Austria: A Dog's Paradise?

Austria is a very dog-friendly country, with dogs allowed in many cafes, restaurants, and mountain huts. Dogs are also permitted on public transport, including trains, buses, and boats, as long as they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle. There are also many dog-friendly hotels in Austria, with some even offering special programs for dogs, such as dog walking. In addition, there are several dog-friendly holiday homes and cottages available for rent. However, it is important to be aware of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which can affect both dogs and humans in Austria. Overall, Austria is a great destination for dog owners, offering a range of accommodations, activities, and dining options that cater to four-legged friends.

Dog-friendly accommodation in Austria

Austria is a very dog-friendly country, and many hotels, restaurants, and cafes will welcome your four-legged friend.

Where to stay

In Tirol, many hotels have a "paw" rating, as well as the usual star rating, to indicate how dog-friendly they are. The most dog-friendly accommodation options are rated with five paws. You can visit pfotencheck.com to find more hotels in Tirol where dogs are welcome.

• Bergresort Seefeld: This four-star superior hotel has a swimming pond, a special restaurant, an obstacle course, and a play area.
• Hotel Magdalena, Zillertal Valley: This cosy hotel has its own outdoor pool for dogs, as well as a play area and a separate washing area. You can also hire bike trailers suitable for carrying dogs.
• Hotel Böglerhof, Alpbach: The Böglerhof offers a dog greeting package, a dog-walking service, and a special dog shower.
• Hotel Fliana, Ischgl: This four-star superior hotel offers special meals for dogs prepared to order.
• Riederhof, Ried im Oberinntal: Rated four stars and five paws, the Riederhof has a grass play area with a pond and a separate eating area for dogs and their owners.
• Tannenhof, St. Anton am Arlberg: This five-star hotel offers freshly made dishes for both guests and their dogs.
• Teckel Hotel, Mayrhofen: The staff at this hotel have years of experience when it comes to welcoming dogs and their owners. Highlights include a swimming area for dogs, a play area, a dog wash, a dog-sitting service, and even dog training courses.
• Panoramahotel Inntalerhof, Mösern bei Seefeld: Dogs are allowed into the restaurant and onto the golf course. The hotel also offers a dog-walking service, training with a behavioural coach, and special dog food.
• Dorfresort Kitzbühel, Zillertal Suites Fügen, or Hideaway Dachstein West: These resorts offer welcome gifts for dogs, such as blankets, treats, and poop bags.
• Doktorwirt: Allows dogs of any size for no additional fee.
• The Kaprun Edition - Luxury Chalets: Allows dogs of any size for no additional fee.
• Weinlodge Siedler: Allows dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
• Inn-Side ADVENTURE CABINS: Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.

Things to keep in mind

• Many hotels charge an added fee for dogs.
• Dogs are often not allowed in restaurants, pools, or spas.
• Make sure your dog has up-to-date vaccination records and a microchip ID.
• Ticks can be a problem in Austria, so make sure your dog has had flea and tick treatment.
• Dogs are expected to be kept on a leash and may be required to wear a muzzle in certain areas.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Austria

Austria is a very dog-friendly country. Dogs are allowed in many restaurants and cafes, although it is always good to ask for permission first. In the summer, it is appreciated if you dine on the outdoor terrace. In the winter, blankets are usually supplied for outdoor seating.

• Café Landtmann in Vienna is a popular meeting place and a benchmark of Viennese coffee house culture. They offer specialty coffees, pastries, cakes, and a variety of local cafe-restaurant fare, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• Augustiner Braustubl in Salzburg is a laid-back brewpub that serves delicious brews and tasty food. Dogs are welcome to join at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables.
• K.u.K. Piaristenkeller in Gerasdorf bei Wien is a historic restaurant and hat museum that serves Viennese cuisine, including boiled beef, wiener schnitzel, braised ox, duck, and lamb entrees.
• Restaurant Lichtblick in Innsbruck is a dog-friendly eatery in the city centre that offers upscale dishes, a full bar, and an extensive wine list.
• Sternbräu in Salzburg is a dog-friendly restaurant with umbrella-shaded tables on the sidewalk and a spacious beer garden. They offer fine regional dishes, including salads, pastas, steaks, and seafood.
• Restaurant 19 in Aigen im Ennstal is located on the golf course at IMLAUER Hotel Schloss Pichlarn. You can stop by for a quick espresso, homemade cake, or an Alpine ox burger with a beer.

In addition to these restaurants, there are many other dog-friendly places to eat with your dog in Austria.

Travelling to Austria with your dog

Austria is a very dog-friendly country, and your four-legged friend will be welcomed in most places. If you're planning a trip to Austria with your dog, here's some information to help you prepare for your journey and make the most of your time there.

