The 10 Best Running Trails In Europe

Europe is a playground for trail runners. From gnarly high mountain passes to gentle lakeside trails, there’s something for everyone in this diverse continent. Whether you’re looking for high altitude adventures or a leisurely run over rolling hills, there’s plenty of great trail running in Europe. From short runs of just a few hours to epic multi-day expeditions, here are our suggestions for the best trail running in Europe. 

Signs of a Great Running Trail 

Not all trails are created equal. With so many amazing places to run across Europe, there are a few stand-out features to help you choose which one to run on. Some of the hallmarks of a brilliant running trail include:

• Scenic views: No matter how tough the trails are, a breathtaking view makes the grind worth it in the end. Whether it’s dramatic coastal cliffs or ancient forests, beautiful views make all the effort worthwhile.

• Varied terrain: Never-ending climbs are great training – but they’re not necessarily always enjoyable. Trails that offer a mixture of different types of terrain and gradients keeps things interesting, giving you a breather on the flatter sections. The variety also keeps your mind engaged, helping the miles fly by without feeling repetitive.

• Well-maintained paths: Sometimes, it’s great fun to go off-piste. But if you’re running on boggy ground or debris-covered trails, it can be really hard going. Well-kept paths make for a smoother, safer run, letting you focus on your pace and surroundings rather than dodging obstacles.

• Accessible trailheads: Part of the appeal of trail running is getting away from it all and experiencing everything nature has to offer. But sometimes, you don’t want to drive for hours or take multiple methods of public transport. Trails with easy access (whether by car, bus, or train) make it simpler to squeeze in a run without the hassle, so you can spend more time on the trail and less time getting there.

West Highland Way - Scotland

The 96-mile West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s iconic long distance trails. It runs from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, passing through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes along the way.

The full trail is the home of the world’s longest-established ultramarathons, held every year in June since 1985. If you don’t feel up to tackling the full distance in one go (the race has a time limit of 33 hours), it’s easy to split it up over a few days, as there is plenty of accommodation along the route – but book early if you’re planning to run in summer, as it’s a popular trail and accommodation books up early.

There’s a good mixture of runnable sections and challenging climbs along the way, with the highlights including the technical terrain alongside the shores of Loch Lomond (Scotland’s largest lake), the sweeping views of Rannoch Moor, and the tough ascent of the Devil’s Staircase with stunning views over dramatic Glen Coe. Whether you’re tackling a short section or the entire route, this iconic trail promises an unforgettable adventure.

Black Forest - Germany

The Black Forest in south west Germany is a dream for trail runners, with densely packed trees, gently rolling hills and charming villages dotted throughout. With over 24,000km of marked and well-maintained trails within the forest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're looking for a short run in between cultural stops, or are planning a running holiday.

One of the most popular routes in the Black Forest is the Westweg,  a 179 mile (288km) route through the forest, from the city of Pforzheim to Basel in Switzerland. It was first established in 1900, and is split into 12 sections, which you can tackle all in one go, or pick and choose which ones to run. There’s excellent public transport within the Black Forest region, so it’s easy to hop on a bus between start and end points – and because the trail is well marked, you’re unlikely to get lost along the way.

There’s a variety of different terrains along the Westweg, along with beautiful, panoramic views. And because the trail passes through several small towns and villages, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the culture of this region, as well as refuel with its famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau).

Tour du Mont Blanc - France, Italy, Switzerland

We can’t have a list of the best trail running routes in Europe without mentioning the Tour de Mont Blanc route, or TMB for short. It circles the Mont Blanc massif, covering roughly 106 miles (170km) and passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. With over 10,000 metres of elevation gain, it’s a serious challenge for any runner – and is a bucket list run for many, with lots of trail runners aspiring to run the famous UTMB race on the route. 

But you don’t have to do the race to experience the beauty of the TMB. It can easily be done as a multi-stage adventure, or you can break it down into shorter sections if you just want a flavour of the route. 

