Hi, I'm Kurt Wallant
I grew up on a farmstead between Ortisei and Castelrotto, in a large family where the mountains were part of everyday life. At six years old I was already hiking with my father and at eight I knew the trail names better than most adults. Since then I have never stopped walking.
A deep connoisseur of the Dolomites for over 15 years, I have turned my visceral love for high altitude into a reference point for over 10,000 travellers. I am the founder of Dolomites and Secret Places, the community born to share those remote and precious corners that escape mass tourism.
My golden rule is one: the true essence of the Dolomites reveals itself only to those with the patience to walk. I spend most of my life exploring the territory — I have covered over 2,000 km of trails and personally tested more than 80 hotels.
But the high-altitude experience cannot be complete without the right reward for the palate. I know the flavour map of these mountains inside out: I can tell you where to find the hut with the best canederli or the restaurant that reinterprets tradition with mastery.
What you can do and what not
Knowing the rules and opportunities is the first step to a relaxing holiday with your dog in Val Gardena.
What you can do with your dog
- Hikes and walks — Most trails are accessible to dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. Easy and moderate routes are perfect for a day outdoors, with shaded forests and streams to cool off.
- Cable cars — Many lifts accept dogs, often free or with a small supplement. A muzzle must be carried, even if not always required.
- Mountain huts — Most welcome dogs on outdoor terraces; some also inside, at the manager's discretion. In high season it's advisable to call ahead.
- Village walks — Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva offer pedestrian paths, parks and quiet areas for short evening walks.
What's not allowed (or not recommended)
- Let your dog off-leash in pastures — Cows, especially with calves, can become unpredictable. It's essential to keep distance and not walk through the herd.
- Enter protected areas with restrictions — Some zones require a short leash or prohibit dog access for environmental protection.
- Attempt via ferratas or exposed trails — These are not suitable for dogs, even experienced ones. Hot rocks and metal sections can be dangerous.
- Ignore local rules — Leash mandatory on many sections, muzzle to be carried at all times, respect for public spaces.
- Leave your dog in the car — Temperatures can rise quickly even in the mountains, especially in exposed car parks.
"The mountain is generous but doesn't forgive carelessness. With a dog you must always think two steps ahead: where will he put his paws, what might scare him, how hot will it be in an hour. If you respect and listen to him, he'll guide you to the most wonderful holiday you can imagine."
Tips for hiking
Hiking with a dog in the Dolomites can be a wonderful experience, but it requires attention, preparation and respect for the environment.
1. Choose the right trail
Assess trail length, elevation gain, terrain type and sun exposure. Prefer wooded paths or wide, regular trails, especially during the hottest hours.
2. Always carry a leash
In Val Gardena the leash is mandatory in many areas, and a muzzle must be carried. An off-leash dog can startle livestock, disturb wildlife or put itself in danger.
3. Behaviour on grazing land
Keep distance from cows, especially with calves. Never walk through the herd. If a cow approaches, unclip the leash: the dog will know to move away on its own.
4. Water, breaks and heat
Always bring fresh water, a collapsible bowl, light snacks and a blanket to let him rest in the shade. Avoid midday hours in summer months.
5. Storms and weather
Weather changes rapidly. Avoid ridges and exposed areas, head back at the first thunder. Dogs hear thunder before we do: if they become nervous, it's time to move.
6. Recommended gear
Sturdy escape-proof harness, long + short leash, muzzle, wipes and blanket, first aid kit, biodegradable bags, harness with tag and phone number.
7. Respect for wildlife
Roe deer, marmots, foxes, grouse and deer live in the forests. An off-leash dog can disturb wildlife. Keep him close, avoid bushes, don't let him approach burrows.
8. Mountain huts and stops
Choose outdoor tables, bring a blanket for him to lie on, avoid letting him approach other dogs without asking. Don't feed the dog near other guests' tables.
