AUSTRIA HIKING ROAD TRIP - DOG FRIENDLY

Exploring Austria with our Furry Friend: A Dog-Friendly Hiking Road Trip

Austria’s natural beauty has always been a dream destination for me, and last year, I decided to combine my love for hiking with my love for my dog, Luna. We embarked on a six-day road trip through some of Austria's most breathtaking trails, all while keeping things dog-friendly. Here’s a recap of our adventure!

Day 1: Myra Falls and Rax

Our journey started with a scenic drive from Budapest to Myra Falls, a stunning spot in Lower Austria. The Myra Falls trail, a 2.4 km loop, was the perfect way to ease into the trip. Luna was absolutely in her element, with the sound of the water cascading over the rocks and the surrounding forest to explore. The trail itself was easy enough to manage with my trusty four-legged companion, and we completed it in about an hour. The views were beautiful, and Luna loved the chance to splash in the water.

After our hike, we drove to Rax, a lovely mountain resort town, where we spent the night. The Rax area is known for its clean air, lush landscapes, and its dog-friendly accommodation options. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of travel.

Day 2: Jakobskogel & Höllentalaussicht Trail and Murau

On the second day, we set off early for a 8.2 km hike at Jakobskogel. The trail, with its challenging but rewarding path, took us about four hours to complete. We were surrounded by dense forests and occasionally opened up to beautiful panoramic views of the valley below. Luna was a trooper, keeping pace with us.

After our hike, we drove two hours to Murau, a charming town in Styria. Murau is renowned for its beautiful medieval buildings and laid-back atmosphere. After checking in to our dog-friendly hotel, we took Luna for a stroll around the town center. The streets were quiet, and the locals were so friendly, giving Luna lots of attention. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at a dog-friendly restaurant, enjoying local Austrian cuisine.

Day 3: Murau Town and Gunster Wasserfall

Day three started with a shorter but equally stunning hike. We headed to Gunster Wasserfall, a 3.9 km loop that took us about an hour and a half to complete. The waterfall was a great spot to let Luna cool off and play in the refreshing mist. The trail was peaceful, winding through the forest, and it gave me the perfect chance to appreciate the tranquility of the area.

After the hike, we drove to Ramsau am Dachstein, a picturesque alpine village nestled in the Dachstein Mountains. The drive took about an hour and twenty minutes, and the road was scenic, with rolling hills and mountain views along the way.

Ramsau is known for its beauty and offers excellent hiking options, so we were excited to explore more the next day.

Day 4: Schober, Rippetegg, and Gasselhohe Trail and Hallstatt

Ramsau am Dachstein is a hiker’s paradise, and our main hike of the day was the 6.6 km Schober, Rippetegg, and Gasselhohe trail. The three-hour trek led us through alpine meadows and dense forests, and the views at the summit were incredible. Luna, as always, loved the challenge and especially enjoyed running around in the fields once we reached the top.

We then drove to Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage town, known for its charming old town and its crystal-clear lake. The drive took us about an hour and 15 minutes. We arrived in Hallstatt in the late afternoon and spent the evening wandering around the town, soaking in the quaint, picturesque views of the lake with the mountains in the background.

Day 5: Hallstatt Exploration

Hallstatt deserves an entire day to explore. We started with a ride up the Salzbergbahn funicular to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over the town and the lake below. From there, we hiked up to the Hallstatt Skywalk, a viewing platform suspended above the town. The hike took about 45 minutes, but the views were absolutely worth it. Luna enjoyed running around the fields at the top.

In the afternoon, we took a leisurely stroll around the lake. Hallstatt's charm is hard to capture in words, but it felt like a fairy tale setting, and Luna loved being part of it all. After a delicious dinner in a local restaurant, we called it a day, ready for the next adventure.

Day 6: Wachau & Kamptal Wine Trail

On the final day of our trip, we made our way to the Wachau and Kamptal regions, known for their stunning vineyards and picturesque landscapes. The drive took about three hours, and when we arrived, we enjoyed a wine trail hike that was just under 5 km long. The hike was leisurely, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The vineyards stretched out on either side of the trail, and we enjoyed a peaceful walk through the lush greenery. In the evening, we stayed in a dog-friendly winery hotel, where we shared one last meal with our trusty companion, reflecting on the beauty of the journey.

Final Thoughts

Austria proved to be the perfect destination for a hiking road trip with a dog. Every stop offered something unique, from cascading waterfalls to charming towns, all with ample opportunities for Luna to explore and enjoy the trails. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or strolling through picturesque villages, Austria’s trails are not just for humans – they’re dog-friendly too!

If you're considering a similar trip with your furry companion, I highly recommend it. The scenery, the hikes, and the warm hospitality of Austria made this an unforgettable experience for both of us.