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THE 14 BEST MOTORCYCLE TRIPS IN EUROPE

May 26, 2023 10 min read

When it comes to epic motorcycle journeys, it's hard to beat the stunning landscape of Europe. Rich scenery, tall mountain passes, and wide open roads make a Euro trip essential for any rider's bucket list.

The only question is where do you go? With so much great riding to choose from, narrowing things down can be a bit tough. We've put together a list of the best routes that Europe has to offer, so you have the freedom to choose your own adventure.

We'll run through Europe's top routes and everything you'll need to know for your journey. Whether riding is a small part of your trip or you're planning a full tour around the continent, Europe is truly a riding heaven for motorcyclists.

TOP 14 MOTORCYCLE ROUTES IN EUROPE

Trans european trail.

The Trans European trail is the mother of all trails. It spans a whopping 80,000km and covers over 30 countries! Most of the way is unpaved, so expect rough terrain and remote locations if you choose to take on this massive trail. This is one for the adventure riders.

Riding the entire trail in one shot would take weeks, so you might opt to only ride part of it. If you really want to immerse yourself in the trail riding experience, camping along the way is an option. But if you need some comfort, hostels, and B&Bs are available in some areas.

The Atlantic Road, Norway

This picturesque road on the Northwest coast of Norway is the perfect way to experience the country's coastal scenery. Hugging the Atlantic Ocean, it's a stunning combination of coastal views and dramatic cliffs.

The road stretches for about eight kilometres, so it's a short trip that can easily be knocked out in the morning or afternoon. A highlight is the famous Storseisundet Bridge or 'Bridge to Nowhere', which is built with a curved design to give the illusion that it's rising out of the water.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

This gorgeous route will take you across the Scottish Highlands and show off all the country has to offer. Often referred to as Scotland's answer to Route 66, this journey gives you the chance to explore historic castles, whiskey distilleries, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Spanning 500 miles (hence the name), expect to see plenty of amazing panoramic views while taking on the twists and turns of this epic journey. The North Coast 500 takes about 5-7 days to complete, depending on how much you take your time, but there are plenty of charming towns and villages to stop and spend the night along the way.

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland

It's a classic for a reason. The Swiss Alps is a famous trip that will take you through scenic mountain passes, amazing landscapes, and some windy roads. Aside from the incredible views, the roads are both well-maintained and marked for a smooth experience.

There are plenty of different routes to choose from. It can take up to 7 days if you want to experience everything, or you might just take on part of the trip. Either way, expect some cold temperatures at high altitudes and plan accordingly, even in the summer months.

The Ring Road, Iceland

If you want to experience everything Iceland has to offer, this is the way to do it. This trip will take you on a circular route around the entire country, so you can experience all the scenery and natural wonders of Iceland all at once.

This unique road will take you through otherworldly volcanic landscapes and even near some still-active volcanoes. In saying that, the weather and riding conditions can make this route challenging so it's best to plan ahead.

Measuring at around 1,300km, this journey can be done in six days of hard riding or stretched out to a more relaxed 10-12 day trip. It connects through major towns and cities, so you can stop and spend the night wherever you choose.

The Transalpina, Romania

Known as the "King's Road" and the "Road of Clouds", this trip is not for the faint of heart. Taking you through the Carpathian Mountains, this route has some hairpin bends, steep inclines/declines and narrow roads.

While the Transalpina packs plenty of action and rough terrain, don't forget about the stunning landscapes. It's a picturesque ride though forests, alpine meadows and beautiful vistas.

The Transalpina road doesn't offer much in the way of services, especially in remote areas, so plan ahead with plenty of food, water, and fuel. So if you're looking for an exciting challenge, this might be your ideal trip.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

A scenic ride that covers the western coast of Ireland, this route is famous for its incredible views, dramatic cliffs, and winding roads. As the name suggests, this is a thrilling but challenging ride that will take you through some twisty roads for an exhilarating experience.

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for about 2,500km and covers the entire west coast of Ireland. There are plenty of historic sites and charming coastal towns to spend the night, so you can immerse yourself in the culture of Ireland along the way.

The Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

The Amalfi Coast Road is a coastal ride that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Stretching along the southern coastline of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region, it's a great way to experience the charming scenery of Italy.

A 50km ride with no shortage of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the way, you can easily stretch this ride out to an entire day of sightseeing. It's recommended to book early, especially in peak tourist season if you plan to spend the night.

The Picos de Europa, Northern Spain

The Picos de Europa is a mountain range in the North of Spain that's an exciting destination for riders. This mountain range is a perfect combination of fantastic scenery with hair-raising bends, so you've got the best of both worlds.

The ride can take between three to five days, depending on how much you want to see. There's a variety of accommodations and local cuisine along the way, so you can take a load off after a day of exhilarating riding.

Alghero to Bosa Route, Sardinia, Italy

The Alghero to Bosa route is a brilliant ride that lets bikers take in the crystal-clear waters of coastal Italy. Stretching for about 45km, you can easily make a day out of this route by hitting up the beaches and taking in some local seafood at the coastal towns along the way.

The Road to Nordkapp, Norway

The road to Nordkapp is an adventurous ride that will take you to some remote and scenic parts of Norway. It's about 2,000km, but you can start the journey anywhere you choose. Most people opt to begin from Norway's capital Oslo.

