Running is huge nowadays, all you have to do is step on the street in any European city, and it’s more than obvious. More and more people are deciding to accelerate their normal pace when on the go and watch life passing by that little bit faster. A legion of fast movers weaving among pedestrians and trees, (some more gracefully than others) panting at traffic lights as they bounce from foot to foot checking the latest app on their phones to check if it counts as an effort.
In the rain, against the sun, and more than anything surrounded by traffic and pollution. Joggers don’t hide from the elements, but some have it very clear that it’s a million times better to run in a good park. So if you’re one of those people who can’t give up their daily run, even when on holidays, or travelling for business, we’ve created a litm of seven European parks that are perfect to satisfy your craving without traffic jams. You’ll discover a parallel city full of faithful souls like yourself. Put on your best trainers, choose the gear that makes you look more muscular – competition is tough – and put a spring in your step. You’ll see that parks in Europe are equally as good as those in New York to meet people and shoot movies.
1- Brussels: a journey away from bureaucracy
It seems that people always travel to Brussels for work but if you’re one of the lucky ones that looks at people wriggling on the 6am flight trying not to wrinkle their suits or spill coffee on their laptops then you have the perfect excuse to head out for a run in two of the city’s best parks: Parc du Cinquantenaire and Brussels Park. Although you should remember that those in the suits will probably arrive before you. Cinquantenaire is one of the largest and most popular parks in the European capital. It’s very close to the European Quarter and a favourite among workers in the Commission who need to burn off some steam. Brussels Park, also known as the Royal Parks, is next to the Royal Palace, it’s prettier and more welcoming but also smaller, however, if you like admiring monuments as you run it’s a good option.
2- London. Hampstead Heath, London’s forest
Apart from Hyde Park, that you’re sure to stumble upon when strolling around the city, Regents Park and the precious Green Park that everyone seems to love, London has another super park: Hampstead Heath is a lush green forest in one of the highest points in London. Miles and miles of nothing but good old green nature that provide an important refuge for deer, foxes, squirrels and other animals. If you’re fanatical about calculations and distances, then you need to know that the park covers 320 hectares, so you’re going to have to run a lot if you want to take it all in. It’s a good idea to do it with a map or trace your route, but if you’re not tied to time, you can just run at random and enjoy the tempting routes and pathways.
3- Paris. Green is also beautiful in the “City of Light”
The Bois de Boulogne has as resounding, evocative name that if you pronounce it correctly lingers in the mouth as an aftertaste to freedom, serendipitous adventure and open spaces. Known as the green lung of Paris, and about two and a half times the size of Central Park, it’s easy to see why runners in the know choose for their runs. Lac Inferieur is the largest lake in the park and very popular with joggers thanks to the amazingly beautiful natural aesthetics. However, if you fancy investigating a bit more, you should treat yourself to a run along the Canal Saint-Martin that appeared in the famous 2001 movie Amélie, but remember to take a few mental notes so you can return later.
4- Zurich. Perfect order of nature
The most beautiful park in Zurich is the Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich, known locally as the University Campus. Running past and among sleepy-looking students will surely take you back to another time in your life, but you’ll also see that you’re better off now, more focused and faster than back in your student days. The park is quite mossy and almost has an alpine feel to it that will leave you with a new set of lungs and a strange sensation of well-being all over. It’s surely because Zurich is one of the European cities with the best quality of life.
5- Oslo. Running isn’t for the faint-hearted
It gets very cold in the Norwegian capital, so running is not for cowards in this city, it’s for the wise and more so in the fantastic Frogner Park, about 20 minutes at a brisk stroll from the city centre. Getting out to the park will warm you up, and you’ll get to see the ins and outs of Oslo before truly appreciating the pleasure of the wide open spaces in the park. When you feel you’re satisfied with your efforts for the day, why not spoil yourself that little bit more with a slow paced jog through Vigeland Park, a permanent outdoor exhibition area with more than 200 works of art created and signed by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. A real treat!
