I finally made it to the capital of Switzerland with my furry best friend. Bern is a dream for any dog owner. The cobblestone streets. The turquoise river water. The smell of fresh mountain air. It felt like a true paradise from the moment we arrived.
I wanted to share this Pet Friendly Vacation in Bern, Switzerland with you because the city is so welcoming to animals. To be honest, I was a bit nervous at first. I asked myself, is switzerland dog friendly? The answer is a loud and clear yes.
First of all, I had to do a lot of homework before we left. You might wonder, can i travel with my dog to switzerland? You certainly can, but you must follow some strict rules. Switzerland takes animal welfare very seriously.
For example, your dog must have a microchip for identification. Additionally, you need a vaccination certificate that shows your pet has a rabies shot. This shot must be given at least 30 days before you enter the country. It also cannot be more than one year old. I made sure to carry all these papers in my bag. Safety first.
One very important thing to know involves the appearance of your dog. Switzerland prohibits the import of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails. This rule has been in place for a long time. Ear cropping was banned in 1981, and tail docking was banned in 1997.
However, if you are just visiting for a short holiday, you can bring your dog if you pay a deposit at Customs. You also cannot sell or exhibit the dog while you are there. My dog has a long, happy tail. Therefore, we had no issues at the border.
How To Get Around The City
The public transport system in Bern is incredible. Switzerland makes it so easy to move from place to place. Can i take my dog to switzerland and use the trains? Yes, you can. Small dogs with a height of up to 30 cm at the shoulder blades travel for free.
They just need to be in a carrier or a basket. My dog is a bit bigger than that. Therefore, I had to buy him a ticket. Usually, a dog ticket costs 50% of a full second-class fare.
If you plan to travel a lot in one day, I suggest the Dog Day Pass. This pass costs CHF 25. It is much easier than buying separate tickets for every bus or train. On top of that, some mountain routes are actually free for all dogs.
For instance, dogs travel for free on the trains between Interlaken and Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. Later, we decided to visit the Jungfraujoch. I found out that a return ticket for a dog from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch costs CHF 35. A bit pricey. But the views are worth every penny.
I noticed that dogs do not need to wear a muzzle on Swiss trains. This is different from some other European countries. Most people just let their dogs sit quietly under the seat. You must make sure your dog does not block the aisle. Good manners are key.
Finding The Perfect Pet Friendly Hotel Bern
Finding a place to stay was the next big task. I searched for a pet friendly hotel switzerland and found so many great options in Bern. We stayed at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. It has an amazing rating of 9.6. They were so kind to my dog.
They even provided food and water bowls in the room. It is located in the Old City, which is very convenient for walks. Luxury at its finest.
Another great choice is the Hotel Savoy Bern. It has a rating of 9.4 and is right near the shopping district. If you prefer something a bit different, you could look at Apartments Justingerweg. They do not even charge an extra fee for dogs. I have stayed in many places around the world. I even looked at pet friendly hotels in bangladesh once for a different trip, but the mountain views in Bern are hard to beat.
Here are some other top-rated hotels for your Pet Friendly Vacation in Bern, Switzerland:
- Hotel Bären Am Bundesplatz: Rated 9.2. They are very close to the Federal Palace.
- Swissôtel Kursaal Bern: Rated 9.0. This hotel has a beautiful garden and mountain views.
- ibis Styles Bern City: A more budget-friendly option with a rating of 9.4.
- Novotel Bern Expo: They allow pets for a refundable deposit of CHF 30 per night.
Choosing a hotel in the Old City (Altstadt) is a smart move. The streets are historic and beautiful. Plus, you are close to the Aare River. Perfect for morning strolls.
Dining Out With Your Dog
I was worried about where we would eat. Can i take my dog on holiday to switzerland and still enjoy fine dining? Absolutely. We visited the Steinhalle, which has a very high rating of 94 points. The chef, Markus Arnold, creates amazing menus inspired by his travels. My dog sat right by my side.
Another highlight was the Schöngrün restaurant. It is surrounded by green gardens. We had a delicious meal with peach compote and Earl Grey panna cotta. The atmosphere was so relaxing. Additionally, the Casa Novo has a terrace that looks over the River Aare. It is a great spot for Spanish tapas in the summer.
