I have spent many years traveling across Europe with my furry best friend. One place that truly stole my heart is Triesenberg in the micro-country of Liechtenstein. This tiny land sits entirely in the Alps. It is a dream for anyone who loves Dog Friendly Travel in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein. The air is crisp. The views are endless. My dog, a lively mix of shepherd and husky, was in heaven. If you love a slow pace and high mountains, you must travel to liechtenstein.
First of all, I must talk about safety. People often ask me, is liechtenstein safe for tourists? The answer is a loud yes. This country is one of the safest places I have ever visited. You can walk the mountain trails or city streets with total peace of mind. The locals are friendly. They often greet you as you pass with your pup. It is the perfect spot for a calm and safe adventure.
Getting Your Pup Ready for the Trip
Before you set off, you need to handle the paperwork. Liechtenstein is not in the European Union. However, it follows the same rules for pets. Your dog must have a microchip. This chip must be ISO compliant. Additionally, your pet needs an EU Pet Passport. You can get this from your vet.
The most important part is the rabies vaccination. You must get this at least 21 days before you arrive. The vet must record this in the passport. If you come from a country outside the EU, you might need a health certificate and an antibody test. There is no airport in Liechtenstein. Therefore, you will likely enter through Switzerland or Austria. No one even looked at my dog’s passport at the border. I still suggest you keep it ready.
How to Get Around with a Dog
Transport here is easy. You can travel with dog in switzerland and cross into Liechtenstein without any trouble. The bus system, called LIEmobil, is excellent. Small dogs in a bag or container travel for free. However, larger dogs need a ticket. You usually pay the reduced rate, which is like a child’s fare.
On these buses, your dog must be on a lead. If you cross into Vorarlberg, Austria, a muzzle is mandatory. I always carry one just in case. If you plan to stay a long time, you can buy a dog annual pass for 80 CHF. Plus, the FAIRTIQ app makes buying tickets a breeze. You swipe to check in. You swipe to check out. It is that simple.
Cable cars are another fun way to see the peaks. Most lifts allow dogs. You might pay between 10 to 20 CHF for their ticket. Some lifts even put down anti-slip mats for the dogs. Others might stop the lift to help your pup get on safely. It is a very thoughtful service.
Finding a Place to Sleep
Triesenberg and the nearby village of Malbun have great places to stay. I chose the Familien & Sporthotel TURNA Malbun. It is a 3.5-star hotel near the ski resort. They are very welcoming to dogs. They charge 15 CHF per pet per day. The staff is attentive. They even provide food and water bowls.
The rooms are sound-insulated. This is great if your dog barks at floor noises. You get free WiFi and a breakfast buffet. Additionally, the hotel has a spa and an indoor pool for when you need a break from hiking. Another good option is Hotel Oberland. It sits 940 meters above sea level. It has a terrace with views of the Rhine Valley.
If you prefer the outdoors, try Camping Mittagsspitze in Triesen. They allow dogs on the camping pitches. You must keep your dog on a lead at all times. They do not allow pets in the rental bungalows, though. The site has a small shop where you can buy daily needs. You can also order fresh bread for the morning. It is a beautiful spot with many trails starting right at the gate.
Hiking the High Trails
This country has the densest network of trails in Europe. There are over 400 kilometers of paths to explore. One of my favorites is the Sassweg. It is a circular trail that takes about two hours. You start at the Peace Chapel. The path is marked with pink poles. It is easy for most dogs.
The Princess Gina Trail is a more serious hike. It takes about five hours. You walk from Sareiserjoch to the Augstenberg peak at 2,359 meters. The views are breathtaking. You see the Alps of Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland all at once. However, this trail has some steep ridges. Your dog must be fit for this one.
For a lower-impact walk, try the Valüna Valley. It is a flat, easy path along a stream. It is even suitable for strollers. In summer, you see alpine flowers. In winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland. The Alp Valüna is open from May to October. You can stop there for a snack.
Exploring the Capital: Vaduz
You must visit Vaduz while you are here. It is one of the calmest capitals in Europe. Dogs are not allowed in the museums. However, the city center is perfect for a walk. You can walk along the Städtle, the main street. It leads to the St. Florin Cathedral.