The road to Nordkapp has some stunning natural beauty. In summer you can experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, which doesn't set north of the Arctic Circle so you can experience daylight at midnight. During winter, you might even catch a glimpse of the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

The Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Spanning a massive 700km, this scenic route will take you from Lake Geneva all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. It crosses the French Alps and offers stunning mountain views and alpine towns along the way.

This is a well-known route for motorcyclists, and there are numerous accommodation options and services that cater to riders. The road is mostly well maintained, but expect the occasional tight turn and narrow road.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

This famous pilgrimage route, also known as the Way of St James, attracts thousands of walkers and cyclists each year but can still be taken on with a motorcycle. Just keep in mind that the infrastructure is built more for pedestrians than motorists, so you'll be in for some rough riding at times.

A cultural and spiritual experience, the Camino de Santiago is a chance to explore historic towns and churches while taking in incredible landscapes along the way. Just research ahead, because some sections may have restrictions on motorised vehicles.

The Deutsche Alpenstrasse, Germany

Also known as the German Alpine Road, this amazing route stretches across southern Germany and offers stunning landscapes with picturesque mountain views. It's popular among motorcyclists for its winding roads, charming towns, and alpine scenery.

At 450km, this route will take you through the Bavarian Alps and some thrilling mountain passes with winding roads. Try to take in some of the sites, like the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, or the Zugspitze which is Germany's highest peak.

Accommodation can range from hotels to campsites or even mountain huts, but make sure to book ahead during the busy season.

Best Motorcycle Tours in Europe

There are two ways you can go about a European motorcycle tour. The first is a  guided tour , which means you pay a company to provide you with a rental bike and take care of your entire itinerary - accommodation, routes, and even meal stops.

The second is a  self-guided motorcycle tour . In this case, you're the boss. You decide where to go, what to bring, and how to go about it.

How you choose your motorcycle touring style comes down to personal preference. With that being said, let's run through some of the best options for both guided and self-guided motorcycle tours.

Guided Motorcycle Tours in the EU

If you choose to go through a touring company then try to pick one that's reliable. Some of the ones we recommend for Europe are  Moto Tours Europe ,  Overland Motorcycle Tours,  and  Magellan Motorcycle Tours .

These firms offer cross-border and multi-country tours, so you've got plenty of flexibility. Of course, you might have a specific destination in mind that's not covered by the above companies. In these cases, some extra research might be required.

Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours in the EU

If you choose to be your own master there's a ton of exciting routes to choose from. Here are just a few examples of some great self-guided tours to take on:

• The Alps : Touring the Alps is an amazing riding experience that will take you through some incredible alpine landscapes. You can plan your own route through any of the Swiss, French, Italian, or Austrian Alps for a unique and personal experience
• The Scottish Highlands : Rugged landscapes and rich history make Scotland a very special place to ride through. The North Coast 500 is an iconic road trip that stretches for 500 miles and will take you across the entire Northern coast of the country.
• The Pyrenees : The Pyrenees mountain range, which borders France and Spain, offers winding roads and picturesque valleys that make for some pretty fantastic riding. Some notable routes are the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, and the N260 through the Spanish Pyrenees.

What Gear Do You Need for Touring Europe on a Motorbike?

Motorcycle Jacket : A lightweight, comfortable, and breathable riding jacket is essential for taking on Europe. Not only will it keep you protected, but waterproof options could be handy in the right environment. Alternatively, put a waterproof throw over on top of a jacket if it doesn't have waterproofing.

READ MORE:  HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE JACKET

Gloves : A pair of  proper motorcycle gloves  won't just improve your grip and safety, but keep your fingers warm in cold environments.

Motorcycle Pants : Bring along some comfortable riding pants if you're planning a big riding trip. A good set of riding jeans can double as casual clothes to save on space.

READ MORE:  SHOULD I WEAR MOTORCYCLE PANTS?

Boots : A comfortable, worn-in pair of touring boots is a must. You'll be riding for a while so make sure your feet stay comfy.

Helmet : Wear a motorcycle helmet that's both comfortable and safe. Try to get one with an anti-fog visor and an internal sun visor as well.

Navigating Your Motorcycle Trip in Europe

Riding bikes around a foreign country can be a fun but chaotic experience. It's best to  start planning now  because there are just so many awesome routes to choose from. Be realistic in your planning and don't try to cram everything into one trip. Stop and smell the roses.

Bring along a   sat nav or try to hire a bike that includes one . However, having a paper map can be a handy backup if you're in a sticky situation with no reception. This is especially true if you plan on riding to any remote region.

Lastly, try booking accommodation as early as possible. Your trip might be partly improvised, so you might not know exactly where you'll be in a week's time but try to at least always have your next destination booked ahead.

Safety When Travelling Across Europe by Motorcycle

Europe is a diverse continent so familiarise yourself with the local traffic laws and regulations for each country you plan to visit. Keep in mind the cultural differences as well. Some countries will obey the traffic laws a lot closer than others.

Be self-aware while riding, because everything around you will be unfamiliar and you'll need to be on your toes. Stay focused and alert, taking frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

Lastly, consider your gear. Arm yourself from head to toe with proper  motorcycle gear  so you can ride safely and confidently. Things sometimes go random on the road, so prepare yourself as best as possible.

Which country in Europe is best for motorcycles?

