Holiday with your dog in Niederau and the Wildschönau

Papers and vaccinations

Travelling to Austria with a dog requires an EU pet passport. Your dog must be identified with a microchip and hold a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccine may only be given from the age of 12 weeks and counts as valid 21 days after the primary vaccination. A very young dog, or one that has only just had its first jab, therefore cannot simply come along. Plan this well before departure and have your vet check that the passport and vaccination date are in order. Rules can change, so for the current requirements ask your vet or the national veterinary authority.

Accommodation that welcomes dogs

Not every hotel or holiday home accepts dogs. Those that do usually have their own conditions: sometimes there is a surcharge, sometimes the dog is not allowed in the restaurant or in certain rooms, and sometimes the number of dogs is limited. In the Wildschönau you will find holiday homes and inns that welcome dogs, particularly in Oberau and Auffach. So always ask in advance whether your dog is welcome and what applies, and preferably get it confirmed in writing. Bring your own basket or blanket so your dog has a familiar spot straight away, and ask whether there is a fenced garden or a place for a short walk by the door.

Cows on the alp

In summer, cows and young cattle graze on the alpine pastures, including along walking routes. Mother cows in particular protect their calves and quickly see a dog as a threat. Avoid pastures with cows where a route around them exists, and follow any signed diversions. If you cannot avoid crossing, keep your dog on a short lead and stay well back, ideally 20 to 50 metres. Stay calm, do not turn your back on the herd and leave the pasture without rushing. Signs of tension are a lowered head, pawing the ground, bellowing and snorting. If a cow comes at you, let go of the lead: the dog is better off getting away on its own than you being hurt in the struggle.

Walks and water

Around the Markbachjochbahn in Niederau, broad alpine tracks lead past alms and are well suited to walking with a dog. The Franziskusweg between Niederau and Oberau is also known as a quiet, largely shaded walk that works well for a longer round with a dog. Bear in mind that you may meet cows on alpine tracks too. Want your dog to swim? No designated dog beach in the Wildschönau itself is known. Elsewhere in Tyrol some lakes do have their own dog beach. Ask your accommodation or the tourist office where you can go with your dog, and respect house rules at lakes and pools, since dogs are often not allowed there.

Cable cars and gondolas

Whether your dog may ride in the gondola is up to the lift operator. In Austria there is generally no compulsory muzzle, but the dog usually has to stay on the lead and be well under control in a busy cabin. Some operators charge a fee for dogs, others do not. What applies to the Markbachjochbahn in Niederau or other lifts in the Wildschönau is best checked beforehand with the lift company or the tourist office. Bring the lead and, if needed, a muzzle, and pick a quieter time if you can, so your dog does not have to stand among many people.

In winter: pistes and cross-country trails

Groomed cross-country trails are made for cross-country skiers. A dog running in them, or a walker stepping through, damages the track and gets in the skiers' way, which is why trails are usually off limits to dogs. Dogs also do not belong on ski pistes, because skiers travel fast and cannot dodge your dog. Marked winter walking paths are a better choice: read the signs and pick routes signed for walkers. Some Tyrolean areas have separate dog trails for cross-country skiing, but this is not confirmed for the Wildschönau, so ask the tourist office. Afterwards, wipe snow and grit salt from your dog's paws.

Heat and ticks

On warm summer days your dog gets into difficulty quickly, even in the mountains. Plan walks for morning or evening, look for shade and always carry enough water. Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even briefly and not even in the shade. Ticks are common in Austria and are active almost all year round in mild temperatures. Parts of Tyrol are areas where ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Discuss suitable protection with your vet beforehand, check your dog after every walk and remove a tick with tick tweezers. If your dog gets a fever or becomes listless after a bite, see a vet.

Frequently asked questions