You could base yourself in Chamonix (often considered to be a mecca for trail runners), for example, and do out and back runs from the town. Or you could choose two points along the route with good public transport options (like Courmayeur in Italy and Chamonix in France) and run between them. When there are so many miles of epic mountain trails to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Lake Oeschinen Loop - Switzerland

For a shorter trail running experience, consider Lake Oeschinen in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland. The turquoise lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by rugged cliffs – truly breathtaking. And what better way to experience its jaw-dropping beauty than a run around the lake?

Lake Oeschinen is near the town of Kandersteg, which is easy to get to if you have a car. Alternatively, you can get the train from Interlaken, although you’ll need to change trains. From Kandersteg, you can either take a gondola up to the lake, or run or hike up the mountain – a great warm up for your run. Once you reach the lake, there are a variety of routes to choose from, including a circular loop around the lake (around 5.4 miles or 8.7km). Each trail is well marked, and you can enjoy a dip in the lake as your post-run reward.

Julian Alps - Slovenia

If you’re looking for less populated trails, head to Slovenia’s Julian Alps, which stretch from the north east of Italy to Slovenia. The highest point in the range – and the highest peak in Slovenia –is Mount Triglav, which stands at 2,864 metres. You don’t have to ascend to those heights to have a brilliant running experience in this area, though, as there are plenty of well-marked routes to enjoy throughout the Alps. That means you can do everything from accessible day runs to multi-day traverses.

There are several races held in this area, including the Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB, covering distances from 10km to 120km. Or try one of these options:

• Seven Lakes Valley Trail: 15.2 miles (24.5km) out and back route, which can be converted into a loop, through one of the most scenic areas of the Triglav National Park and passing seven beautiful glacial lakes.

• Soča River Trail: 15.5 miles (25km) of gentle trails from the source of the Soča River to the village of Bovec. You can easily reach the start point with seasonal public transport – be sure to check times before you travel.

• Mount Vogel: 6.5 miles (10.5km) of challenging climbs up Mount Vogel, a great choice that’s close to Lake Bohinj and easily accessible by car or public transport – run up the mountain in the morning and spend the afternoon by the lake. Start from the Vogel Cable Car mountain station and run to the Vogel summit and back through the Bohinj Mountains, with incredible panoramic views along the way.

Lake Fuschl Circular - Austria

Austria is a trail runner's paradise with a diverse range of routes, from scenic lakesides to challenging alpine climbs. Lake Fuschl is a hidden gem, offering something a bit different to the high mountain passes – perfect if you’re looking to stretch your legs on an easy run while still enjoying beautiful views.

Easily accessible from Salzburg, Lake Fuschl is one of the quieter lakes in the Salzkammergut region. The loop around the lake is around 7.02 miles (11.3km) long, making it a good choice when you want a scenic run that won’t take up the full day. The path is mostly gravel and is well maintained, without any significant climbs. Along the way, you’ll run through shady forests, along the crystal clear waters of the lakes, and of course, past various spots to stop for a swim or a coffee.

If you’re staying in the Salzburg region, you can easily create a full itinerary of trail running. Other options to look out for include:

• Gaisberg: This iconic mountain sits at 1287 m above sea level. Climb to the top or explore the extensive network of trails on and around the mountain.

• Untersberg: 160km of hiking trails – again, run to the summit or explore lower-level routes on the mountain.

The Essentials for Your Running Adventure

Ready to hit the trails? Make sure you’re prepared with the right gear for a safe and enjoyable run, whether you’re running on high mountain passes or enjoying a lakeside loop. Make sure you have all the essentials in your pack. Depending on the time of year, you may need a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves and a hat – and in the summer, don’t forget to wear a cap or visor, and plenty of sunscreen. 

Discover our running essentials, from sweat-wicking shirts and shorts, to jackets that’ll protect you from the elements, whatever the weather.