Aarhus is surrounded by forest — Marselisborg Forest (1,400 ha) covers the southern half of the city, and Riis Skov stretches north along the bay. Both have official off-leash zones (hundeskove). Beaches around the city are dog-friendly outside the marked summer bathing zones (15 May–30 September).
Marselisborg Forest · Ørneredevej, 8270 Højbjerg
Aarhus's largest official off-leash dog forest (hundeskov) — 25 hectares of fenced beech and oak woodland inside the larger Marselisborg Forest. Multiple walking trails, a small clearing for ball games, and direct access to the rest of the 1,400-hectare forest on leash.
💡 Saturday morning sees an informal dog meet-up — locals walk in groups from 09:00. Best time to socialise your dog.
Risskov / Aarhus Bay · Strandvejen 100, 8000 Aarhus C
100 hectares of beech forest stretching along the northern Aarhus Bay, with sea views and direct access to the dog-friendly Bellevue Strand. Dedicated hundeskov section in the southern part; rest of the forest is on-leash but very dog-tolerant.
💡 Walk from Riis Skov down to Bellevue Strand for a 4 km combined forest + beach loop — your dog gets sand, sea, and shade in one outing.
Centre · Møllevejen 10, 8000 Aarhus C
Aarhus University Botanical Garden, 21 hectares of landscaped park with Den Gamle By open-air museum at the entrance. Dogs welcome on leash in all outdoor areas; the tropical greenhouse does not admit pets.
💡 The southern lawn near the rose garden has the best dog-watching spot — locals bring their dogs to read books in the grass on summer afternoons.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Hotel Royal Aarhus
★★★★ · 8.9/10
€175/night
Comwell Aarhus
★★★★ · 8.8/10
€135/night
Scandic Aarhus City
★★★★ · 8.6/10
€115/night