I recently decided to pack my bags and take my furry best friend on an adventure to the heart of the Alps. I chose a place that many people skip over, but I promise it is a hidden gem for anyone who loves mountains and fresh air. Dog Friendly Travel in Schaan, Liechtenstein is not just possible; it is a total delight. Schaan is a charming town in the Rhine Valley, right next to the capital, Vaduz. It is one of those places where you feel the peace as soon as you step off the train or bus.
You might wonder, is liechtenstein worth visiting? I can tell you with absolute certainty that it is. The views of the mountains are breathtaking. The people are incredibly kind to visitors and their pets. Plus, the whole country is so small that you can explore almost all of it in just a few days. It is the sixth-smallest nation in the whole world, but it has a big heart for travelers.
Can I Visit Liechtenstein with My Dog?
First of all, you need to know the basics. Can i visit liechtenstein without too much stress? Yes, but you must prepare your paperwork early. Though Liechtenstein is its own country, it follows many of the same rules as the European Union for pets. I had to make sure my dog had a microchip. It is very important that the chip is put in before the rabies shot.
My dog also needed an up-to-date rabies vaccination. You must get this shot at least 21 days before you cross the border. If you come from a country with a high risk of rabies, you might even need a blood test to prove your dog is safe. This test is called a titer test. I made sure to carry a pet passport because I live in the EU. If you come from outside the EU, you will need an official veterinary health certificate instead.
Is Liechtenstein Safe for Tourists?
Safety is often the first thing on my mind when I travel to a new place. Is liechtenstein safe for tourists? I found it to be one of the safest places I have ever visited. I walked around Schaan and Vaduz late at night and felt completely at ease. The streets are clean, and the crime rate is very low.
Actually, the biggest “danger” you might face is a mosquito in the forest! I noticed that small streams and water basins can attract them. Therefore, I recommend that you protect your liechtenstein dogs against heartworm before you arrive. Additionally, you should always carry water for your pup on long walks. The tap water here is perfectly drinkable for both humans and pets.
How to Get to Schaan
One common question people ask is, can you fly to liechtenstein? The short answer is no. This tiny country does not have its own airport. However, it is very easy to get there from other nearby cities. I flew into Zurich Airport in Switzerland. You could also fly into Innsbruck in Austria.
Later, I took a train and then a bus to reach Schaan. If you come by land from Switzerland or Austria, there are usually no big border checks. Though the country is independent, it is part of a special travel zone. I just drove across the bridge over the Rhine River, and I was there.
Traveling in Liechtenstein with Your Dog
Public transport here is fantastic. The LIEmobil bus system is the main way to get around. I was happy to find out that dogs are allowed on all these buses. If you have a small dog that can fit in a carrier (up to 30cm shoulder height), they travel for free. My dog is a bit bigger, so I had to buy a reduced rate ticket for him.
There is one important rule you must follow. Your dog must be on a leash and must wear a muzzle while on the bus. This is especially true if you take a bus that crosses into Austria, as muzzles are mandatory there. I always keep a muzzle in my bag just in case. If you plan to stay for a while, you can even buy a dog annual pass for 80 CHF.
Where to Stay in Schaan
I found a few great places to stay in Schaan that welcome pets. Kloster by b-smart is a lovely hotel that offers a garden and a terrace. It is a very peaceful spot only 0.7 km from the town center. Similarly, the b-smart motel Schaan is a modern choice with free parking.
If you are on a budget, the Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel is a wonderful option. It is located right between Schaan and Vaduz. They have a big garden where your dog can relax, and the mountain views are incredible. They even offer a free breakfast buffet for the humans. On top of that, I noticed they have an arcade and a library.
Exploring the Outdoors in Schaan
Travel in liechtenstein is all about the mountains. Schaan is a great base for hikers. I took my dog on the Liechtenstein-Weg, which is a trail that goes through the whole country. There is an alternative route from Schaan to Nendeln that is perfect for a winter walk. It is about 6.1 km long and is considered an easy path.
Gradually, we made our way up to the mountain village of Malbun. This area is a dream for any lichtenstein dog. The Schönberg hike starts in Malbun and goes up to 2104 meters. It is a 10.7 km loop that takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The views from the top are some of the best in the region.
The Liechtenstein Panorama Trail
I also spent some time on the Liechtenstein Panorama Trail, which is often called Route 66. This trail is about 42 to 47 km long in total. It takes about 3 to 4 days to complete if you do the whole thing. However, you must know that dogs are not allowed to stay overnight in the mountain huts like Gafadurahütte or Pfälzerhütte.
Therefore, I had to plan carefully. I hiked a section and then took a bus back down to Schaan to sleep in a pet-friendly hotel. Stage 1 of the trail goes from Planken to Gafadura Hut and is only about 4.4 km. It is a steep climb, but the forest paths are very well-maintained. Finally, we reached the hut and enjoyed some fresh mountain air before heading back down.
