I have always loved the open road. My furry best friend is the best co-pilot. Why leave your pet at home? Exploring the Czech Republic’s Border Regions with Your Dog became my main goal last year. I found a country that loves pets as much as I do. Did you know that 40% of households in the Czech Republic own at least one dog? That is a huge number. This place is a dream for any traveler.
Planning Your Trip: How Dog Friendly is the Czech Republic?
First of all, you might wonder: how dog friendly is the Czech Republic? I can tell you it is one of the best spots in Europe. I saw dogs everywhere. They were in cafes, on trains, and even in some shops. People here are very kind to animals. Even an old lady who looks tough will smile when she sees a cute pup. It is a great way to meet new people.
You must follow some rules to enter. Each pet needs a microchip. This chip must meet ISO standards 11784 or 11785. Plus, your dog needs an EU pet passport. He also needs a rabies vaccine. You must get this shot at least 21 days before you travel. If you come from the United States, your vet must issue a specific health certificate. The USDA must then endorse it.
Most places allow dogs. However, look for stickers on doors. A small picture of a dog with a red line means “no dogs”. I found that many mini-markets and supermarkets do not allow pets. Similarly, many museums are for humans only. But do not worry. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. Additionally, the law says landlords cannot strictly forbid dogs, though some still try to pick dog-free tenants.
Essential Rules for the Czech Border Dog
You must keep your dog on a leash in most towns. National parks also require leashes. This protects the wild animals. Additionally, your dog should wear a muzzle on public transport. This is very common in the Czech Republic. I saw many well-behaved dogs wearing them. It is important for safety.
Public transport is quite a deal. I was shocked by the prices. Czech Republic best prices for dog train tickets are very low. You pay a flat fee of 30 to 50 CZK. That is only about 1.20 to 2 Euros! You can cross the whole country for the price of a coffee. I used the app Muj Vlak to buy my tickets. It is the official app of the national railway. It is very easy to use.
Buses are also an option. Small dogs in a bag usually travel for free. Larger dogs might need a reduced fare ticket. Always check with the driver. Plus, you should board through doors with a dog symbol.
First Stop: Bohemian Switzerland and the Famous Pravčice Gate
My Road Trip Adventure – Exploring the Czech Republic’s Border Regions with Your Dog started in the north. I arrived in Hřensko. This town is a bit strange. It has one main street filled with market booths. It sits right where the Elbe river divides the Czech Republic and Germany. I stayed at Hotel Kotva. The family who runs it was very welcoming. Bringing my dog was no problem at all.
We hiked up to the Pravčice Gate. This is the biggest stone arch in Europe. The hike is about 4.6 kilometers uphill. It is a popular path. I met many other dogs on the trail. I even saw an amazing czech border kolie running ahead of its owner. The view from the top is incredible. You can see the “stone cities” from high up.
There is a small bistro at the top. The owner has a very friendly dog. You can sit and rest. Though the hike is a bit long, the scenery is worth it. I walked back down through a wide canyon. The rocks are dark and tall.
Riding the Waves on the Kamenice River
Later, we tried something different. We took a boat trip on the Kamenice River. This is in the Edmund Canyon. The boat ride costs about 3.50 Euros for people. Dogs can come too! Their ticket is only 1.50 Euros.
A man moves the boat with a long pole. He tells stories about the rock shapes. Some rocks look like elephants or dragons. At one point, he pulls a rope. A sudden waterfall splashes down! It is a very funny moment. The boat fits about 20 people. It is a quiet and special trip. My dog sat very still and watched the water.
Climbing High: The Giant Mountains (Krkonoše)
Next, we drove to the Giant Mountains. This range sits on the border with Poland. It is the highest mountain range in the country. The main town is Špindlerův Mlýn. It is a beautiful mountain village. There are many hotels and nice houses.
The goal was to reach Sněžka. This is the highest peak at 1,602 meters. The climb is tough. The last part is a very steep path. However, the view from the top is a great reward. You can see deep into Poland and far across the Czech Republic.
I decided to try hut-to-hut hiking. In this region, mountain huts are called boudas. We stayed at Chata Tokáň. This was my favorite place. It is a dark wooden house deep in the forest. Renata, the owner, was so kind. The rooms are cheap. Plus, bringing a dog is easy.
I must mention the food. I ate a solid Goulash in a brewery restaurant in Krásná Lípa. Czech food is very hearty. It is also quite affordable. I often saw water bowls for dogs at the entrances of restaurants.
The Labyrinth of Rocks: Adršpach-Teplice
We continued our Road Trip Adventure – Exploring the Czech Republic’s Border Regions with Your Dog to the east. We reached the Adršpach Rocks. This place is a magic world of sandstone. There are thousands of tall rocks.
The main loop is about 3.5 kilometers. It takes about 2.5 hours to finish. You must keep your dog on a leash here. The first part is flat and easy. But then, you hit the stairs. There are about 850 narrow steps in one section! In total, the whole walk has almost 2,000 steps. It is a good workout for both of you.
You should buy your tickets online. This saves time. Parking is also limited. If you buy your parking spot online, the gate opens automatically. There is a beautiful sand quarry at the start. The water is blue and clear. However, no swimming is allowed. Additionally, dogs are strictly forbidden on the boats at this location.
