– from the perspective of someone who walks here on a leash and gets it
By Milo, French Bulldog, Munich local, and self-proclaimed expert in what really matters in life.- 🐕 In Munich’s nature reserves, dogs must generally be kept on a leash – in the Southern Fröttmaninger Heide, an exemption is possible upon application
- 🌿 The four areas: Panzerwiese and Hartelholz (approx. 280 ha), Southern Fröttmaninger Heide, Allacher Lohe (almost 150 ha), Schwarzhölzl (approx. 100 ha)
- ✅ Fröttmaninger Heide: Exemption from the leash requirement possible upon application – with a tag and a one-time fee of €13 per dog
- 💧 Allacher Lohe: Swimming is prohibited – including for dogs
- 🚫 Fröttmaninger Heide: Parts of the area may not be entered for safety reasons – follow signs and the designated routes
- ⚠️ Violations of the nature reserve regulations may be penalized as an administrative offence
Munich has four nature reserves within the city limits. Many people know that – but often not the specific rules for visiting with a dog.
A nature reserve in Munich with a dog mainly means: know the rules beforehand. In general, dogs must be kept on a leash in protected areas. But what matters is this: the Southern Fröttmaninger Heide is a special case, because under certain conditions you can apply for an exemption from the leash requirement.
What I appreciate about these four areas: despite clear rules, they’re exceptional places for walks. As long as you take protecting these habitats just as seriously as the outing with your dog.
The four nature reserves – an overview
There are currently four designated nature reserves within Munich’s city limits: Panzerwiese and Hartelholz, Southern Fröttmaninger Heide, Allacher Lohe, and Schwarzhölzl.
What they have in common: dogs are allowed, but special rules apply. In all areas, the basic rule is that dogs must be on a leash. The Southern Fröttmaninger Heide is an exception, because an exemption is possible upon application.
- 🌿 Panzerwiese and Hartelholz – Milbertshofen-Am Hart, approx. 280 hectares
- 🌿 Southern Fröttmaninger Heide – Freimann, with four zones and different rules
- 🌿 Allacher Lohe – Allach, almost 150 hectares
- 🌿 Schwarzhölzl – Feldmoching, about 100 hectares
- 🐕 Dogs only in compliance with the respective protected-area rules
Panzerwiese and Hartelholz – heathland in northern Munich
Panzerwiese and Hartelholz together form a nature reserve of around 280 hectares in the Milbertshofen district. It lies within a heathland of statewide importance on the northern Munich gravel plain.
Dogs must be kept on a leash here. Especially on open heathland and in areas with grazing animals, this isn’t just a formality – it’s part of the area’s protection concept.
- 📍 Location: Milbertshofen-Am Hart
- 📐 Size: approx. 280 hectares
- 🐕 Keep dogs on a leash
- 🌿 Significant heathland in northern Munich
- ⚠️ Be considerate of animals and sensitive habitats
Fröttmaninger Heide – special case with an exemption option
The Southern Fröttmaninger Heide is one of the most valuable natural areas in northern Munich. The area is divided into four zones with different rules.
Dogs must generally be kept on a leash. Unlike the other Munich nature reserves, however, an exemption is possible here upon application. If you meet the requirements, you can obtain a tag allowing your dog to run off-leash. The fee is a one-time €13 per dog. In addition, it’s recommended to carry the permit card with you while in the area.
Also important: parts of the area are closed for safety reasons. Due to unexploded ordnance contamination, only approved paths and areas may be entered.
- 📍 Location: Freimann
- 🐕 Leash required as a general rule
- ✅ Exemption possible upon application
- 💶 Fee: one-time €13 per dog
- 🚫 Restricted areas due to unexploded ordnance contamination – follow the signage
- 🌿 Four zones with different rules
Allacher Lohe – quiet forest, clear rules
At almost 150 hectares, the Allacher Lohe is one of the last remaining parts of the “Lohwald” belt that used to be typical of northern and western Munich.
Dogs must be kept on a leash here. Also important: swimming is prohibited in the Allacher Lohe. This area is not a swimming spot – even if some places look like one.
- 📍 Location: Allach
- 📐 Size: almost 150 hectares
- 🐕 Keep dogs on a leash
- 🚫 Swimming prohibited
- 🌿 Remnant of the historic Lohwald belt
Schwarzhölzl – moorland in Feldmoching
Schwarzhölzl covers about 100 hectares and consists of four separate sections. It represents several types of remnants of the formerly extensive moorland at the northern edge of the Munich gravel plain, in the transition zone to the Dachauer Moos.
Here too, dogs must be kept on a leash. Compared to the other protected areas, the reserve is small, but ecologically it’s correspondingly sensitive.
