Does anyone have recommendations for a 3-4 day getaway from Zurich, with a dog? We're looking for a mini-holiday, would like to take the dog with, so would prefer outdoors-y activities. Hiking, nature, pretty views, etc. I realize many places will likely accept dogs, but wondered if anyone had done a trip already.

I usually love looking online, and finding great places, but after organizing the overseas move here with dog, I'm kind of tapped out. So if anyone has some great memories from somewhere, I'm game.

Thanks!

Found a book in the Orell Fusslli store on Banhoffstrasse that lists B&Bs in Switzerland. Each entry (in addition to how many stars it is rated, where it is, color photo, available ammenities) lists whether or not dogs are allowed.

We'll start with this resource and see what kinds of places we find.

Are you thinking about staying in Switzerland, or would you like to go farther afield?

In the 10 years we have been here, we have been all over Switzerland and a fair bit of Europe with our dogs. I've found that many hotels, even if not listed as 'dogs welcome' will accept your dog if you stress how well behaved and quiet he/she is. Oddly enough, I've rarely had a problem with more upscale hotels - the problems I've encountered have been with 1 or 2 star hotels. I've had very good luck with small Gasthauser or Berghotels, especially family run ones.

With 1 dog, I never had any problems finding a welcoming hotel. With 2, it was still pretty easy. I've found more than two to be tricky, though. Nowadays I don't even try to find a hotel accepting of my crew - I opt for day trips, or rent a free-standing chalet.

(I no longer holiday in cantons enforcing BSL (like VS), so I don't know how - or if - tolerance levels there may have changed in the last few years.)

To plan a hiking trip in Switzerland, we like the Kummerly and Frey hiking guides (Wanderbücher). These are great little books, printed by region, with suggestions for day hikes and longer trips. (Available at most stationary stores and booksellers.) They give good description of the walk including timing, elevation changes, difficulty level, restaurants, overnight accommodation, points of interest along the way, travel directions, parking possibilities or public transportation info. These have been very helpful in trying to match the hike to my guys' abilities - and mine.

FYI, from Hundeweb, here is a list of dog friendly hotels:

http://www.hundeweb.org/pid/120.html

But, for 3-4 day trip you could pretty much go anywhere in Switzerland - with a bit more info as to your plans/interests, I could give you some specific suggestions.

Hello,

We have also taken our dog on a number of trips since being here and we have found the hotels to be very understanding and many welcome the dog with open arms.

One trip to Baden Baden was very special. The Dorint provided bowls, snacks and bowls in the room as we arrived. We spent the days hiking in the black forest and traveling to small villages and towns. Then off to Munich and once again he was very welcome. Public transport, restaurants and coffee shops had no problem.

Europe seems to be a very dog friendly place.