We bring you a comprehensive guide on how to enjoy the Lusatian Mountains with your dog – from day trips to accommodations and restaurants where you and your four-legged friends are sure to receive a warm welcome!
And why exactly should you take your dog to the Lusatian Mountains? Unlike the surrounding areas, the Lusatian Mountains offer a vast network of forest trails – only a handful of hiking routes follow paved roads so your dog’s paws will thank you, especially on scorching summer days or during long hikes. Another huge advantage is the nearly unlimited freedom and open space. Unless you happen to have a hunting dog, you will certainly appreciate that here in the Lusatian Mountains, you can enjoy off-leash walks to your heart’s content. With a little luck, it is possible to avoid people for an entire day, allowing you to enjoy the time spent with your furry friend undisturbed, just the two of you.
Where can you enjoy a swim with your dog?
During the summer months, you and your dog are sure to appreciate the opportunity to cool off after a hike. For those who want more than just dipping their paws in the streams flowing through every local valley, there are several places here where you can enjoy a swim! Active dogs will love the sandy dog beach in Hamr na Jezeře, a place where owners can enjoy themselves alongside their four-legged companions – the lake not only serves as a natural swimming spot but is also a source of great fun. You can take advantage of the rope course or pedal boats, for example. Hardcore swimmers will love the Naděje Dam. Located a short distance away from Cvikov, it can be reached via a pleasant walk through the forest, making it an ideal summer outing. The dam no longer serves as a water source, allowing you to enjoy water activities to the fullest. You can also take your four-legged friends for a swim to a designated dog beach at Kristýna in Hrádek nad Nisou or at Mašíňák in Varnsdorf, which is freely accessible. Finally, you can cool off in the pond near Svor before climbing Klíč.
The charm of the Lusatian Mountains lies in exploring them – there is something for everyone here, no doubt about it. However, there are some well-known spots that would be a shame to miss. Just be prepared to run into other Lusatian Mountains enthusiasts there, especially on weekends.
One such place is, of course, Luž, the holder of two records: the highest mountain in the area with the newest lookout tower at its summit. Although the lookout tower is dog-friendly, it features a transparent metal staircase and platform, so be careful if your dog is easily spooked.
Hvozd, a Czech-German plateau hilltop, features a stone lookout tower at one end and an observation deck at the other. The observation deck and adjacent restaurant are easily accessible with a dog. However, if you plan to visit the lookout tower on the opposite side, it is best to leave your furry friend behind.
For lovers of more challenging climbs, we must not forget to mention the iconic Klíč. Thanks to its unique shape, the peak can be spotted from viewpoints very far away. It offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Lusatian Mountains.
An even wilder experience awaits you on the hike up Střední vrch – rest assured that the phenomenal sunset here is definitely worth it! If you own a small breed, it might need some help navigating the rocky terrain, larger dogs will make it to the top without any trouble. Be sure to keep a close eye on your friend, though, as you might be taken by surprise by some free-roaming chamois.
If you count yourself among fans of rocky lookout points, Popova skála is the place for you. The climb up might look daunting from below – you will have to ascend steep stairs – so we recommend bringing a leash and a bit of courage. Once you reach the top, however, you will be rewarded with astonishing views of the entire Lusatian Mountains, the Jizera Mountains, Germany, and Poland, as the viewpoint is just a stone’s throw from the Tripoint.
And where can you experience something straight out of a fairy tale? When it comes to Panská skála, the place where many of them were filmed, we recommend skipping it during the day – your dog would not enjoy the crowds of tourists here. Instead, visit the place in the early evening or in the morning. For even more beautiful views of the massive basalt rock formation, head to Zlatý vrch, where most of the time you will not see a soul, let alone a paw.
Where can you stay with your dog?
Finding dog-friendly accommodation is not always easy. That is why we have put together a list of some tried-and-true recommendations for places where you and your four-legged friend will always be welcome.
Mencl Guesthouse – small dogs are welcome, but you must notify the management in advance. There are rooms reserved for dog owners.
Lužan Hotel – wellness accommodation that welcomes dogs of all sizes.
Dymník Resort – dogs are welcome at the campground, guesthouse, and hotel, and they can also visit the adjacent restaurant.
Na Stodolci – dogs are welcome here and in the adjacent restaurant. However, only one dog is allowed per room.
