Holidays with your four-legged friend

Holidays with your dog in South Tyrol

Are you planning to take your four-legged friend on holiday? Abounding with greenery and nature, South Tyrol is the perfect place for your dog to run free when wearing a leash is not required: along mountain trails, around lakes and across endless stretches of green or snow-covered meadows. Together, you will experience the pleasure of connecting with nature and enjoy a warm hospitality in many public places. Like on promenades in the cities of Bolzano/Bozen and Meran/Merano, along the Alto Adige Wine Road or in one of the many mountain huts and refuges. Travel with your lifelong companion to South Tyrol. The fresh, clean air enhances your wellbeing.

Pet-friendly hotels in South Tyrol

Dog bowls and food reward. Games in the playground and training. Dog sitting and the dog menu. Hotels in South Tyrol welcome you and your four-legged friend with excellent services. For your holiday together, many hotels also offer package deals. Discover the accommodations.

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Good to know

A leash and muzzle should always be carried and used whenever needed.

For example, near pastures it's very important to keep your dog on a leash, especially around cows. They could get frightened. Along trails, pay attention to 'Dogs on a leash/Hunde an die Leine' sign. Some farmers put up this sign at the edges of their fields to prevent contamination that could be lethal to livestock. If there are no signs prohibiting letting the dog run free and the situation is not dangerous, it's time to take off the leash.

Important note: the leash should not exceed a length of 1.5 metres. Failure to comply can be punished by a fine.

In compliance with the animal protection law and the implementing decree, dogs must be kept on a leash in public areas. If not on a leash, large dogs must wear a muzzle, while for small dogs there's no muzzle requirement.

All service dogs, such as herding dogs, avalanche dogs, civil protection dogs, hunting dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and other assistance dogs, are exempt from the obligation to wear a leash and muzzle.

Bringing your dog onto the ski slopes is, in most cases, imprudent. For your dog and skiers' safety, it is advisable to leave your four-legged friend behind, even if on a leash.

For instance, on cross-country ski trails, due to the frequent transitions from classic to skating techniques, skiers move at a higher speed and need more room.

To enjoy your day with less stress and greater tranquility, explore South Tyrol through one or more winter hikes instead!

Many are the restaurants that want to warmly welcome your lifelong companion. You can stop at charming mountain huts or refuges. Savor traditional food at restaurants, after a city stroll. Enjoy the inviting atmosphere of rustic inns, where owners are not annoyed by your furry friend.

Since there are no universal guidelines for pet-friendly policies at restaurants, hotels, and businesses, remember to get informed in advance.

If your dog has any health issues during your stay in South Tyrol, you'll find a wealth of vets ready to give you assistance. Consult the list of addresses gathered by the South Tyrolean Veterinary Association and narrow down your search based on your location within the region.

Your dog can travel to South Tyro only with a EU pet passport, an identification microchip and a valid rabies vaccine of 21 days at least. Pets less than 15 weeks old are not permitted to enter.

Public Transport in South Tyrol:

For large or medium-sized dogs, an additional ticket is required when using public transport. You can choose between a single ticket or the Mobilcard Junior, which offers a 50% reduction for your furry companion. Ensure your dog is on a leash and wearing a muzzle.

Guide and small dogs can travel free of charge and are not required to wear a muzzle. You have the option to hold your dog in your arms or place them in a special container with a maximum size of 70x30x50.

The use of a single ticket, such as the Südtirol Guest Pass, is not valid outside the South Tyrol Transport Association network and it covers travels up to Trento, Brenner/Brennero, and Innichen/San Candido.

You can also bring your dog on cable cars. It's however important to check the specific regulations for each cable car line, before setting out on your journey. For instance, some cable cars enforce the use of a muzzle, others don't. Moreover, there may be cable cars on which your dog can ride for free, while others may charge a reduced fare.

Walk with your dog

Are you eager to discover the advantages of a dog-friendly holiday destination? South Tyrol is famed for its leisurely walks and hikes in the mountains. It's the paradise of nature enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. It's a place where you can embark on new adventures, plunge into crystal-clear waters and run freely, always with your dog by your side.

Sometimes we have to take the heartbreaking decision of leaving our dog at home, seek out dog walkers or settle for the routine of familiar surroundings. But in South Tyrol you can embrace new experiences in places that you've never considered visiting before. Explore the walks along the Alto Adige Wine Road, retrace the history of the famous Waalwege Canal Trails, marvel at the natural sculptures of the earth pyramids in Ritten, or venture into high-altitude hikes to get closer to the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. Make your dog the luckiest pet and create cherished memories together.

Hiking tips

A dip into water

On hot summer days or after a hike, a dive into one of the many South Tyrolean lakes will keep your pet pal cool.

Jump into the luminescent water of Göller Lake in Aldein/Aldino or in Antholz Lake in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park. There's nothing like spending a lake day with your dog.

The waters of Kalterer See, Issinger Weiher and Montiggler See lakes are likewise open to your canine companion, except for the summer season, from the 15th of May to the 15th of September.

If you are planning a day at a South Tyrolean lake, get always informed about whether you are going to the right place: where your dog are welcome.

Which lakes?

Winter with your dog

"The snow is so soft! I want to keep rolling until they come and get me," it's what dogs would say about the white fields of the winter months, if they had the word.

And you know how much your dog is excited about exloring a snowy environment and playing in the snow. It's not only a source of amusement. Snow can also provide relief from itching and scratching!

Looking at your canine companion jumping with excitement into the snow is a moment of sheer happiness. That's why we want to suggest you winter hikes to experience together.

Appreciate the little things in life. They'll be impossible to forget.

Winter hikes

Not the park you expect

Behind high fences or in public parks, dogs don't often experience the vastness of nature. In South Tyrol, you can get close to the beauty of wonderful landscapes that encompass ecosystems and biodiversity: we're talking about South Tyrol's 7 nature parks and 1 national park. A friendly reminder? Take a look at the conservation plan of each natural and national park to learn how to behave with your four-legged friend.