Vacation with Your Dog in the Allgäu

Mountains, forest trails, fresh air, and plenty of space for exploration—whether short or long: Balderschwang is a wonderful place for a getaway with your dog.

To make sure your vacation is a relaxing time for your furry friend , too, we've put together a few tips—from getting there and feeding your dog the right amount to going on hikes with your dog.

For dogs, traveling always means change. New smells, unfamiliar sounds, an unfamiliar environment, and lots of new experiences can be exciting. That makes it all the more important to bring something familiar along on the trip.

A favorite toy, a familiar blanket, or their own bed can help them feel a little bit at home even when they're on the go. And when it comes to food, the same rule applies: Vacation isn't the right time to try out new things.

Our Short Packing List for a Vacation with Your Dog

• enough of the usual food—preferably with a little extra
• Water bottle and travel bowl
• Leash and Tug Leash
• Favorite blanket or dog bed
• Favorite Toy
• Towels for wet paws
• Poop bags
• Pet ID Card
• small first-aid kit
• Insurance documents
• a muzzle, if necessary

Tip: Before you travel, find out about the rules regarding dogs at your vacation destination and on any planned excursions.

Whether by car or train, a relaxing journey is the best way to start your vacation.

On longer car trips, taking regular breaks is, of course, a must. Getting some exercise, drinking water, and taking a little time to sniff around all help make the trip more enjoyable. When it comes to meals, it’s best to stick to your dog’s usual routine before and during the trip.

If you're traveling by train, you should check the specific travel policies for dogs in advance and consider what your dog will need during the trip.

And if you’d rather not pack all your dog’s food in your luggage: After checking with our front desk in advance, your dog’s vacation supply can be delivered directly to HUBERTUS. That leaves more room in your suitcase for what really matters on vacation.

Vacation already brings plenty of new experiences for dogs. There’s no need to add a change in diet to the mix.

If you plan to switch your pet's food, you should do so one to two weeks before the trip—not upon arrival.

During your vacation, it’s best to stick with the food in the bowl that your dog is used to at home and tolerates well. That way, your four-legged friend can focus on all the other new things: new paths, new smells, and, of course, plenty of adventures.

Feeding a raw diet on vacation—is that possible?

Anyone who feeds their dog a BARF diet knows the challenge: Fresh BARF needs to be kept cold and isn't always easy to store or prepare on the go.

That's why there are also BARF alternatives for travel that don't require refrigeration. This makes it easier to stick to your pet's usual diet even when you're on the go.

Tip from FRESCO:
FRESCO offers a variety of BARF options that are also suitable for travel. If you’d like to order your vacation supply in advance, you can have it delivered directly to Balderschwang after consulting with our front desk.

For many dogs, the best part of a vacation is what happens right outside the hotel door anyway.

Balderschwang is located at an elevation of 1,044 meters in the heart of the Allgäu Mountains. Trails wind through forests, across meadows, and up to overlooks offering sweeping views of the mountain landscape.

But not every hike has to be long or take you to high altitudes. Especially on vacation, it’s not about racking up as many kilometers and meters of elevation gain as possible. It’s about spending time outdoors together.

What to Keep in Mind When Hiking with Your Dog

• Tailor the hike to your dog
  Age, fitness level, size, and experience all play an important role. Not every dog is suited for a mountain hike lasting several hours.
• Bring enough water
  Even if you can find streams or other water sources along the way, you should always carry enough drinking water with you.
• Avoid the Heat
  Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in the summer. Hikes are often more pleasant early in the morning or in the late afternoon than in the midday sun.
• Keep an Eye on Their Paws
  Long walks, rocky terrain, or hot surfaces can put a strain on their paws. It’s a good idea to give them a quick check after the walk.
• Be Mindful of Grazing Animals
  In the Allgäu, cows and other grazing animals are a common sight. When encountering them, always maintain a safe distance and follow local rules.
• Bring a Leash
  Even if your dog usually runs free, you should always have a leash on hand. It can be especially important in the mountains, in nature reserves, or when encountering wild animals and livestock.