Running in a new location is what I like to call ‘speed sightseeing’. It’s the perfect way to stay fit while also exploring a new place. These are my five most memorable locations for running in Europe.
Keeping fit while traveling can be tricky and it’s often hard to create or maintain a routine. Whatever your running speed, from a brisk walk to a outright sprint there’s something special about this manner of exploring. Run around the base of ancient castles, up mountains, through incredible valleys and next to picturesque rivers. The memory of running in these locations stayed with me long after I had left. Pack your runners and get ready to explore 5 unique European runs.
Running in Europe – The Rating System
When looking for Europe’s best running destinations, there is such a diversity of locations, history and landscapes to explore. To have some fun with this and to provide you with more information, I’ve broken each location into three categories. These are:
- Paths/Trails – What is the surface you will be running on like? Eg. Pavement, trails, roads…
- Scenery – What will you see while running? What’s the history like? Eg. Mountainous, forests, castles, incredible architecture…
- Difficulty – How hard it is to run there.
All these places all have a magic to them. I have personally been to each of these locations and can recommended them all. They left me with a lasting memory. While each of these five have different levels of difficulty and terrain but all have that “wow” factor.
Running in Europe – My Five Most Memorable
1. Carcassonne, France – A Special Place in History
- Path/Trails: Mainly unsealed (gravel) roads.
There was a short section where you’re running along the battlements, which is the icing on the cake. - Scenery: Historic and Stunning.
You are running a lap around the inner walls of one of the most famous castles in France, enough said. - Difficulty: Easy.
It’s mainly flat. You can do as many or as little laps around the castle as you desire so there is no requirement for distance.
Overview
Running in Carcassonne isn’t a conventional choice, but it is one of the most unique places I’ve run. Ever. Early one morning, before sunrise I set off for a run along the road that goes between the inner and outer walls of the citadel. It is also possible to run around the outer walls. Watching the sun rise over the castle walls while running around this incredible piece of history was something I will never forget. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys running. Each lap is less than 1.5 kilometres.
Overall. It’s a short run, but a unique opportunity to run somewhere so steeped in history. There’s not many places to run like this making it one of Europe’s best running spots.
Note: I would recommend doing this early on in the day. Especially in the high season, A LOT of tourists visit. Running around while playing dodge a tourist would not be ideal.
2. Heidelberg, Germany – Choose Your Own Adventure
- Paths/Trails: Varied – Footpaths, Gravel Roads and Trails.
The options here are extremely varied. On paved surfaces: If you want something flat, try running next to the river. If you take the bridges either side of the old bridge, it’s a four kilometre loop. Alternatively head uphill along the Philosophers Way. For trail runners: there are trails all over the hills that surround Heidelberg. You can pick from from gravel roads to dedicated trails. I would recommend heading uphill to the Thingstätte and onto the Michaelskloster Heiligenberg. There’s also a short run to a brewery which can be visited with a trail run through the forest not far from the old town. - Scenery: Beautiful.
You will be running next to a river, past a beautiful old bridge, with a view of the castle on the hill. Alternatively run through forests and up hills for a great view of Heidelberg. There’s the ruins of a old Monastery to see. There’s so many great options to explore. - Difficulty: Easy – Hard.
If you’re running next to the river, it is flat, on pavement and an easy run. If you are thinking of heading into the forest there are some great trails (nothing too technical) just be prepared for a lot of uphill.
Overview:
Heidelberg is an excellent place to go for a run. The old town is surrounded by forested hills and there’s a river running through it. I have spent a fair bit of time here and still haven’t explored all the different places to run. One of my favourite however, is just next to the old town. Picture this. You are running next to the Neckar River, past the old bridge. The sun is setting and you look up to the hill to see the castle on the hill, illuminated in the last of the suns golden rays. Heidelberg is one of the prettiest places I have run in Europe. Plus, there’s an abundance of options for running.
Overall, Heidelberg provides runners with a wealth of options. The diversity of options from easy flat runs next to the river to trail runs up hills and beautiful scenery make it and excellent place for running in Europe.
Note: I enjoyed running in Heidelberg so much that I am in the process of writing up and entire post of recommended runs in just Heidelberg. Subscribe to stay updated.
3. Isle of Skye, Scotland – Run on the Rooftop of the World
- Paths/Trails: A trail runners domain.
Wherever you are running, just know you’re likely going to be going up and down hills. If you’re not confident in trail running it is possible to stick to the more established walking trails which are mainly flat. - Scenery: Am I in Heaven?
Rugged mountains going straight into the water, with lochs and rivers abundant. This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you are running on the roof of the world. - Difficulty: High.
There are not many options which will not have you heading up hill. The trails can be technical, there are places where they are washed away and you will need to watch your footing. Plus being Scotland, it rains a lot and the paths tend to be incredibly muddy.
