I have spent many years traveling across Europe with my four-legged companion. One of the most amazing highlights of my recent travels was Visiting Lednice Park in Czech Republic with a Dog. This park is part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. My dog and I have visited 35 countries together, but this corner of South Moravia truly felt special.
The Czech Republic is a country where people have a very positive relationship with pets. You can bring your family members without much worry. First of all, I want to share how I prepared for this journey and what we discovered along the way.
Is the Czech Republic really dog friendly?
Before we reached the rolling hills of Moravia, we spent time in the capital. Many people ask me, is prague dog friendly? I can tell you from experience that it is a delight. Additionally, I often hear travelers wondering, is prague a dog friendly city for those who use public transport? The answer is a big yes.
Dogs in prague are everywhere. You will see them in cafes, bars, and even many restaurants. First of all, you should know that visiting prague with a dog requires a bit of planning regarding the rules. Larger dogs must wear a muzzle and stay on a short leash when they are in public spaces or on transport.
We found several dog parks in prague where my pup could run. One sign near our apartment even showed which parks allowed dogs off-leash and which ones required a leash. On top of that, the dogs public transport prague rules are quite fair. Small dogs in a carrier bag smaller than 70 x 45 x 25 cm travel for free. Larger dogs can travel for a small fee, which was about 20 CZK during our visit. However, if you have a ticket valid for 24 hours or longer, your dog might even travel for free within the city limits.
Gradually, we realized that the entire country follows this pet-loving trend. Though I once searched the internet to see can dogs visit dover castle in England, I found that the Czech castles have their own unique set of rules. For example, at Prague Castle, dogs are not allowed inside the buildings or the gardens, but they can explore the main grounds with you if they are leashed and muzzled. It is a similar story at many other historic sites.
Reaching the Pearl of South Moravia
We decided to head south to the wine region of Moravia. Later, we found ourselves at Chateau Lednice. This place is often called the pearl of South Moravia. The Liechtenstein family owned this land from the 13th century until 1939. They built a magnificent neo-Gothic chateau in the mid-19th century as a summer palace.
To get there, we used a mix of car and train travel. You can reach Lednice by bus or train from the town of Břeclav. Therefore, it is very accessible. If you choose the train, České dráhy (the national rail) makes it easy to bring a pet. For distances under 150 km, the fee for a dog is only 30 CZK. For longer trips over 150 km, the price is 50 CZK. Remember that your dog must be on a leash and muzzled at all times on the train.
Plus, there are various small paid parking areas around the town of Lednice if you choose to drive. We found a spot near the Zámecké náměstí square, which is just a 5-minute walk from the chateau.
Exploring the Grounds of Lednice Park
The main attraction for us was the vast park area. It is the second largest in the country and covers almost 200 hectares. Visiting Lednice Park in Czech Republic with a Dog is a fantastic experience because the park is open year-round and free to enter.
First of all, you must know the most important rule. Dogs are not allowed inside the chateau buildings. However, they are very welcome in the formal gardens and the English-style park. You must keep your dog on a leash at all times. We spotted several Red Squirrels during our walk, so keeping my dog close was a good idea.
The loop around the main fishpond is about 5 km long. It is completely flat and very easy to walk. Gradually, you will see beautiful monuments called follies dotting the landscape.
The Majestic Minaret
One of the first big sights we saw was the Minaret. This tower is 62 meters high, which is almost 200 feet. It was built in the late 18th century and was once the tallest minaret outside the Middle East. You can climb to the top for a stunning view of the park, but dogs have to stay at the bottom. The entry fee for adults was about 100 CZK.
The Ruins of John’s Castle
Later, we walked further to see Janův hrad, or John’s Castle. This building looks like a ruined medieval fortress, but that is actually a trick. It was built in the early 19th century as a hunting lodge in the style of a fake ruin. The path to get there is about 1 km from the main loop. It is a very romantic spot for photos with your dog.
Other Park Wonders
The park has so many other things to see. Additionally, we passed a Moorish house which was originally a steam bath. We also saw an imitation Roman aqueduct and a Chinese Pavilion. The landscape is filled with a unique water system and many bridges.
If your legs get tired, you can take a boat trip. The boats travel along the river Dyje from the Moorish house to the Minaret and John’s Castle. Therefore, you do not have to walk the whole way. Dogs are allowed on the boats, but they must wear a muzzle and be on a short leash. The cruise to the Minaret takes about 20 minutes and costs roughly 200 CZK per adult.
Refreshments and Food Stops
Finally, after all that walking, we were very hungry. There are several great options right outside the chateau complex. One of our favorites was Pedro’s Foodtruck. They park in the castle square and serve gourmet street food. I had a loaded hot dog and a refreshing lemonade. The staff is very friendly and they even offer homemade fries cooked in lard.
Similarly, the chateau cukrárna serves excellent ice cream and has a nice terrace where you can sit with your dog. If you want a full meal, you can visit Pivovar Lednice. This modern brewery has a great view of the castle and serves top-notch beers. Their outdoor seating area is perfect for a relaxing lunch.
