Paws in Paradise: Why Grubers Hotel in Bad Gastein is Our Ultimate Dog-Friendly Retreat

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 Returning to a place that feels like home is always special, but returning to Grubers Hotel in Bad Gastein is something my two girls, Paula and Angie, and I look forward to all year. After our last visit in September, we knew we had to come back this summer—and once again, it exceeded every expectation.

If you are looking for a place where dogs aren’t just "allowed" but are the guests of honor, this is it.


Home Away From Home

This year, we stayed in a stunning one-bedroom apartment featuring a spacious living room and two balconies with breathtaking views. The apartments are modern, stylish, and fully equipped, making it incredibly easy to cook your own meals and relax in privacy.

The hotel itself is perfectly situated. Surrounded by towering peaks and a rushing river, you are steps away from long, scenic paths. Whether you want a challenging summit or a gentle flat walk to admire the Alpine beauty, the options are endless.

Hospitality with a Personal Touch


What truly sets Grubers apart is the wonderful staff. From the moment you arrive, you feel the warmth of the team. We loved the personalized touch of receiving a text message every morning—it felt like having a local friend guiding us! These messages included daily hiking tips, weather updates, recommendations for dog-friendly restaurants, and info on local events. It took all the guesswork out of planning our day.



The Perfect Start: Breakfast at Grubers

We decided to order the hotel breakfast, and it was the best decision. The spread was fantastic—they offered everything one could possibly think of to fuel up for a day in the mountains. Fresh, high-quality, and served with a smile, it made our mornings feel extra indulgent.

The Crown Jewel: The Dog Garden

The real "gem" of Grubers is the massive, fully fenced garden. It features a swimming pond specifically for dogs, surrounded by comfortable sunbeds for the humans. It was such a joy to relax while Paula and Angie played with other dogs. There is a sense of community here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Thoughtful Details

The hospitality at Grubers is unmatched. From the convenient parking right in front of the garden to the self-service "honesty bar" for drinks and ice cream, everything is designed for ease.


And the "dog welcome kit"? Simply incredible. Upon arrival, we found:

  • Comfy dog beds and bowls already filled with water.
  • A box of treats and dry food.
  • A new toy for each of the girls.

There is even a small on-site shop stocked with blankets, toys, and premium treats if you want to spoil your pups further!


Hiking with Dogs in Bad Gastein: Our Top Tips

If you’re planning a visit, here are a few ways to make the most of the incredible Gastein Valley with your four-legged friends:

1. The Gasteiner Ache Path
Right outside the hotel, this path follows the river. It’s mostly flat and perfect for morning walks or days when your legs need a break from climbing. The sound of the water is incredibly relaxing.

2. The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Promenade
For a bit of history and charm, take this easy walk. It’s famous for its friendly squirrels (keep those leashes tight!) and beautiful views of the Bad Gastein waterfall and belle époque architecture.

3. Graukogel & The Stone Pine Path
Take the lift up (dogs are welcome on the chairlift/gondola with a muzzle/leash) to the "Zirbenweg." This loop is famous for its ancient stone pine trees. The air is cool and fresh—perfect for dogs even on warmer summer days.

4. The Sportgastein Valley
A short drive from the hotel, this high-altitude plateau is a paradise. It’s flat, surrounded by massive 3,000-meter peaks, and has plenty of streams for the dogs to splash in. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in all of Austria.

5. Dog Etiquette on the Alm
When hiking to the mountain huts (Alms), always keep your dogs on a leash when cows are nearby. Most huts are very welcoming and will happily provide a bowl of fresh mountain water for your pups while you enjoy a cold drink!

We’ll Be Back!

Grubers Hotel is a place where the stress of travel melts away because you know your dogs are as happy as you are. We are already dreaming of our next visit.


Happy trails,
Angie, Paula, and Lucie 🐾

Location: Bad Gastein, Rakousko

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