Running in Amsterdam

Now that the temperature has cooled down a little and the weather is still sunny and summery, it's the perfect time to get active outdoors. That could be swimming, biking - or running. Amsterdam is the perfect plays to run - whether you've been running for years or are just getting started. Here, we collected the best spots and routes to start with:

No. 1 – The Starter

The best running route in Amsterdam for beginners and experienced runners alike, whether you live in West, Oost, Noord, or Zuid, is the Vondelpark loop. Located right in the heart of the city, Vondelpark is the perfect place to meet up with friends for a run.

My favourite meeting spot is the Picasso statue—it's impossible to miss and sits right in the centre of the park. From there, you can run either clockwise or counterclockwise and return to the statue after just three kilometres. It's the perfect loop for beginners, incredibly scenic, and you'll never be the only runner out there.

The route is also easy to extend. If three kilometres feels too easy, simply do another lap. And the best part? In and around Vondelpark you'll find plenty of lovely cafés where you can reward yourself with a coffee or a sweet treat after your run.

No. 2 – The Intermediate

A little further from the city centre is the Sloterplas loop. This 5.8-kilometre route circles the lake and, thanks to its quieter surroundings, almost feels like you're running on holiday. If you cycle there first, you can turn your workout into a biathlon. And since you can also swim at Sloterplas, why not make it a mini triathlon if you're feeling particularly ambitious?

You can start the loop anywhere, but my favourite starting point is the Van Eesteren Museum, where it's easy to park your bike before heading out:

No. 3 – The Inbetweener

Once the university semester starts again and you're looking for a way to make the most of the time between lectures, this route is perfect. Many people don't realise that the VU campus is just a short distance from the Amsterdamse Bos, a huge park that feels more like a forest than a city park. You could easily spend hours running here, but this loop is a great place to start.Begin at the west entrance of the VU (next to the MF building) and head south. Turn right onto Van Nijenrodeweg, which will lead you to the rowing lake in the Amsterdamse Bos. From there, run a loop around the lake, watch the rowers train, maybe grab a coffee at De Bosbaan, and you'll be back at the VU after around 8.5 kilometres.It's the perfect way to recharge during a long day of studying.

Good to know: You can shower at the VU Sportcentrum in the OZW building. The showers are located in the changing rooms and can be used even if you're not using the gym.

So whether you're running one kilometre, five, ten, or even more, get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather, and explore Amsterdam on foot. Happy running! And share your run on Strava to get some kudos ;)