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Active hiking pleasure for two and four-legged friends

Fantastic Alpine panoramas, crystal-clear mountain lakes, pure air and rustic alpine cuisine - our backpack for the next hiking trip is already packed! But what could be nicer than having your best friend by your side? Each of our marked trips has been put through its paces to ensure that it is suitable for dogs and the safety factor always comes first. For example, we select appropriate dog-friendly hotels, develop four-legged routes and ensure stress-free transfers on site. From Austria, Germany, Italy, England to Croatia there is a colourful selection of destinations for dog walking tours available.

All walking holidays with a dog
Wanderglück beim Wandern mit Hund

Tips & information at a glance

We have put together some tips and hints for you regarding taking your friend with the wet nose on a walking trip. These recommendations should help you choose the right destination and route for a perfect trip before booking your next Eurohike dog walking holiday.

  • Muzzle and leash obligations: Please inform yourself about requirements for dogs wearing a muzzle and leash before starting your journey and each day’s stage. Different requirements apply depending on the country, region and municipality.
  • International regulations: In the first instance, every dog must be registered and chipped. Please deal with the country-specific entry requirements as early as possible with regards to possible vaccinations and rules of conduct in the destination.
  • Hygiene: As a dog owner, you are responsible for leaving hiking trails and paths clean. Please always have a bag on hand to remove your companion’s dog droppings on the way.

 

  • Responsibility: You know your four-legged friend best. Therefore, choose a hiking holiday carefully. When choosing it’s important to take into account your dog’s health, age, size, condition and behaviour. In this way, your dog is protected from possible overexertion. Also keep an eye on what your dog eats along the path (certain plants, or even waste could injure your four-legged friend).
  • Animal Alpine dwellers: Watch out for animals at pasture during your hike. A direct encounter between a dog and, for example, a cow, horse or sheep should be avoided. The following applies: While walking, slowly but surely move away from the grazing cattle. Important: In this case the dog should walk without a lead, so it can make an escape in an emergency.
  • Dog guarantee: Our hiking trips, specially marked with a green paw, are dog-friendly and can be booked with your four-legged friend – honestly paw-friendly!
  • Read more tips about how to ensure a hiking holiday with your four-legged friend is a success on our Eurohike HikingBlog.

Dog friendly accommodation

In our Eurohike tours that are guaranteed to be paw-friendly, it is very important to us that both two-legged and four-legged friends feel particularly comfortable in the dog friendly accommodation. In order to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and your dog can be registered in the appropriate accommodation, we ask you to let us know the breed and size of your dog when booking your vacation. We use this data to register your companion at the accommodation. Please note: The public areas of the hotel where your dog is allowed vary from accommodation to accommodation. We kindly ask you to inform yourself on-site. Any additional costs for your dog are to be paid directly to the hotels.

Panoramic mountain view

Eurohike checklist for your dog-friendly hiking tour

With our Eurohike checklist, nothing stands in the way of your next walking holiday with your dog. You can easily download and print it here.

  • Transport box and dog basket: To ensure your dog is safe while driving, we recommend a transport box for the car (if possible, with a blanket or towel). This way your four-legged friend can relax on their way to the destination. And bringing the dog basket also provides necessary feel-good atmosphere in the accommodation.
  • Muzzle and leash: Always have a muzzle handy. When selecting a leash, we recommend shorter or medium-long leads with a length of less than three metres, especially when hiking.
  • Collar: Clearly, every dog in Europe must be chipped. In the event your dog gets lost, your dog can be reunited with you quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to add the dog owner’s name and telephone number to the collar if possible.
  • Dog brush: Correct grooming depends on the breed and hair length - should your companions fur knot, your dog will thank you for bringing a brush.
  • Dog shoes: When hiking in rough terrain, it is recommended to bring dog shoes with you to avoid possible injury to the paws.

 

  • Travel provisions: Please pack plenty of water and easily digestible food with appropriate bowls for your dog – and don’t forget treats! Water is particularly important when hiking in warm regions with a high temperature. And should you ever pass cool water, release the lead and enjoy.
  • Bags: It is a responsible dog owner’s job to remove droppings along the way.
  • Local vets: Please inform yourself about vets or clinics along the route, should there be an emergency.
  • Emergency equipment: Carrying a first aid kit is not only recommended for us humans. Basic equipment should also be packed for our beloved companion: claw scissors, tweezers/tick remover, disinfectants/wound spray, any medication (e.g. diarrhea medicine, ear cleaners, anti-nausea agents, parasite prophylaxis, sunscreen for short-haired breeds, eye wash, ointment for insect bites, bandages.
  • Toys: Don't forget your dog's toys, if you want your trip to include some playing sessions.

