Best Winter Running Cities: Europe and Asia

This list of best winter running cities in Europe and Asia is a companion guide to our similar list for North America. What makes a great winter running city? First off is reliable winter weather! We prefer running when it’s 20º and snowy than when it’s 42º and rainy. But even more than that, good winter running cities have a winter running culture. They celebrate winter. And in some cases, they maintain some of the roads and trails so they can be enjoyed in winter. To qualify for our list, a city must receive at least 30 inches (75cm) of snow annually and have winter high temperatures generally below freezing. 

On snowy days, look for routes in parks/forests.  Another alternative is to search out leafy residential areas, where you’ll find snow on the trees and plowed, lit roads. Our Winter Running Hub features additional lists of favorite winter running routes, plus tips & tricks for winter running. So grab your Yaktrax and go! 

Best Winter Running Cities in Europe

Moscow, Russia. Among the coldest major cities in the world, alongside Montreal. Reliable snow from November to March, matched by short winter days due to its northern latitude. It can be a treat to go running in the winter there. A snowy run in Red Square might be fun, but the river paths might be tricky. On a pretty winter day, find a path in Gorky Park, or in one Moscow’s other great parks: extensive Solniki and Pokrovskoye Streshnevo parks; Filevsky and Suvorov parks in western Moscow; and Severnoye Tushino, Riverport, and Druzhby parks in the northwestern part of the city.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Combination of reliable winter weather and some beautiful places to run in the heart of town. Many impressive parks and sights. We note, however, the very unfortunate war situation in Ukraine.

Tallinn, Estonia. Among the snowiest cities, in Europe, Tallinn is an increasingly popular visitor destination, owing to its setting and beautiful architecture. It’s charming (but dark) in winter, and especially festive during the holiday season. Head to Harku Forest after a fresh snow.

Lithuania. We have guides to Vilnius, Kaunas, & Klaipeda — all among the snowiest cities in Europe.

Scandinavian Cities. Stockholm, Copenhagen, & Oslo are at relatively similar latitudes and can all be very festive and snowy in the winter months. The short daylight hours and the strong biking culture mean that key paths are well-lit and maintained – a boon for runners! Due to the ocean influence, none of the major Scandinavian cities gets extreme cold or abundant snow. Oslo probably has the most ‘reliable’ winter in terms of snowscape. Trondheim, Norway is among the snowiest cities in Europe. The further north and away from the coast you go – think Lapland – world class Nordic skiing also provides for some great running opportunities.

Finland. Helsinki is similar to Oslo in terms of reliable snow. In snowy Tampere, our recommended winter route is Kauppi Forest Park, followed by a post-run sauna! Oulu is the fourth northernmost city in the world with over 100,000 inhabitants and receives 150 cm of snow annually. Great winter culture! In Turku, head to the forest trails on Ruissalo Island.

Salzburg, Austria. This city located at the foothills of the Alps averages 110 cm of snow annually, and is absolutely charming when blessed with a winter landscape. If it snows, be sure to run the Hellbrunner Allée, a path that leads to the beautiful grounds of the Hellbrun Palace.

Warsaw, Poland. Picture eastern Europe and you think winter, right? There are some other European cities that are a bit snowier, but Warsaw temperatures are more reliably cool and the city’s setting makes it great for winter running. If the Vistula River Paths aren’t cleared of snow, Łazienki Park and Mokotowskie Field have a pleasant winter atmosphere. Or, enjoy the snowy trails in Kabacki Forest south of the city, and Bielański Forest.

Poznań, Poland. Among the snowier cities in Poland. Head to Marceliński Forest or Dębińskii Forest for some beautiful winter running.

St. Moritz, Switzerland. Gorgeous Swiss village, plentiful snow, and lots of great, well-maintained places to run.

Grenoble, France. Considered the ‘capital of the Alps’, and among the snowier cities in Europe.

Iceland. Iceland gets its fair share of snow, but winter temperatures are fairly moderate due to the influence of the North Atlantic current. In Reykjavik, recommended running spots when it’s snowy are Park Elliðaárdalur, and the Fossvogur & Laugardalur neighborhoods. Note: Less than 5 hours of daylight between 2 December & 10 January.

Best Winter Running Cities in Asia

Here’s one for ‘running trivia’: the snowiest and coldest major cities in the world are located in…Asia!

Sapporo, Japan. The snowiest (but not the coldest) major city in the world, with 235 inches (600mm) annually. It snows on 25+ out of 30 days, from December-March. A good winter running route is around the campus of Hokkaido University. Or, take the train to Otaru and enjoy the festively lit canal path.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The coldest capital city in the world. It’s also very dry in winter. Average high temp in January is -14C. Run here to say you did it!