Jvhertum
Schiermonnikoog Noordzeestrand
Schiermonnikoog is home to the widest beach in Europe — up to one kilometre wide at its broadest point — and dogs are welcome off-leash on this extraordinary stretch of sand year-round. The beach runs 18 kilometres along the northern and western edges of the island, offering an almost surreal amount of space. At low tide, you can walk nearly 500 meters toward the North Sea across firm, flat sand — a unique experience for both dogs and their owners. The off-leash areas on the beach are clearly marked with poles, making it easy to know where your dog can run free. The entire island is a National Park, giving it a pristine, wild character unlike any other Dutch beach destination. Schiermonnikoog is car-free for visitors, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Dogs must be leashed in the village, on National Park paths, and on Het Rif. During breeding season (15 April to 15 July), leashes are also required near meadows and the Waddendijk to protect nesting birds. There is a mandatory cleanup obligation for dog waste across the entire island. Access is by Wagenborg ferry from Lauwersoog (45-minute crossing or 20-minute express ferry). Dogs need a paid ticket (approximately EUR 6.65). Since no visitor cars are allowed, park at Lauwersoog and explore the island by bicycle, bus, or on foot.
Quick Info
Hours
Year-round: dogs allowed off-leash on the beach (designated off-leash areas marked with poles). Dogs must be leashed in the village, National Park paths, and on Het Rif. 15 Apr - 15 Jul: dogs must be leashed near meadows and the Waddendijk (breeding season).
Leash
Off-leash OK
Parking
Limited
Water
Bring your own
Beach Rules 📋
- ●Dogs allowed off-leash year-round in designated beach areas (marked with poles)
- ●Dogs must be leashed in the village, on National Park paths, and on Het Rif
- ●15 Apr - 15 Jul: dogs must be leashed near meadows and the Waddendijk (breeding season)
- ●Mandatory cleanup of dog waste on the entire island
- ●Dogs must not chase animals — especially geese in winter and meadow birds in spring/summer
- ●Dogs must remain under command even in off-leash areas
Local Tips from Dog Owners 💡
- 🐾Wagenborg ferry from Lauwersoog: 45-min regular or 20-min express — dogs need a paid ticket (~EUR 6.65)
- 🐾The island is car-free for visitors — park at Lauwersoog and rent a bicycle on the island
- 🐾At low tide, walk up to 500m across the beach toward the sea — an unforgettable experience for dogs
- 🐾Beach access via Badweg is the main route from the village — about 1.5 km walk or bike ride
- 🐾Off-leash zones are marked with poles — look for the signs at beach access points
- 🐾During breeding season (15 Apr - 15 Jul), leash your dog near meadows and the Waddendijk
Nearby Attractions 🗺️
Location
Amenities
Heading to Schiermonnikoog Noordzeestrand?
Make sure you're prepared with all the beach day essentials for your pup!
🦺 Dog life jacket
💧 Fresh water + bowl
🧴 Dog sunscreen
🎾 Floating fetch toy
🧹 Poop bags
More Dog Beaches in Netherlands 🐾
Ameland Noordzeestrand
Off-LeashAmeland, Netherlands
Ameland's North Sea beach is a continuous 27-kilometre strip of fine white sand running the entire length of the island's northern coast. Dogs are welcome off-leash year-round on the vast majority of this beach, making Ameland one of the most generous islands for four-legged visitors. The main beach access points are at Hollum (west, near the lighthouse), Ballum, Nes (the busiest section with most facilities), and Buren (east). The only restrictions are at the monitored beach crossings and the green beach near Ballum, where leashes are required. Away from these spots, your dog has kilometres of open sand and surf to enjoy. Ameland also has three designated off-leash zones inland: near Koudenburg in Hollum, Roosdunen in Ballum, and Kwekerijbos in Nes. In forests, dunes, grazing areas, and villages, dogs must stay on a leash. Ameland is reached by Wagenborg ferry from Holwerd, with a 45-minute crossing running approximately seven times daily. Dogs need a paid ticket for the ferry (approximately the child fare rate). The island has four villages — Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren — each with their own character, shops, and restaurants. Nes is the main village and ferry port, making it the easiest starting point for beach adventures with your dog.
Bergen aan Zee Strand
Off-LeashBergen aan Zee, Netherlands
Bergen aan Zee offers a beautiful stretch of North Sea coastline that is part of the municipality of Bergen in North Holland. The beach is divided into distinct zones: activity beaches (marked with orange poles), sunbathing beaches (yellow poles), and a naturist beach (pink poles). During winter from October through April, dogs can roam freely across all beach sections, making it ideal for long walks with your four-legged friend. In summer, the rules vary by zone — leashed dogs are welcome on activity beaches throughout the day, while all other areas are accessible before 10:00 and after 19:00. The village of Bergen aan Zee is a charming seaside resort with the popular Zee Aquarium featuring over 300 species of marine life. Behind the beach lies the magnificent North Holland Dune Reserve, home to Scottish Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies, with excellent walking trails. Paid parking is available at several locations including Parkweg (225m to beach) and Van Der Wijckplein (150m to beach), costing around EUR 1.90 per hour or EUR 10 per day. Several beach pavilions offer food and drinks, and the village has a relaxed, artistic atmosphere that complements a day at the beach with your dog.
Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand
Off-LeashBloemendaal, Netherlands
Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand is one of the most beloved year-round dog beaches in the Netherlands, located between the Parnassia beach exit and the naturist beach in the heart of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Unlike most Dutch beaches that restrict dogs in summer, this designated dog section allows off-leash play 365 days a year, making it a true paradise for dog owners from across the Randstad. The beach stretches along a beautiful, wide section of North Sea coastline backed by pristine dunes. During the off-season from September 15 to May 15, dogs are welcome everywhere along Bloemendaal aan Zee on a leash, with the dog beach section remaining off-leash. In the high season from May 15 to September 15, dogs are restricted to the designated dog beach area and may visit pavilion terraces on a leash. The nearby Parnassia aan Zee beach pavilion is dog-friendly and even offers a special dog menu. Parking is available at the large Parnassia car park on the Zeeweg, with the first half hour free, then EUR 3.00 per hour or EUR 19.00 for a day pass. Bike parking is also available. The beach is easily accessible from Haarlem and Amsterdam, nestled within the stunning dune landscape where you might spot Highland cattle and Konik horses on your walk in.