The best running trails around the Neva
4.8
(17)
2,710
runners
104
runs
Jogging around the Neva offers a unique experience through St. Petersburg's urban landscape, characterized by its extensive network of rivers, canals, and embankments. The terrain is generally flat, following the waterways and city parks, providing continuous routes with minimal elevation changes. Runners can explore historic city centers, grand squares, and green spaces like Elagin Island and Sosnovka Park, which offer varied surfaces from paved paths to dirt trails. The region's geography is defined by its numerous waterways, providing a distinctive…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
510
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
160
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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143
runners
18.4km
01:57
100m
100m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
121
runners
29.8km
03:08
140m
140m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
115
runners
9.87km
01:02
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
104
runners
15.3km
01:36
50m
50m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
93
runners
17.6km
01:50
70m
70m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
77
runners
6.13km
00:39
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
70
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
66
runners
25.2km
02:40
80m
80m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A very beautiful place when a marathon/half marathon is held. You run along a closed canal, the cathedral is behind you, you end up on Nevsky Prospect - beauty.
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A beautiful cathedral and a great view once you've climbed the steps. But the effort is rewarded and you are simply fascinated
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Gazprom Arena, construction costs €930 million, inauguration April 2017, i.e. for the 2018 World Cup.
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In addition, a spacious park, ideal for walking! The Gazprom Arena (Russian "Газпром Арена"; also Saint Petersburg Stadium [1], Krestovsky Stadium, Zenit Stadium) is a football stadium in the Russian metropolis of Saint Petersburg. It has space for 68,134 spectators. [2] The venue was built on Krestowski Ostrow (German Krestowski Island) on the site of the old Kirow stadium, which was demolished in 2006 to make room for the new building. source https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazprom-Arena From photo by A.Savin / crop by Osepu - This file is an excerpt from another file: Spb 06-2017 img40 Krestovsky Stadium.jpg, FAL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid = 70299129
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on of the greatest place i have ever seen. great to run, too! detailsPalace Square (Russian: Дворцо́вая пло́щадь, tr. Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, IPA: [dvɐˈrtsovəjə ˈploɕːɪtʲ]), connecting Nevsky Prospekt with Palace Bridge leading to Vasilievsky Island, is the central city square of St Petersburg and of the former Russian Empire. Many significant events took place there, including the Bloody Sunday massacre and parts of the October Revolution of 1917. Between 1918 and 1944, it was known as Uritsky Square (Russian: площадь Урицкого), in memory of the assassinated leader of the city's Cheka branch, Moisei Uritsky.The earliest and most celebrated building on the square, the Baroque white-and-turquoise Winter Palace (as re-built between 1754 and 1762) of the Russian tsars,[1] gives the square its name. Although the adjacent buildings are designed in the Neoclassical style, they perfectly match the palace in their scale, rhythm, and monumentality.[citation needed] The opposite, southern side of the square was designed in the shape of an arc by George von Velten in the late 18th century. These plans came to fruition half a century later, when Alexander I of Russia (reigned 1801–1825) envisaged the square as a vast monument to the 1812–1814 Russian victories over Napoleon and commissioned Carlo Rossi to design the bow-shaped Empire-style Building of the General Staff (1819–1829), which centers on a double triumphal arch crowned with a Roman quadriga.In the centre of the square stands the Alexander Column (1830–1834), designed by Auguste de Montferrand. This red granite column (the tallest of its kind in the world) is 47.5 metres high and weighs some 500 tons. It is set so well that it requires no attachment to the base.The eastern side of the square comprises Alexander Brullov's building of the Guards Corps Headquarters (1837–1843). The western side, however, opens towards Admiralty Square, thus making the Palace Square a vital part of the grand suite of St Petersburg squares. source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_Square By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50827438
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Don't miss out on jogging on the nevski (ideally in the evening)! The Kazan Cathedral (Russian Казанский собор) is a large, Russian Orthodox sacred building on Nevsky Prospect in Saint Petersburg. It was built from 1801 to 1811 on the model of the Roman St. Peter's Basilica and is one of the most eye-catching buildings in Saint Petersburg. Its name goes back to an icon of the type of Our Lady of Kazan, which is venerated here. source https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasaner_Kathedrale_(Sankt_Petersburg) By A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21480571
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available around the Neva River?
There are over 100 running routes documented around the Neva River, offering a wide variety of options for joggers of all levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 15 reviews.
What is the terrain like for running along the Neva?
The terrain around the Neva River is generally flat, following the extensive network of waterways, embankments, and city parks. You'll find continuous routes with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for steady runs. Surfaces vary from paved paths along the embankments to dirt trails within the city's green spaces.
Are there any easy running routes for beginners?
Yes, among the many options, there are 8 routes specifically categorized as easy, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. While specific easy routes are not highlighted here, you can find them by filtering for difficulty on komoot.
What kind of landmarks can I see while running along the Neva?
Jogging along the Neva offers a unique 'runseeing' experience, combining your workout with stunning views of St. Petersburg's iconic architecture. You can pass by grand squares, palaces, and gardens. Notable landmarks include the Winter Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Palace Bridge. Many routes, like the Peter the Great's Cabin – St. Isaac's Cathedral loop, connect these historic sights.
Are there any parks or green spaces suitable for running near the Neva?
Absolutely! St. Petersburg features several excellent parks and islands for running.
Elagin Island (Tsentral'nyy Park) offers a sprawling green space with a loop of approximately 5 km, and opportunities to explore adjoining islands for longer runs. Sosnovka Park, north of the city center, is one of the largest green spaces, providing wide dirt paths through forests and past hidden lakes. Tauride Garden and Petrovsky Park also offer good running options, often combined with riverside paths.
Can I find circular running routes around the Neva?
Yes, many of the running routes around the Neva are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the St. Isaac's Cathedral – Admiralty Building loop and the Trinity Bridge – Palace Bridge loop are popular circular options that showcase urban landscapes and riverside paths.
What is the best time of year to go running in St. Petersburg along the Neva?
The 'White Nights' of June and July are particularly popular, as daylight extends significantly, offering unique evening running opportunities. However, the riverside embankments and parks are enjoyable throughout the warmer months. In winter, when the Neva freezes over, it transforms into a unique landscape, though specific running conditions may vary.
Are there challenging running routes for experienced runners?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are 22 routes categorized as difficult. These often cover longer distances and might include more varied urban terrain. An example is the Admiralty Building – Field of Mars loop, an 11.4-mile (18.4 km) trail leading through the historic city center and green spaces.
Is it possible to access running trails via public transport?
Many running routes along the Neva are located within St. Petersburg's city center or easily accessible areas, making them convenient to reach via public transport. Routes often start near major metro stations or bus stops, allowing for easy access to the embankments and parks.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging around the Neva?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning views of St. Petersburg's iconic architecture, the unique experience of running along historic waterways, and the variety of routes that combine urban sightseeing with green park spaces.
Are there any dog-friendly running trails along the Neva River?
While specific regulations for dogs on all trails can vary, many of the larger parks and less crowded embankments are generally suitable for running with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. Sosnovka Park, with its wide dirt paths, is often a good option for dog owners.
Are there any cafes or places to rest near the running routes?
Given the urban setting of many Neva River running routes, you'll find numerous cafes, kiosks, and benches along the embankments and within the city parks. These provide convenient spots for a quick break, a coffee, or to simply enjoy the views after your run.
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