There's no one country in Europe that is best for motorcycles, but a few definitely stand out. Here are a few of the best places to ride:

• Spain : Spain is famous for its diverse landscapes, from the Pyrenees mountains to the coastal roads of Costa Brava and Costa del Sol. It has a favorable climate, great road infrastructure, and picturesque routes like the Picos de Europa and Andalucia.
• Italy : With its rich culture, amazing cuisine, and iconic cities, Italy is an amazing place to ride through. From the Amalfi Coast road to the Alghero to Bosa Route, bikers are spoiled for choice with this beautiful country.
• France : France offers plenty of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and incredible food. The French Alps, Provence, the Loire Valley, and the Côte d'Azur are some of the most popular destinations for motorcycle touring.

Can you ride a motorcycle through Europe?

You can absolutely ride a motorcycle through Europe. It's an incredibly popular destination for motorcycle touring. Of course, it's important to familiarise yourself with the laws of a country before planning your next riding trip.

In most cases, you'll need an international driver's licence. Your bike will also need to be registered and insured, so double-check whether your insurance policy covers international travel. Remember, travel insurance and motorcycle insurance are two separate things.

Be prepared for border crossings and road tolls. Always carry the necessary documents to avoid getting caught out in the wrong situation.

What do you need to travel in Europe on a motorcycle?

So what do you need to travel in Europe on a motorcycle? The most obvious thing is a  passport . Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned duration of your trip, and always keep it on you.

A  driver's licence  from your home country will also be needed, but most likely you'll need to get an international driver's licence as well. Check the requirements of each country that you plan to visit.

Insurance  is a must, especially for motorcycle touring. Keep in mind that you'll need both travel insurance and motorcycle insurance unless you can find a policy that covers both.

Lastly, keep your  vehicle registration  documents handy at all times. These should include proof of ownership and any necessary import or customs documentation.

Can you tour on any motorcycle?

So can you tour on any motorcycle? While some bikes are certainly better than others, almost any motorcycle can be used for touring. Some will just have certain advantages over others.

For example, an adventure bike is great for off-road riding, but a proper touring bike is ideal for those massive cross-country trips. So you can tour using basically any bike but try to be realistic when planning your rides.

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Motorcycle tours in Europe: Top 10 best motorcycle routes in Europe

NateThePostman

Round the world adventurer Nathan Millward rode home to the East Midlands from Australia on a 105cc Australian postal bike (he didn’t like flying). He’s since ridden across America to Alaska, writing two brilliant books about the experience.

www.nathanmillward.com

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The UK has a huge amount to offer, but if you fancy venturing further afield then here are ten motorcycle trips in Europe that might be of interest. Obviously, the list isn’t exhaustive, but should offer some idea as to great directions and destinations to consider. The main thing to remember is that, while it can be nerve wracking, riding in Europe is little different to the UK – once you get the hang of being on the other side of the road and not being able to speak the lingo. Take your time, and don’t give yourself unreasonable time frames or distances to cover. Above all though… enjoy the ride!

1. The Iceland Ring Road

Where does it start?  Reykjavik

Where does it end?  Reykjavik 

How long is it?  828 miles

Why’s it great?  

The ring road of Iceland is by no means the best route on the island, but it does serve as a great jump off point for exploring the more interesting corners of the island.

What do I need to know? 

Getting to Iceland is the tricky part. You can either take the two-day ferry from the top of Denmark (about a 1000 mile run from the UK) or ship your bike with Eimskip  out of Immingham and fly in to meet it. Both options cost roughly the same at around £1000 by the time you’ve paid for either the flights if you’re shipping in, or the travelling costs through Europe if you’re taking the ferry. Not cheap, granted, but then bike rental is on the expensive side, with costs of around 250 Euros per day, which might make sense if you’re there for less than seven days. 

Anything else? 

Be prepared for poor weather even in summer; it can be a bleak place. Prices are high, especially for restaurant meals, alcohol and hotels, but if you’re camping and stove cooking it shouldn’t cost you any more than travelling to mainland Europe. The roads are surprisingly well surfaced, with the unpaved F roads heading into more remote, challenging places that are perfect for trail bike riders. But even a Harley could make a good fist of touring Iceland. For more information read the full BikeSocial report here .

Download the GPX file of this route for your TomTom or Garmin SatNav by clicking here

2. Trans European Trail

Where does it start ? Wherever you like

Where does it end?  Wherever you finish

How long is it?  21,000 miles

Why is it great?  

A hugely ambitious project – initiated by Brit John Ross – to map a largely unpaved route from the top to the bottom of Europe, and from the East to the West. The route map is free to download and should keep people entertained for years.

As well as through the UK, the TET passes through 27 other countries, including the Scandinavian countries - Norway, Sweden and Denmark, the southern Mediterranean nations of Spain, Greece and Italy, the Eastern European countries of Poland, Romania and Serbia, as well as France, Germany and Belgium. The route spends as much time away from tarmac as possible, though there are linking paved sections taking you from one trail to another. The Scandinavian countries seem to have miles of easy forestry trails, with Portugal and Spain also offering plenty of variety. 

Bike choice is a big factor and while plenty of the TET is accessible to large capacity adventure machines, a lot comes down to skill level and tyre choice. A lighter trail bike might make life easier, and even look at the possibility of renting a machine out there, enabling you to maximise your holiday time on the trails, rather than ploughing through Europe to get there.

