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The Hague, Netherlands
Your starting point — pack the car and hit the road. Stock up on snacks at a local Albert Heijn and let the dog stretch its legs at Zuiderpark before departure. Head south via Belgium for the smoothest route.
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Cologne, Germany
A great first stop roughly 3 hours from The Hague. Walk along the Rhine promenade with your dog and admire the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The Rheinpark is a wonderful off-leash area for your furry travel companion.
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Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
A charming university city on the edge of the Black Forest, perfect for a scenic stopover. Stroll the Bächle (little water channels) in the old town and explore the nearby Black Forest trails with your dog. Try a Flammkuchen at one of the many dog-friendly beer gardens.
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Innsbruck, Austria
A stunning Alpine city surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, about 3 hours from Freiburg. Walk the medieval Old Town and enjoy views of the Nordkette mountain range right above the city. Many hiking trails around Innsbruck are dog-friendly — a great warm-up for the Dolomites.
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Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
The pearl of the Dolomites and your main destination — iconic jagged peaks, lush meadows and alpine lakes await. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is a must-do hike and very dog-friendly on a leash. Try fresh pasta and canederli (bread dumplings) at a mountain rifugio after a long day on the trails.
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Bolzano, Italy
A lovely blend of Italian and Austrian culture in the heart of South Tyrol, great as a relaxed wind-down stop. Explore the vibrant market square and visit the Rosengarten range viewpoints with your dog. The city has many dog-friendly cafés and wine bars serving excellent local Gewürztraminer.
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Basel, Switzerland
A convenient overnight stop on the return leg, roughly halfway between Bolzano and home. Take a short walk along the Rhine and let your dog enjoy the riverbanks near the Dreiländereck (where Switzerland, Germany and France meet). A great spot to refuel with Swiss rösti before the final drive north.