Looking for a new destination for you and your dog? Austria is one of the friendliest and accommodating European counties to visit with your pets and there are many cities to choose from.
One of our first and last trips with a fully packed Suzuki, 2 pups on the back seat and lots of ideas that can go wrong…
But I was between jobs and with almost nothing else to do in Reading, Matt and I have decided to take the pups to Europe and visit my parents on the way. While Matt was somewhat stuck behind the desk, I was able to explore some amazing places with Max and Abbie and have proper adventures!
When traveling to EU from the UK, the standard EU rules apply for travelling to Austria, your pet will need to be micro-chipped, have AHC (Animal health certificate) or EU pet passport and have up to date rabies vaccination in place. For more details, review the rules of the EU on travelling with pets. This is the first time we have travelled with the dogs out of the UK in the recent years, their big move from Australia to the UK went exceptionally well so they are not your regular seasonal pup traveler. While their UK pet passports were no longer valid for trips, we have used the AHC and arranged for new pet passports in Europe so we can use them on all our upcoming trips in the future.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck “Bridge over the Inn”, capitol of Austrian’s western state of Tyrol is a city in the Alps that has long been a destination for winter sports from skiing to bobsledging; it hosted 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and as well as Paraolympics. But Innsbruck is also the perfect mix of walking, hiking and exploring during the spring-autumn month! When travelling with pets, Innsbruck offers a variety of pet friendly accommodation options that welcomes your furry companions. The city’s scenic parks and walking trails allow you to enjoy strolls with your pet, offers free poop bag stations around the city, fresh air and breathtaking views. Remember to adhere local leash laws and pick up after your pet. One of the bigger attractions in the city is Top of Innsbruck. The tickets are expensive at €47 each, but your dogs can join you and ride for free. Dogs require a muzzle to go up/down Nordkette Cable Car, is considered mostly a quick and convenient way to get part way up the mountain from the city centre. It climbs up to 2,256m from the city centre. This is a must do when in Innsbruck. but it’s all worth it! The view of the city landscapes is like no other. Be prepared to watch some crazy paragliding while you are there.
The most popular months are between March to October, before the snow appears on the top of the mountains or it’s too cold. We have considered staying in one of many pet friendly places within the city but decided to camp at the beginning of May at Campingplatz Judenstein, a short bus ride or drive from the city centre of Innsbruck. Be aware that the church bells go off at 7 am at every hour until 10 pm. We have found a few walking trails for us to do during the time we have spent there. The camping site had a fridge option to keep your food cold if camping, microwave and washing machine to use. Great overall facilities and friendly staff.
Places to visit:
- Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
- Imperial Palace (Hofbutg)
- Leopold Fountain (Leopoldbrunnen)
- City Hall and Tower (Stadtsaal and Stadtturm)
- Triumphal Arch (Triumphforte)
- Old Inn Bridge (Alte Innbrucke)
- Heibling House (Heiblinghaus)
- Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras – dogs allowed in the gardens on a leash)
- Alpenzoo – Tirol (sadly no dogs)
- Innsbruck Garden (Innsbrucker Hofgarten)
Krimml Waterfalls
You don’t need to travel to Iceland, or Canada, to find “those” huge and amazing waterfalls. Only one and half hour drive from Innsbruck in the middle of Krimmler Ache valley, you will find Krimml Waterfalls, collectively plunging over 380 meters, making them the highest waterfalls in Europe. It’s a very scenic route on the way taking you through different landscapes on route.
Find yourself a good spot to park within the little village of Krimml. This small town is the starting point of the intermediate hiking route. You’ll set off for a lovely 4 km trail (one direction). There are a few options of entry. Entrance fee €5 cash (not tickets available online). Be ready for a steep and steady uphill trail and with the sound of the water thundering over the edge at every bend, there are a number of observation points to take some nice pictures of landscape along the route. The natural beauty creates an unforgettable experience. Hiking poles were most definitely the item to have and your dogs can take time to walk up and at a leisurely pace and then it’s all downhill on the way back. Krimml Waterfalls is open every day from April to October, between 9 am to 4.30 pm. Good hiking shoes are a must and raincoats are a bonus. Cafes and dining spots are scattered around the route, also very inviting is the cafeteria on the top with amazing views of the valley and waterfalls below.
Hallstatt
It’s possible to visit Hallstatt for the day but I recommend a nice couple of days to experience this little town during more peaceful hours without all tourists around.
Hallstatt is a UNESCO heritage town with plenty to do on its doorstep. From taking your pets on the ferry and around the lake to local Salzberg cable car aka funicular to Hallstatt high valley views where your pets are welcome to join you however dogs are not allowed into the salt mines. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to just enjoy the lake and mountain views. Another lovely scenic point is at Hallstatt Skywalk with 360 views and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding areas. The trail is suitable for everyone and it offers you amazing views along the way. If you hike and don’t use the cable car, the trip will cost you nothing. Worth the visit. There are a few more suggestions for activities during your visit to Hallstatt.
If you are looking to camp during your visit to Austria , we can recommend Camping Hallstatt, within a short distance to the lake and 10 mins walk to the town centre. Plenty of local restaurants will be happy to have you and your pets stay and enjoy local cuisine.
During the summer months, the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car not only takes you to the Schönbergalm, the Dachstein Ice Caves and to the Mammoth Cave without any need to hike up the mountains, it also takes you to Obertraun’s local mountain, the Krippenstein at 2100m. Dachstein cable car has 3 sections. Depending on the time of year and weather forecast, you can get your tickets online for €38.90, the ticket will cost you a little more in person, so if you fancy saving some pennies, always secure your tickets online. You must absolutely visit Dachstein 5 Fingers viewing platform attractions, suitable for kids and your pets. There is a smaller number of visitors during May but the snow is still visible on its peaks and during the clear day the views are spectacular.
