Switzerland Dog-Friendly Travel - What To Do?

Published on 10 November 2022 at 12:11


Switzerland Travel: Is it Dog-Friendly?

Switzerland is generally a very dog-friendly country, and dogs are welcome in many public places. However, it is important to note that there are some restrictions in place, particularly in certain areas where dogs are not allowed.

 

In general, dogs are allowed in most public parks, forests, and hiking trails in Switzerland. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times and must be under the control of their owner. In some areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, dogs may be required to be on a leash at all times.

 

In addition, many restaurants and cafes in Switzerland allow dogs on their outdoor terraces. However, it is a good idea to check with the establishment before bringing your dog, as some places may have specific policies in place.

 

Overall, Switzerland is a very dog-friendly country, and it is easy to find accommodations and activities that are welcoming to dogs. However, it is important to follow local rules and regulations when traveling with your dog to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

 


Public Transport in Switzerland With Dogs

Are dogs allowed on public transport in Switzerland? Yes, dogs can travel freely all day. If you have a valid ticket, you can buy a Day Pass Dogs for 25 francs. This will allow your four-legged friend to travel with you for a whole calendar day on trains, ships, postbus lines, and tram and bus routes in most Swiss cities and urban areas.

 


#5 Best Things To Do When Visiting Switzerland With Dogs

Switzerland is a very dog-friendly city to do things with your dog. Here are some ideas for things you and your dog can do in Switzerland:

 


#1 Hiking With Dogs in Switzerland

Can dogs hike in the Alps? Yes, Switzerland is home to many beautiful hiking trails, and many of these trails are dog-friendly. Here are a few ideas for great hikes to enjoy with your dog in Switzerland:

 

  • Harder Kulm Loop Trail: Experience this 8.2-km loop trail near Interlaken, Bern. Generally perceived as a fairly challenging route and takes an average of 4 h 9 min to complete. This route is great for bird watching, Hiking and Trail running. The best time to visit this route is from April to October. Dogs are welcome and there are certain off-leash areas;

  • Grindelwald - Gacier Canyon: Head out on this 4.2-km loop trail near Grindelwald, Bern. Generally perceived as an easy route and takes an average of 1 h 25 min to complete. This route is great for bird watching, Hiking and Trail running. The trail is open all year round and is beautiful to visit at any time. Dogs are welcome and there are certain off-leash areas;
  • Your du Mont Blanc: Check out this 15.0-km A-to-B route near La Fouly, Valais. Generally perceived as a fairly challenging route and takes an average of 5 h 6 min to complete. This route is great for Backpacking, Camping and Hiking, and you're probably not going to encounter many other people during your exploration. The best time to visit this route is from June to October. Dogs are welcome and there are certain off-leash areas;
  • Cascade de LouchCascade de Louch is a 135 meter high waterfall in the famous skiing town of Isola. Isola is located on the border with Italy in the southern part of the Alps (Alpes Maritimes). When approaching Isola the road runs paralel to the river Tinee. A little further cascade de Louch drops into the river Tinee, near the roundabout, but you can’t miss it. From the roadside you will have a clear view on cascade de Louch. There is a big parking along the roadside, just in front of the waterfall (gps 44.186098, 7.048288). From here you can walk towards the river to get a better view;
  • Cime de la Bonette: Located on the border of the French departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes, the Bonette is accessible from two directions. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a perfect location for a cycling or family holiday. To the north lies the famous Lac de Serre Ponçon with its many campsites. Places like Barcelonnette and Castellane are wonderful bases for cycling. And to the south is the Grand Canyon du Verdon, Europe's largest gorge. The cycling trip around the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful trips I have ever taken.

 

Overall, Switzerland has many beautiful hiking trails to explore with your dog, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air with your furry companion by your side.

 


#2 Visit Horburgpark in Switzerland

Horburgpark is located in Basel, and is a public park with a fenced dog playing area. There's even dog friendly art sponsored by local artists. There are also two dog beaches along the Rhine where you and your dog can play Frisbee, throw the ball around, or just lounge together. In other words, if you've been looking for a park, beach, or otherwise artsy place to hang out with your dog, then Horburgpark is it. And you have the option to mingle with other dogs. No one is saying you have to, but it is nice if you've been looking to make friends.

 


#3 City Hopping in Switzerland With Your Dog

Switzerland is a very dog-friendly country, and it is easy to visit multiple cities with your dog. Here are a few tips for city hopping in Switzerland with your dog:

 

  • Accommodations: Many hotels and vacation rentals in Switzerland are dog-friendly, so it is easy to find a place to stay with your furry companion. Just be sure to call ahead and confirm the pet policy before booking, as some places may have specific rules in place.
  • Transportation: Most public transportation in Switzerland, including trains, buses, and trams, allows dogs on board, although they must be kept on a leash and may not be allowed in certain areas of the vehicle. Just be sure to check the rules of the specific transportation provider you will be using.

  • Outdoor activities: Many cities in Switzerland have dog-friendly parks and hiking trails where you and your dog can spend time together. Just be sure to follow any local rules or regulations, and always keep your dog on a leash when in public.

  • Restaurants and cafes: Many restaurants and cafes in Switzerland allow dogs on their outdoor terraces, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink with your dog by your side. Just be sure to check with the establishment before bringing your dog, as some places may have specific policies in place.

 


#4 Go on a Ski Holiday With Your Dog in Switzerland

Ski holidays in Switzerland can be a great way to spend time with your dog in the beautiful Swiss Alps. While not all ski resorts in Switzerland are dog-friendly, there are some that welcome dogs and offer amenities for them. Here are a few things to consider if you are planning a ski holiday in Switzerland with your dog:

 

  • Accommodations: Many ski resorts in Switzerland do not allow pets, so it is important to find a place to stay that is dog-friendly. There are a few resorts that do allow dogs, such as the Hotel Riederalp and the Hotel du Golf in Crans-Montana, but it is always a good idea to call ahead and confirm the pet policy before booking. Alternatively, you may be able to find a vacation rental or apartment that is dog-friendly.

  • On the slopes: Most ski resorts in Switzerland do not allow dogs on the slopes or in the ski lifts, so you will need to make arrangements for your dog while you are skiing. Some resorts offer dog-sitting or dog-walking services, or you may be able to hire a pet-sitter to take care of your dog while you are on the slopes.

  • Off the slopes: Many ski resorts in Switzerland have dog-friendly hiking trails and other activities that you can enjoy with your dog. Just be sure to follow any local rules or regulations, and always keep your dog on a leash when in public.

 

Overall, it is possible to enjoy a ski holiday in Switzerland with your dog, but it does require some planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry companion.

 


#5 Visit a Dog-Friendly Cafe / Restaurant in Switzerland

Switzerland is a very dog-friendly country, and many restaurants and bars in the country allow dogs on their outdoor terraces. Here is a list of 10 dog-friendly restaurants and bars in Switzerland:

 

  1. The Terrasse: Located in Geneva, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  2. The Longemalle: Located in Geneva, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  3. The Baltho: Located in Lausanne, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  4. The Old Bear: Located in Bern, this bar has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  5. The Belvedere: Located in Zug, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  6. The Schweizerhof: Located in Lucerne, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  7. The Wilder-Mann: Located in Thun, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  8. The Restaurant Löwen: Located in Winterthur, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  9. The Gasthaus zum Kreuz: Located in Langenthal, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

  10. The Restaurant zum Schützen: Located in Interlaken, this restaurant has a large outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome.

 

This is just a small sampling of the many dog-friendly restaurants and bars in Switzerland. It is always a good idea to call ahead and confirm the pet policy before visiting, as some places may have specific rules in place.

 


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