9 Picturesque Runs in Europe That Kept Me From Looking Like Grimace

This is not going to be a particularly targeted post. It’s somewhat of a hodgepodge collection of runs that I strapped on my ultra-wide New Balances while traveling in Europe for 3 months this past summer to avoid looking like Grimace.

This trip wouldn’t have been as memorable as it was without taking some time to stop and smell the grass (and pavement?) via a handful of scenic runs. Not only did these runs allow me to “burn some cals” before a night out, which inevitably involved slugging 12 ‘light’ European lagers, but they also helped me get to know the city (and country) I was staying in better. 

If anything, I hope this post provides a launching point for all the runners (of all skill levels) who find themselves in Europe for their next adventure. 

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up in one (or more) of the cities on this list. In that case, you at least have one run in your back pocket to get out there and experience the area in a completely underrated way. 

Here are 9 runs in Europe that not only kept me in shape during my 3 months in the Old Continent but emphatically made my trip the best one of my life and made me feel a part of the social fabric of each country. 

It goes without saying BUT all of these scenic running routes also make for great walks too!

Pale Ale Travel Note: For easy scannability and reference, I’ve just grouped the runs by the country that they are in. I’ve also included my personal Strava maps for each run to give you an idea of what the exact route looked like. Finally, to keep things simple, all route lengths are provided for in kilometers. 

The Netherlands

The Netherlands was the first stop on my 3 month stint in Europe, which saw my first two weeks in Amsterdam, followed by a road trip across the country, zig-zagging through Gouda, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Middelburg – ultimately landing a top dawg and I on the Netherlands-Belgium border for a beautiful Dutch wedding. 

Amsterdam – Vondelpark

• Address: Vondelpark, 1017 AA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• Length: 3.5 km park loop – do it as many times as you want! 

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam-Zuid (and a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam Centrum), Vondelpark is a 19th-century park that boasts a car-free 3.5 km running route and loop. 

This is the most popular spot to run in Amsterdam and let me tell you, the Dutch don’t mess around when it comes to exercise. It felt like you could find every third or fourth person out for their daily (running) constitutional. As someone who sometimes has trouble holding a steady speed, I found this great for pacing, as I’d trail others who ran at a comfortable pace. 

I may or may not have looked like a cartoon villain sneaking up on unsuspecting runners, so I apologize for that.

It’s also a popular spot for walks, cyclists, and people who simply want to live the dolce vita (ex. Relaxing on the lush grass or slugging a few beers with their ride-or-dies).

While I may not be the only one to ever do this, I did finish every single run here at the outdoor bar and restaurant at the eastern end of the park – Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis – where I’d toss back some Dutch blonde beers over a plate or two of bitterballen (picture fried beef gravy in a perfectly golden brown ball – perfection). 

I cannot recommend Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis enough and if you’re someone, like me, who runs so that he can eat and drink more, then this spot is going to be right up your alley (and well-deserved after a gorgeous park run). 

Rotterdam – Nieuwe Maas (River)

• Address: Start at the delineated path parallel to the S100 on the east side of the Nieuwe Maas.
• Length: 3 km to infinity (just kidding – to about 21 km).

Running along the Nieuwe Maas (river) in Rotterdam is what it’s all about. 

It isn’t like most river and/or waterfront runs you may be used to, which are typically without obstacles and well-marked. Rotterdam’s waterfront is full of little nooks and crannies, pull-off points, bridge-crossings, small canals, and even bars – so it requires a little bit of flexibility and spontaneity. 

The beauty of it, other than the stunning views of the water, boats and other vessels crisscrossing it, and the built-up Rotterdam skyline, is that the run can be however long you want it to be.

The City of Rotterdam has laid out a handful of routes, ranging from roughly 3 km to 21 km. 

