Waffles, Windmills, and a €150 Mistake: Our Dog-Friendly Tour of Benelux
October 2025
Let’s be honest: summer vacations are overrated. The beaches are crowded, the pavement is too hot for paws, and you spend half your time dodging umbrellas. That is why I have discovered the Golden Rule of Dog Travel: Go in October.
From October 1st to the end of May, a magical transformation happens across Europe. The "No Dogs Allowed" signs disappear, and almost all beaches open their sandy arms to four-legged visitors all day long. No searching for tiny, fenced-in "dog zones." No restrictions. Just pure, unadulterated, sandy freedom.
So, we loaded up the car, packed enough dog food to feed a small army, and headed northwest from Prague to explore the autumn charm of Belgium and the Netherlands. Here is everything we learned—including the expensive lessons.
Part 1: The Journey Begins (Prague to the Coast)
It is a long haul from Prague to the Belgian coast—roughly 9 to 10 hours of pure driving time. Since my dogs (and my sanity) have limits, we split the journey with a strategic stopover in Erlangen, Germany. It cut the drive in half, gave us a chance to stretch our legs in a new city, and meant we arrived in Belgium fresh and ready to explore.
Entering Belgium: Where the Highways are Lit (Literally)
Crossing the border into Belgium was a pleasant surprise for three reasons:
Free Highways: My wallet breathed a sigh of relief. Unlike France or Italy, Belgian highways are generally toll-free for passenger cars.
Sensible Speeds: The limit is a comfortable 120 km/h.
The Glow-Up: This is amazing for anyone who hates night driving—most Belgian highways have streetlights! It feels less like driving on a dark interstate and more like landing on an airport runway.
💡 Dog-Traveler Fact: Pet Passports are Mandatory. Before you cross any EU border, remember that your dog needs a valid EU Pet Passport. This must include proof of a valid rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days prior to travel) and a microchip. Belgium and the Netherlands are strict on this, so keep it in your glove compartment!
Part 2: Belgium – Sand Dunes & Medieval Dreams
Koksijde: Sand Dunes & Zoomies
We arrived in Koksijde in the afternoon, barely unpacking before heading straight to the sea. The girls' (my dogs') reaction was immediate: they absolutely lost their minds.
Since it was the off-season, we had the massive beach almost entirely to ourselves. The girls immediately began their construction project—digging holes to the center of the earth—and chasing each other through the surf.
Why Koksijde is great for dogs:
The Architecture: It looks nothing like the houses back in Czechia; think white cottages with thatched roofs.
The Dunes: The Hoge Blekker is the highest dune on the Flemish coast (33 meters). You can wander through these protected nature reserves for hours on marked paths.
Convenience: Our apartment was steps from the sand, which is the ultimate luxury when you have wet, sandy dogs and don’t want to ruin your car upholstery.
Bruges: The Postcard Come to Life
On day two, we drove an hour to Bruges. We parked just outside the city center (a pro tip to save money and stress) and walked in. Bruges is breathtaking—canals, old brick buildings, and swans that look like they own the place.
Despite being famous, the October crowds were manageable. The dogs were welcome to walk everywhere on a leash. While I was busy taking mandatory tourist photos of the Gothic architecture, the dogs appreciated the green belt of parks surrounding the city center (the "Vesten") much more.
💡 Dog-Traveler Tip: Dining in Bruges, Belgium, is surprisingly dog-friendly when it comes to dining. Many cafes and brasseries will allow well-behaved dogs inside, but always ask first ("Is het toegestaan met de hond?"). If not, the outdoor heated terraces are perfect for people-watching with your pup.
Ghent: The Most Expensive 3 Hours of My Life
Day three was Ghent. Beautiful? Yes. Fairy-tale castle (Gravensteen)? Yes. Did it cost me €150? Also yes.
I failed to do my research. As it turns out, Ghent (like Antwerp and Brussels) has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). You need to register your car online to enter, even if your car meets the emissions standards. It is free to register, but if you don't do it before you enter, the cameras will catch you.
