Camping with dog in Switzerland

Whether majestic mountain peaks, rolling vineyards or picturesque lakes form the backdrop for the campsite: Camping with a dog in Switzerland promises pure nature and a varied break with dog-friendly activities. Numerous campsites welcome dogs. In addition to accommodation, some also offer amenities such as dog showers and meadows as well as attractive activities in the surrounding area.

Top destinations

The Swiss canton of Valais is generally considered dog-friendly. It also offers the highest campsites with dogs in Switzerland. Extensive terrain, which stretches like terraces with glacier views over unspoilt alpine meadows, is the ideal starting point for a carefree holiday. Dogs travel free of charge on many mountain railways and can splash around in mountain lakes to their heart's content. Hiking routes that have been specially designed for walking with dogs are a speciality.

In the canton of Thurgau, campsites on Lake Constance welcome dog owners in a rural setting with spacious meadow areas and dog showers. Bathing areas by the lake, the nearby Lake Constance cycle path and excursion destinations such as Uhldingen-Mühlhofen on the opposite side of the lake are among the highlights of this region.

The Züricher Weinland in the canton of Zurich also has dog-friendly campsites in marvellous locations. In Flaach am Rhein on the left bank of the Rhine, well-maintained pitches with meadows and mixed woodland make ideal starting points for exploring the neighbouring Thurauen.

In the beautiful lake and mountain landscape of the Bernese Oberland in the canton of Bern, dog lovers will discover campsites with facilities such as sunbathing lawns with direct lake access and a dog shower. An insider tip is the small peninsula that juts out into Lake Brienz. In the Bernese Oberland, dogs are allowed on cable cars and gondolas and are usually free of charge.

Top tips

• Sometimes a subtle difference in the wording can indicate whether a dog is welcome or allowed on a campsite.
• It's worth reading the small print carefully and checking for any restrictions: Are dogs allowed in the lake and/or restaurant? How many animals are allowed? Are there areas where dogs are allowed to run free?
• Campsites with additional facilities such as a play area, bathing areas or a shower for dogs are particularly dog-friendly. Dog lovers and their pets are likely to feel at home here.
• If in doubt, it is advisable to take your usual dog food with you, as it may not be available.

Activities and excursions

From leisurely walks to extended tours: hikes are at the top of the popularity scale when camping with dogs in Switzerland. Dog owners enjoy the beauty of nature while their four-legged friends let off steam as they circle deep blue lakes, cross fragrant forests and explore lovely river valleys. Cultural sights such as impressive open-air museums offer variety and are perfectly complemented by themed trails.

The Lecky Trail in Bellwald

In Bellwald in the canton of Valais, the first Lecky Trail in Switzerland invites you to hike along three routes where two- and four-legged friends get their money's worth. A training course with several stations stretches between Fleschen and Gassen. After fun and games, the refreshing mountain lakes of the Vierseen beckon for a long swim.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps"

On the northern shore of Lake Constance in Uhldingen-Mühlhofen are the sites of prehistoric settlements built in the form of pile dwellings. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited in the pile-dwelling village of Uhldingen. Dogs are allowed on a lead in the open-air museum on this impressive journey through time.

The Stone Age trail in Thayngen

Not far from the north-western shore of Lake Constance in the canton of Schaffhausen, the Stone Age Trail in Thayngen is a worthwhile excursion destination. The themed trail is divided into three routes of 15.5, 8.4 and 11.2 kilometres in length and leads past archaeological sites. These are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of pile dwellings and provide exciting insights into prehistoric times.

The natural spectacle of the Rhine Falls

There are a number of other attractions around Europe's largest waterfall, such as the night-time illumination of the Rhine Falls, an adventure park, a museum and boat trips.

Circular hiking trail from Stein am Rhein

From the small medieval town of Stein am Rhein with its charming half-timbered houses, a high-level trail leads to Hohenklingen Castle. Here you can enjoy marvellous panoramic views of the Rhine landscape before returning to the banks of the Rhine through forests, vineyards and steps.

The Thurauen

The Thurauen Nature Centre houses an interactive exhibition in its visitor centre with exciting insights into the habitats of floodplains. A footbridge leads to an adventure trail that winds its way through the floodplain forest. For the most part, dogs must be kept on a lead here, but there are places where they can run and swim freely.

Siss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site

In and around the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site, magnificent excursion destinations await discovery: among the most beautiful are the Gastern Valley with the Kander Falls, Lake Oeschinen, the Wild Kiental and the Valley of 72 Waterfalls. At the centre of the World Heritage Site, the Jungfraujoch offers attractions such as the Sphinx viewing platform and the Ice Palace as well as snow walks.

Events

Glamping or camping with a dog in Switzerland is the ideal opportunity to visit regional events with a cultural or culinary focus.

June

• During the grape blossom festival in Blauburgunderland Schaffhausen, wineries open their doors for tastings and socialising. In the evening, the vineyards in Hallau shine in the glow of Swedish fires and Finnish candles, while the sounds of the alphorn accompany the picturesque scenery.

July

• The three-day apricot festival in Saxon is all about the Valais orchards. Concerts, gourmet walks, a large apricot market and numerous activities make up a varied supporting programme.
• At the end of July, the large Rhine Falls fireworks display "Fire on the Rocks" is an impressive light spectacle against the backdrop of the illuminated waterfall.
• During the three-day Uhldingen harbour festival, the waterfront promenade in Unteruhldingen is transformed into a festival mile. The traditional scrap metal regatta and romantic lake fireworks are the highlights of the supporting programme.

August

• For three days, the wine cellars in Valais open their doors and invite visitors to taste the wide variety of Valais wines in more than 230 cellars.

September

• As part of the Hegau-Schaffhausen Museum Night, cultural sites in several towns in Germany and Switzerland open their doors across borders. Culinary highlights and various events form accompanying programmes.