Overview:
The Isle of Skye is an absolutely spectacular part of the world. When thinking about running in Europe, the Isle of Skye should definitely be high on your list. Running here is a delight. Due to the nature of the landscape however, it’s going to be mainly trail running. I woke up early one morning in Glenbrittle to run up a hill and watch the sunrise. It did not disappoint. With views of mountains and the ocean and no one else around (except lots of sheep).
Overall, the Isle of Skye is an absolute delight. You do not have to run it to appreciate how beautiful it is. However, there’s something special about running in such spectacular scenery which makes you feel alive.
Notes:
- I recommend planning your trail run before hand using AllTrails or Komoot, they’re both part of my recommended travel applications.
- Make sure to check the weather conditions and be prepared for muddy trails.
- For added immersion try listening to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack while running.
4. Porto, Portugal – City to Surf
- Paths/Trails: Paved surfaces, footpaths.
It can be a little confusing heading out of the city and just be careful of traffic. However, once you reach the river it is easy going until the end. There’s a dedicated footpath along the river so no need to run on the road. - Scenery: Historic architecture to the ocean.
Start in the city with it’s pretty architecture. Once you reach the river the scenery changes and you can watch boats going up the river and fishermen as you run. The option of a swim in the ocean at the end is always a winner. - Difficulty: Easy.
Aside from having to wait for traffic in the city the rest of the run is basically flat and on paved surfaces. You can even catch the tram part of the way to make it easier if you need to.
Overview:
Running in Porto is best done when it’s not as hot. I headed off early to run from the city centre to the ocean. After getting out of the city centre, I followed the Douro River to the beach. The route took me past beautiful old buildings and under the Ponte da Arrabida Bridge. As I approached the ocean, I ran past old men fishing. A well deserved swim was in order to really top off this excellent run. If you start early you will likely see some pilgrims walking the Portuguese Camino, keep an eye out for the shell on the backpack. To get back to the city I caught the historic tram (Line 1) back along the river.
The city centre to the ocean was about seven kilometres. If you are feeling extra fit I would recommend running further along the coastline, it’s very picturesque.
Overall, Porto has a special place in my heart. I kept extending my stay here and have been back again since my first visit. Running along the river is a great way to see more of the city, it’s an easy and pretty run. Being able to swim in the ocean is just the cherry on top making it an incredible place to go running in Europe.
Note:
- In summer start early to avoid the heat of the day.
- If you’re planning on getting the tram back, make sure you have enough money to pay for it (currently about 3.50€ in 2024).
5. Budapest, Hungry – A Surprise City Escape
- Paths/Trails: Roads/footpaths.
However, within the cemetery itself there are some gravel roads. - Scenery: Historical and pretty.
Run through forests, on old roads and past many grave stones. Some of the graves are spectacular in their size and others in just how old they are. Running in a graveyard, especially as beautiful as this one makes this a highly memorable experience. - Difficulty: Easy.
There is almost no elevation change. You will spend most of your time on footpaths or roads.
Overview
Capital cities, or even just large cities often aren’t the best spots for running. They are busy, have a lot of infrastructure and its hard work running next to busy roads. In Budapest I stumbled upon the Fiumei Road Graveyard, also known as Kerepesi Cemetery. I was here in November and this place was very pretty. The autumn leaves were a kaleidoscope of different colours. The weather itself was also grey and overcast which really added to the general vibes of the place. Turns out some of the film The Boy in Striped Pajamas was filmed here. While I will not make a habit of going for runs in graveyards, this one was worth it. For starters it’s really big, quiet, there’s trees, there’s old graves (of course) and a being slightly spooked helped me run faster (kidding).
Overall, finding good places to run in large cities can sometimes be a challenge. The Fiumei Road Graveyard in Budapest was such a welcome find that the memory of running here has remained with me long after I left.
Note:
- To get into this place you’re going to need to check the opening hours. There’s no other way in except for the main gates, located here.
- I saw a few other joggers while I was there but remember, this is a graveyard, so be respectful if you do go running here.
Bonus Location: Margaret Island, on the Danube right in the heart of the city. This is also a great spot for a run, but the uniqueness of the Graveyard won out here.
Map of The Runs
I’ve included a map of each of my recommended running spots in Europe. If you zoom in on the map, I have included my recommended trail for Carcassone (1), Heidelberg (2) and Porto (4). I did not include a recommended trail for Isle of Skye (3) as the trail options are endless or Budapest (5) as the graveyard is fun to explore without suggestions.
Conclusion
That’s it for my list of my most memorable runs in Europe. It’s a mix of different paths/trails and difficulties. Some locations you will be trail running, others on footpaths or gravel tracks. All of them however, have spectacular scenery. From amazing history, to incredible nature these places truly are some of the best places to put on your running shoes and explore.
Where have your most memorable runs while travelling been?
Happy Exploring!
Kieren