The Facebook group  is a great place for picking up advice for local riders.  

To download the maps and to find out more visit www.transeurotrail.org

3. The Transfăgărășan Highway

Where does it start?  Bascov

Where does it end?  Sibiu

How long is it?  56 miles

Why is it great?

An obvious suggestion ever since Top Gear featured it a few years back, the road definitely carries some romance and gives good reason to push east out of western Europe.

What do I need to know?

The road is 56 miles in length and crosses the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains. It’s located approximately 130 miles west of the Romanian capital Bucharest, and almost 1500 miles east of Dover, meaning that it’s going to need a couple of weeks to get out there and back. The advice, if you do go, is to get there early as traffic can be dense.

Check the road is open before heading out. Generally, it’s closed from mid-October to early June due to snow, so the window is short. In a way the road would arguably best serve as a marker for a wider trip, with good excuse for finding an interesting route for getting down there and back. A route down through the Balkan countries of Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia is increasingly popular with bikers, while a route back through the Alps would give you the best of both worlds.

But so much depends on how much time you have. If you’re racing to get down there and racing to get back, then maybe consider an interesting road a little closer to home. Good information can be found here .

4. The Wild Atlantic Way

Where does it start?  Kinsale, County Cork

Where does it end?  Londonderry

How long is it?  1553 miles

Why is it great? 

Officially the longest coastal route in the world, and with inexpensive ferries from the Welsh ports of either Fishguard or Holyhead, the Wild Atlantic Way is a dream destination for those with limited time or looking for adventure a little closer to home.  

It’s not so much a point-to-point route, more a theme of travel along the coastline of Ireland, covering a total distance of 1553 miles and passing through nine counties and three provinces. The tourist board designates six regions of the route; Northern Headlands, Surf Coast, Bay Coast, Cliff Coast, Southern Peninsulas and Haven Coast, with the Southern Peninsula likely to be increasingly popular as it’s just off shore that Great Skellig – the island featured in the latest Star Wars movies, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi – can be found, with boats from the mainland able to take you there.

Anything else?

Prepare for rain and be realistic about distances. Those narrow country lanes take a lot longer to navigate than a regular A-road, so 150 miles a day might be the top end of what’s manageable. To plan a route or to find out more head to the official site at www.wildatlanticway.com

5. The Three Passes of Switzerland 

Where does it start?  Andermatt 

Where does end?  Andermatt

How long is it?  80 miles

An easy to navigate route that takes in three amazing Alpine passes with the full route do-able in a day.  

The three passes of Susten, Furka and Grimsel are in the Alpine region of Switzerland, crossing the Bernese Alps at an elevation above 2000 metres. The passes are generally closed between October and May due to show.

The Grimsel is a personal favourite due to the multiple well-surfaced switchbacks on the way up, heading clockwise, with emerald blue lakes on the way down. The Furka Pass is higher, at a peak of 2429 metres, and arguably tighter and not as well surfaced, but still an excellent riding road, as is Susten. 

The small Alpine town of Andermatt is a good place to base yourself, with all the facilities and some great riding east of there if you wish to venture further into Switzerland. Be wary of Switzerland’s strict speed limits and try not to get carried away; fines are harsh. Also be wary of busy weekend traffic, and as with all foreign riding, try to keep within your own limits and enjoy the scenery. If you have the time then the Nufenen Pass, just to the south of the loop, is also worth riding.

Time wise, if you push straight through France it is easily possible to do this loop and be back home again in a week. 

6. Verdon Gorge

Where does it start?  Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Where does it end?  Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

The Verdon Gorge is a magnificent site in itself – Europe’s Grand Canyon – and the roads around it match it for excitement. The coastal resorts of Nice and Monaco aren’t far away either. 

The Verdon Gorge is down in the south of France, just to the north of Nice and Monaco. It’s 25 kilometres in length and 700 metres deep, and was formed by the Verdon River. Much like most canyons, it creeps up on you; one minute the land is flat, the next minute you’re at the rim of a huge canyon. The road around it is what you’re going for, with endless twisting sections and parts where it traces right across the top of the rim, a steel barrier the only thing stopping you from a long drop to the bottom.

Great riding, great scenery, great weather. And if you want to explore the gorge further then venture along D23, an interior road (broken tarmac in the main) that drops south from the town of La Palud-sur-Verdon on the north side of the rim. Camping is a good option for accommodation in this region, with campsites plentiful.

As with any popular tourist place, traffic can be an issue in peak season, but at least unlike the Alpine passes listed above, you can ride the Verdon Gorge most of the year, so aim for the shoulder season of spring or autumn and you’ll be fine. Riding clockwise is recommended for the novice rider as you’re not as exposed to the drops, and if you don’t fancy riding all the way down to the South of France, consider using www.bikeshuttle.co.uk , who can freight your bike down to Toulouse while your fly. It still leaves a 300 mile ride to the Gorge, but that might be a better option than riding from your home in the UK, especially if time is a factor.

7. The Normandy Beaches

Where does it start?  Rouen

Where does it end?   Mont Saint-Michael

How long is it?  340 miles

Good riding as well as the historical element makes for an easily accessible overseas road trip.   

This coastline of France has long held significance in the minds of British visitors. It’s also easy to access and doesn’t feel that far from home, so for the novice overseas explorer it’s not going to be as intimidating as heading out to the Alps for example.

