Switzerland welcomes pet owners with open arms! Switzerland dog friendly activities are endless, offering a fantastic destination for unforgettable adventures with your furry friend. With its efficient train system, pet-friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking natural beauty, Switzerland has it all.
Whether you’re enjoying the peaceful Brienz Lake, seeking thrilling experiences in Interlaken, exploring the vibrant city life of Zurich, or immersing yourself in the wonders of Lauterbrunnen, you and your dog will make lifelong memories in this pet-friendly paradise. Klook offers deals on travel passes to all four of these exciting parts of Switzerland, making it that much easier to get to this beautiful country.
We hope this guide will help make your adventures here with your dog unforgettable!
Best Switzerland Dog Friendly Activities
Lakeside walks near Brienz Lake, Switzerland
Take leisurely strolls along the lakeside promenade, enjoying the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views. During the warmer months (March – October) there are chairs laid out by the lake with a ice cream/gelato truck that serves, coffee, tea, water, ice cream, gelato, sandwiches and snacks. We highly suggest grabbing something from this cart and walk around the lakeside with your dog. The lake is so turquoise blue that you will think it looks photoshopped!
Take the steam Rothorn Train Up the Mountain
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with your four-legged companion aboard the Brienz Rothorn Railway in Switzerland. This dog-friendly tourist attraction railway stretches 7.6 km or 4.7 miles, ascending from the charming town of Brienz to the breathtaking summit of Brienzer Rothorn. With its narrow gauge and double lamella rack system, this railway is a smooth ride up and offers unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps. Let your dog join you on this scenic journey, taking in the captivating landscapes, crisp mountain air, and the joy of exploring the alpine wilderness together. It’s an experience that celebrates the bond between humans and their furry friends amidst the natural beauty of Switzerland. We recommend booking tickets ahead of time (you should make sure to buy the seated pass too) and to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to ensure you have a window seat!
Visit the most beautiful street in Europe Brunngasse, Brienz, Switzerland
We highly recommend you explore the cute, charming and quaint Brienz Village. There are many amazing dog friendly restaurants (with outdoor seating) there such as Steinbock Hotel Restaurant (rated #1 in Brienz), Bino’s Pizzeria, and Cafe Walz. As you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the streets, visit local shops, make sure to check out the proclaimed “most beautiful street in Europe”, Brunngasse (Brunngasse 3855, 3855 Brienz, Switzerland).
Hike up to see any of the 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen
Discover the pet-friendly paradise of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. If you are a big fantasy fan or Lord of the Rings fan, then you must visit Lauterbrunnen. Not only is this place renowned for its 72 enchanting waterfalls, but J.R.R. Tolkien found profound inspiration in the landscapes of Lauterbrunnen, which shaped the majestic realms of Middle-earth in his iconic work, The Lord of the Rings. As you hike and walk through this part of Lauterbrunnen you will witness the breathtaking Staubbach Falls, plunging from towering cliffs. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of rushing water, you and your dog can find tranquility together. Lauterbrunnen’s natural beauty offers an unforgettable experience for you and your furry friend. Let us know if you meet any elves along the way!
Enjoy a meal or coffee with your dog at many dog friendly restaurants in Zurich
Zurich offers a variety of dog-friendly cafés and restaurants, making it easy to relax and enjoy a meal or coffee with your furry companion by your side. These establishments provide water bowls and treats for dogs, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and their pets. From cozy cafés with outdoor seating to spacious patios, there are options to suit different preferences. It’s a great way to bond with your pet, socialize with other dog owners, and explore new places together. Just remember to check the pet policies or call ahead before visiting to ensure a comfortable experience for both you and your furry friend but most places are dog friendly!
Watch people paraglide at Höhematte Park in Interlaken, Switzerland
The park that people commonly paraglide into when visiting Interlaken is called the “Höhematte Park.” It is a large, open grassy area located in the heart of Interlaken, between the two main streets, and offers a perfect landing point for paragliders. The park provides a spacious and scenic launch area with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. With many benches, restaurants and cafes around this spacious park, you and your dog could stay here for hours people watching and watching people land from their paragliding adventure.
How Much Time Do You Need in Switzerland?
When traveling to Switzerland with your dog, it’s important to plan your time accordingly to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. The amount of time you need will depend on your preferences, the activities you want to engage in, and the places you wish to explore.
However, we recommend at least 4 days to about 10 days (because Switzerland is quiet expensive). At least 4 days (3 nights) is needed if you want to explore at least 3-4 trails/towns in Switzerland. The nice thing about Switzerland is that the train system in really timely and easy to navigate and use. So you could do a lot in 1 day if you have the stamina and energy for it. We recommend staying at a hotel near Zurich or Lake Brienz/Interlaken (if you want to be more centrally located to everything). We highly recommend checking out Hotels.com as we found a great hotel only a 10 minute walk to the train station when we visited Brienz. Travelocity also has great deals, especially in Zurich (we got a free hotel room upgrade)!
