car journey. Free parking right at the building makes loading and unloading easy, and the location at Feldberg means: the first morning walk leads straight into the forest — not across a hotel car park.

Because the best holiday with a dog is one where everyone feels at home — two-legged and four-legged alike.

Stay with us

Planning a stay at Feldberg? Our holiday apartments are located right in the High Black Forest — self check-in, mountain panorama, infrared sauna, and 7% cheaper than Booking.com.