If you have a dog, then you know the challenge: you want to book a vacation, you’ve found a nice hotel, and then the questions start pouring in. Are dogs allowed? And if so, is the hotel really dog-friendly? Where can your four-legged friend go? Where can you go for walks? And so many more. To make your search easier in the future, we have compiled a list of sustainable, guaranteed dog-friendly hotels for your next vacation.

Dog-friendly and sustainable hotels in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Klosterbräu (Seefeld, Austria)

At the Hotel Klosterbräu, warm Tyrolean hospitality meets a genuine love for dogs: the Seyrling family, owners of a border collie named Bonnie themselves, have created numerous offerings for you and your dog. A cozy bed and bowls for the sleeping area, a special dog menu, and spacious outdoor areas are just a few of the thoughtful touches that have been considered. This means that both you and your dog will feel right at home.

Behind the hotel, there is a private natural area spanning almost 150,000 square meters where your dog can run off leash. Feel free to relax with your four-legged friend in the hotel garden or by the pool, though your dog must remain on a leash. Practical items such as dog waste bags, drinking stations, and towels for muddy paws are also available at the reception desk. The Seefeld region offers numerous hiking trails and nature experiences for long hikes. A dog care service allows you to enjoy relaxing wellness treatments or a nice dinner, knowing that your dog is well cared for.

Vacation with dog at Hotel Klosterbräu: brief & concise:

• Private 150,000 m² outdoor area and dog-friendly outdoor zones
• Dog menus, sleeping area, bowls, and surprise goodies included
• Dog care available (for a fee)

Hotel Bella Vista (Zermatt, Switzerland)

The Hotel Bella Vista in car-free Zermatt welcomes you and your dog with a family-friendly atmosphere and a stunning view of the Matterhorn. Upon arrival, you will already find a dog bed and bowl waiting for you in your room. However, before you settle in, be sure to take a short tour of the alpine nature. The hiking and walking trails, as well as the forest nearby, offer a variety of routes for short walks and hiking tours lasting several hours. One particularly practical feature is that dogs can ride the mountain railways free of charge in Zermatt, which gives you flexibility when planning your excursions. ( Please note that on certain Italian routes, dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle. It is best to ask the hotel directly for more information!)

Vacation with your dog at Hotel Bella Vista: brief & concise

• Dog bed and bowl in the room
• Direct access to hiking trails behind the hotel
• Dogs travel free on the Zermatt mountain railways

Hotel Okelmann’s (Warpe, Germany)

At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony, sustainability and your dog’s comfort are top priorities (and yours, too!).

Your four-legged friend will be welcomed with bowls, a cozy dog blanket, and organic treats. The latter have been extensively tested and approved by the owners’ dogs. The outdoor shower in the garden area is perfect for washing your dog’s paws (and your own) after long walks in the woods. “Dirty towels” are also available at the reception desk for this purpose.

If possible, you will be assigned a room with direct access to the garden. Additionally, your dog is welcome to accompany you to the Heimatliebe Café, where you will find hand-picked treats, care products, and accessories for two- and four-legged friends alike.

Vacation with your dog at Hotel Okelmann’s: brief & concise

• Bowls, a dog blanket, and organic treats upon arrival
• An outdoor shower and towels for dirty paws
• You can take your dog to the Heimatliebe café.

Hotel Luise (Franconian Switzerland, Germany)

Located in Erlangen, the Hotel Luise is ideal for those who want to combine city breaks with nature experiences. After enjoying a zero-waste breakfast, you can set off to explore the beautiful surroundings. The area features natural attractions like the Tennenloher Forest and the Erlanger Wiesengrund. Franconian Switzerland, with its hiking trails, is also nearby. Erlangen’s charming old town and castle park offer many opportunities for exploration and walks. Dogs are welcome at the hotel, and the staff looks forward to welcoming them.

Vacation with your dog at Hotel Luise: brief & concise

• Located in close proximity to the Franconian Switzerland hiking region
• Tip: Excursion with your dog to the Bad Windsheim Open-Air Museum
• Dogs are not allowed in the breakfast room.

Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa (Berchtesgadener Land, Germany)

Dogs are welcome guests at the four-star superior Hotel Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa, but there are clear rules. For instance, the number of dog-friendly rooms is limited. So be sure to register your dog when you make your reservation! When you arrive, you will find a bowl and a cozy dog blanket in your room. There is a dog shower in the parking lot to easily clean up after your adventures in Berchtesgadener Land and Berchtesgaden National Park. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash!

The Klosterhof is ideal if you want to combine wellness with nature experiences. Due to these restrictions, your dog should be accustomed to relaxing on its own so you can enjoy a massage or the evening menu without hesitation.

