Austria Holiday: Tips for a Hiking Holiday with Your Dog

Austria is an attractive holiday destination all year round for various reasons. Compared to Switzerland, the landscape of this Alpine country is in many regions slightly more rolling, but no less impressive. This makes Austria a great country for anyone who enjoys walking or cycling through vast alpine meadows and distant mountain ranges. Austria also has a romantic reputation among couples – wherever you stay, beautiful cities are always within reach from your holiday home! Experience magical winter snow with a fairytale visit to Vienna, or cool off in summer at countless lakes hidden like pearls among majestic mountains!

Austria Holiday Homes

A holiday in Austria means enjoying an authentic atmosphere to the fullest. Characteristic features of Austrian accommodations include balconies offering unique views of alpine meadows and mountain peaks. The cosy and comfortable interiors leave nothing to be desired – many homes even come with a sauna or whirlpool. Vigorous hikes in Austria are perfectly combined with a holiday home where you can relax by the fireplace or in a comfy lounge area.

Austria Holiday: The Most Beautiful Regions

Bregenzerwald

A picturesque region where hikers can look forward to a trail network of over 2,000 km is the Bregenzerwald. The name may suggest forests dominate the area, and while lush slopes are indeed abundant, you'll also find wide pastures framed by rising mountain scenery. Here you’ll also come across distinctive wooden architecture you won’t find in other regions. A holiday in the Bregenzerwald might mean spending the night in one of those typical Austrian mountain huts. Your dog will love it too if you choose this region! And if you're a fan of fine architecture, you're in for a treat – walking through this area is like strolling through a picture book filled with charming mountain villages!

Weissensee in Carinthia

Both you and your dog can enjoy refreshing mountain lakes in Austria. The Weissensee in Carinthia is the highest alpine lake in Austria and so clean you can drink from it. Still, the lake is not overly touristic, and you won’t find castles nearby. This makes it a hidden gem in nature – a peaceful place to relax or enjoy a walk with your dog.

Adventurous Hikes in Fuschl am See

Another area where hiking and swimming go hand in hand is Fuschl am See. Here you can expect more adventure, with trails passing lakes, waterfalls, and streams. Looking for fun for the kids? Try the Faistenau forest climbing trail or the hike to Schafbachalm – both great suggestions!

Austria Holiday with Your Dog

In Austria, most holiday homes are dog-friendly. Many accommodations offer fenced gardens where your four-legged friend can play safely. Holiday parks also provide pet-friendly lodgings. Planning to bring your dog on a hiking adventure? There are plenty of trails where dogs are allowed off-leash. Just make sure your pet is treated for ticks before departure and that you bring a valid pet passport.

Hiking Holiday in Austria with Your Dog

Many travellers come to Austria to explore nature together with their dog. But which hiking routes will your dog enjoy most? Here’s a list of the best areas for a dog-friendly hiking holiday.

Offensee in Upper Austria

Take a walk through the leafy forests around Offensee. At the end of the route, you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque lake – a perfect spot to relax with your dog!

Panoramic Hikes in Styria

For a more adventurous experience, follow the trails in Styria to scenic viewpoints. Along the way, both you and your dog can rest at one of the cosy mountain huts.

Hohe Tauern National Park

Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park is a vast nature reserve and part of the Alpine range. It’s home to the Grossglockner (3,500+ metres) and many glaciers. If you love long-distance hiking with your dog, this region offers diverse routes with spectacular views! The area is also rich in water sources, providing frequent chances to cool off during your hike.

Hiking to the Krimml Waterfalls

Want to discover more superlatives in Austria? Visit the highest waterfall in Europe – the Krimml Waterfall – plunging nearly 400 metres down. The waterfall itself is a highlight, but the hike there is just as breathtaking!

Wolfgangsee

Bringing your dog on a hiking holiday in Austria, but he's not used to long distances? Then the trails along Wolfgangsee are ideal. They’re relatively easy and offer plenty of rest stops for food and drinks along the way.

Tips for a Dog-Friendly Holiday in Austria

If you plan to go on long hikes with your dog, make sure to book a dog-friendly accommodation near the trails. Fortunately, most alpine regions in Austria are well equipped for travellers with dogs. While dogs are often welcome in holiday homes, certain nature parks may require them to be leashed. In summer, always seek shady spots during hikes and ensure your dog has enough to drink.

Thinking about a holiday in Austria with your dog? Book a cosy mountain hut – chances are high your dog is welcome and you’ll be close to legendary hiking trails!