Chasing Views and Cool Streams: Our Dog-Friendly Road Trip to Switzerland

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 In August 2026, we packed our bags, loaded the dogs into the car, and headed for Switzerland. Why? Simply because it is undeniably beautiful and packed with endless places to explore.

Our ultimate destination was a cozy mountain apartment in Giubiasco, near the Italian border. However, with the girls (our dogs) in tow and a long drive ahead, we decided to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.




A Peaceful Bavarian Pit Stop: Irsee


We split the drive by staying two nights in Irsee, a stunning and typical small Bavarian town. It had everything you picture when you think of Bavaria: a charming church, a local brewery with a beer garden, and lots of lush greenery.

Because it was scorching hot, the local streams were an absolute blessing. We spent an entire morning chilling on a blanket by the water while the girls splashed around to cool off. Later, we sat by the local pond, mesmerized by the quiet beauty and watching the ducks play—which was, of course, fascinating for the dogs. It was a perfectly calm and peaceful way to kick off our vacation.





The Scenic Drive to the South


After two relaxing nights, we hit the road again, crossing through Austria and finally into Switzerland. As we drove, the magnificent mountain peaks began to reveal themselves.

The speed limit in Switzerland is 120 km/h, which forced me to slow down—but I didn’t mind at all. It gave me the perfect excuse to admire the breathtaking surroundings. The drive took us through tunnels, over mountain passes, and around pristine lakes. We even stopped at a high altitude just to stretch our legs and take in the view of a stunning mountain lake.

The final stretch to our destination in Giubiasco involved navigating some very narrow, serpentine roads. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but the payoff was completely worth it.


Mountain Living in Giubiasco


When we arrived, I was totally speechless. Our accommodation, Scarpape, was perched in the mountains, offering incredible views of the small city and surrounding peaks.

I highly recommend this place! It featured a fully equipped kitchen, a lovely terrace, and a small garden. The host was wonderful, the space was spotlessly clean, and it was very reasonably priced. The only downside was the lack of air conditioning during a massive heatwave. We made it work with a fan and by adjusting our schedule: we stayed active in the cool early mornings and late evenings, which fit perfectly with my need to work remotely during the day.





Our morning adventures included:

  • Lake Maggiore: A great spot for the girls to splash and have fun.
  • Bolle di Magadino and Piccolo Ponte: Beautiful, convenient walking areas where we met plenty of other dogs out for their early morning strolls.
  • A Mountain Hike to Castel Grande: We took a challenging, up-and-down trail through the forest via Parco giochi Serta. It was an amazing workout, and the dogs absolutely loved it. While we didn't go inside the castle (I had to get back to work!), the hike and the exterior views were entirely worth the effort.




Winding Down: Lake Lugano and Romanshorn


When Saturday rolled around, it was time to start making our way back. We drove to Lake Lugano and took a morning stroll along the Sentiero dell'olivo (Olive Path). It was a fantastic walking route where we found a quiet spot for the girls to play with sticks in the water.

From there, we headed north to our final stop: Romanshorn.
We stayed in a hotel just 50 meters from the lake. Though Saturday was bustling with weekend crowds, we still managed to explore the town and dip our feet in the water to beat the heat.

The truly magical moment, however, happened on Sunday morning. At 5:00 AM, the girls and I went for a walk before anyone else was awake. It was just us, surrounded by historical buildings, docked boats, and beautifully kept parks. Sitting there, staring out at the lake with my dogs by my side in the quiet dawn, was the perfect end to the trip. I could have stayed for hours. After a quick hotel breakfast, we finally hit the road for home.




📌 Quick Tips for a Swiss Road Trip


It was a very hot trip, but incredibly enjoyable. If you are planning a similar journey, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Buy your Vignette in advance: Save time and hassle by purchasing your Swiss highway vignette online before you travel.
  • Prepare for the heat: Summer in Switzerland can get surprisingly scorching. Book places with AC if possible, or plan your activities around the early mornings and late evenings.
  • Enjoy the cultural shift: The southern part of Switzerland feels beautifully Italian, while the northern part has a distinct German/Austrian vibe. Yet, both retain that undeniable, unique Swiss charm.
Location: Giubiasco, Bellinzona, Švýcarsko

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