Camping with dog in South Tyrol

Dogs also get their money's worth when camping in South Tyrol. There are a number of dog-friendly campsites in the region. Many campsite operators know that campers like to take their four-legged friends on holiday with them and offer additional services such as dog play areas, dog showers and pet-friendly motorhome pitches. And with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, South Tyrol is also one of the friendliest hiking regions in Europe for four-legged friends.

Camping with a dog in South Tyrol: all important information at a glance

South Tyrol is ideal for a camping holiday with your dog. In the marvellous landscape between mountain peaks and extensive meadows, there are plenty of opportunities to run around and exercise in the fresh air.

The dog-friendly campsites in Tyrol offer the perfect feel-good atmosphere for four-legged friends. They are usually located near walking paths and hiking trails where masters or mistresses can take their four-legged companions for a walk. Some campsites also offer special additional services.

These include dog showers, dog exercise areas and dog playgrounds. The pet-friendly campsites for dogs in Tyrol also usually have dog waste bags for your dog's droppings. In some cases, there are also bathing facilities so that the two-legged friends can refresh themselves in summer.

Generally speaking, dogs must be kept on a lead in South Tyrol, although there may be different regulations in different places. Dog owners should also always carry a muzzle. To enter the country, you will need an EU pet passport with a rabies vaccination certificate and a microchip for your dog.

Campsites for dog owners in South Tyrol

Here is a selection of particularly dog-friendly campsites in South Tyrol.

Alpencamping Nenzing

Pet-friendly campsite with plenty of opportunities to run around and a warm dog shower to freshen up after a hike. Dogs are allowed in the campsite restaurant. On arrival, dog owners receive a hiking pass with various route suggestions. Particularly hard-working dogs can collect points on each hike and are rewarded with the "Hero of the Mountains" badge.

Sesto Caravan Park

There is a welcome gift for dog owners on arrival. Dogs can even be looked after by a dog sitter on request. There are bags and dog showers throughout the site. Dog kennels can also be hired on request. Four-legged friends are allowed in the restaurant.

Schlosshof Camping

Luxurious holiday village where well-behaved dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a lead. However, dogs are not allowed on the sunbathing lawns or in the pool. The campsite has its own dog bath where you can shower your dog. Dog owners must leave the site to walk their dogs; the orchards around the holiday village and the many beautiful paths in the surrounding area are ideal for this.

Camping Ansitz Wildberg

Beautiful campsite for dog owners in the Puster Valley. Special services for four-legged friends include dog showers, a dog street and a dog door. Those travelling with four-legged friends must pay a small additional fee. There are a number of hiking trails in the surrounding area, and the Pustertal Valley cycle path runs right past the campsite.

Top tips

• When camping with a dog in South Tyrol, your four-legged friend will enjoy a stay in the fresh air and plenty of exercise. However, pet owners should specifically look for dog-friendly campsites. Some campsites have seasonal restrictions on when dogs are allowed on site.
• It is also worth comparing the facilities at the campsites. Four-legged guests feel particularly at home on campsites that have their own dog exercise area. Dog showers provide cooling on hot days and clean fur and paws in muddy weather. Some campsites in South Tyrol even offer regular dog training courses.
• Although there is nothing better for a dog than spending the whole day outdoors with its owner, some animals still find it difficult to get used to it. The dog's sleeping place from home and its favourite toy ensure that the dog quickly feels at home on the campsite.

Activities and excursions

When camping with a dog in South Tyrol, two- and four-legged friends can go on long walks to the mighty peaks of the Dolomites or to the Merano region with its picturesque vineyards. Water lovers are drawn to the dog-friendly lakes.

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, two- and four-legged friends can stroll along blossoming almond and cherry trees in spring and discover exotic palm trees, magnolias and agaves. Lakes invite you to swim amidst the marvellous mountain panorama.

Hiking with the dog

Whether up to the highest peaks in South Tyrol or family-friendly hikes on flat terrain, a dog-friendly campsite in South Tyrol is an ideal starting point for exploring nature on foot.

In the Gitschberg-Jochtal region, for example, an 11 km tour through forests and past flowering meadows to the Rodenecker Alm starts at the Zumis car park near Rodeneck. From the high plateau, guests can enjoy views of the Zillertal and Ötztal Alps in fine weather.

The numerous Waalwege paths along former irrigation channels are also perfect for long walks. The 12 km long Marlinger Waalweg from Töll to Lana is particularly idyllic. There are numerous dog-friendly refreshment stops along the way.

Fantastic lakes for dog owners

On hot days, two- and four-legged friends can find refreshment in the clear mountain lakes of South Tyrol. One of the favourite meeting places for dog owners is the emerald-green Lake Dobbiaco, where four-legged friends can splash around to their heart's content.

Four-legged friends are also allowed in the water at the Zoggler reservoir in Ultental Valley, the Vernagt reservoir in Schnalstal Valley and the Felixer Weiher pond in Deutschnonsberg. Well-maintained paths around the picturesque waters invite you to go for a walk.

Events

From spring to autumn, numerous events in South Tyrol invite you to get to know culture and customs.

March/April

• Easter in Merano/Meran: Easter is celebrated in style throughout South Tyrol. On Holy Saturday, the Merano market on the upper Freiheitsstraße attracts visitors with regional handicrafts and natural products. On Easter Monday, the Merano racecourse is the centre of attraction for animal lovers: In addition to the Haflinger gallop race, there is also a festive parade.

August

• South Tyrolean Knights' Games: Show fights such as jousting and archery thrill visitors to the South Tyrolean Knights' Games at Churburg Castle in Val Venosta/Vinschgau. Children look forward to the pony rides and the petting zoo.

September

• Cattle drive in Val Venosta/Vinschgau: After the summer, cows and sheep return from the mountain pastures to the villages of Val Venosta/Vinschgau. In Mals, Tasch or Sulden, guests and locals marvel at magnificently decorated animals and savour South Tyrolean delicacies.