Villach

The great market square of the old town, lined with patrician houses in pastel facades and crowned by the tower of St Jacob's church, the beating heart of Villach. You can stroll here easily with a leashed dog among cafe terraces and pedestrian streets, and the nearby bridge over the Drau gives a pretty view.

An alpine lake of striking turquoise at the foot of the Mittagskogel, one of the warmest bodies of water in Carinthia in summer. Dedicated dog beaches (Hundestrand) allow dogs to swim in set areas; the main public bathing beaches, by contrast, are closed to them in high season.

The third-largest lake in Carinthia, stretched at the foot of the Gerlitzen, prized for sailing, bathing and walks along its wooded shores. Several dog beaches and lakeside paths welcome leashed dogs; the cycle path circling the lake is ideal for a long outing.

The ruins of a hilltop castle overlooking the Ossiacher See, giving a wide panorama over the lakes and mountains. The surroundings and the access path are walkable with a leashed dog; the neighbouring attractions, a birds-of-prey show (Adlerarena) and monkey mountain (Affenberg), do not admit dogs.

A 1,909 m peak dominating the lakes, reached by cable car from Annenheim, from where hiking trails radiate in summer and slopes in winter. Dogs are allowed in the cabin, usually held or in a carrier for small ones; at the top a broad panorama over Carinthia and the Julian Alps rewards the climb.

The large thermal baths of Warmbad-Villach, fed by the warm sulphur spring used since Roman times, with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and a wellness area. Like any spa, dogs are not admitted: plan to leave your companion at your lodging while you bathe.