- 📍 Location: Feldmoching
- 📐 Size: about 100 hectares
- 🐕 Keep dogs on a leash
- 🌿 Four separate sections with moorland character
- ⚠️ Sensitive natural area in the transition to the Dachauer Moos
Why the leash requirement really makes sense here
The leash requirement in nature reserves isn’t a symbolic rule – it’s part of protecting the area. These places aren’t just parks; they’re legally protected habitats.
Off-leash dogs can disturb wildlife, damage sensitive areas, and undermine protection measures. That’s exactly why the nature reserve regulations set clear limits – and in the Fröttmaninger Heide they’re even defined by zone.
- ⚠️ Protected areas exist to preserve sensitive habitats
- ⚠️ Dogs can disturb wildlife and sensitive areas
- 🌿 The rules are part of nature conservation, not just a formality
- ✅ Using a leash helps protect the area
Quick overview: Munich nature reserves with dogs
| Munich nature reserve | Location / district | Size | Dog / leash requirement | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panzerwiese and Hartelholz | Milbertshofen-Am Hart | approx. 280 ha | 🐕 Leash required | Heathland |
| Southern Fröttmaninger Heide | Freimann | – | 🐕 Leash required / ✅ Exemption possible upon application | Four zones, some restricted areas |
| Allacher Lohe | Allach | almost 150 ha | 🐕 Leash required / 🚫 Swimming prohibited | Lohwald remnant |
| Schwarzhölzl | Feldmoching | approx. 100 ha | 🐕 Leash required | Four separate sections, moorland character |
Four nature reserves in one city. That’s not a given. The leash requirement is the price of access – and from a conservation perspective, a fair one.
→ All leash rules in Munich: Leash requirement in Munich – the complete overview
→ All rules on keeping dogs: Keeping a dog in Munich – rules and obligations
Munich awaits us. And we await Munich.
Yours, Milo 🐾
Note: The content on this page is based on careful research, official sources, and local experience. Rules on leash requirements, dog ownership, and the use of protected areas may change or differ depending on the area. This page is for guidance only and makes no claim to completeness or legal validity. When in doubt, the official regulations always apply.
Sources: City of Munich – Nature reserves in Munich; Panzerwiese and Hartelholz; Southern Fröttmaninger Heide; Allacher Lohe; Schwarzhölzl.
Frequently asked questions: Munich nature reserve dog
Which nature reserves are there in Munich, and can I go there with my dog?
Munich has four nature reserves within the city limits: Panzerwiese and Hartelholz, Southern Fröttmaninger Heide, Allacher Lohe, and Schwarzhölzl. You can visit all four with a dog – but generally only on a leash. In the Southern Fröttmaninger Heide, an exemption is possible upon application.
Is there generally a leash requirement for dogs in Munich’s nature reserves?
Yes, in Munich’s nature reserves the basic rule is that dogs must be kept on a leash. The City of Munich explicitly states: dogs must remain on a leash. In the Southern Fröttmaninger Heide, however, an exemption is possible upon application under certain conditions.
Can I let my dog run off-leash in the Fröttmaninger Heide?
The general rule is that dogs must be on a leash. However, an exemption is possible upon application. In the green zone, it can apply year-round; in the orange zone, on the paths from August 1 until the end of February. Certain proof is required; the fee is a one-time €13 per dog.
Can my dog swim in the Allacher Lohe?
No. Swimming is prohibited in the Allacher Lohe. That applies not only to people, but also to dogs. The Allacher Lohe is not a dog swimming lake.
What makes the Panzerwiese so special?
Panzerwiese and Hartelholz form a nature reserve of around 280 hectares in a significant heathland on the northern Munich gravel plain. That’s exactly why strict rules apply there, including for dogs.
Can I enter the Fröttmaninger Heide everywhere?
No. Parts of the Southern Fröttmaninger Heide may not be entered for safety reasons, because there are remnants of munitions in the ground. Stay on marked paths and follow the signs.
What happens if I let my dog run off-leash in a nature reserve?
That can be a violation of the relevant nature reserve regulation and may be penalized as an administrative offence. In addition, off-leash dogs can disturb wildlife and sensitive habitats.
How do I get to Munich’s nature reserves?
Panzerwiese and Hartelholz: U2 Dülferstraße. Southern Fröttmaninger Heide: U6 Fröttmaning. Allacher Lohe: S2 or S3 Allach. Schwarzhölzl: U2 Feldmoching.
Where in Munich can I walk by the water or swim with my dog?
In nature reserves, especially strict rules apply. If you want to go to the water with your dog, the Isar outside protected areas is the much better option. All the info: Isar with dogs in Munich – the best spots.
