London named second‑best city for outdoor exercise and wellness
With August being a peak holiday month and interest in running, hiking, and cycling consistently on the rise, it is no surprise that choosing a travel destination suitable for these activities is something many consider.
To help identify destinations best suited for an active holiday, Avis has analysed the number and quality of available hiking, running, and bike touring trails in 100 European cities.
The findings revealed that Zurich is the best-positioned to cater to all of these sports, followed by London which has 495 hiking trails and 500 running trails.
London Named Second‑Best City for Outdoor Exercise and Wellness
The new ranking, released by global car hire company Avis, highlights where urban explorers can combine city breaks with exceptional access to nature, clean air, and high-quality trails.
The study analysed 100 European cities, looking at the number and quality of hiking, running, and bike touring trails, as well as local air quality data.
With demand for active holidays and sustainable travel on the rise, this research reveals 20 European cities that are best positioned to support movement and exploration while travelling.
- Zürich
Zürich was named Europe’s leading city for outdoor fitness, securing the highest overall score due to its combination of diverse trail options, scenic Alpine terrain, and some of the cleanest urban air in Europe. With over 200 hiking routes, more than 240 running trails and 150 cycling paths, Zürich is a perfect city for those seeking outdoor adventures. The famous Uetliberg Trail offers panoramic views over the lake and mountains, while the annual Zürich Marathon in April, makes this city one of Europe’s most scenic races.
2.London
In second place is London, which offers more hiking and running routes than any other city in the study. Despite being one of Europe’s busiest capitals, London ranks highly due to the sheer volume of green space available, including 495 mapped hiking trails and 500 running routes. From the historic Thames Path to the wild beauty of Hampstead Heath, the city is well-suited to active lifestyles. The London Marathon, held each April, continues to be a major global sporting event that draws elite runners and amateur athletes alike.
3.Budapest
The Hungarian capital offers more than 240 hiking and running routes, many of which wind through the city’s famous hills and urban woodlands. With cleaner air than many of its Eastern European counterparts and a strong average trail score of 4.2, Budapest is fast becoming a favourite for travellers seeking a balance between culture and adventure. Margaret Island, in the heart of the Danube, is a standout spot for runners, while the Buda Hills offer expansive hiking opportunities with city views.
The full list of 20 best fitness destinations features cities across Portugal, Spain, Germany and beyond, giving travellers a wide range of options when planning their next fitness-first European trip.
<img src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/23485024/thumbnail" width="100%" alt="table visualization" />
Methodology:
To determine the best outdoor fitness destinations in Europe we analysed over 100 cities which host major events such as marathons and then looked into numbers and rating of available trails on AllTrails.com. We also gathered daily air quality data from IQ Air in all cities analysed as well as factored in the population of each city in the study.