Zermatt

The glacier-fed Matter Vispa runs through the centre of Zermatt and a paved riverside path follows it from the south end of the village to the Sunnegga funicular base station, with constant Matterhorn views. Wide path, plenty of benches, several gravel pockets where dogs can dip paws. The classic morning walk for resident dogs.

The iconic Five Lakes Walk (9.3 km, 590 m descent) links Stellisee - the lake with the famous Matterhorn reflection - with Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee, ending at the Sunnegga funicular. Entirely on marked Wanderweg trails, leashed dogs welcome throughout. Leisee at the end has a roped-off dog swim area.

The Gornergrat cogwheel railway climbs from Zermatt to 3,089 m in 33 minutes, with leashed dogs accepted at half-fare. At the top: a 360° panorama of 29 four-thousanders, the Gorner glacier and the Monte Rosa massif. The highest comfortable altitude for most dogs and the single best mountain panorama in the Matterhorn region.

Zermatt's preserved cluster of 16th–18th century timber granaries on staddle stones, the village's most photogenic non-mountain spot. Leashed dogs are welcome to wander among the lanes. Best photographed at sunrise (08:00) before tour groups arrive.

A small high-altitude lake near the Rotenboden station of the Gornergrat railway, with another classic Matterhorn reflection. The 30-minute loop from Rotenboden is entirely leashed-dog friendly and offers the best reflection between 07:00 and 09:30 before the wind picks up.

A small dark glacial lake at 2,583 m directly beneath the Matterhorn's east face, reached by the Furi–Schwarzsee cable car (leashed dogs accepted). The surrounding alpine meadows and the dog-friendly Matterhorn Glacier Trail down to Furi (1.5 h descent) are among the best high-altitude walks in the Alps.