Unforgettable ‘bow-wow ’ moments in the natural surroundings for quadrupeds & bipeds
It is in the nature of things that dog-owners and their four-legged friends are out and about in open natural surroundings a great deal. For all those of you who want to sample the altitude air with your quadruped, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is an ideal excursion destination. After all, up here man’s best friend is a welcome guest!
Hiking with your dog – a wonderful experience
There is so much for two-legged and four-legged alike to explore and experience along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Whether it is a leisurely stroll in the crystal-clear mountain air, or an extended hiking tour on one of the many high alpine paths – the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park are peppered with an extensive network of hiking paths. There is certainly something for every wa(o)nderer!
Lush Alpine meadows tempt you to run about, and there are rocks and stones for plenty of scrambling. The nice thing is that you will always come across rushing streams, little lakes and snowy fields, even in the middle of summer – on hot summer days in particular these provide welcome refreshment for your over-heated furry friend and your own hot, hiking feet. Encounters with whistling marmots and mighty ibex provide genuine ‘(bow)-wow moments’ for bipeds and quadrupeds alike.
Four tips for four paws
Be aware that heading out with your dog into Alpine terrain always requires specific preparation for human and animal alike. Your furry friend – just like you – might need special (hiking)equipment:
Plenty of water
Consider always having your own supply of water and packing a drinks bowl for your four-legged friend in your rucksack. Even if hikes along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road always pass by natural water sources and cosy Alpine inns, which tempt owner and dog in for refreshments.
Shade & Breaks
On longer ascents in the summer ensure you choose the paths which provide the most shade possible. And consider having breaks more often – this if good for two (and four) legs alike!
Scoop up the poop
The rule that applies to hikers leaving waste behind in the mountains as much as it does to their dogs too – nothing should be left in the forest or on the pastures!
Leads are compulsory
Dog lovers know that while they are out on hikes in open terrain, dogs are to be kept on a lead. On Alpine pastures in particular you will encounter grazing animals like cows, horses, sheep and goats, as well as wild animals. So they don’t feel their habitat is being threatened, leads are compulsory throughout the Hohe Tauern National Park. Our tip: a harness and a long lead provide plenty of scope for dog and owner to move around freely.
If you come across grazing animals, pay heed to the follow tips with regard to conduct:
- Walk your dog calmy and quickly past on a short lead.
- Always keep a look out for grazing animals, so you are able to react in good time.
- Avoid direct contact with animals that are on the pastures with their young.
- Young animals are often curious and boisterous – for that reason, keep your distance.
- Should a threatening situation arise, stay calm and carefully retreat with your dog.
- Should an animal approach you, take your dog off the lead.