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Dogs are warmly welcomed

So many reasons for holidays with dogs in Carinthia

Dogs get a warm welcome in Carinthia!

Just imagine long hikes with your dog through the stunning mountain landscapes of Austria, stopping for a swim in the lake on the way. Or jump on your bike and enjoy one of the many dog-friendly cycle paths. Perhaps you love golfing – many golf courses welcome dogs.

Whether you want to hire holiday cottages with dogs or stay in a cosy hotel that offers dog-friendly breaks, there are so many reasons to enjoy active holidays with dogs in Carinthia!

Here you’ll find all our top tips for enjoying dog-friendly holidays in Austria, including a huge range of activities and excursions, as well as tips for accommodation.

Franz Gerdl

Wandern im Nationalpark Hohe Tauern mit Hund_Eggerhof

Hiking with dogs in Carinthia

The hiking route network in Austria’s southernmost state is diverse – the range spans from easy hikes to challenging tours up to spectacular mountain peaks. Hike with your dog on the short trail to the awe-inspiringWildensteiner waterfall near Lake Klopein – it’s the highest free-falling cascade in Europe. Or embark on a long-distance hike with your four-legged friend on some of the 43 stages of the Alpe-Adria Trail, for a special experience of nature that runs 1,000 kilometres from the Grossglockner to the Adriatic Sea. Many cable cars and gondolas allow dogs to ride in Carinthia so you can ascend to the heights for exciting hiking opportunities on the Gerlitzen, Goldeck or Petzen cable cars.

Gert_Perauer

Golfing with dogs in Carinthia

If you’re a keen golfer, make sure your dog-friendly holiday cottage is near a course that welcomes well-behaved canines. Just a few examples are the Golfpark Klopeiner See in southern Carinthia, the 9-hole Golfanlage Klagenfurt-Seltenheim golf course, and the Moosburg, Velden/Köstenberg, Bad Kleinkirchheim and Nassfeld golf courses.

Urlaub mit Kind und Hund © pixelpoint multimedia, Wolfgang Handler

Swimming with dogs in Carinthia

When summer arrives in the south of Austria, there is nothing better than cooling off in the clear water of the Carinthian lakes. There are many beautiful lakes where dogs are allowed to swim in Carinthia. If you want to share the bathing fun with your four-legged companion, you have many options. Check the rules first and obey the signposts to find the dog-friendly beaches at Lake Forst, Lake Trattnigteich and Lake Hafner. There is a dog park next to the Klagenfurt bathing beach, and several sites where visitors can swim with their dogs at Lake Ossiach and in the Villach region. There are dog-friendly lodges and bathing areas for dogs on the southern bank of Lake Millstatt, which can be reached on foot.

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Genuss Radfahren E Bike am Millstaetter See

Cycling with dogs in Carinthia

Does your dog love running alongside when you’re biking? The Drava Cycle Path R1 is especially lovely – and one of the best-known cycle paths in the cyclist’s paradise of Carinthia. It runs through impressive landscape from Sillian in East Tyrol across all of Carinthia to Lavamünd. Some sections of the route also offer the opportunity for your dog to cool off in the Drava River – perfect during the hot summer months. At the end of the day come back to dog-friendly luxury holiday cottages and relax with your pooch at your feet.

TineSTEINTHALER_KaerntenWerbung

SUP with dogs in Austria

Have you tried taking your dog on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)? Most dogs love riding at the front of the board, and Carinthia’s beautifully clear lakes are the perfect place to try. Explore isolated bays, stop for a swim and a picnic, and enjoy a workout in this beautiful natural environment with your best friend.

Wonderful excursions on holidays with dogs in Carinthia

Many excursion destinations in Carinthia allow you to bring your dog along, from the wonderful views atop the Pyramidenkogel – Europe’s highest wooden viewing platform – to the Magdelensberg Archaeological Park. The whole family will love Minimundus in Klagenfurt, with your dog in tow.

It’s perhaps no surprise that the Gunsmiths and Hunting Museum in Ferlach welcomes dogs but how about visiting the exquisite Zen gardens of the Bonsai Museum in Seeboden?

Carinthia’s lakes are famous for their idyllic boat cruises and many of these welcome dogs. Embark on a truly beautiful boat trip exploring Lake Millstatt, Lake Wörth, or Lake Weissen, before relaxing at dog-friendly cottages with hot tubs.

Animal lovers will love visiting over 300 different native and exotic bird species and reptiles at the Turnersee Bird Park, or the extensive grounds and historic castle, as well as the animals, at the Rosegg Animal Park.

