The best running trails in Belgium

Komoot features over 61,000 running routes across Belgium, offering a vast selection for all preferences and fitness levels. These include everything from gentle urban paths to challenging trail runs through diverse landscapes.

Yes, Belgium offers over 4,600 easy running routes. For instance, the Loop around the water sports course in Ghent is a flat 5.1 km path, perfect for a relaxed run. Another great option is the Loop in the Bourgoyen, which offers a gentle 5.9 km run through a nature reserve.

For those seeking a challenge, Belgium's diverse terrain offers plenty. The Ardennes region, with its rolling hills and deep valleys, provides extensive networks of challenging trails. Routes like Exploring in the Kluisbos (18.3 km with significant elevation) or the Great Trail of Lakes & Castles (37.1 km) offer demanding runs through forested terrain and varied landscapes.

Yes, several routes in Belgium offer stunning natural sights. The Ardennes region is particularly rich in such features. You can find routes near the Bayehon Waterfall or the impressive Coo Waterfall. The Trôs Marets Valley also provides a scenic backdrop for a run, with its gorge and river features.

Many of Belgium's parks and nature reserves offer family-friendly running options with well-maintained, relatively flat paths. Urban green spaces like Brussels' Bois de la Cambre or Ghent's Watersportbaan provide safe and accessible environments for families to jog together. Look for shorter, easy-to-moderate routes in these areas.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many running trails in Belgium, especially in larger natural areas like the Sonian Forest or Hoge Kempen National Park. However, it's always recommended to check local regulations for specific parks or nature reserves, as some areas may require dogs to be on a leash or restrict access during certain seasons. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and pick up after them.

Belgium's running routes often pass by historical and natural landmarks. You could run near the Col du Rideux or the Dragon's Back in the Ardennes. The Château de Franchimont and the Bois de Stanneux loop offers a run past a historic castle. The Nature trail Hoge Kempen long - Limburg takes you through unique heathland and pine forests.

Absolutely. Belgium offers numerous routes suitable for long-distance training. The Great Trail of Lakes & Castles is a challenging 37.1 km route, while the Kluisberg Trail XL covers over 30 km with significant elevation changes. The Hoge Kempen National Park also provides extensive trails through varied terrain, ideal for longer runs.

Many running routes in Belgium are well-connected. Major urban green spaces like Brussels' Sonian Forest or Ghent's Watersportbaan are often reachable by public transport. For routes in national parks or more remote areas, dedicated parking facilities are usually available. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for public transport links or parking information before you go.

The running routes in Belgium are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 3,600 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil forests of the Ardennes to the well-maintained paths in city parks, and the variety of options available for all skill levels.

Yes, many running routes in Belgium are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Loop around the water sports course in Ghent or the Tour of Lake Gileppe. These types of routes are popular for their ease of navigation and varied scenery.

Brussels, known as a 'green city,' offers excellent options like the Bois de la Cambre, which extends into the Sonian Forest, providing both parkland and ancient woodland trails. Ghent also features pleasant waterside paths along the Leie River and canals, connecting to parks and nature reserves like the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen, offering a mix of urban and natural running environments.