In the town, we also saw Burgr’s Club, which is known for its amazing burgers and steaks. On top of that, Coffee Square is a cozy café where you can get specialty coffee and homemade desserts. It is just a few steps from the park entrance.
Nearby Adventures in Valtice
You cannot visit Lednice without stopping in Valtice. These two towns are connected as part of the same historic estate. Chateau Valtice was the ancestral home of the Liechtensteins. Though the palace interiors are off-limits to dogs, the chateau garden is beautiful for a stroll.
A very unique attraction near Valtice is the Barefoot Path. This is a circular walk about 5 km long that crosses the border into Austria. It has 11 stops where you can walk barefoot over materials like bark, cones, sand, and stones. It is designed to give you special sensory perceptions. You can even bring your own food and use a natural grill at one of the stops.
Gradually, we also explored the Colonnade on Reisten, which sits at the highest point of the area. The views from there are breathtaking.
Where to Stay with a Dog
Finding a place to stay was quite easy. Additionally, my research showed that about 49% of hotels and guesthouses in Prague allow dogs. In the Lednice-Valtice area, we found many great options.
We looked at Zámecký Hotel ANTON FLORIAN in Valtice, which is right in a wing of the castle complex. It has a guest rating of 9.1 out of 10. Similarly, Penzion Pumpion is highly rated and very quiet. For a more budget-friendly choice, Penzion Avalon in Valtice offers a garden and a central location.
On the contrary, we stayed at an old manor called Ambrožuv dvur in the nearby village of Pouzdrany. It was a large two-bedroom suite for a great price. I paid about $208 for two nights, plus a small fee for the dog. However, you must keep the windows closed at night because of the bugs!
Important Tips for Traveling to Czech Republic
If you are coming from another EU country, your dog needs a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a rabies vaccine given at least 21 days before you cross the border. Therefore, make sure your paperwork is ready.
First of all, always remember the muzzle rule. It is much more common to see dogs wearing muzzles on public transport here than in other countries. On top of that, always ask at the door of a restaurant before you enter with your dog, even though most places are very welcoming.
The leash laws are usually set by each town or city. In practice, you should use a leash in city centers, busy parks, and near monuments. If your dog causes any damage, you are responsible for it. Gradually, you will get used to these small rules and enjoy the freedom the country offers.
Statistical Summary of the Area
The Lednice-Valtice Area is truly massive. Here are some numbers to help you plan:
- The entire area covers nearly 300 square kilometers.
- The park at Lednice alone is almost 200 hectares.
- The Minaret stands at 62 meters tall.
- The main walking loop is about 5 kilometers.
- There are 11 stops on the Barefoot Path near Valtice.
- Prague has 16 UNESCO sites in total across the country, and this is one of them.
Finally, I want to say that this trip was a total dream. Visiting Lednice Park in Czech Republic with a Dog is something I recommend to every mature traveler who loves nature and history. The colors of the park in Autumn are especially magical. The paths are quiet, and the trees turn vibrant shades of orange and red.
Whether you are sipping wine at a vineyard like Sonberk or walking through the formal gardens, you and your dog will feel right at home. The Czech people love their animals, and the beauty of South Moravia is something you will never forget. Therefore, pack your bags, grab the leash, and head to Lednice for your next grand adventure!
FAQ
Is the Czech Republic dog friendly?
A big yes.. The Czech Republic is one of the most dog-friendly countries in all of Europe. People here have a very positive relationship with their pets. You will find that dogs are welcome in many restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Are dogs allowed on trams in Prague?
Dogs are allowed on trams, buses, and the funicular. You should board through the doors that have a dog pictogram. Plus, you must travel in the vestibule area as long as there is no pram in it.
Are dogs allowed in Prague Castle?
Dogs can not enter the castle buildings or the formal gardens. However, they are welcome to explore the extensive grounds of the complex with you. It is free for both humans and dogs to visit these grounds. You must keep your dog on a leash and use a muzzle.
Where is the most dog friendly country?
The Czech Republic is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. It is a delight for pet owners because animals are included in so many parts of daily life.
Should I bring water for my dog in a park?
You should always carry water, but many places make it easy for you. Most castles and chateaus have local cafes that provide water bowls. Similarly, Karlštejn has a drinking fountain for dogs right in the pedestrian zone.
Can I bring my dog to Prague?
You can certainly bring your pet to Prague. It is a very welcoming city for those traveling with four-legged companions.
What is the most dog friendly city in Europe?
Prague is often mentioned as a very dog-friendly city. Therefore, it is a top choice for pet owners traveling in Europe.
Concluding words
Visiting Lednice Park in Czech Republic with a Dog was a dream come true for me. You can walk the 5 km loop around the fishpond and see amazing sights like the Minaret and John’s Castle. The park is free to enter all year and offers a flat path that is easy for any dog.
You will find great food at Pedro’s Foodtruck or local breweries right outside the gates. Therefore, you should pack your bags and head to South Moravia for a perfect adventure with your best friend.
