Hi, my name is Alan. I will take you on a journey aimed at experiencing reality deeply, preferably offline. Planning a trip with your dog can be challenging, I understand that perfectly, especially when you are wondering where to go for a May Day holiday with your dog to escape the hustle and bustle. After years of travelling, I know one thing: travelling does not require a large budget, and the most precious moments, such as the silence on a mountain trail at dawn with your dog by your side, are free.

I get lots of questions from you about inspiration for the May weekend and how to plan the perfect holiday with your four-legged friend in Lower Silesia. In response, I have created this guide – based on my own experiences, without guesswork, just the essence. A wealth of extraordinary places is open to you, and every trip with your dog to Lower Silesia is an opportunity for a deep reset.

May Day with your dog in Lower Silesia – what do you need to know about the rules and formal requirements?

Can you enter the Karkonosze National Park with your dog during the May Day holiday?

Yes, when visiting the Karkonosze National Park with your dog, you have almost 100 km of marked trails at your disposal. Dogs must be kept on a leash with a maximum length of 1.5 metres. Please note that in May, due to bird breeding (including the rare black grouse), the park management temporarily closes some trails. Dogs are not allowed on the red trail through Kocioł Łomniczki. When entering the Karkonosze Mountains, we are guests in the home of wild animals – let us respect this by minimising our impact on this microcosm.

Which trails in the Stołowe Mountains National Park are dogs not allowed on?

In the Stołowe Mountains National Park, the ban on dogs applies to strict reserves: the labyrinths on Szczeliniec Wielki and Błędne Skały. You will not be allowed to enter even with your dog in your arms or in a backpack – the rock corridors are so narrow that squeezing through the crowd causes panic among the animals, so a trip to the Stołowe Mountains with your dog requires careful planning. Instead of pushing your way into the most commercial places, choose Skalne Grzyby (Rock Mushrooms) or the trail through Narożnik, which are open to dogs.

These alternative routes offer equally impressive sandstone formations and allow for an authentic, peaceful exploration of the area away from the hustle and bustle of school trips.

Do I need a passport for my dog when travelling to the Czech border?

Yes, although you can travel freely within Poland, when crossing the Polish-Czech border, you must have a document for your pet that is valid throughout Europe, i.e. a European passport with a current rabies vaccination and microchip. This rule applies even on border trails, such as the Polish-Czech Friendship Trail, where it is easy to unknowingly enter Czech territory. Failure to present a passport during a border guard check may result in a heavy fine and being turned back.

In which public places in Lower Silesia must dogs wear a muzzle?

A muzzle is mandatory on Lower Silesian Railway trains, public transport (Wrocław, Jelenia Góra, Wałbrzych) and on ski lifts (cable cars) and gondolas. Local regulations also require it for breeds considered dangerous in urban areas. On mountain trails, a leash is sufficient. Remember that mountain railway staff may question fabric veterinary muzzles if they prevent the dog from panting freely.

How to ensure your dog’s health and safety during a May Day holiday in the Lower Silesian mountains?

How can you effectively protect your dog from ticks before going to the Lower Silesian forests?

In the forested areas of Lower Silesia, the most effective barrier is tablets prescribed by a vet or spot-on drops applied at least 48 hours before the trip. Although the weather in May can be unpredictable, the first warmer days quickly bring arachnids to life. The Sowie Mountains and the lower parts of the Karkonosze Mountains are areas of high tick activity. Popular collars often lose their effectiveness when a dog bathes in a mountain stream. As a preventive measure, after each return to the accommodation, I thoroughly comb my dog’s coat, paying particular attention to the groin and ear areas.

How to prepare your dog for the changing weather conditions in the mountains of Lower Silesia in May?

May in the Sudetes is a time of huge weather fluctuations, and a well-planned May weekend with your dog in the mountains teaches you humility in the face of any weather. If you are travelling with a dog without a thick undercoat, pack an ultra-light, waterproof coat. When the sun is shining at 20 degrees in Karpacz, the icy wind on Równia pod Śnieżką can make it feel as cold as 5 degrees. The second issue is paws – granite and quartz rocks after rain act like a grater. Lanolin ointment rubbed into the pads before bedtime effectively regenerates microdamage after a long walk.

