This is our guide to running in Warsaw, capital and largest city of Poland, with a population of 3 million. Once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, much of the city was unfortunately destroyed in World War II. A lot has been rebuilt, including a meticulous reconstruction of the Old Town. The city has many attractions, a vibrant culture, and a great range of architecture, featuring many European styles, and mass residential blocks typical of Eastern European countries. Warsaw sits on the the Vistula River, which divides the city into two parts, left and right. Among the most notable landmarks of the Old Town are the Royal Castle, King Sigismund’s Column, Market Square, and the Barbican.
The running scene in Warsaw has been steadily expanding. The best place to run in Warsaw is along the Vistula River, which features extensive paths. There are important and extensive parks, notably Łazienki Park and Mokotowskie Field. Runners can also enjoy extensive paths in Kabacki Forest south of the city, and Bielański Forest to the North.
Warsaw has an extensive transportation system called the ZTM, with buses and trams system criss-crossing the city, a good metro system running from north to south and a second line that opened in March 2015 running east to west. From May to September, a ferry crosses the Vistula. Runners should be aware that Warsaw winters can be cold but not frigid, but should come prepared with proper gear.
Many thanks to Warsaw Running Tours for their help with this guide. We highly recommend booking one of their tours!
A few key words for runners to know:
Pole=Field; Most=Bridge; River=Rzeka; Run=Biegać; Forest=Las; Trail=Ślad
Warsaw has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy, cloudy winters and warm, sunny, stormy summers. Winters are cold but not frigid, with average high temperatures in January near freezing, and lows in the 20s (-5C). July temperatures reach into the 70s (24C), with coolish nights. Winters are drier and can be snowy, and summer precipitation often comes in the form of thunderstorms. Like many cities with a northern latitude, winter days are short but summers are evenings are gloriously long.