Best Running Routes Around Innsbruck

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Whether you’re new to running in Innsbruck or a visitor trying to stick to your training plan whilst you are on vacation (respect!), Innsbruck is a runner’s paradise.

But let’s address the “mountain” in the room.

When most people think of running in Innsbruck, they imagine lung-busting vertical climbs and technical trails that require the agility of a mountain goat. While we certainly have those in spades, here is a little local secret: Innsbruck isn’t just for trail running elites.

You Don’t Need to Climb a Mountain to Get a Great Run

If the thought of a 1,000-meter elevation gain makes your knees ache before you’ve even left the hotel, don’t worry. Between the dramatic peaks of the Nordkette and the Patscherkofel lies a surprisingly gentle valley floor.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best routes for those who want:

Scenic Flat Paths: Flat, paved stretches along the Inn River that let you stare at the mountains without having to actually climb them.
Off-Road Forest & Meadow Trails: Soft, undulating trails that offer a “trail-lite” experience without the extreme incline.
City Sightseeing: Road routes that take you past the Golden Roof and to some of Innsbruck’s most iconic landmarks.

Whether you’re looking for a recovery jog or a scenic 10k, you can keep your heart rate steady while still soaking in those world-class Alpine views.

Disclaimer: The maps below are my best attempt at tracing these routes, but please use them as a guide only. Always follow on-site signs and established paths, as there may be the occasional error.

A note on the routes: I’ve mapped most of the routes starting from the city centre, but feel free to change your start/end point depending on the location of your accommodation.

Best Flat Running Routes in Innsbruck

Along the Inn River

Distance: Various, up to 13 km / 8 miles

The River Inn flows through the city and has footpaths along almost the entire length of it. That means you can make your run as short or as long as you want. I like running along the Inn, as many of the footpaths have underpasses that mean you don’t have to stop and wait for traffic lights very often.

Below you’ll find two maps that show you two popular running routes. Both start from the city centre, at the Marktplatz (on the river across from the famous coloured houses). One option follows the river to the west, towards the airport, while the other follows the river to the east.

Especially with the route from the centre and heading west, you’ll come across several bridges, meaning that you have multiple opportunities to turn back sooner, should you wish to do a shorter route.

Innpromenade Parkrun

Distance: 5 km

If you’re into running, you’re probably aware of Parkrun, but just in case you aren’t, Parkrun is a free 5km run that happens every Saturday morning in parks all over the world, and anyone can join, whether you want to race it, jog it, or just walk it. You sign up once on the Parkrun website, get a barcode, and you’re good to go at any Parkrun event anywhere in the world. It’s all run by volunteers and has a really friendly, community vibe, so it’s great whether you’re a serious runner or just looking to get off the couch on a weekend morning!

Innsbruck’s Innpromenade Parkrun starts at 9 am, and rather than taking place in a park, it follows an out-and-back course along the river on the outskirts of the city.

Parkrun International Website (English)
Innpromenade Parkrun Page (German)

Olympia World Athletics Track

If you have an interval or speed session on your schedule, then I highly recommend heading to the track at the Olympia World. The track is open to the public and free to use daily except Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 pm until 8 pm, when the athletics association has exclusive use.

There are toilets on the south side that are open during opening hours. Access may be restricted during events (e.g. football matches, athletic meetings).

Olympia World Website

Hilly running trails around Innsbruck

If you’re not afraid of the hills, these are some of my favourite short running routes around Innsbruck that include some hills. The routes are mostly on wide asphalt footpaths or gravel roads, so are suitable for all abilities and in most weather conditions.

Alpine Zoo Loop

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles

This short but hilly 7km loop takes you from the city centre to the Alpine Zoo, and turns back towards Innsbruck just beneath the Hungerburg funicular train station. The trails are wide, with a mix of asphalt, gravel, and forest paths, and offer some great views along the river and over the city.

Igls – Lans Loop

Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles

This short loop between Igls and Lans is one of my favourite easy runs. It follows a mix of asphalt, gravel and a few sections of easy forest trail. The route starts in the centre of the village of Igls, a short 10-minute bus ride from Innsbruck (Bus J, stop “Igls Ortsmitte”). It takes you down through the meadows to the village of Vill, before following the easy trail along the plateau to the Lansersee swimming lake and the Seerosenweiher lake. From here, you can turn towards the tram line, or continue along the back of the golf course to the Vogelhütte cafe, a great stop for a quick drink (or great cake). The final stretch back to Igls follows the tram line.

Sightseeing Routes

Why do a walking tour when you could do a jogging tour?

The following running routes take you past and around some of Innsbruck’s most famous landmarks. I’ve mapped them out as separate routes, but for runners looking for a longer distance, you could easily combine more than one of them.

Bergisel & the Sill Gorge

Distance: 7.5 km / 4.5 miles

This route starts on the Inn river, across from the colourful houses on the Marktplatz, taking you through Innsbruck’s Old Town, past the Golden Roof and Helblinghaus, then heads along Maria-Theresien Street, and past the Triumphal Arch, all the way to the district of Wilten, where you’ll pass the Stift Wilten monastery church. Once at the church, you’ll start winding uphill, to the base of the Bergisel ski jump and Tirol Panorama museum. At the end of the parking area, you’ll find the panoramic trail that leads you to a hidden viewing platform over the Sill Gorge. After enjoying the views, keep following the circular trail back around the hill. If you want to visit the Bergisel ski jump stadium, you’ll need to pay a €12 entrance fee (unless you have the Innsbruck Card). From the base of the ski jump, you can head back down the way you came up.

Ambras Castle

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

The start of this route is the same as the above route to Bergisel, passing many of the major sights in the Old Town of Innsbruck. Once you reach the Stift Wilten monastery church, instead of heading up to Bergisel, you’ll take a left turn, and follow the tram line, crossing over and heading into the forest. A wide gravel road takes you across to Ambras Castle. While admission to the castle costs €14, the gardens are free to enter. Once you’ve seen enough of the gardens, you can take the footpath back down to Innsbruck, and head back across the city, to your starting point.

Tip: If you want to do a longer run, you could easily combine this route with the one above, as it’s only a short detour to head up to Bergisel and the Sill Gorge viewing platform.

Running Events in Innsbruck

Why not combine your trip to Innsbruck with taking part in a local running event? There are a number of running events in Innsbruck every year, on both the road and the trails. Some highlights include the Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival, the Nordkette Vertical Run, and the Silvesterlauf on New Year’s Eve.

I’ve made a summary of the biggest events here: Running events in Innsbruck

Best Running Routes Around Innsbruck

You Don’t Need to Climb a Mountain to Get a Great Run