Berlin with a Dog: Off-Leash Forests, Transport and Dog-Friendly Hotels
Where your dog may run free in Berlin (12 official forest areas, the largest in the Grunewald), how dogs ride the U-Bahn and buses, and hotels whose pet policy we checked.
Before you arrive
If you're travelling from another EU country, your dog needs an EU pet passport (or equivalent animal health certificate), a valid rabies vaccination, and an ISO-compliant microchip. Travellers from outside the EU should check Germany's import rules well in advance, since requirements and waiting periods vary by country of origin.
Germany has no nationwide breed ban for travel purposes, but a handful of states restrict specific breeds. It rarely affects short city visits, but it is worth a quick check if you are bringing a breed sometimes listed as "dangerous."
Getting around
Berlin's public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses) is genuinely dog-friendly. Small dogs in a carrier travel free; larger dogs need their own reduced-fare ticket (an "Erm盲脽igungstarif" / dog ticket) and must be leashed. On some lines a muzzle is required, even if your dog never needs one at home, so it's worth packing one just in case an inspector asks.
Taxis and ride-shares are generally fine with a well-behaved dog, but it's polite to ask the driver first.
Where to walk
Berlin's forests have 12 official dog run areas, about 1,220 hectares, where dogs may run free if they come back when called. The largest is in the Grunewald, around the Grunewaldsee. Elsewhere in the forests, keep the leash on (source: Berliner Forsten, berlin.de/forsten).
In city parks, look for a sign marking an off-leash area ("Hundeauslaufgebiet"). Without one, keep your dog on the leash, and always near playgrounds.
Eating and drinking out
Germany overall is one of the more relaxed countries in Europe about dogs in caf茅s, beer gardens and casual restaurants. Many simply expect a well-behaved dog to settle under the table. It is still courteous to ask before sitting down, especially indoors or at finer-dining spots.
Finding the right hotel
Pet policies vary a lot between properties: some waive fees entirely, others charge per night or cap the number of pets per room. Always confirm size and breed limits directly with the hotel before booking, since policies can change.