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Excursion destinations for dogs & owners in the Murau region
From lakes, gorges & sun-drenched trails – your vacation with your dog in Austria
"What are we doing today?" Anyone who goes on vacation with their dog knows that look: curious, excited, full of energy, and usually before breakfast. Whether you're an active mountain lover or a relaxed dog lover: the Murau region in Styria offers ideal excursions for two- and four-legged friends, all without stress, heat frustration, or prohibition signs. Here are our top 5 excursion destinations in Murau and the surrounding area, where dogs & their owners alike will get their money's worth, including cooling off, snacks, and panoramic views, of course.
1. Swimming spots with your dog in the Murau region
Water fun for furry friends
Jumping into cool water isn't just a summer luxury for us humans—many dogs are real water lovers too. The Murau region has several dog-friendly lakes that invite you to splash around, sniff and sunbathe together. If you prefer quiet places away from the hustle and bustle, without mass tourism and other bathers, then these four lakes are real insider tips for your swimming vacation with your dog in the Murau region:
- Schattensee: Picturesquely located, quiet, perfect for relaxed mornings.
- Etrachsee: With a deluxe mountain backdrop and ideal for a picnic with your four-legged friend.
- Auerlingsee: An insider tip for those who like it quieter.
- Weirerteich: When culinary delights are a must.
2. Hiking with your dog on the Frauenalpe
6.5 kilometers of mountain bliss on four paws
Of course: hiking is as much a part of a vacation in the mountains as treats are part of your backpack. The tour to the Frauenalpe is perfect for active dog owners.
Distance: 6.5 km I Ascent: approx. 390 m I Duration: approx. 2 hours I Highlight: Stop at the Murauer Hut with mountain views and delicious snacks
The paths are well maintained, there are plenty of shaded areas and enough meadows to roll around and sniff. Tip: Bring enough water for your dog & yourself. Reward? There are treats at the summit cross and down at the hut a cold drink. Please also note: The forest is home to wildlife, and visitors should show respect (and keep their dogs on a leash). Find out what else you should definitely pack when you go on vacation with your dog here.
3. Mur Promenade in Murau
A walk with cultural flair & Coolcation feeling
Sometimes it's okay to just relax. The Mur Promenade is a dog-friendly walking path through the heart of Murau, right along the river, with shady sections, lots of places to stop and smell the flowers, benches to rest on, and small cafes and shops within easy reach. "Hiking" with your dog, but in a veeeeery relaxed way.
If you're in the mood for culture, you can combine your walk with a stroll through the old town, a perfect outing for quiet morning walks or cozy afternoons with your four-legged friend. Sounds like the perfect destination for a trip with your dog in the Murau region.
4. Graggerschlucht & Cascading Waterfall
Insider tip for your vacation with your dog
(W)oof—that feels good!
Shady adventures for hot days, with a snack finale. When the sun is beating down, there's only one thing for it: head for the gorge! The Graggerschlucht gorge near Zeutschach is the perfect micro-adventure for hot days, cool, shady, with babbling brooks and wild footbridges. The trail leads through a mystical gorge to the "7-Kirchen-Blick" observation tower, where not only the view but also the Zeischgl wine tavern with snacks and fresh water from the fountain awaits you and your buddy. An absolutely top excursion and at the same time an insider tip for you and your dog in the Murau region.
Tip: If you are traveling with children, be sure to make a detour to "ZeckiLand," a lovingly designed forest playground with a self-service hut and plenty of space to romp, climb, and linger.
5. Grosseck-Speiereck Summer Cable Car
Barrier-free, dog-friendly & full of possibilities
High up – and without breaking a sweat. The Grosseck-Speiereck summer cable cars take you and your four-legged friend comfortably up to over 2,000 meters above sea level. At the top, you'll not only be greeted by a magnificent panorama, but also by the Sonnenhang trail, a 3 km long path that is barrier-free and ideal for strollers or leisurely dog walks. Everything else has been thought of here too: dogs and strollers ride for free, benches along the paths invite you to take a breather while the little ones let off steam on the playground, the slackline, or the bouldering wall. For the grown-ups, there are rustic huts with dog-friendly terraces, perfect for a cozy stop with a view—an absolute wow effect on your Austrian vacation with your dog.
