Rügen

Germany's smallest national park protects the 118 m Königsstuhl chalk cliffs and UNESCO-listed ancient beech forests. Leashed dogs are welcome on all marked trails, including the spectacular high-shore path from Sassnitz.

A turreted 1846 hunting lodge on the highest hill of the island's southeast, set in 1,000 hectares of beech forest. Leashed dogs enjoy the park and forest paths; the castle interior is off-limits to them.

Rügen's signature pier: 394 metres of boardwalk crowned by a white pavilion in the elegant style of 1927. Leashed dogs are allowed along the pier, and Sellin's dog beach section lies right beside it.

The clifftop path between Binz and Sellin skirts the eastern edge of the Granitz forest with constant Baltic views. Around 7 km of shaded walking beloved by dog owners; you can ride the Rasender Roland back.

The treetop walk at the Naturerbe Zentrum: 1,250 m of walkway rising to the 40 m Adlerhorst tower. Dogs are not admitted on the walk, but free shaded kennels with water are provided at the entrance while you climb.

The island's northern cape gathers two lighthouses, wartime bunkers and the remains of the Slavic Jaromarsburg fortress on one dramatic headland. The car-free area welcomes leashed dogs, with the thatched fishing hamlet of Vitt below.