The island with dog

Would you like to bring your four-legged friend to the island for a day trip or holiday? To help you and your dog enjoy exploring Heligoland together, we have put together some tips for a pleasant stay and harmonious coexistence on the island.

If you would like to let your dog run off the lead, you can do so on the island’s North Beach, in the area around the “Kringel”, in the Oberland and in the South Harbour, behind the helipad. Please note: The Kringel is currently inaccessible due to construction work (August 2026). The North Beach is the only beach on Heligoland where
dogs are allowed in the water. As it is an unsupervised natural beach, it is not intended as a bathing beach for people. This means it offers dogs the chance to cool off and get some exercise in the sea. Please be respectful of the natural environment and leave the area clean.

Please remember to always carry dog waste bags with you. Dog waste bag dispensers and bins can be found throughout the island. Please be considerate of others and always clean up after your dog. Dog mess on green spaces is particularly unpleasant for children and our gardening staff.

Please note: There is no veterinary practice on Heligoland. In an emergency, you would need to leave the island with your dog to seek veterinary care.

Picture: Uta and Benjamin Rösler

To protect nature, visitors seeking relaxation and the local wildlife, dogs are generally not permitted on the south beach between the landing stage and the customs jetty and in the drinking water protection area.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds are not permitted on Heligolands sister island Düne. Heligoland’s Dune is a nature reserve and is home to seals and grey seals. Dogs can disturb the animals, and encounters between dogs and seals can lead to incidents. Passengers may, of course, bring their dogs with them, provided they are kept on a lead, on the direct route between the airport and the jetty.

The Heidschnucken sheep living on Heligoland make an important contribution to landscape conservation and are an integral part of our island’s character. Please always keep your dog on a short lead when near the animals. If your dog disturbs the Heidschnucken, please increase the distance between you and the flock and walk on briskly. This will help to avoid causing the animals stress and support their welfare.