The Austrian capital, Vienna, not only attracts visitors with its cultural diversity and historical charm, but also with one of the best trail running areas in the country. The Vienna Woods offer a unique experience for passionate trail runners, with its numerous criss-crossed paths and the opportunity for creative route planning. Some routes, such as the "U4-U4" or the loop around the Lainzer Tiergarten, have already achieved cult status in the trail running community.
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Open the Route PlannerThe Vienna Woods: a trail running paradise on your doorstep
Viennese trail runners are lucky to have an area right on their doorstep that is ideal for long runs over hill and dale. The dense network of forest paths and trails opens up countless options for varied routes that always offer breathtaking views of the Vienna Basin with the Danube and Vienna city centre. A trail running experience that is unrivalled.
The most beautiful trail running routes around Vienna
Around the Lainzer Tiergarten: The Viennese classic (RULT)
The loop around the Lainzer Tiergarten, affectionately known in the community as the RULT, has established itself as a true Viennese classic. This route is not only popular with trail runners, but also with hikers and mountain bikers. The route runs along the wall of the former hunting grounds of the Habsburg emperors and offers everything a trail runner's heart desires: flowing trails through dense forest, relaxing sections on wide paths and impressive scenery. With a distance of 20 km and an ascent of 700 m, this route is quite challenging, but definitely worth every metre in altitude.
Easily accessible, varied, anti-clockwise loop outside the wall of the Lainzer Tiergarten zoo
From Hütteldorf to Heiligenstadt (U4-U4): Urban trail enjoyment
One advantage of urban trail running in Vienna is the excellent public transport network. The "U4, U4" run is a perfect example of this. The starting point is Hütteldorf, accessible by underground. From there, the route runs along the ridge that borders Vienna to the west to Heiligenstadt. Here you get back on the U4 underground and return to the starting point. This route not only impresses with its idyllic paths, but also with its breathtaking scenery, especially on the Sophienalpe, where a unique panorama of Vienna opens up before you.
Eine der kürzesten Varianten für einen U4-U4, mit Start in Hütteldorf und Aufstieg über die Mostalm.
Which routes are suitable for trail running beginners in Vienna?
The Vienna Prater, famous for its Ferris wheel and extensive green spaces, offers a great running experience in the centre of the city. A network of trails stretches out here, suitable for beginners and experienced trail runners alike. The routes lead along narrow and wide paths through lush forests. The combination of urban charm and exciting nature makes trail running in the Vienna Prater a special experience that you shouldn't miss out on during your holiday in Vienna.
The Lobau, the national park in the city centre of Vienna, also offers wonderful paths and trails for your trail running experience. Hour-long runs through an impressive natural landscape are just as possible here as short laps on the outskirts of the city.
The runs in the Vienna Woods, on the other hand, are often challenging, but if you want to keep the distance short, you will find beginner-friendly routes here too.
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