Discover Belgium with Your Dog: 25 Dog-Friendly Activities

Into nature: space, calm and endless scents

For many dogs, nature is where they feel most at home. The Ardennes offer countless opportunities to head outdoors together. Expect forest paths, riverside walks and rolling hills that invite long, unhurried days outside.

The High Fens provide a completely different atmosphere. Wide-open landscapes, wooden boardwalks and expansive plains create a sense of space you will not find elsewhere in Belgium. Each season brings its own character, making every visit feel unique.

Those staying in Flanders will enjoy the Hoge Kempen National Park, where several clearly marked walking routes welcome dogs. Closer to urban areas, the Sonian Forest and De Blaarmeersen offer an easy blend of greenery and accessibility.

For a quieter experience, the Gaume region stands out. Here, you will find gentle hills, small villages and walking routes that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. The Voer region and the area around Durbuy are also well suited for longer walks with a dog.

Water and coastline: fresh air and wet paws

Water has a special appeal for many dogs. Outside the busy summer months, the Belgian coast becomes particularly welcoming. In seaside towns such as Ostend, Nieuwpoort and Knokke-Heist, dogs are allowed on the beach in designated zones and at specific times. A low-tide beach walk is often a highlight for both dog and owner.

A pleasant bonus is the coastal tram, which allows dogs on board. It makes it easy to explore several seaside towns in a single day.

Those who prefer freshwater can head to the Ourthe valley, perfect for peaceful walks on warmer days. Les Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure offer scenic paths around the water and quiet spots to take a break. Across Flanders, canal towpaths also provide flat, comfortable routes for longer walks.

Exploring cities with your dog

City trips can work just as well with a dog, provided you choose the right routes. Bruges is ideal for calm walks along canals and through green outskirts. Ghent balances historic charm with parks, quays and pedestrian-friendly areas.

In Antwerp, a walk along the River Scheldt or through the Eilandje district offers a mix of water and city life. Those looking for a more compact setting will enjoy Mechelen, where nature and city centre sit close together. Dinant, nestled along the Meuse, is also well suited for a relaxed urban outing with a dog.

Small moments, lasting memories

While bigger trips are memorable, it is often the smaller moments that linger. A picnic in a park, a visit to an off-leash area where your dog can run freely, or a guided group walk that brings dogs and owners together can make an ordinary day feel special.

Across Belgium, more and more places support this way of spending time outdoors, as long as visitors respect the surroundings and one another.

Final thoughts

Whether you are drawn to forests, coastlines or cities, Belgium offers plenty of opportunities to explore together with your dog. With a little planning, every outing becomes a shared experience, filled with new scents, quiet walks and memories worth keeping.