Rustic House – dogs receive a welcome gift bag; there is also a fenced garden available.
Tollendorf Cottage – you can stay in a cottage or a glamping tent; there are beds and bowls ready for your dogs.
Penzion U skály – accommodation available in rooms and cabins.
Stará mlékárna – accommodation in apartments possible with dogs of all sizes.
Hvozd Farm – dogs are welcome, but it is necessary to keep them on a leash, as there are sheep roaming around the farm.
Vysoká Farm – bringing a dog to the hotel is no problem, but please be aware that there are horses in the vicinity of the hotel, so be sure to keep your friend on a leash at all times.
Kleis Hotel – dogs are welcome, both small and large.
Jítravský Dvorec – accommodation is available in the main building and in the pub.
Jítrava Parish – dog owners with dogs of all sizes can stay in designated rooms.
Where can you have something to eat and a drink with your dog?
What would a trip be without a treat? The following establishments will be happy to serve you and your well-behaved four-legged companion. Bon appétit!
Bohemian Coffee House – a cozy café serving excellent coffee in Rumburk.
Beran Brewery – dogs are allowed in the garden by the bar.
Hostinec U Koláče – has a garden, and dogs are allowed.
Ajeto Lindava – a glass furnace visible from up close and a garden (from there, you cannot see the glassworks).
Jítravský Dvorec – the restaurant has an outdoor seating area, the pub has a terrace, feel free to bring your dog along.
Cvikov Brewery – you can bring your dog to the restaurant and to the adjacent Kleis Hotel.
Vysoká Farm – you can take your dog to the restaurant and the adjacent hotel but watch out for horses moving around the grounds; with a little luck, you might even see horses training in the indoor arena through the glass wall.
Hvozd Farm – dogs are allowed on the terrace, in the restaurant, and in the adjacent accommodations; however, there are sheep in the area, so dogs must be kept on a leash.
Huť Restaurant – offers an ideal opportunity to watch the glassblowers while resting with your companion in a safe spot; they also have a garden (though you cannot see the glassblowers from there).
Born Brewery – dogs are allowed in the restaurant; there is also a garden available in the summer.
Kocour Brewery – dogs are welcome both on the terrace and in the restaurant.
Dymník Resort – dogs are welcome both in the restaurant and in the adjacent grounds.
Falkenštejn Brewery – dogs are welcome, the restaurant also features a terrace.
Ráj pod Lemberkem – dogs are allowed on the terrace and in the restaurant.
Na Stodolci – dogs are allowed even in the guesthouse.
Where can you go with your dog for an adventure?
Would you like to spice up your holiday in the Lusatian Mountains with a visit to a castle, or discover some of the region’s unique attractions? There is no need to leave your dog at home! Just make sure your friend does not destroy anything or mark its territory, so keep a close eye on the animal at all times.
Lipý Castle – dog on a leash is free.
Česká Lípa Textile Printing Center – a small dog on a leash is free.
Pačinek Glass – dogs on a leash are allowed in the garden.
For safety reasons, you cannot bring your dog into the glassworks, but you can watch glassmakers at work at the Huť Restaurant in Nový Bor and the Ajeto Restaurant in Lindava – both of these restaurants allow dogs.
Oybin – dogs are allowed in the castle.
Where can you find the highest-rated veterinary clinic in the area?
Save the phone number of a veterinarian in your area in case there is an accident on your trip.
Česká Lípa – MVDr. Branžovský, Panská 218, 603 220 187
Envet, Pivovarská 3405, 704 362 226
Sosnová (Česká Lípa) – MVDr. Russ, Sosnová 203, 487 825 008
Jablonné v Podještědí – DUOVET, Zdislavy z Lemberka 37, 736 676 921
Hrádek nad Nisou – MVDr. Štoková, Žitavská 773, 602 346 004
Mimoň – MVDr. Hruška, Okrouhlická 89, 487 728 709
Doksy – Doksy Veterinary Clinic, Valdštejnská 243, 724 181 454
Děčín – City Vet Děčín, Březiny 197, 412 511 999
Liberec – NISA Veterinary Clinic, Na Zápraží 390, 722 400 420
Růžodol Veterinary Clinic (Emergency Room), Ostašovská 521, 485 103 881
