Travel with dogs
Dogs can be taken on the city transportation routes operated by the Innsbrucker Verkesbetriebe and also on public buses outside of Innsbruck for free (muzzled and on a leash). On trains operated by the OEBB Austrian Federal Railways, dog owners are required to pay 10% of the full price for their four-legged friend (= standard ticket) or a minimum rate of € 2, whichever is greater. The only exception is for registered assistance dogs who are allowed to travel for free (no muzzle required).
Doggy etiquette
Dogs in the city and countryside
- Dogs must be kept on a leash in built-up areas and in the city.
- Dogs must be kept on a short leash in public buildings, parks, playgrounds and at markets.
- Dogs are not allowed on the grass or planted areas.
- In Innsbruck and the surrounding areas there are several dog parks where dogs are allowed to run free
- Free bags are available to take care of the dog's business from "Sackerlspender" (bag dispensers) located throughout the entire area. Please dispose of the bags in the assigned bins.
- From spring to autumn, dogs must be kept on a leash in agricultural fields and on farmland.
- Dogs are generally not allowed in museums.
Swimming with your dog
Dogs are unfortunately not allowed at the swimming lakes in the Innsbruck region. The region does, however, offer a number of other options for helping your four-legged friends cool off. If you walk along the River Inn from Baggersee lake, heading in the direction of Hall (to the east), for example, you will find a number of small bays. These are ideal for splashing around when the river is low – at your own risk, of course. You can also find some great spots along the River Inn behind the airport or make the most of the streams and cold mountain lakes awaiting you on a mountain hike.
Dogs on lifts and cable cars
The lifts and cable cars in and around Innsbruck are the quickest way to reach a destination high up in the Alps, where you can enjoy stunning views, fresh air and plenty of space to explore. Dogs are also allowed to travel in some of these lifts. Below you can find a summary of the rules that apply to the various lifts and cable cars:
| Lifts and cable cars | Dogs allowed | Dogs travel for free | Information |
| Nordkettenbahn | yes | yes | Dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle, Dogs are not allowed at the Alpine Zoo! |
| Muttereralmbahn lift | yes | yes | - |
| Nockspitzbahn | yes | yes | - |
| Patscherkofelbahn lift | yes | - | Dogs must wear a muzzle. |
| Bergbahn Oberperfuss | yes | yes | - |
| Stubaier Gletscher | yes | yes |
Guided hikes with dogs
Hiking fans are sure to love our free mountain hiking programme with qualified mountain guides. Dogs are unfortunately not allowed to accompany you on these tours out of consideration for other participants and in order to prevent problematic encounters with grazing animals. However, there is another option for dog-lovers who are looking for like-minded people: The company Joy and Co organise paid hiking tours for dog owners. Your four-legged friends are more than welcome to join you on these tours, which are run by a dog trainer and biologist who shares lots of interesting information about the flora and fauna that you discover on your hike. Alongside hikes, Joy and Co also offers individual training sessions to help dogs and their owners live together in perfect harmony.
FRESH WATER FOR THIRSTY DOGS
In Innsbruck, crystal clear water flows straight down from the mountains and directly into the city's water supply. If you're out and about in Innsbruck, you can take advantage of the multitude of free drinking fountains to quench your thirst. Find out where these fountains are located on our interactive map. You can, of course, also use the fountains to fill up your dog's bowl when exploring the city.
