A family taking a walk in the forest with the dog

Walking with your dog in the Coastal Land

Photo: Fedja Salihbasic

It is great to take the dog for a walk. And when both the dog and the owner sometimes need to be aired, you can just as well kill two birds with one stone. We guide you to wonderful walks in the Coastal Land that are perfect dogs, and give our best tips and tricks.

When your dog and legs need to be aired

When the family’s four-legged and two-legged members need fresh air, the nature of the Coastal Land offers countless good suggestions for a destination for the walk. There are many dog forests in the area and countless nature areas with good conditions for short round trips in the countryside

Dog forests in the Coastal Land

In the dog forests, your dog can run free and play with other dogs. The dog forest can be an excursion in itself but can also be an element of a hike in the beautiful surroundings, where the dog forests are most often located

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Grund Forest Dog Forest

In the large Grund Forest down to Vejle Fjord is this fine dog forest. Parking by the gravel road Grundvej by small car park near the red barn. Entrance to the enclosure right by the car park. There are good opportunities for walks on the many paths in the beautiful forest. You can also combine it with a walk on the beautiful spa paths at Hotel Vejlefjord.

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Beagle on a lead on a path
Photo: Pexels

Odder Dog Forest

Large dog forest on the outskirts of Odder town by the Organic Garden (Økologiens Have). There are nice conditions with disabled friendly paths, wetland, and a special enclosure for small dogs. Parking by Havestien near Højvænget

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Stensballe Dog Forest

Beautifully located in a large enclosure in Elbæk Forest in the eastern outskirts of Horsens town is this fine dog forest. Parking at the end of Elbækskovvej, 200 metres west of the enclosure. Follow the path into the forest and see the enclosure on the left hand side. Combine with a walk along the forest path down to Horsens Fjord, where there is a good opportunity to let the dog cool off in the water.  

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Tønballe Dog Forest

The Coastal Land’s largest dog forest of 9 hectares can be found in Tønballe Forest by Snaptun. In this former Christmas tree plantation there is grass everywhere and many paths. It is not muddy in the enclosure, so you will not get a dirty dog (and car) afterwards. Parking on the side of the road on Tønballevej, a little east of the dog forest. Tønballe Forest is ideal for walking. Take a walk on the beautiful path down to the coast and see the ramparts and let the dog have a swim

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Boller Overskov Dog Forest

Smaller dog forest located in Boller Overskov in the southern part of Horsens. Parking by the small car park east of the dog forest from Nordrevej. Note that there are two Boller Forests in Horsens. This is not about the forest at Boller Castle. Can be combined with a round trip of the small forest. Just on the other side of the car park by Nordrevej, there is a path to beautiful Klokkedal, which is also great for walks with a dog.

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Brædstrup Dog Forest

Fine fenced dog forest on the outskirts of Brædstrup in Ring Forest. There is a small car park with space for 10 cars. Aim for Trædenvej 35. Can be combined with a round trip of Ring Forest

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Kær Forest Dog Forest

Small dog forest located in Kær Forest between Horsens and Hedensted. At Kærsholmvej there is a small car park, quite close to the enclosure. Kær Forest is quite beautiful, and it is recommended to go for a walk there and perhaps Dallerup Forest, which is an extension of Kær Forest

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Dog lying at the feet of its owners on the forest path
Photo: Pexels

Løsning Dog Forest

Larger dog forest located idyllically in Sebberup State Forests. In the enclosure there are tables/benches and a rubbish bin, so you can enjoy a quiet moment while your dog runs around. There is also a wetland where your dog can have a drink. Parking at the car park from Stubberupvej. 

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Bygholm Park Dog Forest

In a larger park near the centre of Horsens is this fenced area where your dog can run free. The area is occasionally used for dog training, and the area may therefore be occupied. Parking at the large car park from Bygholm Parkvej. The car park is located at the opposite end of the park. Follow the paths around the park. The fence is located by the large Peblingestien path at the northern end of the park

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Questions and answers about walking with a dog

As a general rule, dogs should be kept on a lead both in towns and the countryside, which is to protect the dog, other people who may not think Fido is great, and nature’s other animals. However, there are two exceptions to the rule. In fenced dog forests, as well as on beaches during the winter months (October-March), dogs are allowed to run free.

Water: The most crucial thing if you are going to go far is that the dog has access to water. So take a container of water with you on the trip and possibly a bowl to drink from.

Food: If you are going far, bring some food for the trip. A dog uses more energy than usual when it has to walk far. Also, bring a chew or something similar for when you take a break to keep the dog calm.

Tick repellent: Dogs attract ticks like magnets. If you are going for a long walk or going into the woods, consider drenching the dog with tick repellent before the walk.

Two leads: It can be a useful to bring a short and a long lead. The short lead should be used in towns, as well as places where there are many people or traffic. The long lead is for when the dog can be a little freer.

There is plenty of gear and equipment you can bring on the trip, such as bags so the dog can carry the equipment itself, but this is rarely necessary. However, if you regularly go for long walks, a dog first aid kit should be included in your trip. Dogs can get hurt, and their paws are particularly vulnerable.

Your dog’s paws can take a bit of everything - from walking on asphalt to gravel roads and grass. On particularly hot sunny days, be aware that hot asphalt can injure paws. Just as if you were walking barefoot. Beach sand and saltwater can be great for your dog, but salt and sand wear on the paws.

A dog can take most things - the question is whether it is stimulated enough. If it has to walk only on asphalt or gravel paths, it will probably get bored. So the optimum is varied terrain with plenty of opportunities to sniff about in the countryside. 

Forest, beach, meadow or lake?

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