This early summer holiday for Murphy, Archie, my favourite person and me took us to the Packer Stausee, an idyllic retreat in western Styria. With its breathtaking scenery and the generally dog-friendly atmosphere of the surrounding area, the Packer Stausee is a perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday with your four-legged companion.
The Location of the Packer Stausee
- The Packer Stausee sits picturesquely in the Pölstal valley in Styria, surrounded by green hills and forests.
- We are at an altitude of 850 m, close to the Modriach motorway exit, on the western border towards Wolfsberg in Carinthia.
- The calm and relaxed atmosphere of the reservoir makes it a perfect backdrop for nature lovers and their dogs.
- Hiking trails along the lake and in the surrounding area invite you to explore together and offer breathtaking views of the landscape.
Our Dog-Friendly Accommodation at the Packer Stausee
We found our apartment through AirBnB. Gerald is a wonderful host who rents out 4 apartments in his lovingly renovated house.
On our arrival, Gerald gives us all a warm welcome, and you can tell straight away that he has a big heart for dogs. He explains everything about the house, garden, lake and surroundings, and is always easy to reach and very helpful whenever we have questions or requests.
The Garden on the First Level
The house has a fully enclosed, shared garden with:
- a romantic swing facing the lake
- a covered seating area by the house
- a fire pit
- a barbecue grill
- a wooden playhouse with slide and sandpit for children
- a gate leading directly into the adjacent forest
- and probably things I've forgotten or missed ;)
Lake Access
One floor down, where our car is parked, we cross the road with its 40 km/h zone. Archie, Murphy, my favourite person and I step onto the fenced lakeside property (apart from the lake itself, of course ;) ), which features:
- the Villa Seensucht, where you'll find comfortable seating and lounging options, a stocked fridge with drinks, and in summer naturally ice cream too
- a canoe, a rowing boat, 2 stand-up paddleboards, seat cushions and oars to borrow
- a jetty with a ladder plus a lower-level platform for easy boarding of the canoe or stand-up paddleboard
- a "wooden bathing island"
- 3 tables with benches and chairs
- wonderful access to the Packer Stausee
- and a stunning view towards the sunset
The Apartment
Our apartment is on the same level as the garden. The kitchen is fully equipped and has a dining table with 4 chairs. A separate pantry — which also houses the various recycling bins — makes me happy right from the start (note: yes, recycling genuinely makes me happy).
The bathroom is spacious, has a walk-in shower and plenty of storage space. Opposite it you'll find a cosy reading armchair next to a wood-burning stove — perfect for cooler days. The living/sleeping area offers a comfortable bed and a sofa to relax on.
Our unit is the only one with a balcony. The other apartments are equally well appointed and have everything you could need.
On our floor inside the house there is also a lovely shared lounge with a foosball table, a reading sofa and another balcony — plus a steam room.
We love it here.
Beaches, Food and Activities at the Packer Stausee
- At the free lake access points, dogs are free to romp around and splash in the Packer Stausee. However, the public bathing area is off limits for our four-legged friends.
- Water sports such as swimming, stand-up paddling and canoeing are popular and offer a welcome cool-down on hot summer days.
- There are numerous hiking trails and a circular route around the lake, ideal for exploring the surroundings and sharing adventures with your dog.
- There are a few hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the area around the Packer Stausee. Everywhere we ate, dogs were warmly welcome.
- Side note about the accommodation: the baker comes by in a minibus three times a week.
Our Restaurant Recommendations
We visited Gasthof Klug zum Ehrensepp twice — once for lunch after a hike and once spontaneously for breakfast. The dogs were just as warmly welcomed as we were, and the food was hearty and delicious.
Based on the reviews, we would have loved to visit Gregerwirt and been transported back in time. But unfortunately it was fully booked with various events.
Gerald also told us about Gasthaus Seewirt, which is only open whenever the mood strikes. On the plus side, you could arrive there directly by canoe.
Tips for a Wonderful Dog-Friendly Holiday at the Packer Stausee
- Remember that it's important to always be respectful of nature when visiting the Packer Stausee with your dog, and to follow the local rules for dogs.
- Pack enough food, water, leads, toys and possibly a first-aid kit for your dog.
- Find out in advance about the best hiking trails, dog-friendly beaches and dog-friendly restaurants in the area.
Final Thoughts on Our Holiday at the Packer Stausee
The area around the Packer Stausee is not overcrowded in the pre-season, and we really enjoyed the peaceful time here. Gerald is a fantastic host who puts a great deal of effort into making your stay at his place as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
There are a few guesthouses in the area. But you should be aware that for variety you either need to get in the car or simply cater for yourselves back at the apartment.
We usually combined our day trips — which I'll be sharing with you here soon — with a meal out, and otherwise cooked for ourselves at home.
For us it was a wonderful, restful, relaxing holiday with Archie and Murphy, and we truly enjoyed every moment of the break.