Vacation with your dog at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa: brief & concise

• Dog-friendly rooms come with a bowl and a dog blanket
• Dog shower in the parking lot.
• Restrictions for certain hotel areas: Dogs are not allowed in the spa area, restaurant, or sunbathing lawn.

SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA (Bad Herrenalb, Germany)

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA offers an exceptional sustainable hotel experience, as it is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Germany. Located in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb, just a few meters from hiking trails through the Black Forest, it is an ideal place to vacation in the Black Forest. And with your dog, of course. Numerous paths through forests and alongside streams provide fresh air and opportunities to cool off in the summer. A day trip to the Grötzingen quarry pond is the perfect addition to your itinerary, offering a dog beach, playground, and dog park — ideal for burning off energy and enjoying some active fun together.

The “dog friend” rooms include bowls, a blanket, and a welcome treat. Here, too, please note that you are not allowed to take your dog into the restaurant and spa areas.

Vacation with your dog at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA: brief & concise

• “Dog-friendly” rooms with bowls, blankets, and treats
• Access to Black Forest hiking trails, a dog beach, and a dog park at the nearby quarry pond
• No dogs allowed in the restaurant or spa

Relais del Maro (Borgomaro, Italy)

At the idyllic Relais del Maro, dogs are not just tolerated—they’re welcomed as guests! You and your pet will find a set of treats, a mat, and bowls in your room. You can also borrow a cooling mat for hot days, if necessary. Numerous walking and hiking trails around the hotel wind through the rugged Ligurian countryside. Are you and your dog more of a beach type? Then, especially in the off- and late seasons, the beaches on the Ligurian coast and the nearby Côte d’Azur beckon with long walks on the beach and a chance to cool off in the sea. At Relais del Maro, your dog is welcome everywhere in the hotel except the pool area. The charming Albergo Diffuso, located between the sea and mountainous nature, is your starting point for a variety of activities with your four-legged friend.

Vacation with your dog at Relais del Maro: brief & concise

• A welcome kit including bowls, a mat, and treats (cooling mats are available to borrow during the hot months)
• Dogs are allowed everywhere in the hotel except at the pool
• Numerous hiking trails and proximity to the coast

Korinjak (Island of Iž, Croatia)

The Hotel Korinjak on the small Croatian island of Iž is the perfect place for you and your dog to stay! It is the only vegetarian-vegan hotel on the island, and its location in pristine nature makes it the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. The on-site team loves dogs, so your four-legged friend will feel welcome and is sure to find someone to give them a cuddle. The surrounding area offers plenty of hiking opportunities along the coast and through the rugged Mediterranean landscape. And the sea is perfect for swimming together. As we said, it’s a real paradise for active dogs and their owners.

Vacation with your dog at Hotel Korinjak: brief & concise

• Dog-friendly hotel staff so you and your dog both feel completely at home
• Beautiful nature and hiking trails around the island
• Located right by the sea

Conclusion: Taking your dog on a sustainable vacation doesn’t have to be complicated

On the contrary, with the right accommodations, your holiday will be a highlight for you and your four-legged friend. Whether you’re looking for an alpine hiking holiday in Austria or Switzerland, an escape to the idyllic countryside of Germany, a getaway to the beaches of Italy, or an adventure to the islands of Croatia, the dog-friendly hotels in these locations take their responsibility as hosts and as stewards of the environment seriously. The above establishments are excellent examples of how sustainability, warmth, and dog-friendliness can go hand in hand.

Additional questions you may have:

Are dogs allowed in all of the presented hotels?

Yes, dogs are welcome in all of the hotels featured. Some have special dog-friendly rooms and amenities such as bowls, dog beds, or blankets.

What services do dog-friendly, sustainable hotels offer?

Many dog-friendly hotels offer extras such as special (and sustainable) dog menus, off-leash areas, dog showers, grooming products, dog-sitting services, and welcome kits for your four-legged friend. Be sure to ask about the specific offerings before you book.

Are there any restrictions on dogs at the hotel?

Not everyone likes dogs. Some people are even afraid of them. To ensure all guests have a relaxing vacation experience, most hotels have restrictions in place. For example, dogs are not allowed in certain areas, such as the spa, restaurants, and hotel beds. These rules exist for the safety and comfort of all guests, and you should respect them (and consider other dog owners, too!).

What amenities are typically offered to dogs at sustainable hotels?

Dog-friendly hotels often provide a bowl and a dog blanket, and sometimes a welcome treat. Some also offer dog showers, dog-sitting services, and designated areas for dogs in the garden and pool.

Where can I find dog-friendly hiking and walking trails in the area?

Many sustainable hotels provide information about local hiking trails, nature trails, or lakes anyway. It is best to ask specifically whether these are also suitable for dogs. Some hotels also explicitly highlight hikes that are suitable for dogs.

Save the article on Pinterest!