Between the Danube and Iller rivers, Senden (Bavaria) makes an easygoing base with village calm and big-city access. Five stops away sits Ulm—home to the world’s tallest church spire—while the Allgäu Alps, Neuschwanstein, and Munich are comfortable day trips. For families with dogs, this corner of Swabia delivers—woodland trails, river promenades, beer gardens with shade, and lakes for evening strolls.

Historically part of the Iller valley trade corridor, Senden grew as a mill and market town; nearby Ulm thrived as a Free Imperial City famous for merchants’ guilds and a shipbuilders’ quarter. Today you can wander cobbled lanes in Ulm’s Fischerviertel, climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views, and cycle beside willow-lined riverbanks where herons feed at dusk.

Practical notes: Bavaria is wonderfully pet-aware—leashed dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas, beer gardens, and many cafes. On regional trains, small dogs typically ride free; larger dogs usually need a paid ticket and muzzle—check Deutsche Bahn’s current policy before boarding. Self-catering apartments are plentiful; beer gardens and Swabian kitchens offer hearty plates like Maultaschen, Spätzle, and roast pork that won’t break the budget.

Senden

Think of Senden as your quiet, green base camp. You’re 10 minutes by train or car from Ulm’s sights, 30 minutes from LEGOLAND in Günzburg, and around 1.5–2 hours from Munich and the Allgäu. The Iller floodplains and Seepark are perfect for morning dog walks; evenings glow with soft light on the Danube promenade in nearby Neu-Ulm.

Top nearby highlights include Ulm Minster (climb the 768-step spire if you like), the timbered alleys of the Fischerviertel, Roggenburg Abbey’s baroque church and forest trails, Wiblingen Abbey’s ornate library, and the emerald spring of the Blautopf in Blaubeuren. Food-wise, think classic Swabian comfort, riverside beer gardens, and gelato stops that double as kid-pleasers.

• Where to stay (pet-friendly filters available): Browse vacation rentals near Senden for space, gardens, and easy dog logistics via VRBO. For more inventory, search nearby Ulm on Hotels.com (Ulm) or VRBO (Ulm).
• Getting here: Fly into Munich (MUC) or Stuttgart (STR). Compare fares via Omio (flights to/from Europe). From MUC or STR, take the train to Ulm then a 10-minute regional hop to Senden—search schedules and fares with Omio (trains in Europe). Typical times: STR→Senden ~1 hr 20 min; MUC→Senden ~2 hrs. Bayern-Ticket day passes can be good value for families on regional trains.
• Getting around: Regional trains are frequent and dog-friendly with the usual rules; buses are a budget backup (Omio buses in Europe). A car offers flexibility for the Allgäu and trailheads, but parking is straightforward in Senden and Ulm.

Day 1 — Arrival, Settle In, Iller Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive via Munich or Stuttgart and ride the train to Senden. Check into your apartment or hotel (use pet filters on VRBO or Hotels.com). Stock up on basics at a local supermarket; grab pretzels and a slice of Käsekuchen from a neighborhood Bäckerei for an easy snack.

Evening: Stretch everyone’s legs on the Iller riverside path—flat, shaded, and perfect for dogs after a travel day. For dinner, head into Ulm (10 minutes) for Swabian classics at Drei Kannen – Historisches Brauhaus (Spätzle, Maultaschen, house-brewed beer; dogs welcome in the beer garden) or Barfüßer die Hausbrauerei (hearty, budget-friendly plates, kids’ menu).

Day 2 — Ulm Old Town: Minster Spire, Fischerviertel, Danube Promenade

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Henry’s Coffee World on Hirschstraße, then visit Ulm Minster. Rotate if you want to climb the tower (dogs aren’t allowed in the ascent); the views sweep to the Alps on clear days. Let the rest of the family wander Münsterplatz’s fountains with the pups.

Afternoon: Explore the half-timbered lanes of the Fischerviertel and its photogenic canals. Lunch at Zunfthaus der Schiffleute (traditional Swabian fare) or Zur Forelle (regional specialties; book ahead). Follow the Danube promenade over to Neu-Ulm for a long, dog-friendly riverwalk.

Evening: Picnic on the grassy banks by the city wall, or dine at Yamas Ulm (lively Greek, shareable meze) before a short hop back to Senden. Treat the kids to gelato from an old-town Eiscafé on the way to the station.

Day 3 — Nature Day: Roggenburg Abbey & Iller Trails

Morning: Drive ~25 minutes (or train+bus) to Roggenburg Abbey. Stroll the baroque church, then wander the educational forest trails—wide paths and birdsong make it relaxing with dogs. Bring water bowls; shade is good but summers can be warm.

Afternoon: Lunch at the Klostergasthof Roggenburg (seasonal dishes, kids’ portions). Return to Senden for a gentle cycle on the Iller-Radweg; local bike shops in Ulm can fit you with child seats or trailers. Non-cyclists can enjoy a riverside amble and meadow time with the pups.

