The best regions in Austria for a holiday with your dog

Mountains, lakes or gentle walking trails: discover which regions of Austria suit you, your dog and your holiday plans.
​​​​This blog was written by Bjorn Schwarte, co-founder of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu.

A morning stroll by the lake, a day spent hiking together and a cosy evening back at your holiday home: that could be your holiday with your dog in Austria. Or perhaps you prefer a slower pace, with short walks, a break on a terrace and plenty of time together.

Still looking for somewhere to stay? Explore our holiday homes and apartments in Austria for a holiday with your dog. The right region depends on what you and your dog enjoy. Does your four-legged friend happily join you on longer hikes? Jump into the water at every opportunity? Or are they getting older and happiest with gentle walks?

Here are five regions to consider for different kinds of holidays.

Which region suits you and your dog?

1. Tyrol: exploring the mountains together

If Austria immediately brings mountains to mind, Tyrol could be a good fit. Start the day with a short walk in the valley before heading out on a hike. And when you fancy an easier day, simply explore the area around your village.

When choosing accommodation, think about the little things, too. Where will you take your dog first thing in the morning? Is there a walking path nearby? During your stay, these details can matter more than a view of a famous peak.

Seefeld and Leutasch: winter days with your dog

Do you enjoy walking through snowy landscapes without putting on skis? Take a look at Seefeld and Leutasch. The region suggests several winter walks with dogs. One leads from Seefeld through the forest to the Triendlsäge, making it a lovely option for an outing with a break along the way

Lake Achensee: lakeside strolls and mountain trails

Around Lake Achensee, you can plan your holiday around the water and the surrounding mountains. Take a lakeside stroll one day and choose a hike with more climbing the next. Pick whatever suits you and your dog that day.
If your dog loves swimming, find a permitted access point beforehand. Dogs are not allowed at every beach or bathing facility around Lake Achensee.

Brixental: staying in Brixen, Kirchberg or Westendorf

In Brixental, you can combine valley walks with hikes in the mountains. Brixen im Thale, Kirchberg and Westendorf are possible bases. Your choice will also depend on the outings you have in mind.

A mountain lift can be useful for some trips. Dogs are allowed on various SkiWelt lifts, although conditions and dog fares differ. Check the rules for your chosen lift before setting off.

Zillertal: short walks and longer adventures

Zillertal is another option for a mountain holiday with your dog. When choosing where to stay, think about how you want to spend your days. Will you go on longer hikes regularly, or mostly enjoy gentle walks in the valley?

Especially on a longer stay, it is convenient to start your morning and evening walks straight from your accommodation. You can then plan bigger outings around the weather, your fitness and what you feel like doing. Consider elevation gain, the terrain and any sections crossing grazing areas. If you want to use a mountain lift, check its conditions for dogs beforehand.

For more advice, read “Hiking in Austria with your dog: what should you consider?” and “Ski holidays with your dog in Austria: how to plan relaxed winter days”.

2. Carinthia: for dogs who love the water

Does your dog spot a lake and immediately want to jump in? Carinthia is worth considering. There are several designated dog swimming areas where you can spend time by the water together.

Choose a swimming spot while planning your holiday. That way, you will know whether it is easy to reach from your accommodation and whether your dog is actually allowed to swim there.

Around Villach and Lake Ossiach

At Lake Ossiach the ZIS Lauritsch lido has a separate dog swimming area with direct access to the lake. Nearby Silbersee is another option, with a designated area for dogs on its western shore. 

This works well for a holiday where you take a walk in the morning and return to the water for a swimming break later in the day.

Keutschach lake valley: a bay for your dog

There is also somewhere to cool off together at Lake Keutschach. A publicly accessible dog bay is located directly beside Strandcamping Süd.
​​​​​​​Dogs are not allowed to swim in Lake Faak, however. If swimming is an important part of your dog’s holiday, choose one of the explicitly permitted places nearby instead

Head into the mountains for a change

Of course, you do not need to spend every day by the water in Carinthia. For hiking days, consider the area around the Nockberge mountains, part of the Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. The right walk will depend on the route and your dog’s fitness.
​​​​​​​Our blog “Taking your dog to a lake in Carinthia: where can they swim?” introduces specific swimming spots.

