Winter Wonderland Road Trip: Christmas Markets and Mountain Adventures with Indoor Dog-Friendly Dining in Germany and Austria

Day 1: Munich Christmas Markets

Munich, Germany on December 16, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Frischhut

Enjoy traditional Bavarian pastries and coffee indoors in this popular café that welcomes dogs inside, giving you and your pets a warm start to the day.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Visit Marienplatz and Munich Christmas Market

Stroll the iconic Marienplatz Christmas Market, soaking in festive sights; dogs are welcome on leash in outdoor areas.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Kosmos

Dine in a relaxed, dog-friendly café with confirmed indoor seating for dogs, offering modern German cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Dog-friendly walk in Englischer Garten

Enjoy a scenic winter walk with your dogs in the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest parks; outdoor only but well-suited for dogs.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tushita Teehaus

Experience a cozy, dog-friendly indoor restaurant with a relaxed vibe, offering warm vegetarian and vegan dishes, perfect for an evening meal with dogs.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 2: Salzburg Charm

Salzburg, Austria on December 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Fürst

Enjoy traditional Viennese coffee and pastries inside this historic café which is known to allow small dogs inside, providing warmth and comfort.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Salzburg (1.5h)

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

11:00am

Salzburg Christmas Market at Domplatz

Explore festive stalls at Salzburg’s beautiful Christmas Market, dogs allowed on leash in outdoor areas.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Green Garden

This dog-friendly indoor restaurant offers fresh Mediterranean-style dishes with welcoming staff and comfortable space for pets inside during winter.
EUR28, 1h30m

3:00pm

Fortress Hohensalzburg (walk around grounds)

Take an invigorating walk around the fortress grounds with your dogs on leash, enjoying panoramic views over Salzburg.
EUR12, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Steinlechner

Dine indoors at this traditional Austrian restaurant that welcomes dogs inside and serves hearty local specialties in a cozy setting.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Fairytale Hallstatt

Hallstatt, Austria on December 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Zauner

Enjoy a delightful breakfast inside this historic lakeside café that warmly welcomes dogs indoors, perfect before exploring Hallstatt.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hallstatt (1.5h)

Journey through scenic Austrian countryside to this picturesque Alpine village.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Walk around Hallstatt Village and Christmas Market

Stroll the festive market and charming village streets with your dogs on leash, enjoying the Alpine winter charm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Simony

Dine indoors with your dogs at this traditional guesthouse serving regional specialties in a friendly, dog-welcoming environment.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Forest walk near Hallstatt

Since dogs can't enter the salt mine, enjoy a peaceful walk with your pets in nearby forest trails offering relaxing mountain views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Zauner

Enjoy a warm and inviting indoor meal with your dogs, savoring fresh Austrian dishes with lovely lake views.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Innsbruck Mountains

Innsbruck, Austria on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Relax in this elegant café offering indoor dog-friendly seating and excellent pastries before a day in the mountains.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Innsbruck (1h)

Drive to Innsbruck surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery.
Fuel approx EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Nordkette Cable Car and Hiking

Take the cable car with your leashed dogs up to the Nordkette mountains and enjoy winter hiking trails; dogs allowed both on cable car and outdoors.
EUR38, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Lokal

A modern restaurant with indoor dog-friendly spaces serving locally sourced Tyrolean dishes in a cozy ambiance.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Innsbruck Old Town Christmas Market

Experience festive stalls in the historic city center. Dogs are welcome on leash while exploring the market's festive atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Die Wilderin

Enjoy elegant alpine cuisine inside this restaurant with dog-friendly indoor seating available with advance notice.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Garmisch-Partenkirchen Mountains

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany on December 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Krönner

Enjoy breakfast in one of Garmisch's best cafés, which offers dog-friendly indoor seating so your pets stay warm and comfortable.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1.5h)

Journey through the scenic Bavarian Alps heading to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk along Partnach Gorge

Explore the dramatic icy gorge on a marked trail where dogs on leash are welcome, experiencing stunning winter landscapes.
EUR5, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Alpengasthof Wiesenau

Dine indoors with your dogs in this welcoming mountain inn offering tasty Bavarian specialties and a warm atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Christmas Market

Visit the enchanting Christmas market in town center; dogs on leash happily welcomed in all outdoor areas.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Werdenfelser Hof

Experience Bavarian dining indoors with your furry companions in designated dog-friendly areas after pre-arrangement.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Nuremberg Festivities

Nuremberg, Germany on December 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bar Katz

Comfortable indoor dog-friendly seating allows you to enjoy excellent coffee and pastries before touring Nuremberg.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Nuremberg (2h)

Travel north to the historic city famous for its Christmas market and medieval sites.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h

11:00am

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Explore this world-class Christmas market with your dogs on leash, enjoying festive treats and crafts outdoors.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Bratwurst Röslein

Dine indoors in a traditional setting where small dogs are welcomed, serving iconic Nürnberger sausages and local cuisine.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Walk around Nuremberg Old Town

Leashed dogs can explore with you the beautiful medieval town, including castle grounds and river promenades.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Historische Bratwurstkueche

Enjoy dinner inside a historic building with dog-friendly indoor seating, savoring Franconian specialties in a festive atmosphere.
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

Comfortable indoor spaces allow you to share a warm breakfast with your dogs before exploring this enchanting town.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1.5h)

Drive to one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns with festive charm and dog-friendly sites.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Rothenburg Christmas Market

Stroll the delightful Christmas market with your dogs on leash, enjoying handcrafted gifts and seasonal ambiance outdoors.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zur Höll

Warm up indoors with Franconian specialties in this historic, dog-friendly restaurant welcoming pets inside in winter months.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk the town walls with your dogs

Enjoy a scenic, snowy stroll along Rothenburg’s medieval walls offering charming views over the town and countryside.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Christmas Museum and Alternative Outdoor Nativity Displays

Visit the museum (dogs not allowed inside) and then explore nearby outdoor nativity scenes, which allow your dogs to join you comfortably.
EUR6, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Alter Keller

Conclude your day dining indoors with your dogs at this friendly Franconian restaurant providing a warm welcome and hearty dishes.
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 inside this large, dog-friendly bakery cafe before your journey back to Munich.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive back to Munich (2.5h)

Return drive with scenic views to Munich as your trip concludes.
Fuel approx EUR25, 2h30m

12:00pm

Visit Munich Viktualienmarkt

Browse this famous food market with your dogs on leash, picking up last-minute festive treats and gifts in open-air stalls.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Hofbräuhaus München

Experience the iconic Bavarian beer hall offering indoor dog-friendly seating during winter months, ideal for your final meal.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisure walk in Olympiapark

Enjoy a relaxing dog-friendly stroll through the Olympic Park to unwind and savor the final moments of your trip.
Free, 1h30m
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