Dining with Your Dog in Schaan
You do not have to leave your pup behind when it is time to eat. Many restaurants in Schaan welcome well-behaved dogs, especially on their terraces. Liechtensteiner Braustube is a great place to go for good beer and traditional food. I also enjoyed the Scanaua Restaurant & Bar, which has a varied menu of local and international dishes.
If you like Italian food, you should visit Dolce Gusto. They have a cozy terrace in an inner courtyard where I sat with my dog. Plus, they serve amazing fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Similarly, Pizzeria Toscana has a large terrace that is perfect for a sunny afternoon. For a quick snack, I visited Bäckerei Gassner in the heart of town for some homemade bread and pastries.
A Quick Trip to Vaduz
Since Vaduz is only about 3 km away, I walked there with my dog several times. The Städtle is a pedestrian zone in the center of the capital. It is very calm and peaceful, which is perfect for a lichtenstein dog who might be nervous in big crowds. Though dogs are not allowed inside the museums, you can see many cool sculptures in the outdoor garden of the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein.
I also hiked up to Vaduz Castle. The royal family lives there, so you cannot go inside. However, the grounds around the castle are beautiful and open to the public. I followed the Schlossweg trail further up to the ruins of Burg Schalun. This 4 km walk gave us epic views over the whole country.
Visiting the Princely Winery
One of my favorite stops was the Hofkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein, which is the Prince’s own winery. They have beautiful vineyards that you can walk through with your dog on a leash. You can even do a wine tasting there. The staff told me that dogs are welcome during the tastings as long as they can sit quietly for about 90 minutes. It was a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
What to Pack for Your Trip
I learned a few things about what to bring for a trip to Schaan. First of all, you need a sturdy pair of hiking boots. The trails can be steep and rocky. I also suggest carrying a collapsible water bowl for your dog. Additionally, you must always carry poop bags. Liechtenstein is exceptionally clean, and there are fines of 50 to 500 CHF if you do not clean up after your pet.
You should also bring layers of clothing. The weather in the Alps can change very fast. One minute it is sunny, and the next it is chilly and windy. I also made sure to have some cash on me. Though many places take cards, some of the mountain spots only take Swiss Francs (CHF) or Euros in cash.
Medical Care for Pets in Schaan
It is good to know that there is help available if your pet gets sick. There is a pet hospital in Schaan that can help with any medical issues. Mr. Martin Hilti is a veterinarian located on Schwarz Strässle 25 in Schaan. There are also clinics in nearby towns like Triesen and Vaduz. I felt better knowing that emergency vet services are available if we ever had an accident.
Why You Should Choose Schaan
Schaan is not as crowded as some other alpine destinations. I loved the solitude on the trails. It felt like I had the mountains all to myself and my dog. The air is crisp, and the scenery is like something out of a postcard.
Wait, I almost forgot to mention the Rhine River. There are beautiful paths along the banks of the river where your dog can run and play. The Rheinpark is a large green space with walking paths and even a playground for children. It is a popular spot for local dog owners, and everyone was very friendly.
Is There Any Other Dog Friendly Activity?
If you are looking for more adventure, you can head over to Malbun for the Geology Trail. It is a 10.4 km path that explains the history of the rocks in the area. My dog enjoyed the smells of the wildflowers while I read the information signs. We also saw some cows grazing in the mountain pastures. I made sure to give them a wide berth because cows can be protective of their calves.
Also, you might hear people talk about the liechtensteinklamm dog friendly gorge. You should know that the Liechtensteinklamm is actually located in St. Johann im Pongau, Austria, and not in the country of Liechtenstein. It is a common mistake that tourists make. However, if you are driving through the region, it is a very famous spot to visit with a dog!
FAQ
Is Liechtenstein dog friendly?
Yes, Liechtenstein is exceptionally welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, and is considered one of the most pet-friendly destinations in Europe.
Can I speak English in Liechtenstein?
Yes, while German is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations.
What animals are in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein is home to domestic pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets, as well as livestock such as grazing cows and calves. You can also find wildlife like marmots in the mountains.
Where can I travel abroad with my dog?
You can travel between various European countries, including Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and EU nations, provided you follow regulatory requirements such as microchipping and rabies vaccinations.
Can I travel internationally with my dog?
Yes, international travel with a dog is possible with a pet passport or an official veterinary health certificate, alongside required vaccinations and microchipping.
Concluding words
Schaan, Liechtenstein, is a premier destination for those traveling with dogs, offering a mix of accessible alpine trails and a welcoming local culture. Visitors have several pet-friendly accommodation options, including the Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel and various hotels that provide amenities like dog beds and bowls.
While the region is very accommodating, travelers must adhere to local regulations, such as ensuring pets are muzzled on public buses and have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Overall, the combination of stunning mountain scenery and pet-inclusive hospitality makes Schaan an ideal spot for a canine-friendly holiday.
