Switzerland
The dog-friendly destinations you won’t want to miss in Switzerland
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 Switzerland | dog friendly hikes & nature spots
Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is a breathtaking destination. You can easily take the gondola up the mountain with your dog, just remember to purchase a ticket for them as well. The gondola ride offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. Once you reach the top, the hike from the gondola station to the lake is only about 25 minutes, making it a manageable trek for most dogs. When we visited, Zade was still a puppy, so I carried him in my backpack on the way back, which made it a bit easier on him. The trail meanders through gorgeous alpine scenery, and when you arrive at Oeschinensee, the sight of the turquoise waters nestled against the backdrop of towering mountains is simply magical. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, a swim, or just soaking in the breathtaking views.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a stunning destination, its valley is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, and one of the highlights is the opportunity to walk up to and even behind the impressive Staubbach Falls. The path leading to the falls can be a bit challenging for dogs, with some steep sections and rocky terrain, so it’s important to be prepared.
I took my dogs with me on this adventure, and while Dunya, my husky, absolutely thrived and charged ahead, I had to carry Zade from time to time as he’s still a puppy and struggled with some of the tougher parts of the trail. Despite the challenges, the experience of standing behind the waterfall and feeling the cool mist is unforgettable. Lauterbrunnen’s stunning scenery, with its towering cliffs and lush green meadows, makes it a perfect spot for a day of exploration.
Giessbach waterfall
Giessbach Waterfall was probably the most stunning waterfall we saw in Switzerland. One of the highlights is the chance to walk behind the majestic waterfall, which is an experience not to be missed. When we first approached, my dogs were a bit hesitant about the roaring water, but after some encouragement, they mustered the courage to venture behind the rushing falls and seemed to enjoy it. The walk to the waterfall is lovely and well-maintained, making it a great outing for dogs of all sizes. We encountered quite a few other dogs along the way. The combination of the lush surroundings and the breathtaking views of the cascading water creates a magical atmosphere.
Brienz
Brienz is a charming little village that’s perfect for a relaxing stop during your travels in Switzerland. We decided to take a break here for lunch and enjoyed a delightful meal at a lakeside café. Afterward, we took a leisurely stroll through the village, which, while not very large, has a lovely atmosphere that’s perfect for wandering. Walking around Lake Brienz was a highlight of our visit. The stunning turquoise waters, framed by the majestic mountains, create a serene backdrop for a short walk. It’s a great place to let your dog explore while you soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Although there isn't a lot to do in Brienz, the peaceful vibe and picturesque scenery make it a lovely spot to relax and unwind.
Rosenlaui glacier
Rosenlaui Glacier is such a special place to visit, and the drive up there is already part of the experience. The road is quite mountainous with plenty of curves, but the views along the way are absolutely beautiful. We went in May and the fields were covered in bright yellow flowers, which made the whole landscape feel even more magical.
To enter the Rosenlaui Gorge you need to pay an entrance fee (12 CHF), and I highly recommend it, the gorge is incredibly impressive with narrow rock walls and powerful water rushing through. Dogs are allowed, though there’s a turnstile halfway through; I carried my puppy through while Dunya carefully climbed underneath it. The loop takes about an hour to complete, and there’s a café at the end where you can relax afterward. Make sure to take your time on the drive up as well, there are so many beautiful spots along the way that are perfect for photos.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is one of those places that instantly takes your breath away, and our visit to the quiet village of Merlischachen made it even more special. This small, calm spot on the lake feels peaceful and far from crowded, which made it perfect for a relaxed walk with the dogs. The views over the water, surrounded by mountains, are already stunning during the day, but at sunset, the whole landscape turns golden and truly magical. We loved simply strolling along the lakeside, soaking in the scenery while the dogs explored nearby.
Amden
Amden is one of those places where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. The drive up is incredibly scenic, with winding roads and sweeping views over the lake and mountains that already make you want to stop for photos. You’ll find plenty of hiking options and countless picture-perfect viewpoints along the way.
We kept it simple and did a few shorter walks, mainly taking our time to soak in the stunning scenery around us. The wide open meadows were a dream for the dogs, they absolutely loved rolling and playing in the grass. Also did a little photoshoot with them as the view was just too beautiful.
The best dog friendly cafes & restaurants in Switzerland
Restaurant Weidstübli, Lauterbrunnen
Restaurant Weidstübli in Lauterbrunnen is a delightful dog-friendly eatery we stumbled upon during our visit. Located on a charming camping ground, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal with your dog by your side. We decided to indulge in the traditional cheese fondue, which was absolutely delicious, and paired it with the classic Swiss hot chocolate for a warm treat. The service was friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. A handy tip for anyone visiting Lauterbrunnen: parking can be a bit tricky, but if you start your journey with lunch at Weidstübli, you can park your car on the camping grounds and then take a leisurely walk around the village afterward. It’s a fantastic way to explore the area while enjoying some delicious Swiss cuisine.
Restaurant Hotel Schiffahrt, Mols
Restaurant Hotel Schiffahrt in Mols is a wonderful dog-friendly spot right by the lake, and such a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. The terrace has an amazing view, especially on a sunny day, making it the perfect setting to sit back and relax with your dog by your side. We ordered the schnitzel and it was absolutely incredible, flavourful and generously portioned. Overall, the food quality here was really good and definitely exceeded our expectations. With the beautiful lakeside setting and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a spot I’d happily return to when exploring the area again.
Dog-friendly stays in Switzerland
Dog friendly AirBnB in Switzerland close to Interlaken and surrounded by mountains, cows and beautiful views.
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