I just finished a wonderful trip to a tiny country in the heart of the mountains. Balzers, Liechtenstein is a place of magic. I traveled there with my dog. It was a beautiful experience for both of us. If you love travel and tours, this microstate is a hidden gem. It is the sixth smallest country in the world. The landscape is filled with imposing mountains, rolling green hills, and lush valleys. I want to share my journey to help you plan your own Dog Friendly Travel in Balzers, Liechtenstein.
First of all, you must know about the entry rules. Liechtenstein is very dog friendly, but you have to follow the law. Your dog must have a microchip for identification. This chip is a legal obligation before you travel. You must get the microchip before the rabies shot. This ensures the vet knows exactly which dog receives the vaccine. Later, your furry friend needs an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old before they get this shot for travel. After the shot, you must wait at least 21 days before you enter the country. You also need a pet passport. If you come from outside the European Union, an official vet health certificate is required.
The Journey to Balzers
Liechtenstein does not have its own airport. Therefore, I flew into Zurich, Switzerland. The airport there is very busy. “Discretion is kind of our thing,” a famous man once said about the Swiss, and the airport feels very organized. From the airport, it is a quick 10-minute train ride to the main station, Zurich HB. I paid about 7.28 Euros for a one-way ticket. I used the SBB Mobile app to book my next train to Sargans Bahnhof. This train ride took about 55 minutes.
Finally, I arrived in Sargans. I walked to stand C at the bus station. I caught the number 11 bus to Balzers Höfle. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. It is a scenic route. You see the mountains grow larger as you get closer. On top of that, the bus system is very easy to use for people with dogs.
Transportation with Your Dog
The bus company is called LIEmobil. They have clear rules for liechtenstein with dog travel. Small dogs travel for free. They must be in a suitable container and be no taller than 30 cm at the shoulder. My dog is larger than that. Therefore, I had to buy a reduced rate ticket. You can buy tickets directly from the driver. You can pay with cash or a card. I suggest the FAIRTIQ app for easier travel. You just swipe to check in and out.
Additionally, you should know about muzzles. Muzzles are compulsory on buses if you travel into Austria or the Vorarlberg region. This includes LIEmobil buses that cross the border. If you do not follow these rules, the driver can ask you to leave. I always kept a leash on my dog. Leashes are mandatory in public areas and on nature trails. A dog annual pass for all zones costs 80 CHF if you stay for a long time.
Where to Stay in Balzers
I looked for the best liechtenstein dog friendly hotels. There are many options near Balzers. First of all, I considered Treffpunkt Heuwiese. It is only 3.5 kilometers from the city center. This bed and breakfast has a guest rating of 88 percent. It was recently renovated and offers beautiful mountain views. Another choice is Landgasthof St. Luzisteig. It is 4.6 kilometers from Balzers. It has a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant. The rating there is 86 percent.
Similarly, Hotel Post in Sargans is a good spot. It is 4.9 kilometers away. It is a family-run hotel with a restaurant that serves Swiss food. The rooms are soundproof. Hotel Franz Anton is 5.5 kilometers away and also has very good reviews. It features a terrace and free private parking.
However, I decided to try a different experience. I looked at Camping Mittagsspitze in Triesen. It is very close to Balzers. Dogs and cats are welcome on the pitches. Plus, many beautiful walks start directly from the campsite. There are streams where dogs can cool off. But you must keep your dog on a lead throughout the campsite. You must also carry a hygiene kit to clean up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed in the shop, the pool, or the sanitary facilities.
On top of that, the campsite has great services. I could order fresh bread every evening for the next morning. They even have a breakfast basket with butter and jam. The sockets there use Swiss plugs, so I needed an adapter. I paid 5 CHF per night for a car park space. The staff there is very friendly. “The reception staff will be happy to receive your criticism,” they say, but I had none to give.
Exploring Gutenberg Castle
The biggest attraction in Balzers is Gutenberg Castle. It sits on a hill 70 meters above the town. It is a medieval fortress. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas of the castle. We walked through the castle grounds and the courtyard. The views from the top are breathtaking. You can see the whole valley.
Gradually, I learned more about the history. Oath Square is a spot where people pledged loyalty to the Prince in 1699. The castle is a symbol of the town. It is open to the public on Sundays between May and October. Even if you just walk around the base, it is impressive. The path up is short but steep. It took us about 10 minutes to reach the top.
Hiking the Liechtenstein Trail
Liechtenstein is a paradise for hikers. The Liechtenstein Trail is 75 kilometers long. It goes through all 11 municipalities in the country. It officially starts in Balzers at an old border stone. I walked a part of this trail with my dog. The path is well-marked with red and blue signs.
The trail takes you through alpine forests and past pretty houses. We climbed over 2000 meters in total. It is a manageable climb for a fit person and a healthy dog. I used the LIstory app to find “interactive stations”. These are spots where you can read about the history of the land. However, the app drains the battery quickly. I suggest carrying a portable battery pack.
Later, we saw some very strange statues. Between Triesenberg and Vaduz, there are wooden figures called the “Night Folk”. Legend says they are shadowy figures that pray in the night. If a villager hears them, bad luck follows. They looked quite creepy on a cloudy day. On the contrary, the Red House in Vaduz was very bright and pretty. It was built in 1338.
Other Dog-Friendly Walks
If you do not want to walk for 75 kilometers, there are shorter paths. Gangalisee lake in Steg is a great choice. It is actually a man-made blockage of a river. The water is turquoise and very clear. It is a perfect spot for dogs to swim and play in the river. There is a flat dirt track for walking. We walked for about 30 minutes to reach Restaurant Valuna. This place is simple and serves soup and cheese plates. Note that they only take cash.
