Off-Leash Dog Areas in Wassenaar: The Complete 2026 Guide
Where can your dog really run free in Wassenaar, when do leash rules apply, and which estate is off-limits? Explained area by area, checked against the municipality's official dog policy.
In this guide
The rules in Wassenaar, in short
Wassenaar has twelve officially designated off-leash areas. The basic rule is simple: inside the built-up area your dog must be leashed, unless you're in a designated off-leash zone. Outside those, each area has its own rules, usually seasonal: during nesting season (1 March to 1 August) dogs must be leashed in many places. Three rules that apply everywhere:
- 1Always leash on cycle paths — even inside an off-leash area. Loose dogs are a danger to cyclists and strictly forbidden there.
- 2A maximum of 4 off-leash dogs per person in the designated off-leash areas, such as De Paauw, Backershagen and the Berkheiveld. There is no limit on the beach or in Park De Wittenburg.
- 3Picking up after your dog is mandatory and you must always carry a waste bag. The municipality has placed waste bins with bags in many spots.
The best off-leash areas in Wassenaar
Wassenaar beach — off-leash year-round
The beach is Wassenaar's best spot: the whole beach is an off-leash area, all year round, with no limit on the number of dogs per person. There is one exception: from 15 May to 15 September, dogs are not allowed between 09:00 and 19:00 on the stretch at the Wassenaarse Slag beach cafés, between beach posts 91.50 and 92.75. Walk a few hundred metres north or south and your dog can run free again.
Everything about dogs on the beach: Dogs on the Beach in Wassenaar.
Landgoed De Paauw — off-leash year-round, in the heart of the village
Right by the town hall lies Landgoed De Paauw: a friendly park where dogs are allowed off-leash all year (except the Prinsessentuin). There's a large pond with a fountain and an open field to run. On sunny days it's pleasantly busy with dogs and owners.
Landgoed Backershagen — fairytale woods, off-leash outside nesting season
Backershagen is an old, sprawling wooded estate between the N44 and Backershagenlaan. The area around the moss hills by the Schelpengrot (shell grotto) has an almost fairytale feel. Dogs can be off-leash from 1 August to 1 March; leashed during nesting season (1 March–1 August).
Berkheide — vast dunes towards Katwijk
Between Wassenaar and Katwijk lie the Berkheide dunes, part of Hollandse Duinen National Park and managed by Staatsbosbeheer. Dogs can be off-leash from 15 August to 15 March, as long as they stay on the paths and respond to recall. From 15 March to 15 August they must be on a leash. Some grazing sections require a leash outside that period too — check the signs at the entrance.
Smaller designated off-leash fields in the village
Besides the large estates, there are smaller designated spots where dogs can be off-leash (outside nesting season, max 4 dogs, not on cycle paths):
- The field by Parklaan (near the wethouder Huibregtse school), bounded by Burmanlaan/Clematislaan/Violierenweg
- Part of the Berkheiveld, next to the market square
- The wooded strip between Katwijkseweg and the Duinrell grounds
- The paths and dikes around Weteringbos I and II
- Looking for a fully fenced field or somewhere to swim? Those are just outside Wassenaar — see fenced dog parks and swimming spots.
Where your dog is NOT allowed: Landgoed De Horsten
This is the most important correction in this guide. Landgoed De Horsten is completely off-limits to dogs, all year — even leashed. Many online guides list De Horsten as dog-friendly or “leashed allowed”. That is wrong. Because of free-roaming wildlife, dogs are not allowed anywhere on the estate. Don't bring your dog here, however beautiful it looks.
Frequently asked questions about off-leash dogs in Wassenaar
On the beach and in Landgoed De Paauw. The beach has one exception: from 15 May to 15 September, dogs are not allowed at the Wassenaarse Slag beach cafés between 09:00 and 19:00. Most other areas are seasonal.
No. De Horsten is completely closed to dogs year-round, even on a leash, due to wildlife.
Always inside the built-up area (except designated off-leash zones), always on cycle paths, and in most nature areas during nesting season (1 March–1 August).
Yes, almost everywhere. The whole beach is an off-leash area. Only from 15 May to 15 September, between 09:00 and 19:00, are dogs not allowed on the stretch at the Wassenaarse Slag beach cafés (posts 91.50–92.75). Outside that stretch and those hours, your dog is welcome all day.
A maximum of 4 off-leash dogs per handler in the designated off-leash areas, such as De Paauw and Backershagen. There is no limit on the beach or in Park De Wittenburg.
Yes, everywhere, always. You're required to carry a waste bag.
Rather have us do the walking?
This guide helps you get out there yourself. But not everyone has time every day for a proper, long walk — and we get that. At LuckyPaw, we walk dogs from Wassenaar off-leash in exactly these areas, in small groups, with the same trusted handler each time. Calm, safe, and with full attention on your dog.
We know these spots inside out. Questions about where your dog will settle best? Just send us a message.
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