I stuck to running along the west side of the Nieuwe Maas, with the Maritiem District to my left, doubling back the same way I came. All longer versions of this run involve just continuing along the left side of the Nieuwe Maas, doubling back if you wish, and/or continuing through to the Van Brienenoordbrug (bridge), and swinging back around into downtown via the Erasmusbrug bridge. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: While the best thing I ate in the Netherlands was in Middelburg (of all places), the second best thing was in Rotterdam – which you can read more about in this post. 

Cologne, Germany – The Rhine River

• Address: My preferred starting point: Hohenzollern Bridge
• Length: 2.5 km to 12 km-plus. 

Next to my runs along the Vistula River (below), runs along the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany were a highlight of my three months in Europe. As I was situated right next to Cologne Central Station (just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), this also meant I was exactly 15 steps from the mighty Rhine River. 

My go-to run was to start my run on the west side of the Rhine (same side as Central Station/Kölner Dom) and head north up towards the Zoobrücke bridge and sometimes past it. 

I’d then double back, rounding things out to anywhere between 3.5 km to 5 km-plus, depending on how many stangens of Päffgen I drank the night before at the legendary brauhaus Max Stark. 

The beauty of the mighty Rhine is that it is so massive that both the east and west sides of the river offer well-mapped and carved-out paths. Nearly every path along the Rhine should have a vantage point of the Gothic masterpiece that is the Cologne Cathedral. 

If you decide to run south, I’d recommend running along the eastern side of the Rhine as the western side is a popular spot for tourists/where the river cruises launch, so it can definitely get a bit crowded under the Hohenzollernbrücke bridge just before the Heumarkt. 

The eastern side/south run along the Rhine is also more ‘park-like’, with lush trees and fewer bridge crossings/pedestrian blockades. 

Both north and south runs along the run extend up to 10 km to 12 km (give or take) depending on if you cross any bridges along the way or double back the way you came.

Antwerp, Belgium – Stadspark

World War Memorial at Stadspark.

• Address: Rubenslei, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
• Length: 1.7 km – but feel free to do this triangular loop as many times as you want. 

Antwerp isn’t exactly a runner’s dream destination. Unfortunately, the Scheldt River errs far more on the ‘port side’ of things rather than the pedestrian-friendly havens that you’ve seen pop up in many cities along bodies of water. 

But there are several pockets of the city where you can stripe on the Nikes and running shorts and get moving (without feeling out of place). 

Potentially the most popular running route (and one of the only ones within the city), smack-dab in the middle of the city and right next to the historic Diamond District is at Stadspark – a large triangular English-style park. 

A lap around the completely flat triangular park is roughly 1.7 km, so my go-to was to circle it two or three times and call it a day. A running/walking path hugs the outer portion of the park, with several interior paths that are also popular for running/strolling. 

I consider the Stadspark run much more of a ‘make do with what you have type of run’. However, it served me well during my nearly 2 weeks in Antwerp and is a formidable run to keep in the back pocket if you’ve tossed back too many Seef beers and frites the night before. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: This Stadspark run changed my complete mindset towards Stella Artois (the beer). One of the best runs I had all trip was on a 36-degree (Celsius) day, where after being absolutely depleted of energy, electrolytes, and hope, I hit up a popular frites brasserie and ordered an ice-cold Stella with my Flemish beef stew frites. Read more about Frites Atelier and the Stella Artois that changed my life here. 

Poland

As I spent the bulk of my 3-month Europe stint in Poland, I naturally have a few more running routes to offer up. I was also drinking like an absolute fish during my time in Lechia (Poland), so runs weren’t just a luxury, they were imperative to not end up on an episode of My 600lb Life.  

My general rule of thumb about running in Poland is…if you didn’t run along one of its several gorgeous, lengthy rivers, then you didn’t run at all! 

I’ll keep these Poland runs brief as I wrote an in-depth guide on each and every run I loved during my time in Poland, which I recommend checking out!

This is just to whet your running appetite. 

