The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in St. Gallen

St. Gallen offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 190 routes suitable for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.

Yes, St. Gallen has numerous easy dog-friendly trails. For a pleasant and accessible walk, consider the Rapperswil Harbour – Rapperswil Castle loop from Rapperswil, which offers gentle terrain and scenic views of the lake and the historic Rapperswil's Old Town and Castle. There are 74 easy routes in total, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Absolutely! The region is home to impressive waterfalls. You can explore the Berschnerfall – Path to the Waterfall loop from Flums, which leads you directly to the beautiful Berschnerfall. The majestic Seerenbach Falls, descending 585 meters in three cascades, is another stunning natural feature worth seeking out.

Many trails in St. Gallen provide breathtaking panoramic views. The Alpstein massif, with the imposing Säntis Summit, offers incredible vistas. While the summit itself is accessible by cable car, many trails in the surrounding pre-alpine hills and mountains, like those along the Rheintaler Höhenweg, provide constant views of the Rhine Valley and the majestic Swiss Alps.

St. Gallen boasts incredibly diverse landscapes. You'll find everything from pre-alpine hills and majestic mountains like the Alpstein and Churfirsten ranges, to dense woodlands, and serene lakes such as Lake Constance and Lake Walensee. The Sitter and Wattbach nature reserve also offers a unique riverine environment with numerous bridges and suspension footbridges.

Yes, loop trails are a popular option for dog walkers in St. Gallen. For a moderate challenge, consider the Garmil – Ford loop from Vilters-Wangs. Another great option is the Chapfen Lake – Chapfenstein Viewpoint loop from Mels, offering beautiful lake views and a rewarding viewpoint.

The dog-friendly trails in St. Gallen are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 19,400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning natural beauty, and the variety of landscapes that make for enjoyable outings with their dogs.

While many lakes and rivers are present, it's important to check local regulations for specific swimming areas for dogs. Lake Constance and Lake Walensee offer expansive shorelines, and smaller bodies of water like the Drei Weieren (Three Ponds) near St. Gallen provide scenic spots. Always ensure water quality is safe and respect any protected areas.

Yes, many trails pass by interesting landmarks. The St. Galler Brückenweg, for instance, showcases 18 different bridges, including the impressive Haggen bridge. You can also find trails leading to viewpoints like View of Rapperswil's Old Town and Castle or along the Lake promenade Rorschach. The region also features various huts like the Zwingli Pass Hut and Gamsalp, which can be great rest stops.

Spring, summer, and autumn generally offer the best conditions for dog-friendly hiking in St. Gallen. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer provides warm weather for lake activities, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. While some trails are accessible in winter, be mindful of snow and ice, especially at higher elevations, and check local conditions before heading out.

For experienced hikers and their well-conditioned dogs, St. Gallen offers challenging routes with significant elevation gain. An example is the Hintere Höhi Raised Bog – View from the Amdener Höhenweg loop from Amden, which is graded as difficult and provides a rewarding workout with stunning views. There are 16 difficult routes available for those seeking a greater adventure.