8 Holiday Destinations for Dog & Owner

It's almost time again! The big summer holidays are approaching, and it's time for a vacation. Whether you're staying home or wanderlust is pulling you out of Switzerland, our colorful team surely has the right holiday destination in store for you. We've gathered our favorite holiday spots, paw-friendly, to sweeten your vacation.

Holiday Destinations and Day Trips in Switzerland

You don't always have to travel far to relax and unwind. Especially in Switzerland, good things are often close at hand.

Andreas's Favorite Spot: Thal Nature Park

The Canton of Solothurn captivates not only with its well-known Munot and the azure blue water that flows through the cantonal capital, but also with the Balsthal, which stretches directly along the border with the Canton of Bern, offering a spectacular backdrop for two and four-legged explorers alike.

From Neu-Falkenstein Castle to Neu-Bechburg Castle: Hikers, adventurers, poets, and history lovers, as well as their furry friends, will all find something to enjoy here.

Whether you're just visiting Balsthal for a day to explore the Holzweg (wooden path), visit the three castles in the area, or are looking for several days of hiking fun on the Jura ridgeway hike, hikers and adventure seekers of all levels will get their money's worth here – tested by Andrea and her young and old furry companions!

The best part? On the website of Balsthal, you can filter your excursion destination by duration and sort tours by difficulty level.

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Senja's Tip: Hike to the Sidelen Hut

For a dreamlike panorama and plenty of fresh mountain air, we recommend the hike to the Sidelenhütte for both dogs and their owners.

The starting point for this hike is the Furkapass post bus stop. From here, you first walk across a flat meadow heading north. The beautiful hut trail begins with a gentle ascent across mountain meadows until you cross the Sidelenbach stream (2524 m.a.s.l.). Afterwards, you climb over moraines past the mountain lake (2674 m.a.s.l.) in a zigzag up to the Sidelenhütte (2708 m.a.s.l.).

In good weather, you have a view of the impressive granite walls, glaciers, and rocks in the high alpine terrain. From the hut, various other routes invite you to hike, climb, and mountaineer (the latter please without paws).

For the descent, take the same path back.

Hike to Sidelhorn

A first-class view awaits you on the Sidelhorn!

The starting point for the hike is the Grimsel Passhöhe bus stop at the Totesee. From here, follow the signpost to the Husegghütte.

The path zigzags upwards and leads in a moderately steep ascent over alpine meadows and past rocky slopes to the Husegghütte and on a wide rocky ridge to the Sidelhorn.

The ascent to the 2,764-meter-high summit presents no technical difficulties. However, over the last hundred meters of altitude, it becomes significantly steeper and ascends between large boulders.


At the summit, a magnificent 360° view awaits you. To the east, above the Totensee, the peaks of the Uri Alps extend, from which the Galenstock prominently stands out.

To the west, in good weather, you can recognize the Matterhorn and the surrounding four-thousanders. The most spectacular view, however, is towards the northwest: In the depths, the Trüebtensee shimmers blue-green, behind it the mighty Finsteraarhorn and many glaciers rise.

For the return journey, follow the hiking trail towards Triebteseewli and then turn right again towards Huesegghütte and from there back to the pass. The path from Sidelhorn down to Triebtesse-Licken leads over large boulders.

Attention: For this hike, owner*s and dog must be sure-footed, and bipeds must wear good hiking boots.

Hike Flüela Schwarzhorn

The Schwarzhorn offers a somewhat easier hike with incredible views, which our adventurer, Senja, has completed for you. From the summit, in good weather, you can see from the Grossglockner to Mont Blanc!

You start your hike at the bus stop (Abzweigung Flüela Schwarzhorn). It leads towards Schwarzhornfurgga past the Schwarzchopf at 2,500 m above sea level.

The route continues to the Schwarzhornfurgga at 2,883 m above sea level. From the Schwarzhornfurgga, it zigzags up to the summit.