9. Leave the trail clean
Whatever you bring up the mountain, bring back down. Always pick up after your dog, even in the woods: the mountain is not a public bathroom and trails are used by everyone.
10. Know your dog's limits
Every dog is different: some love walking for hours, others suffer in the heat, others are afraid of cable cars. Watch his behaviour and adapt the hike. A good holiday is one where everyone is comfortable, including the dog.
For a relaxing holiday
- Always bring water, a collapsible bowl and bags.
- Avoid the hottest hours in summer months.
- Choose less crowded trails if your dog is anxious or reactive.
- Keep distance from livestock and don't walk through herds of cows.
- Check in advance which lifts accept dogs and current rules.
- In case of sudden storms, avoid exposed areas and return to the woods.
- If your dog struggles with cable cars, prefer walking routes or shuttles.
10 recommended hikes with your dog
Routes selected for safe terrain, shade, water and spectacular panoramas without unnecessary risks. Suitable even for dogs not used to mountains.
1. Val d'Anna Trail
Shaded forest trail with streams and soft, safe terrain. Perfect on hot days; very busy in high season.
3. Railway Trail
Flat trail with compact surface. Ideal for older or less fit dogs. Also perfect as an evening walk.
4. Vallunga
Wide, breezy valley with a broad, safe trail and shade in the early hours. Deer and wildlife present: keep your dog close.
6. Monte Pana Loop
Shaded trail with green areas and meadows. Ideal for families. Very busy on weekends.
8. Compaccio → Panorama
Simple, open trail with spectacular views and options for mountain hut stops. Sun-exposed: bring water.
9. Lake San Giacomo
Constant shade, short and relaxing trail. Ideal on hot days. Perfect for older or less fit dogs.
10. Col de Flam (lower section)
Cool forest, short but evocative trail. Suitable as a morning walk. Avoid the upper section (adventure park).
2. Ortisei → S. Giacomo
Regular, well-marked trail with cool forests and panoramic viewpoints. Some uphill sections, but no technical difficulties.
5. Monte Pana → Saltria
Wide, regular trails with open panoramas and options for mountain hut stops. Avoid the hottest hours; grazing areas present.
7. Firenze Mountain Hut
Wide, panoramic trail with safe terrain. Mountain hut with outdoor terrace. Avoid very hot days; grazing areas present.
Prefer shaded trails during hot hours. Avoid routes with scree, via ferratas or exposed sections. Always bring water, even if the trail seems short. If your dog is anxious, choose less crowded routes. Around livestock, keep your dog close. Always check the weather: afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.
Dog‑friendly Properties
Neutral, non-promotional information. No commissions, no bookings. Just transparent advice to choose the right property for you and your dog.
Hotel Angelo Engel
Historic hotel near the centre, traditional atmosphere.
🐕 Central location, garden, dog-experienced staff.
Rooms not very large; limited spa access.
Chalet Hotel Hartmann
Intimate chalet with private garden and direct forest access.
🐕 Private garden, forest steps away.
Far from Ortisei centre.
Apartments Cesa Rabanser
Independent apartments.
🐕 Flexible routines, direct outdoor access.
Fewer services.
Hotel Digon
Traditional hotel with large meadows.
🐕 Perfect for walks in the green.
Distance from the centre.
Smart Hotel Saslong
Modern, functional hotel next to the forest.
🐕 Dog shower in garage and dog toilet on site, next to the forest.
Not a traditional dog-friendly hotel.
Garni Mirabell
Family B&B in a panoramic position.
🐕 Attentive management, tranquillity.
Basic services.
Hotel Albion
Large property with park and pool.
🐕 Ample spaces, many rooms with balcony.
Pet surcharge.
Hotel Pinei
Secluded property in the forest.
🐕 Immediate access to nature, tranquillity.
Far from services.
"Choose the hotel that makes your dog comfortable, not the one that looks good on Instagram. In the mountains what matters is tranquillity, space and the ability to go for walks without stress. If the dog is relaxed, the holiday becomes more enjoyable for everyone."
