Feldkirchen in Kärnten

The broad market square at the town centre, lined with colourful burgher houses, forms the pedestrian heart of Feldkirchen. Leashed dogs are welcome to wander among the terraces and old lanes; entering the cafes and shops is at each owner's discretion.

The parish church, with medieval origins, rises over the Hauptplatz with its bell tower. As in most places of worship, dogs are not allowed inside, but the forecourt and surrounding streets are easily visited on lead.

This small bathing lake a few minutes from town is among the warmest in Carinthia, with quiet wooded shores. Some grassy areas allow dogs and dog-swim zones are set up on several Carinthian lakes; check the local signage before letting your dog swim.

Carinthia's third-largest lake, the Ossiacher See stretches south of Feldkirchen between the Gerlitzen and Ossiach abbey. Several beaches have dedicated dog-swim sections (Hundestrand); elsewhere keep your dog on lead along the shores and promenades, which are busy in summer.

This viewpoint summit of nearly 1,900 metres, served by a cable car, gives a 360-degree panorama over the lakes and the Carinthian Alps. Dogs are generally allowed in the gondolas (often muzzled or leashed per the rules) and on the high trails; check with the lift station before going up.

North of town, the Nockberge biosphere reserve unfolds rounded grassy mountains laced with hiking trails and summer pastures. Leashed dogs are welcome; keep your distance from grazing herds and cattle, which may charge a dog they see as a threat.