The most popular travel destinations for walking holidays with your dog

Hiking with a dog in Germany

There are plenty of wonderful hiking paths and pristine natural landscapes, far away from the tourist crowds in Germany. The ideal prerequisite for a successful and relaxed hiking holiday with your dog. Experience an individual hiking adventure with your four-legged friend on our mountain hiking holiday from Garmisch to Meran, 8 days or on our wonderful hiking holiday on the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path, 9 days, enjoy the active break around Germany’s highest mountain on the hiking holiday around Zugspitze, 7 days or experience the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany on our mountain hiking holiday Rhine walking: Rüdesheim - Koblenz, 8 days. Are you looking for a shorter hiking experience? No problem! Our short hiking holidays offer you and your four-legged friend exactly the right opportunity to take a break from everyday life.

Hiking with dog in the Altmühltal

Hiking with a dog in Austria

Magnificent mountain scenery, quiet lakes, dreamy alpine landscapes and excellent cuisine. This is exactly what you will experience on a hiking holiday in Austria. Such a relaxed atmosphere and pristine nature is exactly the right basis for a successful hiking holiday with your dog. The hiking trails are ideal for your dog and the hotels during your tour are checked by us for suitability. Experience your personal break with your dog on our hiking holiday Lake Walking in Austria’s Salzkammergut, 8 days, or while hiking on the World Heritage Trail Wachau, 8 days or discover the beautiful regions of Austria on the mountain hiking holiday Ten Lakes Trekking Tour, 10 days and while hiking on the Lechweg-Path, 10 days. Regardless of which holiday you choose, the Eurohike Wanderplus with our reliable service, detailed travel documents, our on-site support, cosy hotels and accommodation and professional luggage transfer is included on all hiking tours – and of course for your four-legged friend as well.

Wanderer mit Hund auf der Genneralm

Hiking with a dog in Italy

Mediterranean flair, wonderful natural landscapes, good hiking trails away from the crowds and the best cuisine: a hiking holiday in Italy is so relaxed and enjoyable. When you are feeling relaxed, your four-legged friend will feel this and will also go into relaxation mode. The perfect prerequisite for a pleasant and relaxing hiking holiday with your dog in Italy. Discover the most beautiful hiking trails in South Tyrol together with your dog on our mountain hiking holiday from Meran to Lake Garda, 8 days, immerse yourself in the Italian atmosphere on a hiking tour from Lake Garda to Venice, 8 days, enjoy the best of South Tyrol on the hiking holiday South Tyrolean Wine & Alpine Pasture Trail, 7 days or the hiking holiday Lake Reschensee – Lake Kalterer-See, 9 days. Enjoy the warm rays of sunshine on your back with your four-legged friend and the perfected ‘Italianità’ – on a Eurohike hiking holiday with luggage transfer.

Wandern mit Hund in Südtirol

Questions and answers about taking your dog on a hiking holiday

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Hiking with a dog is not only a wonderful experience for active holidaymakers who are keen on exercise. Being active in the great outdoors is also an enjoyable adventure for your four-legged companion. Our individual hiking holidays are divided into four levels of difficulty, so-called levels of hiking and thus offer exactly the right amount of activity for all target groups and dog breeds.

Our Eurohike hiking holidays are divided into four categories or levels of hiking:                              moderate walkingwalkingmountain hiking and trekking. Accordingly, the routes are more leisurely or demanding. On our website, we have marked all hiking holidays that are suitable for dogs with a green paw. So you can immediately see how demanding the hiking tour is and whether it is also suitable for dogs.

Nevertheless, we recommend consulting your vet to see if the planned tour will be enjoyable for your four-legged friend. After all, your dog should not be overwhelmed and, like us humans, it is important to ensure the right balance between exercise and relaxation.

When booking your hiking holiday with a dog, please provide us with the following information:

  •     Dog breed
  •     Weight or size of your dog

Note on hotels and accommodation during your walking holiday: We register your dog in all hotels and accommodation. The fees for your dog as well as the services on-site vary depending on the accommodation.

Eurohike hiking holidays are divided into four levels of difficulty. From

our holidays offer various levels of hiking experiences.

How far you can hike with your dog depends entirely on your particular dog. Factors such as breed, age and also the state of health play an important role in how far you should plan your daily hikes.

If you have any questions about the daily stages, route guidance and tour details of your favourite hiking holiday, our Eurohike travel specialists are always happy to help.