Southern Charms: Český Krumlov and Šumava
Finally, we headed south. South Bohemia is famous for its fish ponds. The Rožemberk family built them centuries ago. Český Krumlov is the star here. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town has a massive castle on a hill.
Dogs are mostly allowed in the town. However, some parts of the castle grounds do not allow pets. I saw a “no dog” sign at one gate. But the streets of the old town are perfect for a walk. The buildings are painted in pastel colors.
We also visited Šumava National Park. This area is huge. It sits on the border with Germany and Austria. There are many trails. You can hike outside the main paths in some zones. But in the “First Zone,” you must stay on the marked trails. Your pet must always be under control to protect wildlife.
One great spot is Lipno Dam. It is a large artificial lake. People love to go canoeing there. I saw many people with dogs in their rafts! It looked like so much fun. On top of that, the water is warm enough for a swim in the summer.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
You have many choices for sleeping. Many hotels and guesthouses allow dogs. About 49% of hotels in Prague are dog-friendly. In the border regions, this is also true.
If you are on a budget, look for a czech republic dormitory or a hostel. Some hostels, like Hotel Děčín, are very cheap. I paid about 10 Euros for a night. It was simple but clean.
For more comfort, try a holiday house. I found a place called Nachtigal’s Ore Mountains Residence. It had three bedrooms and a garden. It even had a fireplace. My dog loved the space to run around. Some places charge a small fee for pets. For example, Hotel U Parku in Rumburk charged about 4 Euros. Always ask the price before you book.
Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe: Ticks and Vets
I must warn you about a small danger. The ornate dog tick is becoming common. Its scientific name is Dermacentor reticulatus. These ticks live in the border regions. They can carry a disease called canine babesiosis. This can be very bad for your dog.
Check your dog every day. Look for ticks after every walk in the woods. Ticks are most active in the spring and autumn. Use a good repellent from your vet. If your dog gets a fever or seems tired, find a clinic.
Horská veterinární klinika in Trutnov is a great place for help. They have an emergency service. You can call them at +420 777 305 410. It is better to call before you arrive. They offer many services like X-rays and surgery.
Eating and Drinking
Czech food is perfect after a long hike. You must try Goulash. It is a thick meat stew. Another local dish is Kaplická cmunda. It is a potato pancake with smoked ham and sauerkraut. It is very filling.
Waiters are usually very nice to dogs. They often bring a bowl of water without being asked. I loved sitting in the beer gardens. České Budějovice is famous for Budweiser beer. The government actually owns the brewery! There are many other local brands to try like Regent or Eggenberg.
Important Tips for Your Adventure
Here is some quick advice for your trip:
- Get up early. You will avoid the crowds at busy spots like the Pravčice Gate.
- Bring cash. Many mountain huts do not take cards.
- Check the weather. Summer can have sudden storms.
- Carry water. Not every stream carries water.
- Pack a muzzle. You will need it for the trains and buses.
The czech border dog is usually very well-behaved. This is because they go everywhere with their owners. They are socialized from a young age. My dog learned a lot on this trip. He became more confident on the trails.
Crossing Borders: Germany and Poland
Since we were in the border regions, we crossed into Germany. The Bastei bridge in Lohmen is incredible. It has 850 stairs and great views. You must pay for parking, which is about 4.50 Euros. It feels like a world from a movie.
Similarly, we touched the Polish border in the Giant Mountains. You can walk the Path of Czech-Polish Friendship. It stays at the same height for a long time. You see deep valleys in Poland and horizons in Czechia. Just remember that crossing borders on a train makes the dog ticket more expensive. Sometimes it costs half of a human fare.
FAQ
What are the specific requirements for the dog ticket on ČD trains?
Small dogs in a carrier up to 90 x 60 x 40 cm travel for free. For larger dogs, you must buy a ticket that costs 30 CZK for under 150 km and 50 CZK for over 150 km. The dog must stay in second class and wear a muzzle.
Can I take my dog to the Prague Zoo?
Yes! You can actually buy a dog admission ticket for the Prague Zoo. There are water stations and spots to tie the leash outside indoor pavilions where dogs are not allowed.
What is the best way to handle ticks during the trip?
Check your dog every day, especially during the peak activity months of early spring and early autumn. Use ectoparasiticide repellents and look for any signs of fever or fatigue.
How do I pay for parking and entry at the Adršpach Rocks?
It is highly recommended to buy tickets and parking online in advance. The parking gate scans your license plate or QR code. If you do not book online, you might have to wait for hours or be turned away if it is full.
Concluding words
A Road Trip Adventure – Exploring the Czech Republic’s Border Regions with Your Dog offers a perfect mix of rugged nature, affordable travel, and high pet-friendliness. From the massive stone arch of Bohemian Switzerland to the 1,602-meter peak of Sněžka, the borderlands provide endless trails for active travelers.
By following simple rules like using the Muj Vlak app for cheap train tickets and keeping a muzzle handy, you can navigate the country with ease. The Czech Republic truly stands out as a top destination where your dog is not just allowed, but welcomed as part of the family.
