Top Cities Providing Secluded Trails and Summits for Avid Hikers Globally
Sportshoes, a renowned sports shoe brand, has identified the top cities worldwide that offer a unique blend of city life and direct proximity to nature. Among these cities, Berlin, Germany stands out as one of the most diverse for hiking enthusiasts, boasting nearly 300 rated tours.
Berlin's hiking suitability score is 75, making it an appealing destination for both novice and experienced hikers. The city's diverse hiking trails wind through forests, parks, and even along the river floodplains, ensuring a variety of scenic routes.
Nuremberg, another German city, also features on the list with a hiking score of 78. The Moritzberg, a popular day trip destination in the region, can be climbed in approximately two hours, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Leaving Europe, we find Mexico City, Mexico, with a hiking score of 98. This city offers a unique combination of city bustle and direct proximity to national parks. The Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones, located within the city, features ruins of an old monastery, pine forest, and trails leading up to heights of over 3,700 meters.
In the Americas, Los Angeles, USA, was not given a specific hiking score, but it is among the top cities for hiking enthusiasts. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, offers numerous trails, with the Runyon Canyon being a popular destination for locals and guests. The Runyon Canyon is known from film and television, adding an extra appeal to the hiking experience.
San Francisco, USA, has a hiking score of 96, with many routes offering views, botanical gardens, and historical sites. The city's diverse terrain and mild climate make it an ideal destination for hiking.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, takes the top spot with a hiking score of 100. The Tijuca National Park offers hiking trails through a rainforest and panoramic views of beaches, hills, and the city skyline.
Cape Town, South Africa, also ranks high with a hiking score of 96. Over 300 marked routes lead through the adjacent nature reserve, providing ample opportunities for hiking.
Rounding out the top five cities worldwide are Lugano (Switzerland) with its lakeside and alpine setting, Broome (Australia) near natural parks and coastal wilderness, and Masuren (Poland) notable for its lakes and forest landscapes. These cities, typically university towns or historically rich urban centers adjacent to natural reserves or parks, complete the list of top cities for hiking enthusiasts.
In Germany, Bremen, with a hiking suitability score of 68, offers short paths to the green between the historic city center and the parks along the Weser. The proximity to the North Sea coast adds to its appeal as an enjoyable destination for relaxed tours without sacrificing urbanity.
A survey reveals that almost half of the German respondents prefer to be active in their free time, with hiking, walking, and cycling being popular activities. City trips are also highly popular, with 18% planning targeted active holidays. This trend towards active city breaks is reflected in the growing number of cities worldwide catering to the needs of hiking enthusiasts.