The route starts in the Normandy capital of Rouen, where you’ll find lots of history dating back to medieval times, before heading towards the Normandy Beaches, and passing through Caen where you’ll find a selection of war museums at the old castle. Then you have the beaches; Omaha Beach with cliffs riddled with German bunkers, Juno Beach where the Canadians came ashore, Utah Beach led by the US 4th infantry, Gold Beach at Arromanches – where the British 50th Infantry Division landed – and Sword Beach on the left flank, where the 6th Airborne Division landed.

The war graves of the Bayeux War Cemetery, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Ranville, Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery and the La Cambe German War Cemetery can also all be visited in this area.

The route finally concludes with the stunning medieval monastery at Mont Saint-Michael. The Brittany ferries website – a great option for getting over there – has a superb guide to the region at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/d-day-guide

Anything Else?

The cheapest way of getting there is via the Dover-Calais route, but for more convenience consider sailing from Portsmouth to either Le Havre, Caen or Cherbourg, which can also be reached via a ferry from Poole. Take one of these options and you could make a good tour of it even in the time frame of a long weekend. For more information on Normandy visit the tourist board website .

8. The Garmisch Run

Where does it start?  Calais, France

Where does it end?  Garmisch, Germany 

How long is it?  715 miles

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a town in southern Bavaria that every year plays host to the biggest BMW gathering in the world (it’s also open to riders of any bike) – it’s well worth heading down to. This is a scenic way of getting there.  

For 2018 the event is from 6 th to 8 th July, with this route taking three days to get down there at a leisurely pace, with time to enjoy some stop-offs on the way. You can do the ride back via motorways in a day if needs be, but it’s best if you have time to make an interesting round-trip of it.

From Calais take the A26/E7 all the way down to junction 9 near Bonavis. From there follow the 644 to Le Catelet, then the D28 to the D960 all the way to Vernis.

From there, the D966 to Montcornet, D946 to Vouziers, D982 to Sainte-Menehould, then A4 and finally D904 and D3 down to Port-a-Mousson for the first night’s stop. You’ll find a good choice of hotels here.

On the second day, head across country on the D913 and D955 to the N4, aiming for Baden-Baden. South from here begins the famous B500 through the Black Forest, aiming for somewhere around the town of Schluchsee, 105 miles to the south of Baden-Baden. Be mindful that the B500 can be busy with tourist traffic and police.

The final day (and to be honest you could shorten this run down to two days if you got cracking) is east along the German/Austrian border, aiming for Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance. The 308 east from there takes you to the 199 and briefly into Austria, before returning to Germany on the 187 where you’ll soon arrive in Garmisch.

You can find route maps here:

Day One: https://www.motogoloco.com/map/?route=9955 Day Two: https://www.motogoloco.com/map/?route=9956 Day Three: https://www.motogoloco.com/map?route=9957

Book early if you want accommodation in the town during the event as it gets busy with tens of thousands of bikers over the weekend. It is something of a spectacle, even for those not interested in the BMW brand. The food and drink are good, and there’s free camping in the meadows beneath the ski mountains. The event itself is also free to attend – a great excuse for a road trip. 

9. The Alpine Loop, including Stelvio

Where does it start?  Garmisch 

Where does it end?  Garmisch 

How long is it?  200 miles

If you’ve made it down to Garmisch, this is a fine route for exploring some of the best mountain roads through the Alps .

Heading clockwise, this route takes you on two good passes of Stelvio and the excellent Timmelsjoch that connects the Ötztal valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol to the Passeier Valley in the Italian province of South Tyrol.

On the Italian side, the road to reach the summit is called SS44bis, and on the Austrian side, there’s a toll road, called Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstrasse. From Garmisch take the E533 down to the A12, then 186 south to the ski resort of Sölden (or Soelden) and the start of the Timmelsjoch. Sölden is an upmarket resort with some camping options.

The Ötztal Glacier Road up from Sölden to the glacier (and back) is also a must-ride, with a nominal toll charge mid-way up. From there south along the Timmelsjoch, with a single journey by motorcycle costing 14 Euros, but well worth it, with 38 kilometres of twisting Alpine road that’s well-surfaced and well-sighted. From there take the SS44 leading to Merano, west on the SS38 with a left turn leading to the famous Stelvio Pass.

The Stelvio is maybe a touch over-rated, but it’s still worth riding. It’s quite busy and narrow in places, but worth it for the experience. The town of Bormio at the bottom has good facilities, while onto Livingo has you pointing north, back towards Garmisch, with the SS41 east to the SS40 running north, before figuring your way back to Garmisch, or simply heading back from the foot of the Stelvio heading west to where you could link up with the Furka-Susten-Grimsel Pass listed earlier. 

While it takes effort to get through France to the Alps, it is worth it, though try not to rush it and look for ways of avoiding the monotony of the motorways where possible.

10. The Road to the Fjords 

Where does it start?  Bergen  

Where does it end?  Kristiansand 

How long is it?  273 miles

This is a road trip in itself – up along the coast of Norway – but the best bit is that upon reaching Bergen, a world of opportunity opens up for exploring the famous Norwegian fjords.

This route begins in the port town of Kristiansand, which can be reached by catching a ferry from Hirtshals at the top of Denmark. This is a two-hour ferry, operated by either Color Line  or Fjord Line ,  with multiple sailings throughout the day and costs around £90 return.