The hike offers a comparatively easy ascent to a three-thousand-meter peak with an impressive panoramic view. However, owner and dog must still be sure-footed, and bipeds must wear good hiking shoes.

You can't go on a trip without it

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With your four-legged friend abroad

We've got you covered for wanderlust too!

Senja's wanderlust destination: Lago di Braies, Italy

Looking for something new? Have you been bitten by the travel bug? Then Senja recommends Lago di Braies, probably the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites.

In addition to the wonderful circular path around the crystal-clear lake, the Braies Valley also offers many mountain hiking trails, such as the hike to Dürrenstein, and excursion destinations, such as the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

From July 10th to September 10th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Braies Valley can only be reached by bus, on foot, by bike, or with a confirmed online reservation, meaning a valid transit permit (40€ per car). Outside of this period, Lake Braies can be visited without restrictions.

Senja's tip: For the lake, definitely go early or late in the evening!

Vanessa's Oasis of Well-being: Lovran, Croatia

If you want to reach great heights, but also enjoy small-town life by the sea, stay overnight in Lovran, stroll along the stone paths of the pier during the hot afternoon sun, and enjoy a cool drink in the shade (or a dip in the cool water). Then, in the late afternoon, drive (or take the bus) to the nearby visitor center of the Učka National Park to embark on an approximately 2-hour hike to Vojak Peak.

The view is spectacular, and both dogs and their human companions can marvel not only at the islands of Mali Lošinj, Krk, and Rab, but also admire Istria and even the east coast of Italy from afar. The view from up here is especially beautiful early in the morning or just before sunset (when it's also not as hot).

While dogs and their owners need to be sure-footed and fit, the summit is easily accessible and can (but doesn't have to) even be reached partly via a paved road.

For a successful hike, inform yourselves beforehand here. Please note: due to wildlife, dogs must be kept on a leash.

Vivi's pin on the map: Brittany, France

Lavender fields, the vast open sea and plenty of 'laisser faire'.

Brittany not only offers breathtakingly beautiful panoramas and historical monuments, but also relaxation for both dog and owner.

Between exploring seashores and sunken cities along the coast, northern France offers a spectacular holiday experience. Brittany has many dog-friendly beaches where your furry friend can sometimes run around freely.

Quickly pack the car tent - or book a dog-friendly holiday apartment - and the adventure can begin. With approximately 9 hours driving to the beautiful French north, it is advisable to make an overnight stop in Dijon.

Journey time: approx. 9 hours, ideally spread over two days
Particularly worth seeing: Glenan Islands, Domaine des Ormes, Le Havre, Vierville sur Mer, Caen, Île de Batz, Guissény

Vanessa's Insider Tip: Medveja, Croatia

Would you like to travel a little further afield? Then visit our blogger's insider tip!

Croatia not only captivates with its sea and its open and hospitable people, but also offers adventure (and relaxation) on land.

If you are looking for a pinch of both, then a holiday in Medveja is highly recommended.

Medveja has a campsite that offers practically direct access to the sea for a dip in the cool water before or after a hike in Učka, one of the country's most beautiful nature parks.

From Medveja, a hiking trail leads to Lovranska Draga, which can be covered in the cool shade of the trees, while you let yourself be enchanted and carried away by the flora and fauna.

You can find everything about the nature park and its hiking trails here.

So, where will you and your paw be heading this year? Do you prefer holidays in Switzerland, or do you venture across borders to distant lands during the summer months? We're already looking forward to your reports!

Sources:
Image 'Dog in the Mountains': Lara Gonzalo / Pixabay
Image 'Dog Camping': 현국 신 /Pixabay
Image 'Flüela Schwarzhorn': Senja Kiener
Image 'Sidelhorn': Senja Kiener
Image 'Thal Nature Park': Andrea Thiel
Image 'Lago di Braies': Senja Kiener
Image 'Medveja' and 'Lovran': Vanessa Gautschi