3. SalzburgerLand: something different every day

Perhaps you would rather keep your holiday plans flexible. A hike one day, an outing the next, followed by a gentle walk near your holiday home. SalzburgerLand is worth a look if that sounds like your kind of holiday.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm: heading out on the trails together

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a possible base for active days. If you enjoy exploring with a guide, there are also guided walking activities with dogs​​​​​​​. SalzburgerLand Tourismus features such outings in the region.
​​​​​​​This can be particularly enjoyable at the beginning of your holiday. You get to know the area without having to plan the route yourself. Check which activities are available during your stay.

Zell am See-Kaprun: combining the lake and mountains

In Zell am See-Kaprun, you can alternate days by the lake with trips into the mountains. Dogs can travel on the Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn mountain lifts under certain conditions. Allow for a separate ticket, a lead and a muzzle.

Leave a few days open in your holiday plans, too. After a longer hike, a short walk and an afternoon together at your accommodation might be all you need.

If you plan to use buses, trains or mountain lifts, our blog “Getting around Austria with your dog: buses, trains and cable cars” will help you prepare.

4. Styria: mountains, forests or rolling hills?

In Styria, it is worth thinking carefully about the landscape you want around you. Would you like to wake up in the mountains, or would you prefer walks among hills and meadows?

Styria’s 7 nature parks show how varied the region is. They include Almenland, Pöllauer Tal, Sölktäler and Südsteiermark.

What would you like on your doorstep?

With a dog who enjoys walking for hours, longer hikes might shape your holiday. With an older dog, shorter routes, regular breaks and easily accessible accommodation may matter more.

Choose a place whose surroundings suit your daily routine. Read walking descriptions carefully: even in a nature park, a route can be steep or demanding.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, pay particular attention to the location of the house and your travel dates. A more secluded holiday home can be wonderful, provided you can also take your dog for enjoyable walks nearby.

5. Vorarlberg: exploring Bregenzerwald and Montafon

In western Austria, Bregenzerwald and Montafon offer mountain villages, forests and valley walking trails. Vorarlberg is a good fit if you enjoy exploring on foot and want to choose between a short stroll and a longer hike.

Bregenzerwald: a walk along the Rotach

For a gentle outing, take a look at the Rotachweg in Sulzberg-Thal. This circular walk of around 2.7 kilometres follows the Rotach. Vorarlberg Tourism also recommends it for walking with dogs, and there are shady woodland sections along the way.  
​​​​​​​It might be just the right route for a quieter holiday day. If you want to stay out longer, choose a walk with a distance and elevation gain that suit your dog.

Montafon: into the mountains with your dog

Montafon is another possible base for outings together. If you want to use a mountain lift, check the conditions for the particular lift beforehand.

According to Montafon Tourismus dogs travel free on Montafon mountain lifts. Some lifts require a muzzle. Check the rules for your chosen service before your outing and bring a suitable lead.
If you plan to hike afterwards, think about the return journey as well. Is there water and shade along the route? And will you have enough time to get back to the lift without rushing?

A holiday home as your base

Explore holiday homes, chalets and apartments in Austria where dogs are welcome on Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. Look at the surroundings as well as the facilities. Where does the nearest walking trail start, how far is a permitted swimming spot, and which outings would you like to take together?

This will help you find somewhere you and your dog can look forward to spending your holiday.

Frequently asked questions about holidays with dogs in Austria

Which region is the most dog-friendly?
That depends on what you want to do with your dog. Carinthia has designated dog swimming areas, while Tyrol offers many opportunities for mountain hikes and winter walks. SalzburgerLand, Styria and Vorarlberg are also options for outings together. Ultimately, the particular destination, suitable walking routes and accommodation where your dog is welcome make the difference.

Can my dog travel in a cable car or gondola?
Dogs are allowed on many Austrian mountain lifts. Conditions vary by operator and lift. A lead and muzzle are often compulsory, and your dog may need a separate ticket. Check the rules for the specific lift before your outing. Permission to use a gondola does not automatically extend to an open chairlift.