Hiking holidays with dogs have been growing in popularity for years. Both dog and owner benefit equally: fresh air, exercise in nature, and shared adventures not only improve their fitness but also strengthen their bond. At the same time, such trips require careful planning and preparation to ensure your four-legged companion can handle the tour as well as you do. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know—from the most beautiful regions to practical packing lists and valuable do's and don'ts. Be inspired and plan your next hiking holiday with your dog in a relaxed and worry-free manner!
Table of contents
- Why hiking with dogs?
- Top hiking regions with dogs in Germany & Europe
- Dog-friendly accommodations for your hiking holiday
- Preparation & equipment for hiking holidays with dogs
- Do's & Don'ts for a safe and comfortable hike with your dog
- Legal and health requirements for hiking with dogs
- Conclusion: Your perfect hiking holiday with dog
Key take-aways
-
Shared activity promotes fitness and bonding.
-
Regional diversity: from low mountain ranges to alpine heights.
-
Selection of dog-friendly accommodations with special services.
-
Practical packing lists and training plans prevent surprises.
-
Do's & Don'ts ensure comfort and protect the health of dog and owner.
Why hiking with dogs?
A hiking holiday offers you and your dog the perfect opportunity to escape everyday life. Instead of rushing to crowded beaches or sitting in the car for hours, start your adventure early in the morning right from your doorstep – or from a scenic hiking car park. The freely accessible trails through forests, rolling hills, or rugged mountains allow you to experience the seasons in depth. Your dog can sniff freely, dig, and socialize with other dogs, while you feel the endorphins rising with every step.
Furthermore, hiking is a low-impact activity suitable for almost any dog – provided you flexibly adjust the length, difficulty, and rest breaks to your four-legged friend's fitness level. Special routes and more frequent rest periods can be planned for older dogs, young dogs, or those with chronic conditions. This shared experience creates lasting memories and strengthens the trust between you and your canine companion.
Top hiking regions with dogs in Germany & Europe
Choosing the right region depends on your hiking experience, your dog's fitness level, and your personal preferences. Here are six particularly dog-friendly destinations:
-
Harz (Lower Saxony/Saxony-Anhalt)
Extensive trails, mystical beech forests, and attractive mountain huts. Many peaks are easily accessible even in winter. -
Black Forest (Baden-Württemberg)
Narrow paths, pine forests and idyllic mountain lakes – ideal for varied day trips. -
Allgäu (Bavaria)
Gentle hills in the Alpine foothills alternate with more challenging mountain hikes. Many inns serve water for thirsty four-legged friends. -
Alpine region (Austria/Switzerland/Italy)
Alpine panorama, clear mountain stream, and alpine pastures. Be careful of elevation and soft ground. -
Moselle & Lahn Valley (Rhineland-Palatinate/Hesse)
Vineyards, riverside paths, and historic castle ruins. Well-marked hiking trails with moderate gradients. -
Saxon Switzerland (Saxony)
Sandstone cliffs, gorges and challenging via ferratas – more suitable for sporty teams.
Every region offers special dog-friendly services—from dog parks to swimming areas to designated off-leash areas. Be sure to check local regulations in advance, especially in nature reserves.
Dog-friendly accommodations for your hiking holiday
Suitable accommodation is the heart of your hiking holiday. In addition to location and comfort, you should consider criteria such as exercise, safety, and dog services. We've compiled a list of recommended addresses for you:
| Accommodation | Location | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| TAUERN SPA Zell am See – Kaprun: Expedition Wellness with Four Paws | Kaprun, Salzburg, Austria | - Small welcome gift for your dog upon arrival - Dog blanket as well as water and food bowls in the room - Separate dog washing area with warm water - Professional training program with Julia Vogl (group & individual lessons, theory & practice, group hike) |
| Böglerhof – pure nature spa resort | Alpbach, Tyrol, Austria | - Welcome treat and high-quality dog basket to snuggle in - Dog shower with warm water as well as water and food bowl and dog terry towel - Own dog meadow with free running directly at the hotel - Paid dog walking service and dog sitting, rental of leash, harness & muzzle - “Here I feel good” dog guide with regional tips & veterinarian contact |
| Puradies – Chalet with dog | Leogang, Salzburg, Austria | - Puradies “Doggy Treatment” with dog bed, blanket and food/water bowl from Dogstyler - Dog walking bags and overview of the most beautiful walking routes directly from the resort - Breakfast and dinner service in the chalet (shared meals - Dogs welcome for an additional charge (please bring your own food) |
| Saltauser Hof | Saltaus/Passeiertal, South Tyrol, Italy | - Dogs are allowed to accompany you almost everywhere: restaurant, terrace/veranda & bar - Comfort room with balcony for your four-legged friend - Dogsitting on request and bicycle rental with dog trailer - Large wellness & SPA area (indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, etc.), dogs welcome in public areas - Immediate access to hiking trails and meadows around the house |
| La Casies – Holidays with dogs | Gsieser Valley, South Tyrol, Italy | - Welcome treats for your four-legged friend in the room - Dog blanket and bowl during the stay - Rental hiking equipment (poles, backpack) at no extra charge - Including guided hikes with dogs (e.g. alpine pasture and sunrise tour) - Access to dog-friendly hiking routes and map service |
With these five premium partners, you are perfectly equipped for a relaxed, comfortable, and completely carefree hiking holiday with your dog!