Where in the Kłodzko County can I find the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic?

In emergencies, you can find help at the Veterinary Clinic on Dusznicka Street in Kłodzko. However, please note that there is no 24-hour vet on duty there, so at night it may be necessary to travel to Wrocław. Before setting off for the Śnieżnik Massif or the Bystrzyckie Mountains, be sure to save the address and number in your phone, as there is often no mobile phone coverage on the trails. In the event of a viper bite or a cut paw, knowing the way to the clinic can literally save your pet’s life.

Where to go? The best dog-friendly attractions and trails in Lower Silesia

Which castles and fortresses in Lower Silesia are open to visitors with dogs?

Is it possible to visit Książ Castle and its gardens with a dog?

Książ Castle does not allow dogs in the chambers or on the ticketed garden terraces (with the exception of assistance dogs). However, the extensive, free park around the castle is open to four-legged friends on a leash, and it looks phenomenal in spring. The walk through the park to the viewpoint on the rocks is a beautiful route of several kilometres, ideal for photographing the architecture and providing your dog with plenty of olfactory stimuli.

Can you enter the courtyards of Czocha Castle with your dog?

When analysing tourist attractions for dogs in Lower Silesia, it is worth knowing that the courtyards of Czocha Castle are accessible to four-legged friends (the owner must purchase a ticket for themselves). A muzzle is required, except for miniature breeds. Dogs are allowed to accompany us in the outer bailey and along the defensive walls. Although the interiors and the observation tower are not accessible to animals, the dark atmosphere of the outer moats makes up for it. I often sit there on the wall, enjoying the coolness emanating from the historic stones.

Can you visit the Kłodzko Fortress with your dog?

Kłodzko Fortress allows you to visit the upper outdoor route with your dog on a leash (no additional fees for animals). However, the underground mining passages are strictly off-limits to animals. It is dark there, and the narrow tunnels force you into an unnatural position, which can cause panic in dogs. The upper bastions overlooking the Kłodzko Valley are, however, a perfect backdrop for souvenir photos.

Which mountain trails in the Karkonosze and Stołowe Mountains should you choose for a walk with your dog?

Which trail to Śnieżka is the easiest and safest for dogs?

If you are considering hiking with your dog in the Karkonosze Mountains, the safest route to Śnieżka is to take the lift to Kopa (or follow the black trail), and then take a gentle walk through Równia pod Śnieżką and the Polish-Czech Friendship Road. This section has a minimal slope and plenty of space, which prevents friction between dogs. When choosing mountains with your dog for the May Day holiday, definitely avoid the red trail through Kocioł Łomniczki – it is steep, narrow and often subject to a ban on animals.

Is it permitted to climb Szczeliniec Wielki with a dog?

Entry to the strict nature reserve with a rock labyrinth on Szczeliniec Wielki is prohibited. With a dog, you can only climb the stone stairs to the shelter and the viewing terraces in front of the ticket offices. You must return down the same route – you are not allowed to use the stairs intended for people leaving the labyrinth.

Is the approach to Kamieńczyk Waterfall accessible to dogs?

Dogs are not allowed to descend in helmets to the platform below Kamieńczyk Waterfall. However, you can walk along a wide gravel road to the Kamieńczyk Mountain Shelter, from whose terrace you can enjoy a perfect view of the waterfall from above. I have developed my own ritual there: I sit on a bench, give my dog water from the stream, put my phone at the bottom of my rucksack and enjoy the moment. It is a luxurious disconnection from the network.

What other mountain ranges in Lower Silesia are worth visiting with a dog?

What are the most dog-friendly trails in the Sowie Mountains?

The Sowie Mountains are a paradise for four-legged friends. I particularly recommend the wide firebreaks leading to Wielka Sowa from the Jugowska Pass. The soft ground does not damage their paws, and the dense beech forest provides shade, so dogs do not overheat on warmer days. This range is less crowded than the Karkonosze Mountains, which gives you space for a mental reset.

Is the trail to Ślęża Mountain suitable for an older dog?

The yellow trail from the Tąpadła Pass is the only sensible route to Ślęża for an older dog with joint problems. It is a wide, approximately three-kilometre-long forest trail, free of sharp and slippery stones. Unlike the demanding, steep red trail from Sobótka, this approach is gentle and predictable.

