Austria
Must visit dog friendly places in Austria
Experience the stunning landscapes of Switzerland, a fantastic destination for dog-friendly road trips. From the picturesque Interlaken area to the enchanting valleys of Lauterbrunnen and the serene shores of Lake Brienz, Switzerland offers countless outdoor adventures for you and your dog. Whether you’re hiking through lush meadows surrounded by majestic mountains or enjoying a leisurely stroll by the lakeside, you’ll find plenty of welcoming spots for dogs to explore. The country is home to charming pet-friendly accommodations and cozy cafes, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. I road tripped through Switzerland with my huskies in May of 2024.
The ultimate guide to Austria | dog friendly hikes & nature spots
Kirchberg
We spent two nights in Kirchberg in Tirol, and it turned out to be one of our favourite stops in Austria. The town has a relaxed, welcoming feel, with beautiful alpine views in every direction and plenty of space to stretch your legs, ideal for travelling with dogs. We took a resting day in Kirchberg as we just came from a road trip in Switzerland, so we took some time to relax and explore the town. The town itself is walkable and has several cozy restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating. A must try is the kaiserschmarrn, so delicious!
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road was absolutely amazing. The views are breathtaking, with winding roads that lead you past glaciers, waterfalls, and towering peaks. Our dogs had the best time, especially Zade, who got to experience snow for the first time at the higher altitudes. There are plenty of scenic spots to pull over, stretch your legs, and take in the landscape, which makes it an ideal road trip for traveling with dogs. We stopped at a few viewpoints and even grabbed lunch at one of the roadside restaurants. I would definitely recommend taking a full day to drive this road, there are so many stops you can make.
Zirmsee
Towards the end of our drive of the Grossglockner road we stopped at Zirmsee. The lake is tucked away in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by forested hills and wide-open space, which made it a relaxing break from the busier spots. We just stopped for a quick picture stop and to take in the view, which is beautiful. It’s not a huge or touristy place, but that’s exactly what made it so enjoyable. If you're looking for a low-key nature stop that’s easy to reach and dog-friendly, Zirmsee is definitely worth adding to your route.
Gosau
Gosau was a peaceful overnight stop that I had no expectations off until we got there. IT was beautiful! The wide open space made it easy to walk the dogs, and the dramatic mountain backdrop gave everything a quiet kind of drama. I especially loved taking photos of the dogs here, also because the small gas station in front of the mountains looked like something out of a vintage film. We didn’t plan much here, just a rest, a good sleep, and some time to take in the view. Sometimes that’s all you really need on a road trip.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is every bit as beautiful as you'd expect, charming houses stacked against the mountainside, a glassy lake, and views that really are postcard-worthy. It’s definitely on the touristy side, so we didn’t hang around too long, but it was still worth the visit. Walking through the narrow streets with the dogs and taking in the scenery made for a lovely stop. If you time it right and avoid the peak crowds, it’s a pretty special place to wander for a bit.
The best dog friendly cafes & restaurants in Austria
Edelweissspitze, Grossglockner
Edelweissspitze was our lunch stop along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a perfect place to take in the views, which are absolutely breathtaking and it's also great for the cozy, dog-friendly vibe. We were able to sit inside with the dogs, which was a nice break from the mountain wind, and the traditional Austrian atmosphere made it feel like a proper alpine experience. The menu had plenty of local dishes to choose from, and the food didn’t disappoint, hearty, comforting, and perfect for the colder weather high up in the mountains. Definitely a great place to stop, warm up, and enjoy the surroundings.