Two months later, I received a lovely souvenir in the mail: a photo of my license plate and a fine.
⚠️ CRITICAL TIP: Register Your Car! If you are driving a foreign-plate car into Ghent, Antwerp, or Brussels, go to the official city websites and register your vehicle before your trip. It takes 5 minutes and is usually free. If you forget, you have 24 hours after entering the zone to register retroactively. Don't be like me—save that €150 for waffles!
Part 3: The Netherlands – The Great Dutch Exfoliation
On day four, we transferred to Zandvoort, Netherlands. The moment we hit the beach, the girls were in heaven again. The Dutch coast is incredibly dog-friendly; practically everyone there has a dog, and the vibe is very relaxed.
The Weather Reality Check
The downside of the Dutch coast in autumn? The wind. It rained occasionally, which was fine, but the wind turned the sand into a high-velocity micro-dermabrasion treatment for my face. You will eat sand. You will find sand in places you didn't know existed. But the dogs? They loved every second of the blustery chaos.
To escape the gale-force winds, we visited Haarlem. People call it "Little Amsterdam," and they are right. It has the canals, the gabled houses, and the charm, but none of the crushing tourist crowds of the capital. It was a delightful day of sniffing new corners and meeting local Dutch dogs (who seem taller than other dogs, just like their owners!).
💡 Dog-Traveler Fact: The "Anlijnplicht" In Dutch nature reserves, you will often see signs saying "Honden aan de lijn" (Dogs on leash) or "Honden losloopgebied" (Dogs off-leash area). The Dutch are very organized about this. Use apps like DoggyDating (popular in the Netherlands) to find specific off-leash zones near you.
Part 4: Castles, Forts, and the Rainy Drive Home
On our last day, we went into full sightseeing mode before the long drive back.
Fort bij Vechten (near Utrecht): A cool old fortress that is part of the New Dutch Waterline. It has a surprising display of vintage cars and great walking trails. It started raining, but we hiked anyway.
Kasteel de Haar: This is the biggest castle in the Netherlands and looks like something out of Disney. While dogs aren't allowed inside the castle, the extensive parklands are open to them (ticket required). The parking was easy, and the autumn crowds were nonexistent.
Wasserburg Anholt: A quick stop right on the German border. Another charming water castle to say goodbye to the region.
The Oasis in the Storm: Breuna
We didn't want to drive all the way to Prague in one go, especially since the weather had turned apocalyptic. It was pouring rain, visibility was zero, and my knuckles were white on the steering wheel.
We pulled into Breuna, Germany, and stayed at Hotel Rappenhof—a hotel in the countryside surrounded by horses and farm animals. It was a hidden gem! The next morning, the rain paused long enough for a walk in the nearby forest, which was exploding with golden October colors.
The drive back to Prague was a wet, gray slog (rain the whole way), but looking back at the photos of the girls running on empty beaches made every kilometer worth it.
Summary & Practical Tips for Your Trip
Why Go? The Netherlands feels fresh, green, and alive. Belgium has incredible architecture, world-class chocolate, and the best waffles you will ever eat. Both are absolute dog paradises in the off-season when the beaches open up.
Driving Notes:
Belgium: 120 km/h limit, lit highways at night, generally toll-free. Watch out for average speed checks.
Netherlands: 100 km/h (daytime limit 6:00-19:00), beautiful views, perfect road quality.
The Big Warning: Check the LEZ (Low Emission Zones)! Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels usually require registration. Do it online for free to avoid the €150 "I didn't know" tax.
The Vibe: October is risky for weather (pack a raincoat and windbreaker), but perfect for solitude. If you want empty beaches, happy dogs, and lower accommodation prices, this is the trip for you.
Have you traveled to Benelux with your dog? Did you get a fine in Ghent, too, or are you smarter than me? Let me know in the comments!