Where to go for a peaceful walk with your dog? Picturesque valleys, lakes and parks

What are the best walking routes in the Barycz Valley for a May Day outing with your dog?

The most beautiful walks are offered by the flat walking and cycling path along the former narrow-gauge railway embankment (Sułów-Milicz). The route runs at a safe distance from the Milicz Ponds Reserve. Remember that within the bird reserve itself, dogs must be kept on a very short leash so as not to disturb the birds’ breeding cycles.

Can I enter the Colourful Lakes in the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains with my dog on a leash?

Yes, dogs on a leash are allowed and admission is free. However, please note that access to the higher ponds (Blue and Green) requires climbing steep forest slopes, which can be slippery after rain. The May Day crowds arrive here around 10:00 a.m. Be there just after sunrise to have these views to yourself.

The crisp morning breeze and mirror-like reflections in the water without the noise of tourists – this is my journey into myself.

Are there dog-friendly beaches at Lake Bystrzyckie in Zagórze Śląskie?

There are no official dog beaches here, but you can easily sit with your four-legged friend on the wild slopes on the eastern side of the shore. Swimming is prohibited for both people and animals throughout the entire reservoir. A walk around the lake at the foot of Grodno Castle is a fitness challenge due to the undulating terrain.

Is the underground route in the Gold Mine in Złoty Stok accessible to dogs?

Dogs can visit the underground route of the Gold Mine on a leash, but it is worth considering your pet’s character. Inside, the temperature is around 7°C, with high humidity, loud echoes and a specific smell. The tour ends with a noisy train ride, which can cause great stress for anxious dogs.

Is a muzzle required when walking your dog on the dam in Pilchowice?

A leash is sufficient on the crest of the dam in Pilchowice. However, the structure generates a lot of noise from the overflowing water and strong vibrations, which makes some dogs afraid to enter the structure, reacting with panic to the space and sounds.

Is it worth taking your dog to attractions near the Polish-Czech and Polish-German borders?

Is it worth taking your dog to the Czech Rock Town (Adršpach)?

Definitely yes, as long as you buy an additional ticket for your dog (approx. 50 CZK). Dogs must be kept on a leash. The route leads through wooden footbridges and sandy sections. Although a river flows through the rocks, access to water can be limited, so bring your own bottle. I avoid this place at noon during a long weekend – it gets as crowded as a shopping centre.

Can you visit Muskauer Park on the Polish-German border with your dog?

Yes, the Polish-German Muskauer Park allows dogs to enter its vast territory free of charge. It is the perfect place for a long, leisurely walk. Remember to keep your dog on a leash – this is strictly enforced by the authorities on the German side in Bad Muskau.

Where to eat and sleep? Proven dog-friendly accommodation and restaurants in Lower Silesia

Where can you find agritourism in Lower Silesia that accepts large dogs?

If you are interested in proven dog-friendly accommodation in Lower Silesia, excellent dog-friendly agritourism without weight limits and absurd surcharges can be found at the foot of the Jizera Mountains, e.g. in the vicinity of Antoniów. The owners are often dog lovers who understand the logistics of owning large dogs. The plots are often huge, with access to meadows. Discovering such havens proves that ideal agritourism with dogs in Lower Silesia or a cosy guesthouse accepting dogs in Lower Silesia does not require gold door handles, but space and hosts who, at the sight of muddy paws, hand you a towel instead of a list of rules and penalties.

Which PTTK mountain shelters in the Karkonosze offer accommodation with dogs?

When checking mountain hostels that accept dogs in Lower Silesia, you can book accommodation after prior telephone contact at the legendary Samotnia hostel and the Pod Łabskim Szczytem hostel. The fee for a dog is usually a dozen or so zlotys per night. Be prepared for rooms with linoleum flooring. The hostels operate on the principle of mutual respect – your dog must not be a nuisance to other tourists.

Where to have lunch with your dog in the vicinity of Jelenia Góra and Karpacz?

