Holidays in South Tyrol with your dog
Exploring together amongst mountains, forests and vast alpine pastures: a holiday in South Tyrol with your dog offers plenty of opportunities to discover nature and spend special days together. Numerous walking trails and dog-friendly accommodation provide the ideal conditions for this.
Selected accommodations for holidays with dog
- Charming hideaway near Meran
- Modern luxury & traditional cosiness
- Gourmet cuisine
- Wellness & spa
- Garden & tennis courts
- Luxurious apartments
- Private panoramic terrace
- Partial with private whirlpool & sauna
- Pool in the garden
- Mediterranean flair
- Sunny location with mountain views
- Bright apartments
- Ideal starting point for activities in all seasons
- Small playground on the premises & sports field right next door
- Bruneck Kronplatz Card included
- Country-style apartments
- Sunny panoramic location
- Mediterranean garden with pool
- Dog-friendly accommodation
- Close to Meran
Which regions of South Tyrol are particularly dog-friendly?
South Tyrol with its fantastic mountains and many dog-friendly accommodations is perfect for a hiking holiday with a dog.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtThere are various regions in South Tyrol that are ideal for a holiday with your dog – depending on whether you’re planning leisurely walks, hikes or mountain tours.
- Vinschgau and Meran & the surrounding area: irrigation channels, walking trails and routes at various altitudes.
- Passeiertal: plenty of nature, forests, alpine pastures and varied hiking trails.
- Pustertal Valley and the Dolomites: Alpine pasture and mountain hikes ranging from gentle to challenging.
- Southern South Tyrol: paths through vineyards, woods and around lakes.
When planning your route, you should take into account temperatures, altitude and terrain, as well as the applicable rules for dogs and how to behave around grazing animals.
Walking with your dog
Trekking with the dog
PixabaySpacious green spaces, alpine pastures, mountains and forests free from traffic are ideal for long walks and hikes. Whilst your four-legged friend lets off steam to their heart’s content, you can recover from the stresses of everyday life. The fresh air and the great outdoors do everyone good and give both two- and four-legged friends a new lease of life.
Visiting South Tyrol’s lakes with your dog
A dip in the lake is a welcome way to cool off for dogs too – though swimming isn’t permitted everywhere. Lake Antholz in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park is particularly well suited, as dogs are allowed in the water there all year round. Other options include Lake Reschen or the Zoggler Reservoir.
Restrictions may, however, apply at popular swimming lakes. At the Montiggl Lakes, for example, dogs are not allowed in the water during the swimming season. You should therefore always check the current access, lead and swimming rules on site before setting off on a trip.
Entry requirements for dogs in Italy
- EU Pet Passport (available from your vet).
- Microchip or tattoo to enable the animal to be clearly identified.
- Rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days and no more than one year prior to entry.
- Puppies may only enter the country from the age of 15 weeks.
Leash requirements, muzzles & other regulations on site
- Leash requirement: In public and publicly accessible areas, dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than 1.5 metres. When hiking, pay particular attention to local signage; dogs should always be kept on a lead near grazing livestock. You should always carry a lead and muzzle with you when out and about.
- Muzzle requirement: Dog owners must always have a muzzle to hand whilst out walking. However, the dog does not have to wear it continuously during the walk.
- You are obliged to clear up after your dog.
Buses, trains & mountain railways with your four-legged friend
South Tyrol is easy to explore by public transport, even with a dog. Dogs are allowed on südtirolmobil buses and regional trains, provided there is sufficient space. During the journey, they must be kept on a lead and, as a rule, wear a muzzle. Small pets in a suitable carrier or crate travel free of charge; larger dogs require their own ticket.
Many mountain railways also allow dogs on board. However, fares and rules regarding leashes and muzzles may vary depending on the operator and the specific facility. It is therefore advisable to check the relevant regulations directly with the mountain railway operator before your journey.
Holidays with your dog in every season
- Spring: Walks and hikes at lower altitudes.
- Summer: Mountain hikes; avoid the heat in the valley and opt for shaded paths.
- Autumn: Hiking through vineyards and enjoying ‘Törggelen’ with your dog.
- Winter: Winter hiking and snowshoeing; avoid ski slopes with your dog.
Dog-friendly hotel or holiday flat with your dog?
Pet boarding, pet sitting & other contacts:
- Boarding kennel Sankt Franziskus in Olang: +39 0474 496 370, info@tierpension.it
- Animal home Obervintl in Vintl: +39 0472 868 172
- Animal home Sill in Ritten: +39 0471 329 800, sill@sabes.it
- Dog school & boarding kennel “Die Seilschaft” in Klobenstein/Ritten: +39 393 930 5770, info@hundeschule-die-seilschaft.it
- Dog's Hotel in Margreid an der Weinstraße: +39 0471 809 000, info@dogshotel.it
- Boarding kennel in Afing/Jenesien: +39 0471 354 216, info@tierpension-kohlerhof.it
- Dog Residence Neuhauser in Terlan: +39 344 2559 659, info@dogresidence-neuhauser.it
- Boarding kennel Dog academy in Tiers am Rosengarten, +39 335 13 09 750, info@hundepension-suedtirol.com
Dogs a welcome guests on many farms.
SBB/Roter HahnRed Rooster: Farm holidays with your dog
A Red Rooster holiday (German: Roter Hahn) is also a real adventure for dogs. On many farms in South Tyrol, four-legged friends are very welcome and can roam freely in the great outdoors. Wide meadows, idyllic hiking trails directly from the farm and plenty of space to run around make the holiday particularly pleasant for both humans and animals.
While the owners enjoy the peace and quiet and the farm hospitality, dogs experience exciting adventures in the fresh mountain air. The friendly hosts ensure that everyone feels at home – for a relaxing holiday with your dog in the heart of South Tyrolean nature.
Images
The hunting dogs in the mountains and woods are to be kept on a leash.
Pixabay
These two hunting dogs enjoy the winter. Due to their fur dogs do not fear the cold even in the snow!
Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
The dog Willy enjoys the magnificent hike around the picturesque Lake Antholz.
Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Enjoying South Tyrol’s natural beauty with your four-legged friend
Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
After a fantastic hike, nothing is better than a refreshing bath in Lake Antholz.
Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Winter is especially nice for the dogs if they can run in the deep snow!
Internet Consulting - Sabine OberheinricherFrequently asked questions
Where are the best places to visit with a dog in South Tyrol?
The Vinschgau Valley, Meran and the surrounding area, the Passeiertal Valley, the Pustertal Valley and the Dolomites are particularly popular for holidays with dogs. Which region is best suited depends on the time of year, your fitness level and your preferred activities with your dog.
Where can I go hiking with my dog in South Tyrol?
Hiking with your dog is possible throughout South Tyrol – from leisurely irrigation channels and walking trails to alpine pasture and mountain tours. The Vinschgau Valley, the Passeiertal Valley, the Pustertal Valley and the Dolomites offer a particularly wide range of options.
Are dogs allowed on the Seiser Alm?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Seiser Alm and can also travel on many mountain railways and public transport. Please note the applicable lead rules as well as the specific regulations of the mountain railways and huts.
Where can I go swimming with my dog in South Tyrol?
Dogs are allowed in the water all year round at Lake Antholz, for example. At other lakes, such as Lake Kaltern and the Montiggl Lakes, restrictions apply, so you should check the current swimming regulations before your trip.
What do I need to bear in mind when travelling to Italy with my dog?
When entering from an EU country, your dog must have a valid EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. When entering from non-EU countries, additional regulations and documents may be required.
