Maastricht is land-locked but the surrounding area has multiple year-round dog-swimming lakes, plus the Belgian and Dutch North Sea coasts within 2 hours by car.
Lage Kanaaldijk, 6212 NA Maastricht
A municipal lake 5 km south of the centre on the Maas towpath, with a designated dog-swimming bay at the south end. Sandy entry, calm waters, year-round access. The most accessible swim spot from Maastricht — bike or walk along the towpath.
💡 No facilities — bring water and a towel. Best dog-swim conditions May-September; April and October waters can be very cold.
Oosterbroek, 6245 KE Eijsden
A 200-hectare nature reserve on the Maas floodplain 12 km south of Maastricht — flat riverside meadows, swimming-grade water, free-roaming Konik horses and Galloway cattle. Year-round dog-friendly with off-leash access on the meadow paths.
💡 Leash up around the free-roaming Konik horses — they tolerate dogs but reactive dogs may chase. Park at the Oosterbroek lot.
Brik 16, 6037 RG Kelpen-Oler
A large recreation lake 35 km north of Maastricht with a dedicated dog-swimming zone separated from the family swimming area — the closest year-round 'real' beach with sand. Free parking and on-site café.
💡 Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest sand — Saturday afternoons in July-August get crowded.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
★★★★★ · 9.1/10
€260/night
Hotel Derlon
★★★★ · 8.9/10
€195/night
Townhouse Hotel Maastricht
★★★ · 8.7/10
€120/night