The 22 Most Beautiful Runs in Austria

Experience nature while running, feel the pulse of the country with every step, and surpass yourself in Austria’s most beautiful locations – what more could you want?

Whether you sprint on asphalt, dance along mountain trails, or push your limits in a glacier run, the Alpine Republic offers running enthusiasts a true fireworks display of events. Running events in Austria combine scenic highlights, athletic challenge, and plenty of goosebump moments. Anyone lacing up here can expect unforgettable experiences.

On HDsports, you’ll find the most exciting, beautiful, and popular running events in the country, described with passion and presented with stunning images.

Austria’s Running Highlights: Throughout the Year, Across the Country

Note: The order does NOT indicate a ranking.

1. Vienna Night Run

When Vienna’s Ringstraße transforms into a glowing running arena, it’s Vienna Night Run time! Thousands of runners make their way through nighttime Vienna, past the Opera, Parliament, and Burgtheater. It’s not about personal bests, but about the shared experience. And honestly, when else can you jog through the heart of the capital with thousands of like-minded people without raising any eyebrows?

The atmosphere is electrifying, the audience claps until their hands hurt, and if you still have energy afterward, you can relax at the after-run party. A perfect run for beginners, leisure runners, and night owls with running shoes!

Date: September

All information about the Vienna Night Run

2. Wolfgangsee Run

One lap around turquoise Wolfgangsee: sounds like a holiday, but it’s actually one of Austria’s most romantic scenic runs! The Wolfgangsee Run is a classic full of heart and spectacular scenery. Between gentle hills, sparkling waters, and the scent of autumn leaves, you’re practically running through a postcard.

Various distances are available, from a 5 km panorama run to the 27 km classic around the lake – there’s even a full marathon. Something for everyone. And honestly, even if your legs give out, the view of the water helps push through that inner voice telling you to stop.

Date: October

All information about the Wolfgangsee Run

3. 3-Country Marathon

One marathon, three countries, one experience! At the 3-Country Marathon on Lake Constance, you start in Lindau (Germany), run through Austria and Switzerland, and finish in Bregenz (Austria). Sounds adventurous? It is! And above all, beautiful. The course runs along the lake, accompanied by applause, cowbells, and the lake breeze.

The finish at the Bregenz stadium is legendary. Crossing that line makes you feel like a rockstar in running shoes. Shorter distances are also available, but hey, if you can cover three countries in one go, why not?

Date: October

All information about the 3-Country Marathon on Lake Constance

4. Karwendel March

As the name suggests: march, run, curse, and marvel – the Karwendel March is no walk in the park, but an absolute dream tour for nature lovers. Between Scharnitz and Pertisau, you walk (or run) 52 km through the Karwendel mountains. The trail rewards you with breathtaking views, steep climbs, and legendary refreshment stations.

This march is a true experience. Not a traditional competition, but a personal dialogue with your calves. At the end awaits Lake Achensee, and you’ll understand why you did it. Spoiler: you’ll want to do it again.

Date: August

All information about the Karwendel March

5. Salzburg Marathon

Salzburg evokes Mozart and festivals. And fast asphalt! The Salzburg Marathon is an urban highlight full of flair. The route passes landmarks such as Mirabell Palace and the Old Town. Soundtrack by the crowd and goosebumps guaranteed. Organization? Top. Atmosphere? Fantastic. Refreshments? Delicious!

Whether marathon, half marathon, relay, or 10 km, there’s something for every level. The combination of culture, Alpine views, and athletic challenge is unique. And if you want, you can reward yourself with a Mozartkugel after the run. Well deserved.

Date: May

All information about the Salzburg Marathon

6. Vertical Up Kitzbühel

This run is not for weak calves: at the Vertical Up, you climb the legendary “Streif” in Kitzbühel – but upside down! What skiers blast down in winter becomes a vertical running course here. 860 meters of elevation over just 3.3 km – reaching the top earns you the title of a masochistic mountain lover.