Bern has at least 16 high-ranked restaurants that allow dogs. Some of my other favorites included:
- Le Vivant: They use local and seasonal ingredients.
- Klösterli Weincafé: A great place for wine lovers.
- Restaurant Fischerstübli: They serve over a dozen types of tartare.
- Entrecôte Fédérale: You can enjoy a view of the Bundeshaus while you eat.
Most cafes in the city also welcome dogs. I never felt like my pet was a burden. He was just another guest.
Parks And Outdoor Adventures
Bern is a city of parks. There are about 8 dog-friendly parks in the area. First of all, you must visit the Rosengarten. It has more than 200 varieties of roses. The view of the Old Town from there is breathtaking. We spent hours walking the paths there.
On top of that, a walk along the Aare River is a must. The water is a stunning turquoise color. There are many trails that follow the riverbank. My dog loved the open spaces. We also took a trip to Gurten Park. This is a local mountain with huge meadows and hiking trails. You can see the Alps from the top.
If you like hiking, the Bernese Oberland is very close. We tried the Oeschinensee circular hike. The water there is bright blue and surrounded by snowy peaks. It is a bit difficult, but very rewarding. Similarly, the walk from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg is very flat and easy for dogs. You will see massive waterfalls and lush meadows along the way.
I also took my dog to the Bear Park. You can watch the resident bears while you walk in the lush surroundings. It is quite a unique experience. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead in nature reserves. This protects the local wildlife.
Pet Care In Switzerland And Safety
It is good to be prepared for emergencies. Pet care in switzerland is very high quality. If your dog gets sick, there are several places to go. The VET Zentrum Bern is a great animal clinic. There is also a service called CityTiernotfall Bern for emergencies. They have a phone number you can call: 0900 00 25 25. Be aware that this call costs CHF 3.13 per minute.
Additionally, you should know about pet insurance in switzerland. Only about 5 to 10 percent of pets in the country are insured. However, Bern has some specific laws. Dog owners in the canton of Bern must have liability insurance.
This insurance must cover at least 3 million francs. This is because you are responsible if your dog causes an accident or damages property. It is a high amount, but it gives you peace of mind.
If you are moving to the city permanently, you have 10 days to register your dog with a local vet. They will put your pet into the AMICUS database. You also have to pay a dog tax to the municipality. Switzerland really keeps track of everything.
FAQ
Is Lucerne safe for dogs?
The country is generally very safe for pets. However, you should be careful because there have been warnings for dog owners to avoid certain Swiss lakes after 3 poisonings were reported. Each canton also uses dog laws to protect humans and animals from each other.
Where to go in Switzerland with a dog?
You can visit Bern to see the Rosengarten or walk along the Aare River. The Jungfrau Region is another top choice where dogs can travel for free on many train routes like the one to Lauterbrunnen. Additionally, you might enjoy a hike at the Oeschinensee or a stroll through the Emmental valley.
Which city is the most dog-friendly?
Bern is highlighted as a city with a very vibrant dog culture. It is a very welcoming place for people traveling with their furry friends.
Which hotel chain is the most dog friendly?
Several major chains in the region allow pets. These include Novotel, ibis, Best Western, and Swissôtel. The Holiday Inn also has a policy where pets can stay for no extra fee.
What are the rules for dogs in Switzerland?
You must have a microchip and a rabies vaccine that is at least 30 days old. It is illegal to import a dog with cropped ears or a docked tail for a permanent move. Additionally, owners in some areas must have liability insurance that covers at least 3 million francs.
Final Thoughts On My Journey
My time in Bern was unforgettable. The city is truly built for people who love their pets. From the luxurious hotels to the mountain trails, every moment felt special. I learned so much about the local culture and how much they respect animals.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own Pet Friendly Vacation in Bern, Switzerland. It takes some planning. You have to check the rules about vaccines and insurance. But once you are there, it is pure bliss. The sight of my dog running through a meadow with the Alps in the background is a memory I will keep forever.
Pack your bags. Grab the leash. Bern is waiting for you. Safe travels!