There’s no easy way of reaching the top of Denmark to begin with – not since DFDS stopped its route from the UK to Denmark back in 2014. Harwich to the Hook of Holland is about the best you’ll get, with a 650mile slog to Hirtshals from there.

Once in Norway, the route is easy to follow along the E39, winding along the coast, passing through tunnels and with short ferry crossings between the longer stretches. Once you’ve reached Bergen the options are endless for exploring the Fjords, all of which are no more than a day’s ride away, including Hardangerfjord and Aurlandsfjorden. Or park the bike and take a boat ride.  

Norway is a surprisingly easy country to explore, with good road conditions, plentiful camping and lodging facilities and a well-established tourist network. Some push onto Nordkapp at the very top, but without doing that extra huge distance, there’s plenty to be seen in South and Central Norway, with it easy to bolt on a side tour through Sweden. If you’re into your trail riding, consider combining it with parts of the TET listed above.

Photo by Brent Leport

Do I need travel insurance?

Just like any holiday, a trip on a motorcycle – be it in the UK, Europe or beyond – can be ruined by delays, lost documents, illness and more. There are plenty of travel insurance options, but you need to make sure you get a policy that includes riding motorcycles, and if it does, that it's for bikes of the engine size you'll be riding (many only cover up to 250cc). At its most basic, you should look for insurance that provides cover for the following: 

• Medical expenses
• Loss or theft of personal possessions
• Lost or delayed luggage
• Loss of your passport and other documents
• Travel delays and disruptions
• Having to cut your holiday short

In addition though, if you’re taking a motorcycle (or you're renting one while you’re away) be sure that your insurer will cover you for any medical expenses, should you have an accident. You must also think about where you’re riding – some policies won’t cover you if you’re trail or enduro riding, or if you’re on a race track. Remember – this isn’t about your bike being covered, it’s about your medical expenses, should the worst happen.

If you're only going away once, a single-trip policy will likely be all you need, but also consider an annual policy, which could extend to cover your family holidays too (a good insurer should also be able to offer cover for your whole family). 

BikeSocial’s parent company, Bennetts, has a motorcycle-specific travel insurance policy – find out if it suits your needs by  clicking here .

• ▼ Travel Advice - How to tour on any motorcycle
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Motorcycle Travel Guide: Europe

Welcome to the Motorcycle Travel Guide for Europe! Here’s everything you need to know about motorcycle touring in Europe. You’ll find links to our in-depth guides, info on roads, paperwork, tips, tricks and loads more. 

Europe Motorcycle Tour and Travel Guide

Europe is one of the best places in the world to go motorcycle touring. It’s on our doorstep (if you’re from the UK), has an incredibly mixed terrain from epic mountains to gorgeous beaches, forests, rolling hills and even deserts. It’s also home to some of the best twists and turns on the planet. You could spend years carving your way along exquisitely laid tarmac curling and weaving its way through the continent. You’ve got diverse cultures, architecture, food, wine and people. It’s got it all!  

But for such a huge continent with its ginormous mix of 44 countries (at the time of writing) all with their own rules, regulations and routes… it’s hard to know where to start when planning a motorcycle trip to Europe. So, let us help you with this Motorcycle Travel Guide for Europe. 

Motorcycle paperwork for Europe

Main documents.

Currently UK nationals do not need a visa to travel in Europe. That means all you need is a passport (with six months left before expiry) to get in. Of course, who knows what will change after the transitional period when the UK leaves the EU on January 31st 2021. Some of the information in this paperwork and laws section may change. 

For your motorcycle you will need to take your driver’s licence, insurance certificate, MOT and V5 logbook. 

An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is available from your local Post Office (for around £5.50) and will most likely be required after January 31st 2021. To get one you just need to take a passport size photograph and your driver’s licence to the Post Office and it’s done there and then. Check the Gov website  for more information.

READ MORE: Motorcycle Travel Paperwork Explained

Vehicle insurance

Not all motorcycle insurance policies will cover you to ride in Europe. And some providers say they do, but their cover only lasts 15 or 30 days. Check with your provider to find out exactly how long you are covered for before you go. 

Green Card insurance for your motorcycle may also be needed for certain European countries,. Currently, there are only a few countries which require it like Albania, Serbia and Turkey for example. But, rules constantly change, so always check first. And if you are travelling to a country that requires it, it’s always better to get it in advance instead of on the border (for example, you’d get badly stung if you buy it on the Greek-Turkish border when trying to enter Turkey). If buying online, we’d recommend the guys at Knopf Tours for your Green Card.   

Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover can sometimes come included with your vehicle insurance. If not, it’s often easy to add it as a bolt-on. It’s worth having this service if you’re touring in Europe as recovery costs can be very expensive. Make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for – for example, if your bike is beyond repair will they arrange for it to be returned to the UK? It’s also worth carrying a set of tools to perform basic tasks. For more info check out these guides:

READ MORE: 

• The Ultimate Adventure Bike Tool Kit
• SBV Adventure Bike Tool Kit

Personal insurance

It’s also highly advisable to get personal travel insurance. This is different and separate to your motorcycle insurance, which only covers your vehicle. For a comprehensive and detailed guide on it, check out the guide below:

READ MORE: The Motorcycle Travel Insurance Guide

Laws and road rules

Please remember that the paperwork, law and rules for UK nationals touring in Europe can change after January 2021.

