The best running trails around Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf offers a vast network of over 800 running routes, catering to all fitness levels. These include easy loops, moderate trails, and more challenging long-distance runs through diverse landscapes.

You'll find a wide variety of terrain. Many routes along the Rhine River are paved or asphalt, perfect for smooth runs. City parks like Hofgarten and Volksgarten offer a mix of paved paths, gravel, and grassy sections. For trail running, the Grafenberger Wald and Aaper Wald provide more natural, varied surfaces with some hilly sections.

Yes, Düsseldorf has over 120 easy running routes. The 6 km route around Unterbacher See is particularly suitable for beginners, offering shaded paths primarily through forests. Many sections of the city parks also provide gentle, flat loops.

For those seeking a challenge, there are over 60 difficult routes available. The interconnected Grafenberger Wald and Aaper Wald offer varied terrain with some hilly sections. Longer routes like the Mouth of the Erft at Neuss – Rheinallee loop from Auf'm Hennekamp (over 18 km) or the South Shore of Unterbacher Lake – Lake Unterbach loop from Benrath Betriebshof (over 20 km) provide excellent options for endurance training.

The Rhine River paths are renowned for their scenic views, especially the routes along the riverbank in Oberkassel, which offer beautiful vistas of the old town. Schlosspark Benrath provides picturesque views of the historic castle, while the Rhine Arch in Himmelgeist offers stunning river landscapes. Many city parks also feature serene lakes and landscaped gardens.

Yes, many of Düsseldorf's running routes are circular. Popular options include the nearly 3 km loop in Hofgarten, the 6 km route around Unterbacher See, and various loops along the Rhine, such as the Rhine Promenade Düsseldorf – Rheinknie Bridge loop from Düsseldorf Völklinger Straße.

Absolutely. Many of Düsseldorf's parks, such as Hofgarten, Volksgarten, and Südpark, are excellent for family runs. They feature wide, well-maintained paths, playgrounds, and plenty of green space, making them enjoyable for all ages. The flat paths around Unterbacher See are also a great choice for a family outing.

Düsseldorf is generally dog-friendly, especially in its numerous parks and forested areas. While specific rules may vary by park, areas like Grafenberger Wald and Aaper Wald are popular for running with dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. Always check local signage for specific regulations in each area.

Düsseldorf's routes often pass by significant sights. Along the Rhine, you'll see the city's skyline and historic bridges. In parks, you can explore features like the Japanese Garden in Nordpark or the botanical garden within Südpark. The Schlosspark Benrath offers views of the beautiful Benrath Palace. For natural features, the Urdenbacher Kämpe nature reserve provides extensive trails through wetlands and past willow trees.

Düsseldorf's running routes are very well-connected by public transport. Many parks and riverside paths are easily reachable via tram, bus, or S-Bahn, allowing you to start your run directly from a station. This makes it convenient to access various starting points across the city without needing a car.

Yes, many popular running spots in Düsseldorf offer parking facilities. For example, areas around Unterbacher See and the larger forest parks like Grafenberger Wald typically have designated parking lots. For city-center parks, public parking garages are usually available nearby.

The running routes in Düsseldorf are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 2600 reviews. Runners frequently praise the city's abundance of green spaces, the scenic Rhine promenades, and the variety of terrain that caters to different preferences, from flat urban paths to tranquil forest trails.