But the fun is huge. Anyone familiar with the Streif knows: this is not just a hill. It’s a beast. And that’s exactly what makes this event so iconic. No rules on gear or technique – the main thing is to get up there!

Date: February

All information about Vertical Up Kitzbühel

7. Kärnten Läuft: Wörthersee Half Marathon

Summer, sun, Wörthersee, and a half marathon straight out of a picture book. The run starts in Velden and follows the lake to Klagenfurt. Flat, fast, beautiful. But beware: the view of the turquoise water can distract you from maintaining pace.

A perfectly organized summer run with festival vibes, great atmosphere, and international top athletes. And after the run? Jump in the water or head to the finisher party. Runner’s paradise – what more could you want?

Date: August

All information about Kärnten Läuft: Wörthersee Half Marathon

8. Grossglockner Ultra-Trail (GGUT 110)

The GGUT is not for Sunday strollers. 110 km, over 6,500 meters of elevation, all around Austria’s highest mountain: the Grossglockner. Epic scenery, alpine challenge, and trail running passion meet here.

The course? Tough. The view? Unforgettable. Participants belong to the elite of trail runners – or aspire to be. And anyone finishing can pat themselves on the back and say: I circled the Glockner. On foot. No whining.

Date: July

All information about the Grossglockner Ultra-Trail

9. Schafberg Run: Man vs. Steam Train

A race against a real cog railway? That’s exactly what makes the Schafberg Run so unique. You compete against the historic Schafberg train – and believe us, it’s faster than you think. Almost 1,200 meters of elevation to the summit, with spectacular views over Wolfgangsee and surroundings.

An incredible mix of fun, sweat, and speed – this run is cult! Even if you lose, you win. Who has ever lost against a steam train?

Date: May

All information about Schafberg Run: Man vs. Steam Train

10. Innsbruckathlon – Beat the City

Fans of urban adventure runs will love the Innsbruckathlon. Trail running meets obstacle course in the middle of the city. Over hay bales, water pools, and walls, the Alpine capital turns into a playground.

An event with a cool vibe, lots of action, and plenty of “No pain, no gain” moments. Atmosphere is relaxed, challenge is tough. And the finish? Definitely a smile on your face!

Date: Early summer

All information about the Innsbruckathlon

11. Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail

Glacier running deluxe! The Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail is one of the highest trails in Austria. The course takes you over eternal ice, steep ascents, and spectacular panoramas. Looking for trail running that literally takes your breath away? Then this is the place for you!

Various distances also allow trail beginners to experience high alpine bliss. No matter the distance, the pride at the finish line is the same for everyone.

Date: August

All information about Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail

12. Pitztal Glacier Marathon

Staying in the Pitztal valley: a marathon with altitude – the Pitztal Glacier Marathon starts at 1,675 meters and leads through the valley toward Arztl. The course is ideal for leisure runners, but also for record hunters, as it steadily slopes downhill. And you’ll feel it in your finish time!

A real highlight for nature lovers with a passion for running without excessive pressure. Participants not only get a medal, but lasting memories.

Date: July

All information about Pitztal Glacier Marathon

13. PIUT

The Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail (PIUT) is the new star in the trail running sky. Technically demanding, visually stunning, and ideal for those who love pushing themselves in alpine terrain. Multiple distances, from 10K to the 100 km ultra, make any trail runner’s heart beat faster.

The race offers incredible views, challenging elevation, and real mountain feeling. Especially cool: the family-like atmosphere and the feeling of being part of something special.

Date: July

All information about PIUT

14. KAT100 by UTMB: Kitz Alps Trail

The KAT100 by UTMB is Austria’s longest ultra trail. Around 100 miles through the Kitzbühel Alps: this is not just a race, it’s an epic adventure. Participants want more than to run – they want to redefine themselves.

Organization is top-notch, the course spectacular. Yes, it hurts, but in a beautiful, almost meditative way. For many, KAT100 is a lifetime goal. For others, the start of a new passion.