Currently, you need a GB sticker on your number plate, a daytime sticker for your headlight, spare bulbs and a high-vis jacket (and one for your pillion in case you breakdown). 

Europe loves a toll road. They are usually operated on a distance travelled based pay scheme. France and Italy are the most notorious for expensive tolls, so beware when planning your route. You can typically pay by card or cash. Be sure to carry emergency cash as sometimes the machines can decline your bank card.  

Also, be very wary of how much the automated machines charge you and what class they put you in. A motorcycle is not in the same pay class as a car, but the machines often mess this up and riders who don’t often check will end up paying near double. 

Firstly, it’s impossible to agree with someone on how to pronounce ‘vignettes’.  Secondly, they’re small, square coloured stickers you stick on your bike to show you’ve paid to use that country’s highway and motorway. 

You need them for Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland. Bear in mind that vignette rules are subject to change, so check in advance before travelling. 

For Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania you must purchase them electronically by visiting the country’s e-vignette website. For the rest of the countries, they can be purchased at petrol stations. They’re around £10 for a week or two dependent on country. 

Also, it’s not something you can get away with. A letter will follow you back to the UK, even from ‘distant’ countries like Hungary.  

Speeding in Europe is very risky business. In countries like Norway, the fines are extortionately high and you can expect your bike to be impounded too. Quite often tickets are on the spot. In countries like Slovakia, catching speeders is a national sport for the police. Be very careful if you break the speed. Fines do follow you home and are handed to UK debt collection agencies. 

How to get your motorcycle to Europe

Riding yourself.

From the UK you have the Euro Tunnel or the ferry. If you’re heading to Calais, France then the tunnel is the smoothest, quickest and easiest option:  www.eurotunnel.com

For further south of Calais and Spain, Brittany Ferries are your best bet. If you’re going via ferry to Calais or to Spain, we recommend checking with directferries.co.uk as you can find up-to-date and current sailing times and routes and book in advance. 

UK to Europe motorcycle transport

There are other options if you’re strapped for time and don’t want to waste days riding to the location and back again. In that case you can opt for a UK to Europe transport company. You can drop your bike off at a depot in the UK (or they’ll pick it up) and they’ll drive it there for you so you can fly in and get cracking straight away. They will then return the bike to a depot in the UK or back to your front door. Check out these guides for more info.

• How to Transport your Motorcycle from the UK to Europe
• Recommended UK to Europe Motorcycle Transport Companies

International shipping

If you want to go even further afield, then we suggest checking out MotoFreight – they’re a UK based international motorcycle shipping company and are also the authors of our shipping guide.

READ MORE: Ultimate Motorcycle Shipping Guide

When to motorcycle tour in Europe

Europe is over 6 million square miles with a mixture of Oceanic, Mediterranean and Continental climates dependent on where you are. The temperatures and best times of year to go are dependent on where you go. For example, Portugal is pretty much good all year round while the Slovakian Tatras mountains are down to -20C in February. 

In general, May through to October is a good time to travel to the heart of Europe. The extra UK Bank Holidays in May and August are handy. September and October tend to be dry and misses the majority of tourists in the August high season. In some countries, the August heat can be too much.  

Your best bet is to research the specific country you’re planning on going to. Check our Europe Destinations page for specific country guides which will detail the best times to visit them. 

The best motorcycle routes in Europe

There are hundreds of incredible biking routes throughout Europe. Every country has its own amazing roads and rides. Check out our Europe guides section as you’ll find detailed guides and ride reports for each of the countries listed.

• Europe Destination Guides
• Tips for Planning a European Motorcycle Tour

What to pack for a Europe motorcycle tour

We already have a dedicated and comprehensive article detailing everything you need to pack on a motorcycle tour in Europe including paperwork, luggage, camping and riding gear. Check out our touring packing list as well as our full packing list for RTW travel.

• Motorcycle Packing Guides
• What to Pack for a European Motorcycle Tour
• The Complete Motorcycle Trip Packing List

What luggage do I need for a Europe motorcycle tour?

Motorcycle touring trips focus more on the actual riding itself than the travelling. So because of that, your luggage should not hinder your riding performance. That means you’re going to want sleeker, aerodynamic luggage that doesn’t protrude widely from the bike, doesn’t throw off your centre of gravity and won’t affect handling. That’s why many touring bikes come with integrated or dedicated plastic luggage options. 

It’s a good idea to opt for a short top box, slim plastic side panniers if you want extra lockable luggage and a tank bag if you need it. Large, heavy and wide aluminium top boxes will only affect your riding and aren’t necessary for a touring trip. For more info on what luggage will work best, check out our detailed guides below:

READ MORE: Motorcycle Luggage Guides 

Joining a motorcycle tour or renting in Europe

This one is down to personal preference. Luckily, Europe is easy to to rent a bike in or join a tour or even ride your own bike there. There are some fantastic, extremely well run tour and rental companies in Europe. And if you want to go it alone with your own bike, then Europe is one of the easiest places to ride in the world!

Joining a motorcycle tour

It might be your first time abroad, or you could be strapped for time or maybe you just don’t want to sit there for days planning a trip. If so, then jumping on a pre-arranged tour is a fantastic option. You’ve got the benefit of an experienced tour guide who knows the routes and country like the back of their hands. All hotels, stops, lunches, paperwork and the bike is taken care of. All you have to do is turn up and ride. 