Finding Accommodation

Finding dog-friendly accommodation in Austria is not difficult. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts allow dogs, and some specialise in catering to guests with pets. While some deluxe hotels offer special programs for dogs, it's important to note that they may charge an additional fee for your furry companion, and they might not provide food for your dog. It's always a good idea to check the policies of specific hotels before booking.

Dining Out with Your Dog

Austria's restaurants, cafes, and mountain huts are generally dog-friendly. However, it is less common for dogs to be allowed in indoor dining areas, especially in more upscale establishments. Outdoor dining areas, on the other hand, usually welcome dogs. It's always a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand to avoid any issues.

Transportation

Travelling around Austria with your dog is made easy by the country's efficient public transportation system. Dogs are typically allowed on trains, buses, and boats. However, you may be required to sit in a designated wagon out of respect for other passengers who may have allergies.

When it comes to local transportation within cities, dogs are generally allowed on subways and other forms of public transport, as long as they are leashed and muzzled.

Things to Keep in Mind

While Austria is dog-friendly, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to keep your dog on a leash, especially in public places. Austrians are less tolerant of dogs running off the lead. Additionally, make sure your dog has a good tick and flea treatment before your trip, as ticks in Austria can carry Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which can affect both humans and dogs.

Lastly, if you have a quoted fight dog" or a mixed breed with "fight dog" lineage, you may need to obtain a "dog (divers) license" by taking an exam that demonstrates your ability to control your animal.

Recommended Destinations

Austria offers a variety of dog-friendly destinations and activities:

• The city of Salzburg, with its historic Gothic architecture
• Schönbrunn Palace and its park, a former residence of the Habsburgs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Belvedere in Vienna, where you can admire the famous painting "Der Kuss" by Gustave Klimt
• Lake Neusiedl, the second-largest steppe lake in Central Europe
• The countryside of Tirol, which offers ample space for your dog to explore and stretch their legs
• The Paznaun holiday region, known for its ski slopes and snowy towns

Dog-friendly activities in Austria

Austria is a very dog-friendly country, and there are plenty of activities you can do with your four-legged friend. Here are some ideas for dog-friendly things to do when visiting Austria:

Dining out

Dogs are allowed in many restaurants and cafes in Austria, similar to neighbouring Germany. It is always good to ask for permission first and, in the summertime, it is appreciated if you dine on the outdoor terrace. Even in the cooler months, outdoor terraces are often popular, with blankets supplied.

Sigmund-Freud-Park

This landscaped park has a grassy lawn, shade trees and lounge chairs to relax on. Dogs are allowed in the park as long as they are on a leash or muzzled.

Hiking trails

Austria has many hiking trails that are dog-friendly. Just make sure to keep your dog on a leash to avoid any encounters with wildlife, such as cows.

Public transport

In Vienna, dogs are allowed on all forms of public transport, including the underground, trams and buses. Small dogs in a fully enclosed bag or container can travel for free, while larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must wear a leash and muzzle.

Boat rides

You can hire an electric boat in Hallstatt, which seats up to five people and also allows dogs. It's a fun way to explore the lake and get great photos.

Cable cars

If you're visiting Innsbruck, you can take the cable car up to the mountain tops just above the town. Dogs are allowed to join you for free, but they must be on a leash and muzzle.

Christmas markets

If you're visiting Austria in December, be sure to check out the Christmas markets, which are dog-friendly. Vienna has a large market in front of the Rathaus, and there are also markets in Innsbruck and Salzburg.

Dog-friendly beaches

Austria has several dog-friendly beaches where your pup can run, swim and play in the sand.

Accommodation

It's easy to find dog-friendly accommodation in Austria, from luxury hotels to simple guesthouses and Airbnbs. Some options include Hotel Sacher Vienna, Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna, and B&B Hotel Graz.

So, there you have it! Plenty of dog-friendly activities to keep you and your furry friend entertained in Austria. Enjoy your trip!

Dog-friendly public transport in Austria

Austria is a very dog-friendly country, and this extends to its public transport system. In Vienna, dogs are allowed on all forms of public transport, including the underground, trams, and buses. Small dogs that travel in a fully enclosed bag or container can even travel for free! All other dogs, including small dogs not in a container, must wear a leash and muzzle and have a half-price ticket.

The rules for dogs on trains are similar to those in Vienna. Small dogs in a container can travel for free, while larger dogs require a ticket, leash, and muzzle. When the source last checked, the price of a ticket for larger dogs was only 10% of a full-price ticket, or a minimum of €2.

It's worth noting that muzzles are generally expected of dogs in other public spaces in Vienna, too. The rules in other Austrian cities are likely to be comparable.

Frequently asked questions