Kraków

Kraków was hands down the spot in Poland that I put in the most miles. It also so happened to be the spot where I was drinking the most. This blog is called ‘Pale Ale Travel’ after all. 

I’m ashamed to admit but after almost every single run, I’d hunker down on my Airbnb’s couch with two bottles of Kozel Czerny (for hydration) before heading out to dinner. To ensure that I didn’t end up looking like a bloated corpse, I had to put in some serious miles. 

Kraków was also home to some of my fastest 5 km times, which I attribute mainly to it being a runner’s paradise (of all levels), which meant I had my pick of the litter to use as a pacer. It was also the first place I’ve ever run where someone actually used me as a pacer!

I loved these runs and my routine in Kraków – which is part of the reason I stayed for over one month. 

Vistula River

• Address: Dębnicki Bridge, Most Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego Bridge
• Length: 5 km to 20 km. 

I told you. The Vistula River is ubiquitous. It’s the beating heart of Poland’s nature, trade, and connectivity. And, just because the Vistula River is on this list twice, doesn’t mean that the runs aren’t completely unique and beautiful in their own right. No stretch of the Vistula is the same. 

The Vistula River runs in Kraków were the epitome of living la dolce vita, as my first several runs along this 1,000 km river were with my brother. It also has memorable views of Wawel Castle, passes by countless little houseboats/restaurants/bars, and rips by the iconic Kraków Ferris wheel and observation balloon!

Difficulty-wise, the Vistula is built for everyone and their grandma. From those in marathon prep looking for a flat, continuous 20 km run, to those just getting back into it, and everyone in between. 

My personal favorite run along the Vistula in Kraków was to head east from Dębnicki Bridge (on the Old Town side), run by Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter), and cross over to Podgórze District on the other side of the river via the Dąbie barrage. 

I’d then weave in and out of back streets while staying parallel to the Vistula and making my way back (west), crossing over to the north side via the Most Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego Bridge or Dębnicki Bridge.

This allowed for anywhere from a 5 km to 7.5 km run and usually had me drenched in sweat, ready for a night of pierogi, schabowy (schnitzel), and ice-cold Żywiec lagers.

Błonia Park

• Address: 33-332 Kraków, Poland
• Length: 3.6 km for one lap around the quadrilateral field. 

Błonia Park was hands down my most logged run during my three months in Europe. This is where all of Kraków’s local runners congregate – even more so than along the Vistula River. 

When describing Błonia Park, it sounds quite unspectacular, as it’s just a vacant field with paved paths around the perimeter. But it’s where local Cracovians wind down after a long day of work and can be found by the hundreds, out and about, getting their steps in (or whatever the equivalent of rollerblading is). 

So, in my humble opinion, it’s one of the most special runs on this list, as it is the perfect look into everyday life and a spot to go if you want to feel like you’re a part of Kraków’s social and sporting fabric. 

The run itself is flat, predictable, and well-marked, so it’s a great ‘track’ to best some of your previous PRs. I ran this 3.6 km quadrilateral so much that I knew exactly where I was at every step of the way. This allowed me to avoid neurotically glancing at my phone and simply focus on running. 

Błonia Park is just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town and can be paired with a quick warm-up lap around Planty (or a section of it), the urban park that encases Kraków’s Old Town. Thanks to its proximity to Dębnicki Bridge it can also be paired with a Vistula River run if you want to get real tubular (I say this like how a Hawaiian surfer uses the term) with your miles/kilometers. 

Gdańsk – Opływ Motławy

• Address: Wyskok Bastion, The Żubr Bastion (two great starting points)
• Length: 3.5 km one way – 7 km down and back.

Opływ Motławy was (sneakily) one of my favorite runs in all of Poland. I attribute this to the fact that I was able to do it with my brother (several times). It was also one of the more interesting runs I embarked on during my three months, as it’s more comparable to a mash/wetland, boasts old Dutch fortifications and embankments, and has raised paths that overlook the water.

