My heart always skips a beat when I see the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps. A trip to the mountains is great, but a trip with my best four-legged friend is even better. I decided to travel to Austria with dog because this country is a true paradise for pets and their owners. Austria has more than 3,225 mountains and 9 federal states to explore.
First of all, I had to prepare for the strict but fair rules of the land. My dog needed a working microchip before he got his rabies shot. This microchip is usually 15 digits long. I also made sure his rabies vaccination was up to date.
A primary vaccination is valid for one year, while a booster can last up to three years. On top of that, I carried his EU pet passport everywhere we went. This document is a must for any pup visiting from another country. A health certificate must be legible and complete for entry.
The Plan for a Perfect Dog Trip
My plan for Dog Friendly Hotels and Accommodations in Austria started with a lot of research. I learned that small and harmless animals in a box travel for free on the trains. However, my dog is quite large and does not fit in a container. Therefore, he needed a leash and a muzzle for our train rides. I also had to buy him a ticket for every trip.
Usually, a dog ticket costs half of the price of a standard adult ticket. Gradually, he became used to his muzzle, though he was not very happy at first. We used the ÖBB trains, which are very reliable and reach 95% punctuality. I found that many hotels are happy to welcome furry guests. They offer dog beds, water bowls, and even treats.
Dog Friendly Vienna: Luxury and Parks
Our first big stop was the capital city. To experience dog friendly vienna is to see a city that loves its pets. We stayed at the famous Hotel Sacher. They have a special “Sacher Pets” program. My dog felt like a king because he got a soft bed and his own blanket. The hotel even gave us a special towel and waste bags. The fee was 25 euros per night.
Similarly, the Rosewood Vienna and Park Hyatt offer luxury for dogs, but their fees are 50 euros per day. Plus, the Park Hyatt has a “Very Important Dog” service. Later, we explored the city parks. The Prater is a massive green space with huge meadows. We also visited the Danube Island. It is 21 kilometers long and has many paths for a long jog.
Additionally, many high-quality restaurants in the city allow dogs inside. One such place is Café Landtmann, though dogs mostly stay on the terrace. I always asked the waiter before we entered a restaurant to be safe.
Exploring Salzburg with a Furry Friend
The city of music was our next target. I found many things to do in salzburg with a dog. First of all, we took a walk past the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was born in this city in 1756. At that time, the world was a very different place. We also walked through the Mirabell Gardens.
These gardens have beautiful steps where they filmed a famous movie. On top of that, we visited Hellbrunn Palace. The trick fountains there are a must-see. Though dogs are not allowed in the buildings, they can walk in the park.
Later, we took a bus into the city center. I had to put a muzzle on my dog for the bus ride. A Salzburg Card is a great deal because it makes bus travel free for owners. Finally, we found a Billo supermarket near the bus stop to buy rolls and milk.
The Best Mountain Hotels in Tyrol
The state of Tyrol has the most amazing Dog Friendly Hotels and Accommodations in Austria. We stayed in the Olympic region of Seefeld. Hotel Klosterbräu is a true five-star paradise for dogs. They do not just tolerate dogs; they treat them like stars. We had a room with direct access to a private garden.
My dog loved the 150,000 square meter grounds. He even had a gourmet menu called “Dinner for Dogs”. I paid 30 euros per night for his stay. Additionally, the Alpin Resort Sacher in Seefeld is a five-paw hotel. They have a fenced meadow and an agility course. The staff there can even book a dog groomer for you.
If you need to go out for dinner alone, they offer a dog sitter for 20 euros per hour. Similarly, the Hotel Riederhof has a 1,000 square meter play area and a swimming pond for dogs.
Specialized Stays: Hotel Grimming
One of the most famous spots is the hotel grimming in Rauris. This place is a dream for any pet owner. They offer a 4,500 square meter meadow where dogs can run without a leash. They also have an agility course and a pond for swimming.
The hotel provides a daily feeding service with many types of food. Plus, they give you a “Dog Hut Guide” to find pet-friendly spots in the mountains. On top of that, the rooms have cosy beds and bowls ready for your arrival. It is one of the few places where the dog is the main guest.
Nature and Rules in Sölden and Stubai
A ski holiday in Sölden is also possible with a pup. There are about 180 dog-friendly places to stay in that area. Dogs are strictly forbidden on the ski slopes for safety reasons. However, they are allowed on the gondola lifts to reach the top of the mountain. There are almost 50 kilometers of winter hiking routes on the valley floor.
If you need a break, the Falkner kennel offers short-term care for your dog. Similarly, the Stubai valley has many alpine huts. Though some huts allow pets, you must always call beforehand. I visited the Milderaunalm which sits at 1,675 meters. It has a great nature playground for kids and a terrace with a view.
Lake Bliss at Wolfgangsee and Hallstatt
The lakes of Austria are crystal clear and perfect for a dip. At Lake Wolfgangsee, we stayed at the Balthasar Volcano Eco Studios. They gave us a “doggy all in” package with a bed, bowls, and treats. The rooms on the first floor have garden access with a fence.
I paid 20 euros per night for my dog. Later, we walked to some “secret spots” by the streams where dogs can refresh themselves. However, muzzles are required on boats and trains in this area. Similarly, the Heritage.
Hotel Hallstatt welcomes dogs for 20 euros per night. You must walk 15 minutes from the parking lot to the hotel because dogs are not allowed on the shuttle bus. Also, dogs are not allowed in their main restaurant.
