Hiking with dogs in the Allgäu & Kleinwalsertal
Picturesque mountain lakes instead of gray facades: Treat yourself and your four-legged friend to a break from everyday life and bring them to the southern Allgäu. Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome on the hiking trails in this two-country hiking region; on seven mountains in Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal, you can experience the beauty of the Alps on easy hikes as well as on strenuous tours. The dog-friendly Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen guarantee a "comfortable ascent" when hiking with your dog. Once you arrive at the mountain station, you can access the well-marked hiking and panoramic trails on the Nebelhorn, Fellhorn, Söllereck, Kanzelwand, Heuberg, Walmendingerhorn, or Ifen. Fresh mountain air, interesting trails, and clear mountain lakes are enjoyed by both humans and dogs alike. Whether lush meadows in summer or winter hikes in the Allgäu:/active-sport/winterhiking/ – the two-country region creates the ideal backdrop for a perfect dog day.
Our guideline for hiking with dogs in the Allgäu (Oberstdorf) & Kleinwalsertal
Using our cable cars with your dog? No problem.
- If you use the cable cars in the Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal region, your dog will also need a ticket for the hike. You will receive the ticket in the form of a tag that is attached to your collar. The price for a day ticket is €8.00 (valid for 7 days), and the price for an annual ticket is €40 (the annual ticket is always valid for the calendar year). Tickets are available directly at all Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal cable car ticket offices.
- Dogs that are taken along as guide dogs or assistance dogs do not require a ticket or muzzle and are therefore transported free of charge.
- Please also note that dogs must be kept on a leash in the cable car areas and on their hiking trails without exception. We therefore ask all dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash. Unfamiliar smells from the alpine flora and fauna can lead to unexpected reactions, especially in city dogs. So it's better to put an obedient dog on a leash than to have to call it back later.
- Since some guests, especially children, are afraid of dogs, muzzles are required on some cable cars.* These include the Nebelhorn, Fellhorn, and Walmendingerhorn. If you don't have a muzzle for your dog, you can purchase one at the ticket office (DE small €4.50, large €6 // AT small €6, large €7.50).
- Your dog does not need a muzzle on our cable cars at Söllereck, Kanzelwand, Ifen, and Heuberg.
- Your dog does not need a muzzle on our cable cars at Söllereck, Kanzelwand, Ifen*, and Heuberg.
Hiking with dogs in Oberstdorf / Kleinwalsertal: Dog toilets in the two-country region
In the Allgäu region (Oberstdorf) and Kleinwalsertal, hiking with dogs is a popular activity – one that shouldn't be a burden on nature. When hiking with your dog, please use our dog poop bag dispensers and dog restrooms, which you can find throughout our trails. The meadows and fields must be kept free of dog feces, as otherwise the grazing cows could become seriously ill. You can find our dog restrooms on the map.
Drinking opportunities for dogs on our dog walking tours
On this map, we've listed all the drinking water options for your dog on the Hikes in Oberstdorf and on the hikes in Kleinwalsertal. However, the Burmiwasser adventure trail, whose stream accompanies a Hike for Children on the Kanzelwand, should not be used as a drinking water source. Most restaurants generally provide dog bowls—but it's best to pack your own bowl for your dog on your next dog-friendly hike.
Tips for hiking with dogs in the Allgäu
- Flexi leashes and long leashes are less suitable for hiking with dogs around Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal. You can't go wrong with joering leashes or guide leashes. These leashes allow dog owners to quickly rein in dogs in dangerous situations.
- Whether in the Allgäu or Kleinwalsertal: When hiking with your dog, make sure you have enough food and, ideally, bring your own drinking bowl.
- Especially with cows and calves grazing freely on the alpine pastures, keep your dog on a short leash, walk past calmly and at a safe distance, and deviate from the path if necessary. If you encounter other animals in nature with your dog, you should react with the same respect.
- If a cow attack occurs while hiking with your dog, the grazing cattle felt threatened. Mother cows, in particular, can become very aggressive. In this case, you should actually unleash your dog to allow it to escape and divert the cows' attention from the hikers.
- If you're traveling from further away, it's recommended that you book accommodation so your dog doesn't have to endure two trips in one day. There are numerous dog-friendly accommodations in the two-country hiking region where you can book a relaxing overnight stay for both humans and animals.
Nothing stands in the way of hiking with your dog in the Oberstdorf region
Hiking with the whole family, hiking with a stroller, or hiking with a dog is always an experience in the two-country region. Whether you have a Golden Retriever, Labrador, Maltese, or Jack Russell Terrier, there's a suitable hiking trail for every dog breed in the area around the Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal cable cars. Whether it's a short walk on the panoramic trail or a multi-hour hike, all trails are generally suitable for dogs when hiking in the Allgäu or on the Austrian peaks of the Kleinwalsertal. However, you should know your dog's fitness level best and be able to assess which hike you think he's capable of.
