There’s something about being a dog owner in Hungary that makes you more… seasonally strategic. I’ve got Sümi, my 2.5kg diva who thinks puddles are an existential threat – so no, you won’t catch her at any of the dog-friendly beaches in Hungary. But my sister’s dog, Ubi? He’s the splash-happy type who lives for a lakeside romp, and luckily, Hungary is finally making room for him.
Back when we first moved here, Hungary had a whopping eight dog-friendly beaches. That’s it. Eight. For a country with over 3 million dogs and a national obsession with thermal water, that’s frankly embarrassing. But here’s the good news: 2025 brings a big splash of progress.
There are now 21 officially designated dog-friendly beaches across the country. Finally, dogs are getting their day in the sun (and in the lake, and in the mud, and probably on your picnic blanket).
The Rise of the Canine Riviera
According to Kutyabarathelyek.hu, this expansion isn’t just about pampering pups—it’s about tourism. More dog-friendly spaces = more visitors = more revenue. Towns are catching on that accommodating four-legged visitors means their two-legged owners stick around for lunch, drinks, and maybe even a long weekend.
Kristián Mathe, co-founder of Kutyabarathelyek.hu, noted in a press release with MTI that creating a proper dog beach isn’t just about throwing up a paw-print sign and calling it a day. There are regulations: appropriate distance from human-only beaches, waste bins, floating dog ramps, and even in-water access points. Thankfully, many go above and beyond, offering agility courses, dog showers, sun loungers, and doggie buffets. Yes, really. This is not a drill.
Where to Go: The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Hungary in 2025
Here’s just a sampling of the spots your pup will love:
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Fonyód, Lake Balaton – The OG of Hungarian dog beaches and still a firm favourite.
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Tiszafüred, Lake Tisza – Natural charm meets wagging tails.
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Zamárdi – Good vibes, big space, and close enough to the party crowd if your dog’s more extrovert than introvert.
- Szigetszentmiklós, Rukkel-tó – Located just south of Budapest, this recreational lake now includes a designated dog-friendly area – finally a place where you can sip a lángos lemonade while your dog cannonballs in legally. Clean water, grassy shore, and plenty of space to roam make this a great day trip spot for city-based pups.
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Kisoroszi Island (Dunakanyar) – Technically not a designated beach, but perfectly legal for dogs to bathe, as long as it’s not fenced, private, or signposted otherwise.
You’ll find the full and updated list for 2025 at kutyabarathelyek.hu, with maps, amenities, and reviews. Here is another (Hungarian) resource with more info too.
Post-swim shake and sunbake — the unofficial routine of every beach-loving pup in Hungary.
Tips from a Semi-Feral Dog Mum
- Bring shade – Not all beaches have umbrellas and your dog will need a cool-down spot.
- Test the water – Some beaches have slippery entries or rocky bits. Not all paws are created equal.
- Watch the snacks – I once saw a dog eat a kid’s langos. A 2000 Ft lesson in vigilance.
- Dry towels = happy cars – You know this. I know this. But do we ever pack enough? No.
The Real Splash
Hungary may still be catching up with places like Austria or France when it comes to full-on dog inclusion, but this 2025 expansion is a leap (or cannonball) in the right direction. If you’re living here or planning a summer visit with your furry sidekick, make space on the calendar—and in the car boot—for some quality water time.
Your pup deserves it. And let’s be honest, so do you.
P.S. Want more insider dog-friendly tips in Hungary – from dog-friendly cafés to what to do when your vet prescribes chicken your dog will never actually eat? It’s all in my book, HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest and Beyond. Grab your copy and avoid the trial-and-error stage entirely.
Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches—fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.