Trail Running in Europe – Events and Trails around the Sustainable Hotels

Two weeks ago, we reported on trail running as an athletic discipline and introduced you to various running routes of our 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.

Trail running – Tips for the organization of your run

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.

What is the best surface for a run?

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.

Trail running in the Dolomites

How will elevation gain and drop affect your trail run?

When trail running, you run on a variety of surfaces. But there is another challenge – the incline.

• 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.

Trail running vacation

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 hotels and vacation rentals what trail running routes they recommend.

Trail running routes in Italy

Forest runs on the Plose

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.

A popular trail running route is the 13-kilometer toboggan run from the hotel to the top station or 1,500 meters to Plose. Alternatively, there are easier options leading over hill and dale through forests. Andreas recommends the loop to St. Leonhard, where you can enjoy a great view.

Trail run in the forest on the Plose

Professional training at the Seiser Alm Trail Running Park

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)

A relaxing trail run around the Wolfsgruben Lake

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).

Mediterranean trail running in Campania

In the south of Italy, in Campania, our partner A’ Cràpa Mangia also shared some running routes with us. The carefully renovated farmhouse consists of apartments with fireplaces and terraces and is ideal if you want to spend your vacation in a quiet and independent way.

“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

Trail running in Austria

Trail running is very popular in Austria, and the Austrian Skyrunning & Trailrunning Association lists numerous events from April to December 2024. It is noteworthy that there are seven new trail races this year. So there is definitely an upward trend.

Circle around the lake in Seefeld, Tyrol

Located in the popular resort region of Seefeld, Hotel Klosterbrau was built on the foundations of an old monastery. Featuring multiple pools, saunas and spa treatments, the wellness hotel offers all the luxury you could ever want for your training. The hotel is also very conscious of sustainability, using local building materials (wood from its own forest) and regional (organic) food.
“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 M?ser lake. If you prefer, you can run the return route around the Brunschkopf via the Wildmoosalm back to Seefeld. – Hotel Klosterbrau.

Trail running in Switzerland

Of course, there are plenty of vertical meters to climb in Switzerland. For example, you can start at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn in the car-free village of Zermatt at 1,620 meters.
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

An easy trail with a forest floor is the AHV Trail and then there is the “Matterhorn Training Trail” right on the doorstep. Run by local mountain guides, you can take advantage of certain times to see if you are fit enough to climb the Matterhorn.

From the rooms at the CERVO Mountain Resort, you have a direct view of the Matterhorn

Mindfulness and a sustainable experience

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!