A hiking holiday with your dog – mountain moments for humans & animals

Today we would like to show you what you need to bear in mind on a holiday in the mountains with your four-legged friend and what you can experience and discover with your little (or big) darling. We have compiled and answered the most frequently asked questions for you:

Must dogs be kept on a lead?

This is probably the most frequently asked question and to make it short and sweet: YES! There is a general requirement for all dogs to be kept on leads on all hiking and walking trails in Salzburger Land. This requirement not only serves to protect flora and fauna, but can also prevent your dog from falling off on narrow, stony paths.

How and where can I dispose of dog waste?

The so-called "poop bags" are available for free collection along many signposted walking and hiking trails. Nevertheless, it is advisable to always carry a bag yourself, just in case, so that you can collect your dog's excrement.Why is this so important? On the one hand, it is impolite to simply leave the dog waste lying around, on the other hand, excrement on meadows, pastures and in the forest can make cattle and other grazing animals ill and be very dangerous. Therefore, our urgent request to all dog owners: Do not simply leave your dog's "business" lying in the grass!

Does my desired accommodation allow dogs at all?

On the booking page of the Salzburger Sportwelt as well as on the websites of the respective tourism associations of your desired holiday destination, the accommodations that allow pets or dogs are marked "pets welcome". Nevertheless, we ask you to mention that you would like to take a dog with you when making an enquiry or an online booking, to be on the safe side, as sometimes only "small" dogs or dogs up to a certain size are accepted.
Rossbrand in Radstadt/Filzmoos: Almost 1,800 metre high local mountain of Radstadt with a unique 360° panoramic view of more than 150 Alpine peaks. Can be reached in 3 hours on foot from the old town of Radstadt or via the toll-free panorama road. Via Filzmoos you can get up to the mountain via the Papagenobahn - from the mountain station you reach the summit cross after about 1 hour's walk.
Liechtenstein Gorge in St. Johann: In principle, dogs are allowed here on a short leash and with a muzzle. Please note that you have to climb 440 steps (some of them metal grating) to get there and back. This can be a big hurdle for the four-legged friends and possibly lead to injuries.
Gamskogel Lift in Zauchensee: The cable car takes you comfortably to the Gamskogel Hut at 1,900 metres. Directly at the mountain station is the children's adventure playground "Master Cup of Alpine Animals" and from there you can set off on various hiking tours - such as to the Seekarsee reservoir - one of the largest reservoirs in the Alps. Walking time approx. 30 minutes.
Jägersee in Wagrain/Kleinarl: Probably the most popular hiking destination in the village - the emerald green, crystal clear body of water is a particularly popular starting point for day hikes and/or shorter walks around the lake.
Gerzkopf in Eben: The tour leads from Schattbachwinkel along forest paths, forest tracks and steep tracks, past mountain pine fields and the legendary Schwarze Lacken to the mystical lookout mountain. Total walking time just under 4 hours from Knappbauer Farm.
Floris adventure trail in Flachau: Easy to walk, family circular trail suitable for pushchairs with fun play stations, rest areas and viewing points. Walking time approx. 1.5 - 2 hours.

Are dogs allowed on public transport and cable cars?

Dogs are generally required to be kept on a lead and muzzled on public transport. Riding in cable cars is possible under the same conditions. However, we advise you to check in advance with the respective lift company whether and under what conditions a dog may be taken along. Some cable cars may require you to pay a separate ticket for your dog.

Where can dogs cool off on hot summer days?

Many dogs love to cool off in the cool water and can't get enough of splashing around. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in open-air swimming pools and lakes. However, there are some mountain lakes and reservoirs where dogs can splash around and cool off to their heart's content, such as:in Wagrain: Darmoossee and Niederbergseein Kleinarl: Himmelleitenteich, Jägersee and Tappenkarseein St. Johann: Salzach river or the Wagrainer Ache river.

What should you bear in mind when hiking with a dog?

  • Find out in advance about the hiking tour and make sure that it is also manageable for your four-legged friend.
  • Always take enough water for your dog and take regular (drinking) breaks, especially on hot summer days.
  • Avoid close contact with cows (especially mother cows with calves).
  • If there is an incident with cows or horses, unharness the dog and let it run. It’s usually much quicker and will get away safely.
  • Always keep the dog on a lead.
  • If you are staying overnight in a hut, don't forget to bring enough food, some dog toys and a blanket to cuddle up with so that your furry friend feels comfortable.
  • A small first aid kit for your dog (and for yourself, of course) never hurts.

Dogs are a man's best and most loyal friends and give "master and mistress" a lot of joy and many wonderful moments. If everyone makes an effort, a harmonious coexistence of man and dog in the great outdoors is possible. With this in mind, we wish you an unforgettable holiday with us in the Salzburg mountains :).
Do you have any further questions? Just send us an email: info@salzburgersportwelt.com.
Photo credits: Lorenz Masser, Hans Huber, Liechtensteinklamm - Mirja Geh, Bergbahnen Zauchensee, Salzburger Sportwelt - Michael Groessinger, Floris Erlebnispfad - TVB Flachau, Jaegersee- Wagrain-Kleinarl-Tourismus_Eduardo-Gellner