Date: August

All information about KAT100 by UTMB

15. Großglockner Mountainrun

A classic! The Großglockner Mountainrun covers 13 km with almost 1,300 meters of elevation: from Heiligenblut to Franz-Josefs-Höhe. A tough challenge with major goosebumps moments. The view of the Glockner is breathtaking – if you still have breath left!

The atmosphere is unique, the starting field diverse. And at the finish, you feel like you’ve conquered a small giant. Highly recommended!

Date: July

All information about Großglockner Mountainrun

16. Obertauern Trailrun Summit

Fresh mountain air, spectacular alpine panoramas, and technically demanding trails: that’s the Obertauern Trailrun Summit. You can compete in different categories, from Easy Trail to Ultra Trail.

A relaxed event in a cool location, perfectly organized, with a great atmosphere and challenging course. Bonus: high probability of snow even in summer!

Date: July

All information about Obertauern Trailrun Summit

17. Arlberger Wadlbeisser

The name says it all: at the Wadlbeisser, you’ll face obstacles, mud, and steep ramps. This fun and obstacle race is not for the faint-hearted, but for true mud warriors!

The course is wild, the crowd loud, the finish filled with pride. Anyone who pushes through can pat themselves on the back. Pure adrenaline in the Tyrolean mountains!

Date: August

All information about Arlberger Wadlbeisser

18. Bad Ischl Kaiserlauf

Royal running! At the Kaiserlauf in Bad Ischl, you run where Sisi and Franz once strolled. Today, you’re not strolling: you’re running! On a wonderfully fast course through a historic setting.

Ideal for half marathon personal bests, leisure runners, and nostalgic runners with a love for the sport. And afterwards? Treat yourself to a slice of imperial Sachertorte. Well deserved.

Date: September

All information about Bad Ischl Kaiserlauf

19. Wachau Trail

Want to combine culture, vineyards, and running pleasure? Then the Wachau Trail is for you. Run through one of Europe’s most beautiful cultural landscapes, past apricot trees, monasteries, and vineyard terraces.

Distances range from 10 km to an ultra of over 100 km. The mix of nature and culture is simply irresistible. And after the run? Of course, a glass of Grüner Veltliner. Cheers!

Date: October

All information about Wachau Trail

20. Torlauf Dachstein

Majestic, rugged, beautiful: the Torlauf Dachstein traverses stunning trails in the UNESCO World Heritage area. The course is challenging, technical, and a real treat for trail lovers.

Want to go high? Here’s your chance. Once you’ve run over the passes around the Dachstein, this experience will stay with you forever.

Date: September

All information about Torlauf Dachstein

21. Podersdorf Lighthouse Run

It doesn’t get flatter than this: at the Lighthouse Run on Lake Neusiedl, you’re chasing personal bests! Start and finish at the lighthouse, with wind, open space, and vineyards – a runner’s dream in eastern Austria.

Whether 10 km or even shorter, anything is possible here. All in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of Burgenland charm.

Date: April

All information about Podersdorf Lighthouse Run

22. Schneeberg Run with Schneeberg Trail

The Schneeberg Run is one of the most challenging mountain runs in Lower Austria. From Puchberg, it climbs steeply up to the Fischerhütte at over 2,000 meters. A real challenge, but at the top awaits one of the most beautiful views in the eastern Alps.

The trail is technical, steep, and wild-romantic. But the mix of pain and joy is addictive. Guaranteed.

Date: May

All information about Schneeberg Run

The 22 Most Beautiful Running Events in Austria

Note: The order does NOT represent a ranking.

The 25 Most Beautiful Marathons in Europe

Summary

Austria offers an incredible variety of running events, ranging from urban events like the Vienna Night Run to epic trail adventures like the GGUT. Whether you are a leisure runner, mountain enthusiast, or personal best hunter, there’s an event for everyone. And all this takes place against a breathtaking natural backdrop, with perfect organization and lots of heart. So: pack your shoes and dive into the Austrian running adventure!