Winter Wonderland Road Trip: Christmas Markets and Mountain Adventures with Dogs in Germany and Austria

Day 1: Munich Christmas Markets

Munich, Germany on December 16, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Frischhut

Start your day with traditional Bavarian pastries like Schmalznudel and coffee at this beloved local café, perfect before a day of exploration.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Visit Marienplatz and Munich Christmas Market

Explore the festive Marienplatz Christmas Market, admiring handcrafted ornaments, festive treats, and the historical Glockenspiel show.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Schneider Bräuhaus

Indulge in hearty Bavarian dishes such as Weisswurst and pretzels in a cozy beer hall that welcomes dogs in its outdoor area.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Dog-friendly walk in Englischer Garten

Take a scenic stroll with your dogs through one of the largest urban parks in the world, enjoying winter views and possibly stopping at a beer garden if open.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Zum Augustiner

Experience authentic Bavarian cuisine in one of Munich’s oldest breweries with carefully selected dog-friendly seating options.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 2: Salzburg Charm

Salzburg, Austria on December 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Enjoy classic Viennese coffee and breakfast pastries at Austria’s oldest café, where pets are typically welcome in certain seating areas.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Salzburg (1.5h)

Travel by rental car to Salzburg, enjoying scenic Alpine views along the route.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Salzburg Christmas Market at Domplatz

Explore the charming Christmas Market in front of the Salzburg Cathedral, where handcrafted goods and festive foods abound.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Stieglkeller

Savor traditional Austrian dishes and great views over Salzburg from the beer garden, dog-friendly in outdoor spaces.
EUR28, 1h30m

3:00pm

Fortress Hohensalzburg (dog-friendly walk around fortress grounds)

Take a scenic walk with your dogs around the fortress walls for panoramic city views; the funicular is generally not dog-accessible but walking paths are pleasant.
EUR12, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Die Weisse

Enjoy atmospheric dining with local craft beers and Austrian fare; dogs allowed in outdoor seating during winter with blankets provided.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Fairytale Hallstatt

Hallstatt, Austria on December 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant Gasthof Zauner

Eat a traditional Austrian breakfast overlooking the lake, and enjoy a calm start in the quaint village; dogs are welcome.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hallstatt (1.5h)

Scenic drive through Austrian countryside towards the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Walk around Hallstatt Village and Christmas Market

Discover charming Alpine architecture and enjoy a small but delightful Christmas market with handcrafted gifts and mulled wine.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Savor freshly caught fish dishes and Austrian specialties in this lakeside spot that welcomes dogs in outdoor areas.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit to Hallstatt Salt Mine (dog not allowed inside, so alternate: a forest walk nearby)

While the salt mine itself does not allow dogs, take a nature walk in the surrounding woods offering beautiful mountain scenery with your dogs.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant im Seehotel Grüner Baum

Enjoy warm Austrian cuisine by the lake and relax after a day of sightseeing; dog-friendly seating available outdoors.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Innsbruck Mountains

Innsbruck, Austria on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Munding

Delight in Innsbruck’s oldest café with delightful pastries and coffee, where pets are often welcomed in outdoor seating.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Innsbruck (1h)

Short drive to Innsbruck, gateway to the Alps and winter mountain scenery.
Fuel approx EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Nordkette Cable Car and Hiking

Take the cable car from Innsbruck up to the Nordkette mountain range; dogs allowed on the cable car with leash and in hiking areas for scenic winter mountain walks.
EUR38, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Seegrube Restaurant

Enjoy alpine cuisine with stunning views at the top station, dog-friendly terrace available.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Innsbruck Old Town Christmas Market

Experience festive stalls with traditional crafts and seasonal treats in the heart of Innsbruck's historic center; dogs on leash welcome.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stiftskeller

Dine in one of Innsbruck’s oldest restaurants featuring Tyrolean specialties; outdoor seating dog-friendly with prior notice.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 5: Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountains

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany on December 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Fraundorfer

Enjoy breakfast in a charming café in Munich before heading out, dogs welcome in certain outdoor seating areas.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1.5h)

Travel to the famous Bavarian mountain town known for winter sports and alpine scenery.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk along Partnach Gorge

Explore this stunning winter gorge with snowy cliffs; dogs on leash are allowed on the marked trail.
EUR5, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zum Wildschütz

Traditional Bavarian fare in a cozy setting; dog-friendly outdoor seating available.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Christmas Market

Visit this lovely local market with festive booths and seasonal treats, ideal for a late afternoon stroll with your dogs.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Braustube

End the day with Bavarian specialties and brews in a friendly atmosphere; dogs welcome at outdoor tables.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Nuremberg Festivities

Nuremberg, Germany on December 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bar Katz

Cozy café with great coffee and pastries, dog-friendly indoor and outdoor seating.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Nuremberg (2h)

Head north towards Nuremberg, historic city famous for its medieval architecture and Christmas market.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h

11:00am

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Visit one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, sampling local treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and mulled wine; dogs allowed on leash.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Bratwursthäusle

Try the classic Nürnberger sausages right near the market, with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Walk around Nuremberg Old Town

Explore historic streets with your dogs, including the famous castle area and river views.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gasthof Goldene Gans

Traditional Franconian cuisine in a charming setting, with dog-friendly outdoor seating available by request.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 7: Medieval Rothenburg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany on December 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Einzigartig

Good coffee and breakfast to fuel your day in this picturesque town, dogs are welcome outside.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1.5h)

Drive to this quintessential medieval town known for its well-preserved walls and Christmas market.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Rothenburg Christmas Market

Explore one of the most charming Christmas markets in Germany with traditional crafts, festive decorations, and local delicacies.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zur Höll

Enjoy Franconian cuisine in a historic building, with dog-friendly outdoor seating in winter.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk the town walls with your dogs

Take a scenic walk along the medieval town walls offering great views over the snowy rooftops and countryside.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit the Christmas Museum (indoor, check dog policy – likely no dogs allowed, plan outdoor alternative)

If dogs cannot enter, explore the nearby open-air display of traditional Christmas decorations and nativity scenes around the town.
EUR6, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Alter Keller

Finish your day with cozy Franconian dishes in a dog-friendly environment; outdoor allowances in winter with blankets.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Return to Munich

Munich, Germany on December 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rischart Café

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee with your dogs in the relaxed bakery café setting before leaving Rothenburg.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive back to Munich (2.5h)

Return journey to Munich for your departure or final day of exploration.
Fuel approx EUR25, 2h30m

12:00pm

Visit Munich Viktualienmarkt for last-minute shopping

Browse local produce and festive goods at Munich’s famous open-air market, suitable for dogs on leash.
Free to browse, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Hofbräuhaus München

Experience the iconic Bavarian beer hall atmosphere for your final meal, with dog-friendly outdoor seating offered in winter.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisure walk in Olympiapark

Relax with a scenic dog-friendly stroll around the Olympic Park before concluding your trip.
Free, 1h30m
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