Additionally, the Malbun panorama route is stunning. It offers impressive views of the mountain landscape in just one hour. There is also a Swing trail in Malbun. It has ten swings where you can enjoy the view. It is fun for the young at heart.
Dining and Shopping with Your Pet
I found that most restaurants in Liechtenstein are friendly toward pets. In Balzers, Restaurant das Riet is a good choice. It serves local food and is child-friendly. It has a play corner for kids. Restaurant Höfle is another local spot on the main road. In Vaduz, Restaurant Engel has a large terrace where dogs are welcome. Even some high-end places like Mizu welcomed my dog with a bowl of water.
On top of that, shopping is easy. The Roxy Markt in Balzers is a large brown building. It has a grocery store, a bakery, and a pharmacy. There is an ATM where you can get Swiss Francs (CHF) or Euros. Note that the official currency is the Swiss Franc. I used my card for almost everything. However, I kept some cash for small mountain huts.
Health and Care for Your Dog
It is important to keep your dog healthy while you travel. There are several vets in the area. Tierarztpraxis Risch GmbH is located in Triesen. Their phone number is +423 392 42 88. Another vet is Lievet Kindle GmbH in Balzers. You can reach them at +423 388 00 40.
Similarly, you must protect your dog from pests. Heartworm is a risk in this region. Mosquitoes carry this disease. They are common near the small streams and fresh water basins in the forests. Make sure your dog has the right medicine before you go. Also, watch out for ticks and tapeworms.
Finally, keep the country clean. Liechtenstein is exceptionally tidy. I never saw any dog waste on the trails. There are plenty of trash bins even in the woods. Always carry poop bags with you. The locals are very friendly. They often smile and say hello when they see you with a dog.
A Comparison with Nearby Regions
If you have more time, you might visit dog friendly bavaria or travel with dog austria. Bavaria in Germany is known for its beautiful lakes and forests. Many people find it very pretty but sometimes a bit quiet. On the contrary, the Austrian Alps are very dramatic. Sargans and Buchs in Switzerland are right next to Balzers. These regions offer similar mountain views.
However, Liechtenstein has a unique charm. It is a microstate with its own prince. You can even get your passport stamped at the Tourist Center for a small fee. The feeling of crossing a whole country on foot is special.
Useful Tips for Your Trip
First of all, check the weather. The warmest months are also the wettest. I walked in May and it rained for two days. February is the driest month, but it is very cold. Highs are only around 4 degrees then. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket. I also brought an umbrella to protect my phone while I used it for maps.
Later, think about your gear. I wore trail shoes which were very comfortable. I suggest merino wool t-shirts because they do not smell and keep you cool. Bring a water bottle. There are many drinking fountains with high-quality water along the paths. The water is perfectly safe to drink.
On top of that, respect the local culture. Sunday is a rest day. Most shops are closed. Some towns become very quiet. If you need food on a Sunday, go to the shops in the main train stations. They stay open until 10 p.m.. Also, be punctual. The Swiss and Liechtensteiners value being on time. If a train is set for 06:38, it leaves at 06:38.
Daily Itinerary Ideas
If you only have three days, here is a plan for you and your dog.
Day 1: Balzers and the Castle Start at the border stone. Walk to Gutenberg Castle and enjoy the courtyard. Take the path toward Triesen. It is about 15 kilometers. Stay at a local guest house or the campsite.
Day 2: Triesen to Vaduz Walk toward the capital city. The distance is about 8.5 kilometers. Explore the Städtle, which is the main pedestrian street. Dogs are not allowed in museums, but the walk is very peaceful. Visit the vineyards of the Princely Winery. Dogs can stroll there as long as they stay away from the grapes.
Day 3: Vaduz and Beyond Walk along the Rhine River. The paths are flat and perfect for dogs. You can see the mountains of Switzerland across the water. Later, take a bus back to Balzers or Sargans.
Why Balzers is Special
Balzers feels like a doorway to the past. The castle looks down on the town. The people are proud of their land. It is not the most exciting place for nightlife, but it is perfect for peace. The air is clean. The water is cold and fresh. My dog was very happy to run in the green meadows.
Additionally, the size of the country makes it easy to explore. You can walk from the Swiss border to the Austrian border in a few days. There are more jobs in the country than people who live there. This means many people commute from other countries every day.
FAQ
- Is Liechtenstein dog friendly?
- Yes, Liechtenstein is a very welcoming destination for dogs, offering numerous dog-friendly hiking trails, activities, and restaurants. The capital, Vaduz, is described as “exceptionally pet-friendly”.
- Can I use euro in Liechtenstein?
- Yes, while the official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), euros are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and for public transport, though change is often given in Swiss francs.
- What are fun activities for dogs?
- Dogs can enjoy hiking on trails like the Panoramaweg, swimming in the Gangalisee, and visiting the vineyards of the princely winery. They can also run in open spaces like Rheinpark.
- What is the most dog friendly country?
- They characterize Liechtenstein as an attractive and welcoming destination for dog travel.
Concluding words
Balzers, Liechtenstein, is an ideal destination for travelers with pets, offering a mix of cultural landmarks and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy dog-friendly stays at local campsites or nearby hotels, provided they follow regional rules like keeping pets on leashes.
The area serves as a gateway to scenic trails, including the start of the 75-kilometer Liechtenstein Trail, and features historic sites like Gutenberg Castle, where dogs are welcome in the outdoor courtyards. With accessible public transport and diverse outdoor activities, Balzers provides a welcoming environment for a memorable pet-inclusive vacation.