I highly recommend a visit to the Hofkellerei, the princely winery. You and your dog can walk through the vineyards. They also allow dogs in the wine tasting areas. Just make sure your pup can sit quietly for a bit. Many restaurants in Vaduz also take in pets. Restaurant Engel has a large terrace. Mizu, a fancy Japanese spot, even gave my dog a bowl of water inside.
Unique Activities in Triesenberg
Triesenberg is a hub for the Walser culture. You can walk the WalserSagenWeg. This is a 12-kilometer trail full of wooden figures of legends. It is a journey through myths and mountains. There are playgrounds and barbecue areas along the way.
Another great choice is Llama and Alpaca Trekking. You can go for a few hours or a whole day. A guide leads you through the alpine world with these gentle animals. It is an extraordinary way to see the landscape. My dog was very curious about the llamas!
If you visit in winter, you can try sledding. Malbun has a 200-meter run at the chapel. After 4:00 PM, you can even sled down the ski slopes. Many hotels like the Gorfion offer free sled rentals. Just be careful with your dog near the sleds.
Local Rules and Manners
Liechtenstein is exceptionally clean. You will see no dog waste anywhere. You must carry poop bags with you. There are many trash bins, even on the forest trails. If you do not clean up, you could face a fine of up to 500 CHF.
Always keep your dog on a lead in towns and nature zones. On high alpine trails, you might let them off if they listen well. However, you must keep them away from wildlife and cows. I once met a group of suckler cows. I made sure to give them a wide berth.
Another tip is to watch for mosquitoes near the water basins. Make sure your dog has heartworm protection. If your pup gets sick, there are good vets nearby. Dr. Albert Risch in Triesen is a great choice. They have an emergency number if you need help fast.
Why Triesenberg is a Top Choice
I have traveled to many dog friendly countries to travel. Liechtenstein is high on that list. It is a tiny land that packs a big punch. The mix of high mountains and safe streets is hard to beat. You can hike all day and then find a cozy restaurant that welcomes your pet.
The costs can be high. A meal at a gourmet spot like Restaurant zur Alten Eiche is in the high price range. However, there are budget options too. The JUFA Hotel Malbun has rooms starting around 100 euros. You can also save money by using the Liechtenstein Adventure Pass. It gives you discounts on many activities and free bus rides.
On top of that, the LTE coverage is great even on the trails. You can always check your map or post a photo of your pup. The country is a paradise for outdoor lovers. My journey with Max was full of joy. We sniffed out the best spots from the Rhine to the highest peaks.
FAQ
Is Liechtenstein dog friendly?
Pets are integrated into daily life from the high alpine trails to the streets of the capital. Most hotels, restaurants, and public transport options easily accommodate well-behaved animals. It is truly a pet paradise.
Which country is the most dog friendly?
Switzerland is also very accommodating because dogs are allowed on almost all forms of transport. I noticed that both countries make it very easy for you to travel with a four-legged friend.
Can I speak English in Liechtenstein?
You will have no problem at all if you speak English. I found that the locals are very helpful and most restaurants even offer their menus in English. It makes the trip very easy for travelers.
Where can I travel abroad with my dog?
You can travel to any EU country, plus Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, if you follow the standard pet rules. Your dog will need an EU Pet Passport, a microchip, and a rabies shot given at least 21 days before you go.
Is Germany a dog-friendly country?
I saw that Germany is a common place for people to enjoy outdoor activities with their pets. Many people use it as a base before they head into the Alps.
How dog-friendly is Switzerland?
Switzerland is incredibly welcoming to animals. Dogs can ride on buses, trains, and even cable cars for a reduced fee, which is usually a child’s ticket. Many cable cars even provide anti-slip mats for the comfort of your pup.
Concluding words
Triesenberg and the village of Malbun offer a perfect mountain escape for you and your dog. I found that the region is very safe and full of beautiful trails like the Sassweg and the Princess Gina Trail. You can stay at pet-friendly places like Hotel Turna for about 15 CHF per day and use the excellent LIEmobil bus system to get around.
Though the country is small, it packs a big punch with its friendly people, English-speaking staff, and high alpine views. On top of that, you can visit the princely winery in Vaduz or walk the legendary WalserSagenWeg with your furry friend. It is a safe and quiet paradise for any mature traveler. “What concerns all, only all can solve,” says Anne Walser regarding the professional representation of animal rights.
