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Best running destinations in Europe

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Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Alpine thrills beneath Mont Blanc
8.9
Trail running is a daily habit for locals in this alpine town below Mont Blanc. Each late summer, thousands of runners gather for the UTMB. This race of about 170 kilometres goes around the mountain through France, Italy and Switzerland. Shorter trails climb to huts with views of glaciers.
Highlights:
  • ❄️ Explore the Mer de Glace glacier and its ice cave
  • 🏔️ Hike or ski around the majestic Mont Blanc massif
  • 🚠 Take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for breathtaking alpine views
Berlin
Wall history, Museum Island and all-night clubs
9.1
More than 40,000 runners start the Berlin Marathon each year. The course is flat and fast. Many marathon world records have been set here. For everyday runs, Tiergarten park and the old Tempelhof airfield are wide and open. Tempelhof has runways that are now used by runners and cyclists.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the Reichstag Dome for panoramic city views
  • 🌉 Admire the Brandenburg Gate illuminated at night
  • 🧱 Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
9.2
Green and busy, this capital has eight Royal Parks and a long path along the Thames. Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Richmond Park are favourites for long runs. Parkrun began in Bushy Park in London in 2004. The London Marathon is held each April and finishes near Buckingham Palace.
Highlights:
  • 🎖️ Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
  • 🎡 Ride the London Eye for sweeping Thames views
  • 👑 See the Crown Jewels inside the Tower of London
Rome
The Eternal City of history and charm
9.2
Many Romans run in Villa Borghese, a large park with shady paths and views over the city. On Sundays the Appian Way park is closed to cars. Runners use its old Roman cobblestones. The Rome Marathon passes the Colosseum, St. Peter's Square and the Circus Maximus.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Gaze at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
  • 🪙 Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck
  • ⚔️ Stand inside the Colosseum and imagine ancient gladiator battles
Paris
The city of love, art and history
9.3
The Paris Marathon is held in April and passes the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Quays along the Seine are flat and have little traffic. Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes have wide forest paths. Cafes along the river are good places to stop.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore the masterpieces at the Louvre Museum
  • 🌆 Stroll along the romantic Seine River at sunset
  • 🗼 Climb the Eiffel Tower and admire the city skyline
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
9.3
This low, flat Dutch city has some of the easiest running terrain in Europe. Paths run along the Amstel River and loop through Vondelpark. Longer routes cross many bridges and canals. The Amsterdam Marathon finishes in the Olympic Stadium built in 1928. Cycle paths are separate, so runners rarely share space with traffic.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Explore Van Gogh Museum’s masterpieces up close
  • 🏠 Visit the Anne Frank House for a moving experience
  • 🚤 Cruise the scenic canals and pass under arched bridges
Stockholm
Where islands, history and modernity meet
8.3
This city is spread over 14 islands, so most runs have water views. Djurgarden is a green island with wide paths and old oaks. The Stockholm Marathon is held each June. The Lidingoloppet cross country race is held each September. Many parks have lit tracks for winter runs.
Highlights:
  • ⛴️ Take a ferry to the Stockholm Archipelago’s scenic islands
  • 🏘️ Explore Gamla Stan’s cobbled streets and colorful old houses
  • 👑 Visit the Royal Palace and watch the changing of the guard
Brussels
Europe's cozy capital of culture
8.6
A big 20 kilometre road race is held through the city each May. For everyday runs, the Sonian Forest at the edge of the city has beech trees and soft trails. Cinquantenaire Park and Parc de Woluwe are also popular. Waffle stands and cafes make good rewards after a run.
Highlights:
  • 🍫 Taste authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in local shops
  • ⚛️ See the iconic Atomium and its futuristic design up close
  • 🏛️ Admire the Grand Place’s ornate guildhalls and glowing night lights
Zermatt
Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn
9.3
The Matterhorn was climbed in 1865. Mountain lovers still visit the village below. Cars are not allowed in the village. The air is clean for runs. The Zermatt Marathon finishes at Riffelberg at about 2,580 metres. Trails pass alpine lakes with views of the Matterhorn. Take time to adjust to the altitude.
Highlights:
  • ❄️ Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car
  • 🏞️ Hike to Riffelsee Lake and see the Matterhorn’s reflection
  • 🚞 Ride the Gornergrat Railway for stunning Matterhorn views
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
8.5
Green, quiet and wild, these nine volcanic islands have mild weather all year. Trails circle crater lakes such as Sete Cidades on Sao Miguel. Hydrangea hedges are found along many country lanes. Hot springs are ideal for sore legs after a long run. Trail races are held on several islands.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation at Gorreana
  • ♨️ Relax in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha
  • 🥾 Hike through the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
8.4
The riverside path runs from Belem, where explorers once sailed, to Parque das Nacoes, built for the 1998 World Expo. It is mostly flat. For hill training, the narrow lanes of Alfama and Graca are steep. Monsanto Forest Park has trails close to the centre.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Listen to live Fado music in a cozy Alfama tavern
  • 🏰 Admire the views from Castelo de São Jorge’s hilltop
  • 🚋 Ride the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
8.7
The classic marathon route starts in the town of Marathon and ends at the Panathenaic Stadium. It follows the legendary run of a messenger in 490 BC. The Athens Marathon is held each November. For shorter runs, trails climb Lycabettus Hill and Philopappos Hill for views of the Acropolis.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Watch the sunset over Athens from Mount Lycabettus
  • 🚶🏻 Wander through the historic streets of Plaka district
  • 🏛️ Climb the Acropolis and admire the Parthenon’s ancient grandeur
Madeira
Dramatic Cliffs and Eternal Spring
8.0
This island is only about 57 kilometres long, but it has some of the steepest trails in Europe. Levada paths run along old irrigation channels through green forest. The Madeira Island Ultra Trail is held each April. Funchal has a seaside promenade for flat runs. Expect big climbs.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Swim in the volcanic natural pools of Porto Moniz
  • 🌊 Drive along the dramatic coastal roads of Madeira’s north coast
  • 🥾 Hike the stunning Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail above the clouds
Lanzarote
Volcanic Landscapes and Sunny Shores
8.1
This volcanic island in the Canary Islands lies off the coast of Africa. Temperatures are mild in winter, so many runners and triathletes train here at Club La Santa. Roads and paths cross black lava fields and red hills. Timanfaya National Park has strange moon like scenery. Trade winds can be strong.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on golden sands of Playa de Papagayo beach
  • 🦀 Discover underwater wonders at Jameos del Agua caves
  • 🌋 Explore volcanic landscapes in Timanfaya National Park
Scottish Highlands
Rugged Beauty and Ancient Legends
8.1
Compared with the Alps, these mountains are lower and much quieter. The West Highland Way runs about 154 kilometres from Milngavie to Fort William. Runners also try the Ben Nevis Race, held each September. Glen Coe and Loch Ness have trail routes with mountain views. The weather is changeable, so pack a jacket.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the legendary North Coast 500 scenic route
  • 🛥️ Cruise across mysterious Loch Ness and spot Urquhart Castle
  • 🥾 Hike through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe Valley
Douro Valley
World's oldest wine wonderland
7.4
Compared with city running, routes here are steep and quiet. Paths climb between terraced vineyards above the Douro River. Small villages such as Pinhao have cafes for a post run coffee. The views are wide and green. Pack water because shade is limited on south facing slopes.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Hike to São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint for panoramas
  • 🍷 Tour historic port wine estates and enjoy tastings
  • 🚤 Cruise the scenic Douro River on a traditional rabelo boat
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