It’s also in an area that isn’t heavily frequented by tourists, which is wild as it’s just 15 minutes outside of Gdańsk’s Main Town!

From north to south, Opływ Motławy clocks in at just over 3.5 km, but you can of course double back if you wish. The paths are well-marked and provide a panoramic viewpoint of the estuary and its vibrant wildlife and ecosystem (ex. Canadian geese, swans, and wigeons!). 

I particularly loved this run as Gdańsk, more than any other city I visited or stayed in during my time in Poland, felt overcrowded and almost too compact at points – so Opływ Motławy provided the perfect refuge for a couple of mid-thirties brothers looking to get their steps in unperturbed. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and get a free, 9-day, 8-night Poland itinerary that covers Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk. 

Warsaw – Vistula River

• Address: Świętokrzyski Bridge, Śląsko-Dąbrowski Bridge, Łazienkowski Bridge
• Length: 5 km to 10 km-plus – you can run for as long or as little as you want to!

The Vistula River is ubiquitous in Poland. Well, almost. It’s the longest river in Poland (and ninth longest in Europe), traversing almost the entire length of the country. It also so happens to be a sanctuary for runners. 

Warsaw’s Vistula River run offers no shortage of onramps and offramps, with numerous multi-use, picturesque paved and unpaved running paths. 

Start your run on the bank directly next to Warsaw’s Old Town or cross over to the Praga District side for a more undisturbed, ‘backwoods’ vibe (one that’s also easier on these aching joints of mine). 

My go-to run along the Vistula River in Warsaw was the less-crowded Praga side. I’d follow the river northwest and swing back for a casual, scenic 5 km run. Note that the Praga side paths are not continuous and do require you to pop up to the main road occasionally before heading back down along the water. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: For a reliable pair of lightweight running shoes, make sure to check out the pair that I personally use here (and wholeheartedly recommend).

Poznań – Warta River

• Address: Saint Roch Bridge (my go-to launching point)
• Length: 5 km to 8 km-plus.

I thought that the Vistula River was the only one for me…until I met you, Warta River. As the second longest river in Poland, the Warta shouldn’t be slept on at all when it comes to incredible, never-ending, beautiful runs. 

Much like the Vistula River, the Warta River sports countless multi-use paved and unpaved paths (on both sides of the river), with my preferred starting point being at the Saint Roch Bridge. 

From here, I’d cross over to Nowe Miasto, run north alongside the Warta, merge over to the ‘Cybina River’ (a small river that deposits into the Warta), swing by the Jordan Bridge (aka ‘lovelock bridge’) and Poznań Cathedral, all before circling back down south along the west bank of the Warta to the Saint Roch Bridge and/or Old Town. 

You’ll find runners out on the Warta at all hours of the day, on both sides, heading north and south, with routes stretching to just under 10 km. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re ever in Osaka, Japan, make sure to check out my post breaking down ‘4 of the Best Running Routes in Osaka to Get Your Miles in’. Osaka, next to Poland, is a contender for one of my favorite spots to run! 

Who Run the World? Not Beyoncé

My before and after.

Frankly, making running a regular part of my travels has led to me exploring cities and countries more comprehensively than I would have otherwise done. 

It has been one of the best ways to discover little pockets of an area that I want to circle back to for dinner and drinks, feel less lonely and as if I’m a part of the city/country’s social fabric, and keep this waistline at a modest 34 inches (which is not particularly modest).

I cannot recommend enough getting out there to run and/or walk to explore wherever it is you travel to. I guarantee that you’ll find a hidden gem or experience something most others who stick to the main touristy areas of a city/country never get to experience. 

Finally, I wrote this just at the end of the year (2024), looking at my total number of km/miles logged, and can’t help but feel extremely excited about the new runs I’ll find myself on in 2025. 

If you have any questions about traveling to any of these cities/countries, or need me to explain the route further/provide more details on a running route, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@palealetravel.com. 

Run well everyone,

Big Body