Safety Rules for the Great Outdoors
Mountain hiking with a dog is fun, but it can be dangerous around cows. Mother cows protect their calves and might see your dog as a threat. First of all, keep a safe distance from any herd. Stay on the paths at all times.
If a grazing animal approaches you, stay calm. Do not turn your back on them. Most importantly, if a cow attacks, let go of the dog’s leash immediately. Your dog is fast enough to get to safety on his own. Additionally, respect the workers and the nature around you.
Poop bags are very important in Tyrol. If you do not clean up after your pet, you can be fined up to 1,820 euros.
Food and Dining with Your Dog
Austria has a very dog-friendly dining culture. In many places, the waiter brings water for the dog before they even serve the humans. In some areas like South Moravia, restaurants like Bystrá Židle even give dogs a bowl of kibble as a gift.
However, some luxury hotels like Palais Hansen Kempinski do not allow pets in the common food areas. Plus, some huts only allow dogs in specific zones. I always checked the pet policy of a restaurant online before we went. Most places are very welcoming as long as the dog is well-behaved and sits on the floor.
The Costs of Traveling with a Dog
Traveling with a pet adds to the budget. Most hotels charge between 20 and 50 euros per night. Some places like Berghotel Arthurhaus allow dogs to stay for free. On top of that, you must pay for a dog ticket on public transport.
A fine for having no ticket or an invalid one is 110 euros. If your dog causes any damage to the room, the hotel will charge your credit card. Later, I realized that a dog sitter is a good investment for a few hours of peace. An ÖBB cleaning fee for a soiled train is 125 euros. Therefore, it is wise to be very careful.
My Austrian Adventure
My trip was an absolute dream come true. Austria is a land where people value nature and the comfort of animals. To see my dog run in a high-alpine meadow was the highlight of my year. The infrastructure is dependable and the people are generally very polite.
Though the rules for muzzles and leashes were a bit new to us, we learned to follow them quickly. Finally, I can say that Dog Friendly Hotels and Accommodations in Austria provide some of the best services in the world.
If you love your pet and you love the mountains, you should start planning your trip today. Do not forget to pack the muzzle and the poop bags!.
Statistical Breakdown of Our Trip
- Mountains in Austria: 3,225.
- Dog fee at Klosterbräu: 30 euros/night.
- Dog fee at Rosewood Vienna: 50 euros/night.
- Dog sitter fee: 20 euros/hour.
- Meadow size at Hotel Grimming: 4,500 square meters.
- Grounds at Hotel Klosterbräu: 150,000 square meters.
- Wait time for rabies immunity: 21 days.
- Fine for pet mess in Tyrol: up to 1,820 euros.
- Number of national parks: 6.
A Quick Tip for Fellow Travelers
If you are coming from the USA, the paperwork is quite heavy. An Accredited Veterinarian must issue your EU Health Certificate. Then, the USDA must endorse it. This must happen within 10 days of your arrival for a non-commercial trip.
If you have more than 5 dogs, the rules change to commercial rules. Therefore, it is easier to travel with just one or two best friends. Later, once you have the EU Pet Passport, the travel between EU countries becomes much simpler.
My Recommended Packing List
- EU Pet Passport and vaccination records.
- A sturdy leash and a bite-proof muzzle.
- Plenty of poop bags.
- A dog first-aid kit with tick tweezers.
- Comfortable bedding and favorite toys.
- Familiar food and water bowls.
- A dog tag with your hotel address.
Austria is truly a place where you can feel at home with your pet. Every Federal State has something special to offer, from the vineyards of Burgenland to the glaciers of Tyrol. On top of that, the high quality of living makes every day a joy. I am already planning our next visit to explore the National Parks!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austria a dog friendly country?
Austria is a warm place for animals because many hotels and restaurants see dogs as respected guests. Plus, there are vast parks and clear rules that make travel easy.
Can I leave my dog in a hotel room?
You should check your hotel rules first. However, some spots like the Anantara Palais Hansen let you leave a dog in a room if you use a kennel. Though, most places like the Alpin Resort Sacher tell you to not leave your pet alone at all. A user on Reddit named matthewpiterson asked if a dog could stay in a hotel room while the owner visits a salt mine. The answer is that guests will complain to the receptionist or the police if a dog barks for a long time.
Can I bring my dog to Austria?
You can bring as many as five pets with you. They need a microchip and a valid rabies shot before you enter the country.
Can dogs go on trains in Austria?
Yes, dogs can ride on most ÖBB trains. Plus, you must use a leash and a muzzle for safety.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Austria?
Many cafes in Austria are pet friendly and often bring water for your dog before you even ask. Plus, top places in Vienna even have special lists of addresses where pets are respected guests.
Where to go in Vienna with a dog?
You can walk through large parks like the Prater or the long Danube Island. Vienna also has over 200 zones just for dogs.
Is Salzburg pet-friendly?
Salzburg is a great place for pets because you can visit the Mirabell Gardens or the park at Hellbrunn Palace. At that time, you can also enjoy the views from the funicular with your dog.
Do and don’ts in Austria?
Do pick up waste because fines can reach € 1,820.00 in Tyrol. However, do not get too close to mother cows when you walk on mountain pastures.
Concluding Words
Austria is a dream for people who love to travel with their dogs. You will find five-star hotels and vast mountain trails that welcome four-legged friends.
Plus, the clear laws for leashes and muzzles on public transport make the journey simple for everyone. Therefore, you should plan your next stay in this beautiful land to create memories with your best friend.
