Hiking with dog in Eastern Styria
On the road together
Dogs are welcome to enjoy hikes on leash or wearing a muzzle. Hiking trails across farmed alpine pastures are an exception and should only be taken outside the grazing season.
Humanity’s best friend – generally a member of the family – is welcome to join hikes in the Eastern Styria adventure region. However, please consider that other hikers are also on the trail and not everyone is comfortable with dogs. So please be sure to keep your dog on a leash or wearing a muzzle at all times. Poop bags are a must to ensure the trails are kept clean and farmers can use the feed along the way.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
In Eastern Styria, it’s not just guests who are warmly welcomed—four-legged friends feel right at home here, too. Numerous dog-friendly hotels offer special services such as dog blankets, bowls, or even dedicated exercise areas. Right outside the hotel door, you’ll find expansive walking trails, rolling hills, and diverse natural scenery that invite you to embark on adventures together. This makes for a relaxing and unforgettable vacation for both humans and dogs alike.
Dogs and grazing animals
Special caution is essential when hiking across grazed alpine pastures with a dog. If you must cross farmed alpine pastures with your pet, keep the dog on a short leash and let go immediately if attacked by cattle.
10 Rules of Conduct for Interacting with Grazing Livestock
- Avoid contact with grazing livestock—do not feed the animals, keep a safe distance, and it’s best to hike without a dog!
- Stay calm—do not startle grazing livestock!
- Mother cows protect their calves—avoid encounters between mother cows and dogs!
- Always keep dogs under control and on a short leash. If an attack by a grazing animal is imminent: let the dog off the leash immediately!
- Do not stray from hiking trails on alpine pastures and grazing lands!
- If grazing livestock blocks the path, go around them keeping as much distance as possible!
- If grazing livestock approaches: Stay calm, do not turn your back, and move out of the animals’ way!
- Leave the pasture area promptly at the first signs of agitation!
- Pay attention to fences! If there is a gate, use it, then close it securely behind you and cross the pasture quickly!
- Treat the people working here, nature, and the animals with respect!
