Spring trip tips for exploring Czechia with your dog – where to go
Spring came unusually early this year, so it’s no wonder we’re itching to get out and wondering where to go on an excursion with our canine companion. Whether you prefer day trips close to civilization or enjoy spending time in nature with your furry friend—read on! We have some original excursion ideas for you, where both you and your dog can feel at ease and enjoy plenty of freedom to roam and have fun. And we all know these moments are unforgettable! You can travel by car, train, or bus—but if you’re taking public transport, remember to bring a carrier or muzzle for your dog to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
Where to go on a spring day trip with your dog?
If you have a whole day to spend on an outing with your canine friend, make the most of it. Since spring days are still fairly short, pack your things the day before if possible and set off early in the morning, so you can reach your destination before nightfall. Depending on the month, darkness falls at around 4–7 p.m. Here are a few tried-and-tested ideas for a relaxing day trip with your dog
Discover the beauty of the Vltava River valley—the Svatojánské currents and the Ztracenka settlement
If you live in Prague or the surrounding area, set off with your furry friend to discover the beauty of the Vltava River valley, where you’ll find the lovely Svatojánské currents nature trail and the legendary Ztracenka tramping settlement. You’ll be able to admire not only the romantic views, but also nature awakening in spring.
Štěchovice is the ideal starting point, from where you can follow the marked Svatojánské currents nature trail. It passes through the legendary Ztracenka tramping settlement, which was—and still is—a refuge for trampers seeking adventure, freedom, and unspoiled nature. Most of the route takes you through natural terrain near the water, making it ideal for your furry friend. However, some uphill sections may be steep and narrow, so be sure to keep your canine companion safely on a leash there, and be considerate of other hikers along the way. The trail is about 10 kilometers long and ends near the Slapy Reservoir in Třebenice. You can take a bus back to Štěchovice.
If you’re looking for somewhere with fewer hikers for you and your canine companion, consider the nearby Sázava River valley. In this case, Davle is the ideal starting point, and you can get there from Prague in style by train.
In spring, Podyjí National Park and its castle ruins will enchant you
If you’re from Moravia, we have a day-trip tip for you near Znojmo: Podyjí National Park, located on the border with Austria. Your dog will have plenty of room to run around and enjoy the spring scenery. The national park is quite large, so you’ll have plenty of routes to choose from!
For a shorter trip, set off from the small village of Podmolí along the green trail to the romantic ruins of Malý hrádek. The one-way route is about 4.5 kilometers, making it a nice 9-kilometer round trip. If that’s not enough, you can continue from the village along the blue trail to the Šobes footbridge, which takes you to the opposite bank, then return to the village along the red hiking trail. This route is approximately 12 kilometers long.
Another interesting option is a route from Čížov. From there, follow the blue trail past the Iron Curtain Memorial and the former border barriers, reminders of a difficult past, to the town of Hardegg, just across the national border, which is marked by the Dyje River. You can admire the magnificent view of Hardegg Castle, dating back to the Middle Ages.
🐶 Dingo TIP! If you cross the national border, remember to pack your pet passport just in case.
Up for a multi-day trip with your canine companion? Try this route!
If you and your furry friend are fit and experienced enough for a multi-day trip through springtime nature, don’t hesitate to head out and discover the beauty of the Czech mountains. They may not be very high, but they have a unique charm—and when the last snow is melting and the first flowers are blooming, they’re truly worth a visit! Be sure to pack everything you and your animal companion will need—from sleeping bags and food to provisions and first-aid kits for both dogs and people—and be prepared for unpredictable weather at all times.
A traverse of the Rychlebské Mountains is balm for the soul!
The Rychlebské Mountains, near the Polish border, are considered one of the most remote mountain ranges in our country. So if you’re longing for a weekend in nature where you’re unlikely to meet another soul, head there with your dog in spring. Together, you’ll enjoy deep valleys, dense spruce forests, and beautiful views of the surrounding area!
If you’re both hardy enough, you can sleep outdoors in emergency shelters or stay in local mountain huts—most of them accommodate dogs. However, it’s best to confirm this by phone, along with their opening hours, so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive.
You can take shorter trips in the area, but the ridge traverse is also worth considering. It takes 2–3 days and is about 40 kilometers long. You can start from Bílá Voda or Ramzová, in either direction. Along the way, you’ll climb the highest peak in the Rychlebské Mountains, Smrk (1,127 m above sea level). Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need two cars to make getting to the start of the route easier, as local services don’t run very often on weekends.
On longer hikes, always think not only of yourself but also of your canine companion, and take their fitness into account. Give them plenty of time to rest and recover during the day. You know best what your dog is capable of and when it’s had enough.
Prefer to stay close to civilization? Take your dog for a walk at the zoo!
If you prefer to stay close to the city, have a smaller or older dog, but still want to treat them to an interesting experience, take them to the zoo with you. Please note that not all zoos allow dogs.
Dogs are welcome at Prague Zoo, Brno Zoo, Vyškov Zoo, and Tábor Zoo, for example. The zoos’ websites always have up-to-date information about bringing dogs and the rules to follow (usually, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the visit, and you should bring a valid vaccination certificate). Be considerate of the animals at the zoo, too—don’t let your dog pester or bark at them.
Since zoos aren’t as busy in spring as they are in the summer months, you can use this outing together as a socialization exercise.
Don’t forget to pack Dingo treats for the journey!
Dogs burn more energy on an outing because they’re more physically active, so remember to pack some treats in your backpack to give them along the way.
Our baked Dingo meatballs are ideal for day trips. On multi-day hikes, both you and your furry friend will appreciate our Dingo suchary, which are lightweight (so they won’t weigh down your backpack) yet nutritious and tasty! If you’re planning a shorter trip that includes some training, tuck a few Dingo training treats into your pocket!