Wuppertal has numerous pleasant parks that make for some nice running. None of them are that large, so you might have to do a few laps to put together a longer run. 

Hardt Park

This is a scenic, hilly park near the commercial center of Elberfeld. A network of windy, hilly paths lead pass sprawling lawns, with some wooded sections. At the southeast end is a botanical garden, and the Elisenturm hilltop landmark, featuring great views of the city and river. At the northwest end, a highlight is the Riesen-Mammutbäume — a giant sequoia. Create your own route around Hardt. It’s possible to do 3-4 hilly km in the park: It’s ~1 km east-west along the Elisenhöhe path, and ~0.5 km north-south. 

Elisenturm in Hardt Park

Nützenbergpark

This park in the western part of Wuppertal has mainly forested trails. There’s an observation tower, and at the northeast end, a running track. Paths are fairly wide and a combination of gravel and paved. NOTE: Hilly! 

  • Add-On: The Nortbahnstrasse multi-use trail is ~1 km north of Nützenberg. 

Friedrichsberg

This large hiking area is in the southern part of Wuppertal. It’s mainly forested. The trails are a mix of paved and gravel — mainly good footing but also some that are more rugged. NOTE: Hilly! 

Arboretum Burgholz

Located in the Cronenberg district in the southern part of Wuppertal, Arboretum Burgholz is a large forested area featuring more than 100 species of trees. There are ‘thematic’ tree sections. There’s a large network of mainly wooded trails, some wider gravel/forest roads, others more rugged. Create your own adventure or enjoy some of the marked loops in the arboretum. The popular ‘A2’ loop is 6.5 km, with a 200m elevation gain.  ROUTE MAP

  • Add-On: The paved Sambastrasse multi-use trail passes through Arboretum Burgholz.