Evening: Sunset at Seepark Senden. Keep dogs leashed near swimmers and birds; look for quieter shoreline to let them paddle. Simple dinner at home, or back to Ulm for a burger-and-salad fix at Aposto (casual, family-friendly).

Day 4 — Füssen & the Fairy-Tale Castles (with a Munich Tour Option)

DIY from Senden: Drive ~1 hr 45 min to Füssen for a dog-friendly loop around Alpsee beneath Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the castles; consider a “divide and conquer” plan so some family members tour while others enjoy lakeside paths with the pups. Lunch in Füssen’s pastel old town at a rustic Gasthof; finish with strudel before returning.

Or join a guided day tour from Munich (best for those happy to start early and rotate dog care):

• Neuschwanstein & Linderhof - Fairytale Castles Tour from Munich

  

  Comfortable coach, guided commentary, and time to explore two of King Ludwig II’s masterpieces. From Senden, take an early train to Munich Hbf (~2 hrs via Ulm) using Omio. Note: dogs aren’t permitted inside castle interiors.

Day 5 — LEGOLAND Günzburg or Wiley Park Playtime

Morning: Train to Günzburg (~25–30 minutes) and shuttle/taxi to LEGOLAND Deutschland. It’s a full-on family day: Miniland, gentle coasters, building zones. Current policy typically allows leashed dogs in outdoor areas but not on rides or in indoor attractions—verify before arrival and plan shade/water breaks.

Afternoon: Refuel inside the park (pasta, roast chicken, salad bars—plenty of kid-friendly choices). If you prefer open green space with the dogs, swap LEGOLAND for Wiley Park (Neu-Ulm) and its playgrounds, wide lawns, and walking circuits.

Evening: Back in Ulm, try Drei Kannen if you haven’t yet, or grab sausages and picnic salads from a downtown Metzgerei for a budget dinner along the Danube. Early night for little ones.

Day 6 — Munich in a Day: Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden

Morning: Catch an early train to Munich (~2 hrs). Start at Marienplatz for the Glockenspiel show, then stroll to the Viktualienmarkt for fruit, pretzels, and sausage rolls. Coffee at Man Versus Machine (specialty roaster) or a bakery stand in the market square.

Afternoon: Wander the English Garden—vast lawns, streams, and shaded beer gardens are great with dogs (leash up and avoid busy surfer zones). Families love the Eisbach surfers and the Chinese Tower beer garden for easy, affordable lunches.

Evening: Dinner at Augustiner-Keller (classic Bavarian, huge garden; dogs generally welcome outdoors). Train back to Senden for bedtime.

• Optional: Munich Old Town Food Tour (10+ Bavarian specialties)

  

  A fun, family-friendly tasting walk through Munich’s historic core. Rotate dog care as needed.

• Optional: Private Munich Highlights with a Local

  

  Customize pace and stops for kids; guide adapts to your interests. Dogs may not be allowed inside certain sights.

Day 7 — Wiblingen Abbey & Blautopf, Pack and Depart

Morning: Drive ~15 minutes to Wiblingen Abbey. The abbey church and rococo library are exquisite (dogs aren’t allowed inside—rotate). Then continue ~25 minutes to Blautopf in Blaubeuren, an otherworldly spring that shimmers deep turquoise; the shady loop path is ideal with leashed dogs.

Afternoon: Lunch in Blaubeuren—think roast pork with dark beer gravy or trout dishes—then return to Senden to pack. One last playground stop or river walk before your afternoon departure.

Evening: Depart via Ulm to Munich or Stuttgart using Omio (trains), or head to your flight with Omio (flights). Treats and water for the dogs will keep everyone content on the ride.

Insider pet-and-family tips

• Trains & tickets: For regional travel days, consider the Bayern-Ticket (good value for multiple people on regional trains). Larger dogs often require their own ticket and a muzzle; small dogs in carriers usually travel free—confirm current DB rules before you go.
• Dining with dogs: Beer gardens and many cafes welcome leashed dogs; indoor seating depends on each venue. Carry a collapsible water bowl; summers can be warm in river valleys.
• Parks & paths: The Iller and Danube levees are perfect for long, safe walks. Respect leash zones in nature reserves and watch for cyclists on shared paths.
• Budget watch: Your mid-range budget goes far with apartment stays, brewery lunches (large portions), and day passes on trains. Viktualienmarkt and Ulm bakeries make excellent picnic supplies.

Optional extra day tours from Munich (if you add time)

• Romantic Road, Rothenburg, and Harburg Day Tour

  

  A medieval fairytale strand of Bavaria—walled Rothenburg is magical for families. Dogs are welcome on old-town walks; interior museum policies vary.

In a week based in Senden, you’ll explore storybook lanes, riverside promenades, and forested trails—at your family’s pace and with four happy dogs in tow. With Ulm, the Allgäu, and Munich within easy reach, it’s a gentle, scenic slice of Bavaria you can tailor daily to weather, energy, and wagging tails.