Wild Trails Van Edition: Running Europe, One Trail at a Time
Wild Trails Van Edition Begins
This summer, Wild Kindness went mobile. With a motorhome, my family, and my running shoes, we explored 10 countries and covered over 3,500 miles. Along the way, I ran trails that were short, steep, foggy, sunny, and everything in between.
Each run told its own story.
The First Stride — Maastricht, Netherlands 🇳🇱
The very first run of the trip set the tone. In Maastricht, I found a trail tucked into the city right beside the River Meuse, not remote mountains, but a gentle reminder that trails exist everywhere if you look closely. It was short, simple, and perfect: the beginning of three weeks of adventure.
Into the Czech Forests — Karlovy Vary 🇨🇿
Karlovy Vary is famous for its hot springs, but what really stood out was the forest rising right behind the city. I set off early, weaving through a maze of paths, running 7.5 miles beneath the canopy. At 6:30am, I turned a corner and came face to face with a wooden wolf prop that looked so real it made me jump — a surreal trail moment I won’t forget.
To the Summit — Sněžka, Czech Republic 🇨🇿🇵🇱
The mountain was calling, and I couldn’t resist. With my family and extended family, we began a child-friendly hike up the lower slopes of Sněžka, the Czech Republic’s highest peak. At a mountainside restaurant, they stopped for lunch — and I carried on.
The last mile was a steep, technical grind, but reaching the summit was epic. Standing on the Czech–Polish border, with the wind rushing past, I knew this was a run that captured everything Wild Kindness stands for: challenge, nature, and pure joy.
A Quick Stop — Short Czech Run 🇨🇿
Not long after Sněžka, I squeezed in another smaller run. Just a few miles, nothing dramatic — but part of the beauty of van life is these spontaneous sessions. A patch of forest, a gap in the schedule, and suddenly you’re out there, moving wild again.
Sunrise on the Trails — Štefanja Gora, Slovenia 🇸🇮
One of the standout runs of the whole trip. At 6am, with the Slovenian Alps glowing in the first light of day, I set off on a loop to Štefanja Gora.
8.5 miles, 1,500ft of elevation, and pure mountain magic. The steep climb was tough, but cresting the summit as the sun spilled across the peaks made every step worthwhile. This was trail running at its most alive — effort, reward, and connection to place.
A Taste of Italy — Verona 🇮🇹
Before reaching Austria, I carved out time for a quick run in Verona. Just outside the city, the trail rose toward the mountains, a mix of rugged terrain and postcard-perfect views. Short but sharp, it gave me a glimpse of Italian beauty that left me wanting more.
Alpine Mornings — Kramsach, Austria 🇦🇹
In Kramsach, nestled between lakes and the Alps, I laced up for an “explore the area” run. It wasn’t about distance, just soaking in the surroundings: glassy water, alpine air, and peaks rising in every direction. These are the runs that feed the soul — not always the hardest, but among the most grounding.
Into the Black Forest — Titisee, Germany 🇩🇪
The Black Forest felt like the perfect finale. I ran 10 miles with nearly 1,900ft of elevation, starting in thick morning fog that gradually lifted as I climbed. By the time I reached the ridgelines, the forest opened to reveal sweeping views over Lake Titisee — a moment of clarity, both literally and figuratively.
It was wild, demanding, and unforgettable.
Closing Thoughts 🌿
From city trails in Maastricht to mountain summits on the Czech–Polish border, this trip reminded me of why I started Wild Kindness: movement, nature, and the joy of doing it all together.
Every run, whether a quick few miles or a 10-mile climb, added to the story. And the best part? This is only the beginning.
👉 Where should the Wild Trails Van Edition roll next?