Transportation with your dog in Switzerland
Getting around Switzerland with your dog is really easy! We were pleasantly surprised by how dog friendly most taxis, trains, buses, and planes are here. We recommend bringing a soft carrier with you however (if your dog is small enough to travel in one). You can check out our top rated soft carriers here. We also recommend you buy a SBB train pass (the Swiss Travel Pass – if you plan on staying in Switzerland for at least 3 days). Klook offers many other travel passes to Zurich, to Interlaken, and even Grindelwald.
With the Swiss Travel Pass, it acts as an all-in-one ticket, that provides free access to all public transportation (trains, buses, and boats). This is extremely convenient as it allows us to explore the country’s most scenic areas easily and without worry of buying any additional tickets.
Switzerland dog friendly activities include the Swiss Pass forsure! You can take your dog to selected mountain excursions like Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos. You’ll also enjoy up to 50% off on other mountain excursions. The pass allows for various durations, from 3 to 15 consecutive days.
For smaller dogs if you have them in a carrier (soft or hard) then the dog rides FREE! If you have a larger dog, then you’ll need to buy a pet pass which is around $27 extra.
You can also choose to rent a car as Discover Cars has great deals for short and long stays in Switzerland, and are also conveniently located near the Zurich Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the rules for dogs in Switzerland?
Dogs are generally allowed in public places in Switzerland. However, there may be specific rules and regulations depending on the city, area, or municipality you are in. It is important to keep your dog on a leash in public areas unless there are designated off-leash areas. Also, dog licensing is mandatory in Switzerland.
If you are traveling or moving to Switzerland with your dog, the dog will need a Swiss or EU passport. It will have an ID with the dog’s name, age, sex, photograph, information about the owner, vaccination information, and the dog’s microchip information.
Are dogs allowed off leash in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, it’s important to keep dogs on a leash when in public places. However, when we’re outside these areas, dogs can be walked without a leash as long as we always keep them under control. This means they should be within our sight at all times and have a reliable recall, so they come back to us when called. Switzerland dog friendly activities include running around with your dog off leach (in some areas)!
Is Switzerland a dog friendly country?
Yes, Switzerland dog friendly activities are endless. Dogs are a common sight there, and the country is known for being friendly to pet owners. Here are some reasons why Switzerland is considered dog-friendly:
- Public Transportation: Switzerland has a good system of trains, trams, and buses that usually allow dogs on board. However, dogs are usually required to be on a leash and may need a ticket or pass.
- Outdoor Spaces: Switzerland is famous for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. There are many hiking trails, parks, and open areas where dogs are allowed. Some cities and towns even have special places where dogs can run and play without a leash.
- Dog-Friendly Accommodation: Many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in Switzerland are happy to welcome dogs. But it’s always a good idea to check with the place you’re staying beforehand to make sure they allow pets.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Switzerland has a culture of eating outdoors, and many restaurants and cafes have outdoor seating where dogs are allowed. Some places even provide water and treats for dogs.
- Animal Welfare: Switzerland has strict laws to protect animals, including dogs. These laws make sure dogs are treated well, such as being kept on a leash and cleaning up after them.
Remember, it’s important to follow local rules and be considerate when bringing your dog to public places in Switzerland. Keep your dog on a leash unless in designated areas, clean up after them, and make sure they behave well and don’t bother others.
What are animal rights in Switzerland?
The Swiss Animal Welfare Act ensures that animals are treated well and respected. If someone violates the rules of this act in a severe way, they may be forbidden from owning animals, breeding animals, working with animals for business purposes, or trading animals. This is done to make sure that animals are protected and treated with care.
Can you bring a dog from Switzerland to USA?
While Switzerland dog activities are plentiful, entering the country can be a bit more confusing. When traveling with your pet or dog into Switzerland, you must have proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccine and a health certificate from your vet or an European Union pet passport.
It’s important to note that the health certificate should be issued no more than 10 days before your travel date. These requirements ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friend during the journey. So, be sure to check with your vet and gather the necessary documents to make your travel experience smooth and hassle-free.
Be sure to check out our full guide on how to travel internationally with your dog! We will be releasing a step by step e-book on how to travel with your dog from USA to Europe and show you the easiest way to do so.
What is the Swiss dog law?
In Switzerland, it is mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped and registered in a central database before they reach three months of age. This requirement applies to both local dogs and those imported from other countries. If you bring a dog from abroad, you must take them to a Swiss veterinarian within ten days of entering the country to ensure they are properly registered. The registration process is available in German, French, and Italian to accommodate different language preferences. This regulation helps keep track of dogs in Switzerland and ensure their safety and identification.
We hope you found this article helpful!
Peace out,
Travel Dog Bodhi 🐶
Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?
If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.
1 thought on “Dog Friendly Guide to Switzerland : Switzerland Dog Friendly Activities”
Pingback: How To Get Your Dog A European Union (EU) Pet Passport - The Dog Vacation