BRATISLAVA GREEN HALF MARATHON – 21K

At first glance, it may not be immediately apparent — but Bratislava is, in fact, a remarkably green city. While many visitors stay within the bounds of the historic center, this tour will take you beyond the old city walls and into the natural spaces that locals hold dear. We’ll explore some of the most popular running routes among Bratislava’s residents — and likely pass a few of them along the way. Don’t be surprised if they greet us with a friendly wave; it’s part of the culture here.

We’ll begin by crossing the SNP Bridge to reach Janko Kráľ Park, situated along the right bank of the Danube River. This park is one of the oldest public parks in Central Europe, established in the 18th century. Today, it remains a vibrant gathering spot for the residents of Petržalka, Bratislava’s largest district, where people come to relax, picnic, or play sports under the canopy of mature trees.

Continuing along the river, we’ll cross the Old Bridge and turn toward the Eurovea promenade — a lively waterfront destination, particularly in the summer evenings, when locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy open-air dining and riverside strolls.

Next, we’ll pass through the Medical Garden, a charming green space originally created as a retreat for students of the Comenius University’s Medical Faculty. Nestled in the city center, it has become a favored after-work escape for nearby professionals.

From there, we’ll enter the Presidential Garden, a lesser-known gem tucked behind the Presidential Palace. Well-maintained pathways wind through elegant alleys, and if we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the equestrian statue of Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Habsburg Empire.

As we continue, the landscape becomes more rugged. Leaving the manicured gardens behind, we’ll enter more natural terrain — gentle trails and hilly paths leading us to Horský Park. This unique forest-park hybrid, developed in the 17th century, retains much of its original flora and fauna and offers a peaceful escape with wooden benches, quiet groves, and serene woodland paths.

From Horský Park, we transition into the edge of the Little Carpathian Mountains — a vast, forested range that stretches over 820 square kilometers. Rich with biking and hiking trails, it offers a deeper immersion into nature. For this tour, we’ll enjoy a brief loop around one of its tranquil lake areas — a perfect introduction to the region’s wilder side.

We’ll conclude our tour with a relaxed return to the Danube riverbank, where we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the river, surrounding woodlands, and the silhouette of Bratislava Castle rising above the hill — a fitting end to this journey through the green heart of the city.

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