Essential Checklist
Everything you need in your backpack for a dog-friendly holiday in the Dolomites.
Q&A with Kurt Wallant
15 questions everyone asks before a dog-friendly holiday in Val Gardena.
1. Can I take my dog on all Val Gardena trails?
Kurt Wallant: "Almost all of them, yes. But not all are suitable. Avoid via ferratas, scree slopes and exposed ridges. The mountains are not a playground: choose wide, wooded, shaded paths. Your dog will thank you."
2. Do the cable cars and chair lifts accept dogs?
Kurt Wallant: "Most of them do. Always bring a muzzle: they often don't ask for one, but when they do… you'll need it. And keep your dog close: the cabins can scare them."
3. How should I behave if I encounter cows or horses?
Kurt Wallant: "Golden rule: distance. Cows are not aggressive, but they protect their calves. If they get too close, unclip the leash: the dog knows how to get away on its own. Stay calm and keep walking."
4. Can I let my dog run free in the meadows?
Kurt Wallant: "No. Meadows are not open fields: they are pastures, private property or wildlife habitats. An off-leash dog can cause problems. A long leash works perfectly."
5. When is the best time to visit with a dog?
Kurt Wallant: "June and September are perfect: cool weather, less crowded trails. July and August are fine, but avoid the hottest hours. Winter? Only if your dog is used to snow."
6. Are there mountain huts that accept dogs?
Kurt Wallant: "Almost all of them on the outdoor terraces. Inside depends on the manager. I always recommend giving them a heads-up: a quick message avoids misunderstandings."
7. My dog isn't used to the mountains: can it still go hiking?
Kurt Wallant: "Yes, but start with short, shaded paths. Val d'Anna, the Railway Trail and Vallunga are perfect for first-timers."
8. What should I pack for my dog?
Kurt Wallant: "Water, a bowl, bags, a towel, some snacks and a spare leash. Minimalism doesn't work in the mountains: better one thing too many than one too few."
9. Can my dog swim in the mountain lakes or streams?
Kurt Wallant: "Streams, yes. Lakes, it depends. Some are protected areas. And remember: mountain water is cold, not all dogs can handle it."
10. How do I handle the heat in the mountains?
Kurt Wallant: "Heat at altitude is deceptive: the air is dry and the sun beats down hard. Leave early, seek shade and take breaks. If the dog pants too much, turn back without hesitation."
11. What should I do if a sudden thunderstorm hits?
Kurt Wallant: "Head downhill and back into the woods. Ridges and open meadows are dangerous. Dogs sense thunder before we do: if they get nervous, it's time to move."
12. Are there areas where dogs are not allowed?
Kurt Wallant: "Yes: some protected areas and specific sections of Alpe di Siusi. Rules change every year: always check before setting off."
13. My dog pulls a lot: can I still go trekking?
Kurt Wallant: "Better to use a sturdy harness and a short leash. In the mountains a dog that pulls can make you fall. If needed, choose wide, uncrowded trails."
14. Can I bring two dogs?
Kurt Wallant: "Of course, but you need to control both. Two excited dogs on a pasture or a lift can become tricky. Be honest about your capabilities."
15. What is the most common mistake tourists make with their dog?
Kurt Wallant: "Thinking the mountains are like the park back home. Here there are animals, slopes, unpredictable weather and people who want to enjoy nature. Respect, caution and common sense: these are the real essential accessories."
Impressum
Site Owner
DogsFriendly.it — The independent guide for travelling with your dog in the Dolomites
Santa Cristina Val Gardena (BZ) — Italy
Content Manager
Kurt Wallant — Local territory expert, hiker and animal lover. Deep connoisseur of Val Gardena trails and promoter of responsible tourism with dogs.
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Neutral, non-promotional information on dog-friendly properties, practical hiking tips with your dog, responsible tourism guidelines and educational content on mountain safety. The site does not sell services, make bookings or receive commissions.
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