Booking tips:
-
Check in advance the maximum number of dogs and whether puppies are allowed.
-
Ask about additional costs (cleaning, final cleaning, drinks package for dogs).
-
Look for allergy-friendly rooms or designated pet areas to avoid conflicts with other guests.
Alternative forms of accommodation:
-
Holiday apartments/holiday homes: More privacy, self-catering kitchen, often fenced garden.
-
Alpine huts and mountain refuges: rustic charm, mountain location, ideal for multi-day trekking tours.
-
Campsites with dogs: Flexible arrival, often with dedicated dog areas and showers.
Preparation & equipment for hiking with a dog
Good preparation is essential. You and your dog should be fit in time, both physically and materially.
Training plan for dog and owner
How fit you and your dog need to be for a multi-day tour depends entirely on your individual circumstances. Instead of a rigid weekly program, it's best to start small and gradually get used to longer distances. Begin with short walks on different surfaces—forest trails, gravel paths, or meadows—and make sure both of you are comfortable with the pace and distance. Bike rides, where your dog alternates between running with you and being transported in the trailer/basket, can also help build fitness without you always having to bear the full strain. Only increase the duration and incline as much as is easy for both of you, and always plan sufficient breaks for drinking and breathing. Listen to your dog's signals: If he slows down after a short time or is reluctant to move, reduce the distance or include more rest periods. In this way, you will develop a sense of which daily stages are really good for you and your four-legged friend – and can adjust your hiking route accordingly.
Packing list for dog and owner
For your dog:
- Lightweight, well-fitting harness or trekking harness
- 2 m – 5 m (towing) line
- Water and food bowl (foldable)
- Sufficient wet or dry food for the duration of the trip
- Dog shoes or paw protectors (for sharp-edged terrain)
- First aid kit for animals (including disinfectant, wound dressings)
- Poop bags and hand disinfectant
For you:
- Hiking boots with profile
- Breathable, quick-drying clothing
- Backpack with hip belt (20 – 30 l)
- Rain jacket and pants
- Sun hat/sunglasses
- Personal first aid kit
- Power bank for smartphone/GPS
Do's & Don'ts for a safe and comfortable hike with your dog
DOS
-
Take regular breaks: Short breaks to drink and catch your breath every 45 – 60 minutes.
-
Adapt the route to your fitness level: Choose routes that your dog can manage (elevation, surface).
-
Guarantee visibility: Reflective leash, harness or vest at dusk and in fog.
-
Paw care: Check paws after each stage and care for them with paw balm if necessary.
-
Stay clean: Use poop bags and dispose of waste.
Don'ts
-
Avoid overexertion: Don’t do too long stages in one day.
-
Use unfamiliar waters without supervision: Strong currents or algae can be dangerous.
-
Don't underestimate the heat: Avoid tours in the blazing midday sun; plan for the morning or evening.
-
Incorrect diet: Switch to different food slowly to avoid digestive problems.
-
Disregarding the leash requirement: Respect nature reserves and local regulations.
Legal and health requirements for hiking with dogs
Before you start, you should have the following:
-
EU pet passport: Required for travel within the EU. Rabies vaccination must be recorded at least 21 days before departure.
-
Microchip: ISO standard 11784/11785.
-
Health check: Talk to your veterinarian at least four weeks before your trip about vaccination status, parasite prophylaxis and individual risks (e.g. hip dysplasia).
-
Insurance: Good dog health and surgical insurance as well as liability insurance are essential.
-
Minimum age & breed restrictions: Puppies under 15 weeks and some listed dog breeds are excluded in certain regions.
Conclusion: Your perfect hiking holiday with dog
A successful hiking holiday with your dog requires careful planning – from choosing the right region to the right equipment and suitable accommodations. With a personalized training plan, a well-thought-out packing list, and knowledge of legal requirements, you'll be well prepared. Use our accommodation recommendations, heed the do's and don'ts, and experience unforgettable moments in nature. Get started – and treat yourself and your dog to a varied, safe, and relaxing break!
