Two weeks ago, we reported on trail running as an athletic discipline and introduced you to various running routes of our Green PearlsⓇ partners in Germany. Now we’ve added more routes and events in Italy, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland. So let us inspire you to explore your destination in a sporty and sustainable way – easy going or really ambitious while trail running in Europe.

The first thing to do when running trails – especially on new terrain – is to start slow! Get used to the new surface. Once you feel warmed up and confident, and you can see the terrain, you can start to impress yourself with sprints, jumps, and uphill runs (depending on your ability). Also, take a break from time to time and enjoy the view.

The question of what kind of surface is best for a run comes up all the time in running circles. The answer: There is no best surface. Instead, each surface has its advantages and disadvantages. Asphalt is considered one of the hardest surfaces to run on – but it is also the hardest to avoid. More and more soil is being sealed, with significant consequences for nature and biodiversity. On sealed soil, rainwater cannot infiltrate, plants cannot grow, and animals are disturbed in their habitat. So let’s take a look at the alternatives in the form of natural soils.

Natural flooring for runners:

• Grass: A flat meadow is a soft and safe surface, especially for older runners. Grass is considered one of the best running surfaces around – however, a flat grass surface is not (anymore) easy to find (and golf course owners will probably not be happy if you do your trail training there) 🙂
• Forest floor: Forest floor has a natural cushioning effect that is easy on the joints. However, be aware of sticks, obstacles and trip hazards.
• Dirt Trail: Dirt trails are often found in shady places and therefore pleasant in the summer. Overall, the weather conditions are very important for the terrain, as it should be neither muddy (and therefore slippery) nor dry and rocky.
• Sand: Sand allows you to run barefoot – which can be a real treat for your foot muscles! Soft, deep sand dunes provide a great workout for your calf muscles. It’s easier (and faster) to run on firm sand next to the water. If the water’s edge is flat, this is the ideal surface – but if it is sloped, keep your runs short to avoid overloading your tendons and joints.
• Snow: Snow is considered a poor surface for running. It is better suited for hiking / snowshoeing because you always have one foot on the ground, which increases safety.

• Going uphill will work your thigh muscles in particular. Tip: Pump your arms! You can also power walk uphill when trail running.
• Downhill running challenges the entire musculoskeletal system and builds strength and conditioning. As a technique, you should run shorter strides at a higher cadence.
• Altitude training is running at 1500 meters above sea level. There is less oxygen in the air, so running is more strenuous, but simply put, the body adapts by creating new, more efficient cells. So back in the low terrain, you run better than before. This effect can last for several weeks and is used by professional athletes.

Finding your vacation destination based on the trails surrounding your accommodations is becoming increasingly popular and is encouraged by sustainable accommodations, such as providing trail maps at the front desk. We asked Green PearlsⓇ hotels and vacation rentals what trail running routes they recommend.

At the My Arbor tree hotel near Brixen in South Tyrol, Andreas can name numerous good trail running routes. The former biathlete is a member of the Huber family and uses mountain running to “recharge his batteries”. My Arbor is nestled in the forest at an altitude of 1,000 meters.

For high-altitude training and ambitious trail runners, we recommend Paradiso Pure.Living on the Seiser Alm in South Tyrol. Situated at about 2,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by the fantastic panorama of the Dolomites, it offers its guests a healthy (meat-free) plant-based cuisine. The trail running routes of the Dolomites start right outside the door and many athletes come here especially for a running vacation.

The Alpe di Siusi Trail Running Park (“Running where the world’s elite trains“) consists of 20 well-signposted running circuits with a total length of 240 kilometers. The trails are between 900 and 2,300 meters above sea level and range from “beginners’ trails” to challenging mountain trails.

If you want to combine your vacation with a competition, several running events await you in 2024:

• 07.07.2024 Seiser Alm Half Marathon
• 13.07.2024 Rosengarten Sciliar Sky Marathon (36 or 45 km without asphalt)

For tips on preparing for these events, checkout our blog: Combine running & vacation  

If you prefer to take it easy, there are many moderate trail running routes around the Hotel Weihrerhof in Oberbozen. The hotel is located on the shores of Wolfsgrubensee at an altitude of 1,200 meters and has a small beach and a boathouse sauna for relaxation.

Host Klaus Pichler recommends starting the morning with a run around the lake. Alternatively, you can take the “Signater Aussicht” route from the hotel or the “Lobis-Runde” (approx. 10 km). Find more trail running routes around Bolzano and Soprabolzano at Outdooractive

“We have two great trail running routes that start right outside the resort. Other popular running routes are from Ogliastro to Punta Licosa (about 4 km there and 4 km back), from San Marco to Punta Licosa (about 3 km one way) or the Lungomare in Santa Maria. – A’ Cràpa Mangia

“Right on our doorstep and with Seefeld as a starting point, there are many interesting routes and trails to explore, whether on foot, as a trail runner or by bike. For example, you can take a leisurely walk around the Wildsee lake or head directly from the hotel to the Möser lake. If you prefer, you can run the return route around the Brunschkopf via the Wildmoosalm back to Seefeld. – Hotel Klosterbräu

Find more trail running routes around Seefeld at Outdooractive

At the Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt, you will meet the host family’s mountain guide and rescuer, Simon Anthamatten, who also co-organizes the popular Ultraks trail running race. The family-run hotel has a cozy feel-good atmosphere with local Swiss stone pine, fireplace and organic food. According to the owners, there are thousands of trail running routes. Most of them start right outside the door!

The Matterhorn Ultraks takes place from the 23rd to the 28th of August 2024 and includes trail runs between 6.3 and 49 kilometers.

Another great place to stay is the CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt. It’s a chic resort with an infinity pool, an indoor climbing wall, a gym as well as three restaurants. The hotel lies on the course of the Zermatt Marathon.

The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon will take place on 06.07.2024

You perceive nature very differently when you are running versus driving through it. Even on a bike, you are “too fast” to discover the little things along the way. Trail running is different. You feel the ground under your feet, you feel the texture, and you are in the moment. Like hiking, trail running is not about reaching a place, but about the journey itself. And we believe that is the perfect way to explore a region!

Save the article to plan your next trip!