Visit a historic castle such as magnificent Hochosterwitz or step back in time with your dog at Friesach, where they are constructing a castle using only medieval methods!

Burg Hochosterwitz mit Hund © pixelpoint multimedia, Handler

Carinthia has amazing dog-friendly holiday homes and hotels

Carinthia has a wide range of holiday accommodation and many places welcome dogs Here are few ideas for luxury dog-friendly cottages, chalets and even hotels where they love dogs.

They have plenty of space and a big heart for dogs at Ferienhaus Saak, a selection of three beautiful dog-friendly holiday homes with fenced gardens near the Dobratsch Nature Park. Doggy services include dog sitting and walking, as well as dog-wellness/spa and massages.

Ferienhaus Saak

Inge Bogaards Photography

The Nudelbacher-Das Landhotel is a wonderful dog-friendly four-star hotel in Bad Kleinkirchheim. There’s a refreshing stream on the property to cool off in and if your dog loves pampering there is a special dog salon.

Nudelbacher-Das Landhotel

Ortners Eschenhof

At the Landgut Moserhof they make sure dogs feel very welcome. From the comfy dog bed with blankets and food/water bowls, to the sprawling grounds and dog beach by the lake, both dogs and their owners have plenty of room to play at this charming collection of alpine-style, dog-friendly lodges in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Landgut Moserhof

Moserhof

This comfortable hotel in Mallnitz goes all out to make guests with dogs feel comfortable, with a welcome treat, food and water bowls in the rooms, and a useful information folder about holidays with dogs. Dogs are welcomed in the dining room at the Eggerhof and the rooms are spacious so everyone can get a good night's sleep. There is even a vet and physiotherapist on site!

Eggerhof

The warm welcome for people on holidays with dogs is clear from the start at the four-star Apart Hotel Legendär on the shores of Lake Ossiach. Dogs stay for free here and all the right equipment is provided in the rooms. In the dining areas there is a special menu just for dogs.

Apart Hotel Legendär

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Everything you need to know about dog-friendly holidays in Austria

What do you have to keep in mind when planning dog-friendly holidays in Austria? Which rules do you need to follow? What documentation do you need? Here’s what you need know about travelling with your dog:

Only healthy animals can be transported.
Puppies and kittens must be at least eight weeks old when they start their journey.
You must have a Pet Passport/ID with valid rabies vaccinations and rabies antibodies for dogs aged three months and over.
People wishing to go on holidays with dogs must ensure their pet has an Identification chip.
Some EU member states require additional provisions on parasite treatments, so check ahead of time.
Check whether the district you are visiting in Austria has regulations around dog licenses, leashes and muzzles.
Consider whether your dog is comfortable being in the car on long journeys and take some test runs to get them used to it.
Check the weather forecast and traffic before you depart – can you avoid heat and traffic jams when driving?
Make sure you allow for a break every two to three hours.
In the car your dog should be secured by a transport box, seat belt or net.
Bring enough of your dog’s usual food for the first few days of your trip.

Inspiration and top tips for holidays with dogs in Austria

Dog-friendly fun in Carinthia

Many fun excursion destinations in Carinthia welcome dogs so plan amazing day-trips during your holidays with dogs in Austria. Visit a castle like the mighty Hochosterwitz, or relax on a boat cruise on stunning Lake Millstatt.

Dogs love outdoors activities amidst the sights and smells of beautiful nature as much as you do and Carinthia has plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, cycling and more with your dog.

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Zechnerhof_Urlaub am Bauernhof

Tips for a successful trip with your dog

Choose the right accommodation – either dog-friendly cottages or a pet-friendly hotel where your dog can stay in your room.
Pack a blanket for your dog to help him/her feel more comfortable in a new environment.
For the first few days, keep to your normal routine/schedule as much as possible, particularly when it comes to walking and feeding times.
Plan plenty of breaks between activities.
Make sure your dog gets enough sleep and rest.
Never leave your pet alone in the car.

Sights
Pyramidenkogel Keutschach
Burg Hochosterwitz
Büchsenmacher- und Jagdmuseum Ferlach
Bonsai Museum Seeboden
Sablatnigmoor
Wildensteiner Wasserfall
Archölogischer Park Magdalensberg
Minimundus Klagenfurt
Wildpark Rosegg
Burgbaustelle Friesach

Boat Trips
Millstätter See Schifffahrt
Wörthersee Schifffahrt
Weissensee Schifffahrt

Cable Cars
Bergbahnen Gerlitzen
Bergbahn Goldeck
Kabinenbahn Petzen

Panoramic Roads
Villacher Alpenstraße
Goldeck Panoramastraße

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Dog-friendly accommodations