All of our hiking holidays marked with a green paw have been checked by us and are guaranteed to be dog friendly. These hiking tours lead through forests, meadows or past beautiful lakes and the routes are always suitable for your four-legged friend. Your hiking holiday with your dog will be an unforgettable adventure in nature, the environment where your dog feels right at home.

Daily hikes should be individually tailored to your dog. Daily stages can vary depending on the breed, age, state of health and how much exercise your four-legged friend enjoys. If you have any questions we recommend you speak to your veterinarian.

For an all-round successful hike with your dog, we recommend the following equipment:

  • A well-fitting harness
  • A lead (tow or guide line)
  • Water with bowl
  • Dog food and treats
  • Rain cover in case conditions get wet
  • Dog blanket for a well-deserved hiking break
  • Sun protection for your dog (especially with short-haired breeds, it is advisable to rub sunscreen on the bridge of the nose, for instance, as your dog can also get sunburn)

You can find even more details and equipment tips for hiking holidays with a dog in our Eurohike check list.

On our hiking holidays, the Eurohike team ensures the journey from A to Z is a pleasure for people and animals. This includes professional advice from our travel specialists, dog-friendly hiking routes, as well as paw-friendly hotels and accommodation throughout your hiking tour.

You need to plan the following equipment for a hiking holiday with a dog:

  • Transport box and dog basket (a foldable box would be ideal for transport on site)
  • Collar
  • Muzzle and lead
  • Dog brush
  • Dog shoes (if required)
  • Water for the trip / car journey
  • Dog food
  • Poop bags
  • Medication (i.e. for abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.)
  • Information about vetarinarians in the holiday region

On our Eurohike checklist you will find all the important information and details about the equipment that you should not forget on your next hiking tour with your dog.

Do you have any questions? Our Eurohike travel specialists will be happy to advise you!

In general, it depends entirely on your dog because not every dog of the same breed is the same and the respective energy level is different. Nevertheless, there are some dog breeds that are particularly hungry for exercise and very much enjoy time out in the fresh air. Here is a selection of dog breeds for which a hiking tour is sure to turn into an adventure:

  • Australian Shepherd: A real all-rounder when it comes to exercise. This breed of dog loves sport, has good stamina and is very clever.
  • Border Collie: This active breed of dog enjoys any kind of activity in the great outdoors. Whether hiking or cycling, the main thing is action and movement.
  • Weimaraner: This high-energy breed is known to be a particularly agile hiking companion. Weimaraner’s have strong muscles, are very obedient and enjoy being outdoors.
  • Magyar Vizsla: An equally sporty and agile dog breed is the Magyar Vizsla, a Hungarian pointing dog. Long hikes are no problem for this dog and their particularly friendly nature make them a perfect hiking companion.
  • Dalmatians: Stamina and a very friendly nature – this is what Dalmatians are known for. There is nothing better for this spotty dog companion than a hike in nature with a searching game in between.
  • Labrador Retriever: This dog breed is also one of the obedient and sporty breeds. With a lot of energy, the Labrador Retriever is happy to be exercised by their owners on a hike.
  • Jack Russel Terrier: Small but with a lot of stamina – this is what the somewhat smaller breed of dog is known for. They always adapt to the pace of their owner and are excellent hiking companions.
  • Husky: Hours of hiking in the great outdoors? No problem for a husky! Continuous movement is important and a real pleasure for this dog breed. If you are already thinking about the next break from hiking, this breed of dog will still march on full of motivation and energy.

Generally, the EU pet passport must be carried on all trips abroad, including holidays to non-EU countries. This ID confirms that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and is microchipped. For entry into some countries, a blood test for rabies antibodies, tapeworm treatment or a health certificate from an official veterinarian must also be presented.

In any case please inform yourself about the respecitive regulations in your holiday destination.

If you are checked at the border, you will need the following documents for your dog:

  • EU-pet passport

Please inform yourself about the respecitive regulations in your holiday destination before departure. 

For travelling with a dog within the EU, you need the following documents:

  • EU- pet passport (you can get this from your veterinarian): you must be noted as an accompanying person and the microchip number must be entered. The rabies vaccination must also be noted.
  • Proof of a valid rabis vaccination (the first dose must have been given at least 21 days before the holiday)
  • You dog must be at least 15 weeks old
  • Your dog must be identified with a microchip (which conforms to ISO-standard 11784)

Different regulations may apply to holidays with dogs outside the EU. Please inform yourself about the entry requirements and local regulations before you start your holiday.

On our Eurohike HikingBlog

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