Tip: During the summer months of July and August, there is a free daily activity program for the whole family – ideal for anyone who wants to fill their vacation with exercise, nature, and doggy delight.
Vacation for the whole pack
Whether it's hiking boots, swimwear, or simply your favorite leash, the Murau region has plenty to offer dog lovers. From cool lakes and shady gorges to leisurely city walks and magnificent mountain scenery at 2,000 meters, every paw will find its way here. Best of all, at ALPS RESORTS you'll also find plenty of dog-friendly resorts. Treat yourself to the wow effect: start your dog-friendly vacation in Austria.
Distance to ski slopes
1,2 km
Distance to cable car
1,2 km
Distance to golf course
16,8 km
Distance to ski slopes
0,5 km
Distance to cable car
0,5 km
Distance to swimming facilities
1,7 km
Distance to ski slopes
0,4 km
Distance to cable car
0,2 km
Distance to golf course
2,1 km
Distance to ski slopes
2,8 km
Distance to cable car
2,8 km
Distance to golf course
2,7 km
Distance to ski slopes
1,1 km
Distance to cable car
1,1 km
Distance to golf course
17,6 km
Distance to ski slopes
1 km
Distance to cable car
1 km
Distance to golf course
18,7 km
Distance to ski slopes
1 - 2 km
Distance to cable car
3,5 km
Distance to swimming facilities
2,5 km
Distance to golf course
16,8 km
Distance to ski slopes
6 km
Distance to cable car
6 km
Distance to cross-country trail
13,9 km
Distance to swimming facilities
0,5 km
Distance to golf course
13,3 km
Distance to ski slopes
6 km
Distance to cable car
5,7 km
Distance to swimming facilities
1,6 km
Distance to golf course
4,2 km
Frequently asked questions about vacationing with dogs in Austria
ALPS RESORTS is a particularly dog-friendly provider with numerous resorts in prime alpine locations.
Recommended locations for vacations with dogs in Styria around the Murau region:
- Chalets Lambrecht Nature Park - Styria
- Kreischberg Holiday Park – Styria
- Rehfugium Lachtal - Styria
- Almdorf Stadl - Styria
- Vitalhof am Kreischberg - Styria
- Feriendorf Murau - Styria
- Bergresort Lachtal - Styria
These resorts offer plenty of space, nature on your doorstep and often direct access to hiking trails – perfect for active vacationers with dogs.
Away from the classic tourist hotspots, the following are particularly recommended:
- Early morning alpine hikes (fewer people, pleasant temperatures)
- Smaller natural lakes instead of large beach resorts
- Regions such as Murau or Turracher Höhe with lots of space
- Chalet or vacation home vacations instead of hotels
Quieter mountain regions with lots of nature in particular allow for stress-free days for both people and animals.
Yes, many natural lakes have their own dog bathing areas or allow dogs outside of official beach zones. Especially in alpine regions, there are quiet natural spots that are well suited for dogs. For example, in the Murau region, there are the Schattensee, Etrachsee, Auerlingsee, and Weirerteich lakes, where both humans and animals can enjoy the cool water.
Vacation homes or chalets offer more space, privacy, and flexibility—ideal for dogs. No stress in the breakfast room, no cramped hotel corridors, and often direct access to nature.
Spring and fall are considered ideal: pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and perfect conditions for longer hikes.
Important points are:
- Leash laws in many regions
- Protection from heat in summer
- Sufficient water
- Caution around grazing animals
- Emergency number of the nearest veterinarian
Copyright © ALPS RESORTS, Roi Loipold, Michael Weberberger, TVB Murau, Steiermark Tourismus
Claudia S.
Affiliate & Social Media Manager at ALPS RESORTS
Always hungry - for good food, new favorite places and fresh ideas. Shares recipes, travel tips and vacation inspiration for everyone who loves mountains, indulgence and relaxing time out.
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