Hiking Trails with Dogs

Our region offers the perfect mix of short loops for the morning walk and long day tours. The paths are mostly natural, unpaved, and very paw-friendly. Along many routes, you will find small streams or lake shores where your dog can drink or cool off. Whether you prefer a flat route or want to master slight inclines – you will find the right route for you and your four-legged friend here.

The approx. 5-kilometer-long circular trail starts directly at our holiday home. It leads over dirt roads and through small wooded areas around the village of Brunsmark. This route is particularly quiet and away from major roads, so dogs can often run relaxed off-leash here on many sections – outside the breeding and rearing season. The path can be extended as desired towards Schmilau or the Mölln forest.

Those who love relaxed, completely flat routes should explore the hiking trails along the historic Elbe-Lübeck Canal. From Brunsmark you are quickly at the water. The towpaths directly on the shore are ideal for dogs who like to jump into the water or splash on the edge. In addition, you can observe exciting lock operations here and hike for kilometers without significant inclines.

Just a few minutes' drive away is the picturesque Hellbachtal. The approx. 8-kilometer circular trail leads through ancient beech forests and along a babbling brook. Since the Hellbachtal is a designated nature reserve with sensitive flora and fauna, dogs must be kept on a leash year-round here. However, the untouched nature and the wildly romantic atmosphere make this route an absolute must-do.

Sections of the Lake Schaalsee circular trail are recommended for enduring hikers and dogs that love to run. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers breathtaking views of the lake and rare bird species. Please note that strict rules apply in this sensitive ecosystem to protect nature, and dogs must be kept on a leash almost everywhere. However, the scenic beauty more than makes up for it.

In Schleswig-Holstein, unlike some other federal states, there is no general, statewide leash requirement on all paths during the breeding and rearing season (usually April to mid-July). However, dogs must be kept on a leash in forests year-round (except in designated dog run areas), as well as in nature reserves and parks. In the spring months, please be particularly careful that your dog does not roam off the paths so as not to endanger wildlife and ground-nesting birds.

The vast forests also mean that tick protection is essential in the warmer months. Check your dog thoroughly after every hike. The water quality of the lakes is excellent, but dogs should better not drink from stagnant, small pools in great heat (risk of blue-green algae). If you see wild animals (deer, wild boar), always: put the dog on a leash immediately and continue walking calmly.

To ensure you are safe on the go, we recommend the following packing list: A well-fitting harness, a flexible long line (ideal for leash-required areas to still give the dog some radius), sufficient water and a foldable drinking bowl, tick tweezers, small snacks for in between, and poop bags. A small dog first aid kit with bandages is also advisable for longer tours in the forest.