5 BEST JOGGING PATHS IN AMSTERDAM

The air is fresh and clean after a rain, why not take advantage and go for a run? There are lovely jogging and walking paths through Amsterdam’s many parks and open spaces. Here are 5 of our favorites.

BEST JOGGING, WALKING & RUNNING AREAS IN AMSTERDAM

Of course you can always take a run through your neighborhood where ever you happen to be. The best times to run through the city streets are usually early in the morning hours before most people start to go to work and school. The streets are peaceful and it’s very nice to be out in the quiet city. However, many people prefer to run in green spaces where they can jog on softer paths, breathe the clean air and see some trees and plants. Here are a few of our favorite places to escape the asphalt jungle for a jog.

Vondelpark

Visit Vondelpark on any afternoon that’s not pouring rain and you’ll see scores of people jogging. Some in organized groups, some alone with their headphones on. The path is lovely through the trees, and the park is very central. A loop around the park is about 4km.

River Amstel

For a waterside running route, follow the nice pedestrian path along the Amstel starting at Sarphatistraat and heading south along the river. The path runs next to the water and is usually peaceful. Or run back toward the center and the famous Magere Brug.

If you’re up for a super long jog, keep going and head toward Ouderkerk aan de Amstel for a round trip journey of about 20km.

Westerpark

A jog through Westerpark really feels like an escape from the city, though you are just minutes from Central Station. There’s even a small hill! Scattered throughout the park are workout stations where you can use your body weight for pull ups, push ups and the like. Stop for a while and wander through the water gardens.

If you fancy a longer run follow the green dots for a jog along Het Brettenpad past Sloterdijk and into the nature reserve. It’s a lovely path winding through the bushes and trees, but watch out for speedy racing bikes.

Amsterdamse Bos

Speaking of escapes from the city, the Amsterdamse Bos really is a place where you can feel worlds away from the Red Light District. In this large park there are many paths for running through the trees, alongside the large canal, or across grassy fields. Bring along your dog and romp through the woods together! For a nice snack after running, visit the goat farm for an ice cream or perhaps take a break at Spa Zuiver.

Amsterdam Noord

Jump on the free ferry across the water behind Central Station and run along the quiet paths of Amsterdam Noord. This area is great for a long run, you could keep going all the way to Monnickendam and back (about 30km) to train for that half-marathon.

Take the Buiksloterweg ferry and make your way up to Noorderpark (formerly Florapark) for a jog through the trees, or run along the bike path by the water up to d’Admiraal windmill.

Het Twiske is also a very nice place to run, walk or jog. The large park is often very quiet other than on hot summer days when people flock there to go swimming.