On the way back, it is easy to find dog-friendly restaurants in Wrocław, but closer to the peaks, I Love Italy in Jelenia Góra and the Sowia Dolina restaurant in Karpacz are great choices. I know from experience that the waiters in these places welcome dogs with a bowl of fresh water, which beautifully defines true dog-friendly restaurants. Just remember that smaller cafés on the promenade in Karpacz can be cramped, and a large dog lying in the passageway is at risk of having its tail stepped on and experiencing stress.

Are there any hotels in Lower Silesia that offer wellness or spa services for dogs?

When it comes to luxury pet-friendly hotels in Lower Silesia, the premium market in Szklarska Poręba is beginning to introduce well-thought-out dog-friendly packages with cooling mats and special menus. Although full-size hotels with spas for dogs are still rare in our country, awareness of places such as Platinum Mountain Resort & SPA is growing rapidly. Treating guests with pets is no longer a necessary evil, but a partnership transaction.

How to prepare your equipment and travel with your dog in Lower Silesia?

What should a first aid kit for dogs on mountain hikes contain?

The basis is a cohesive (self-adhesive) bandage. A regular knitted bandage slips off a muddy paw after a few steps, while a cohesive bandage stays in place perfectly.

• Wound disinfectant spray with octenidine.
• Tweezers or a hook for removing ticks.
• Hydrogen peroxide gel to stop shallow bleeding.
• Cohesive bandage in a roll (min. width 5 cm).
• Baby sock or special boot to secure the dressing on the paw.

Which leash – automatic or trekking – is best for the rocky trails of the Karkonosze Mountains?

For difficult trails, choose flexible trekking leashes with shock absorbers, attached to a hip belt. The dilemma of automatic vs. trekking leashes in the mountains has only one safe solution: automatic leashes are asking for injury. When your dog pulls sharply on slippery rocks, the rigid impact at the end of the leash ruins your joints and exposes your pet to laryngeal injury. The shock absorber absorbs the energy of the jerk. Thanks to it, I have my hands free, I can take photos, and my dog senses my rhythm.

What are the rules for transporting dogs on Koleje Dolnośląskie trains?

When travelling by KD train, you must purchase a ticket for your dog (5.50 PLN), keep it on a short leash and muzzled throughout the journey. Only small dogs in carriers are exempt from fees and muzzles. The conductor may ask you to present a valid rabies vaccination certificate. It is worth downloading the KD app and buying tickets electronically.

Which cable cars in Lower Silesia, e.g. to Szrenica or Kopa, carry dogs?

Dogs are allowed on the chairlift to Szrenica and the cable car to Kopa in Karpacz. There are no additional fees, but a muzzle is strictly required. Dogs must travel sitting or lying at their owner’s feet. Taking a large, fearful dog that has never been at high altitudes is extremely dangerous. If you do not know how your dog will react, choose to walk up instead.

May Day with your dog in Lower Silesia – your checklist before departure

Documents and formalities for your dog: what to take?

Documentation confirming your dog’s identity and health is essential. Failure to provide it may ruin your trip at the first checkpoint or visit to the vet.

Document	When is it absolutely necessary?	Practical
Vaccination certificate	Travelling by train, entering a national park	Veterinarians also enter it in the health booklet.
European Dog Passport	Each time you cross the Polish-Czech and Polish-German borders	The number in the passport must match the reading from the chip under the skin.
Dog Health Book	Emergency visit to the vet	Contains a complete history of past illnesses and tick medication administered.

Essential equipment and first aid kit for your dog when travelling

Good equipment guarantees comfort. Forget about fancy collars, invest in well-shaped guard harnesses (e.g. Y-shaped) that do not block the shoulder joints. Add a foldable silicone bowl and a water filter flask. Important: take a double supply of the food your dog eats every day. Changing water and diet with discount store purchases is a sure-fire way to end up with diarrhoea in the middle of the trail.

The most important rules for behaving with your dog on trails and in national parks

My most important rule is: always keep your dog on a leash. Respect this, no matter how obedient your pet is. The forest is the kingdom of wild animals. The second commandment is to clean up after your dog absolutely everywhere, even under a spruce tree at an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level.

It takes a second to put a bag in your rucksack. As lovers of offline travel, we have a moral obligation to keep these areas pristine. If you want to write to me or share your thoughts on your May Day trips, I look forward to hearing from you. There will be no shortage of trails.