There’s also the option to go for a self-guided tour where everything is laid out exactly the same as a guided-tour: your hotels, route, stops etc are all planned out. The only difference is that you’re on your own with a detailed itinerary and the route on your sat-nav. 

Motorcycle rental

Perhaps you don’t like the idea of riding with others and want to do your own thing. All the hassle of getting your bike to your destination country is saved. This is a great option when you have limited time, know you want to explore a specific country and don’t want to waste valuable days of your holiday getting there and back.

If you fancy a guided motorcycle tour or want to rent a bike instead, check out our recommended companies page. We’ve found and listed some of the best companies in the world on our interactive map. 

Take your own bike

Perhaps you’re an experienced motorcycle traveller or you just want to give it a go on your own bike. Great! Europe is incredibly easy to get to and navigate – it’s just like riding in the UK! Hopefully, all the information on this page will help you prepare and plan your trip. We have extensive country guides and are adding to them everyday, so check the Destinations section for more detailed info on the places you’re interested in visiting. 

There are also fantastic Facebook groups like UK Bikers Touring in Europe , which is a brilliant resource of information. 

• Motorcycle Destination Guides
• Solo vs Two-up vs Group Riding
• Tips for Travelling with a Pillion

Accommodation

There’s plenty of accommodation and it’s easy to find and book for bikers. How you find it depends on your style of travel. If you’re on a short tour then you may want to book everything while at home – but this gives you a tight schedule and no room for error. Other people find the hotels they’d like to stay and pin them on a map with backup hotels if they want to cover more or less miles.

The easiest way to find and book a hotel is using booking.com

You can use the website while at a coffee stop to see what’s around. This is the easiest and fastest way to book while abroad. However, if you’re planning on making a base somewhere, then airbnb.com   is a better shout because you can find private apartments and houses for a much cheaper price than staying in a hotel for multiple nights.

Alternatively, there’s camping. You have two options here, paid camp sites or wild camping. It’s easy to do both in Europe. For more information on camping, and saving money on accommodation while travelling, see our travelling on the cheap guide.

READ MORE:  

• Motorcycle Camping Guides
• How to Motorcycle Travel on the Cheap
• The Ultimate Motorcycle Camping Gear Checklist

Europe is one of the most expensive places to travel in the world. The prices can rack up, especially when you’re paying for fuel every day, potentially toll roads, hotels and eating out. 

There are loads of ways to save money while touring in Europe though. The most beneficial being the type of UK bank card you use. We have a detailed guide explaining how to save money on hotels, camping, banking, food and drink and more. Check it out below:

READ MORE: How to Motorcycle Travel on the Cheap

The easiest way to navigate around Europe is by using a dedicated sat-nav. Simply attach the wiring harness to your battery, a RAM mount to your handlebar, slot the sat-nav in and you’re good to go. Make sure you get a lockable mount if you’re the forgetful type. 

Alternatively, you could use your mobile phone and Google Maps or Maps.Me. You’ll need a mobile phone holder instead.

Most mobile deals come with free European roaming. But it’s still a better idea to switch that off (to save your data) and use Maps.Me. It’s a free app that lets you download countries and navigate off-line. For more info have a read of the guide below.

Your other option is to stick to good ol’ fashioned maps. They’re great for big picture planning and finding fantastic squiggly routes. 

• Motorcycle Electronics Guides
• The Best Sat Navs
• The Best Bluetooth Headsets

Motorcycle riding gear for Europe

It completely depends where in Europe you’re going, how long you’re travelling for and the time of year you’re going. We’ve experienced extremes of -20C to +40C in Europe and so it’s important to take the time of year and country into consideration.

But the majority of European motorcycle tours are a couple of weeks and during summer. So we’ll go on that basis for this section.

Riding suit

Pro-laminate: If you’re not riding in winter then you don’t need pro-laminate. It’s fantastic for cold and wet weather riding as water slides off the outer shell, so your jacket wont feel heavy and sodden. But it’s expensive, heavy and not as breathable. Check out our dedicated and packed cold weather riding gear guide if you are heading for colder climates. 

READ MORE:  The Ultimate Winter Motorcycle Riding Gear Guide

Gore-Tex:  You can get many types of waterproof layerings for motorcycle suits and Gore-Tex is the most well-known. It is usually provided in a removable inner layer. This is a good idea if you’re sometimes riding through cold and wet conditions but also need your suit to be breathable via vents. The problem is when you don’t have the layer in and then you’re met with a downpour, you’ve then got to take your jacket off and zip your layer back into it (even trickier with trousers!). Your outer jacket will still get sodden and soaked. 

Mesh or non-waterproof: This is your best option. Go for a lightweight, breathable and comfortable motorcycle jacket. If you find one with a removable waterproof liner, then go for that and leave the liner at home. Instead, take a cheap two-piece waterproof throwover. It’s easier to chuck that on than taking your gear off on the side of the road to zip liners in. Your suit wont get sodden and it also acts as a windbreaker on cold rides. 

• The Best Touring Motorcycle Jackets
• The Best Adventure Bike Jackets

Your riding suit needs to be comfortable, large enough to take a decent thermal jacket underneath, with plenty of easily accessible pockets, plenty of ventilation and protection in the shoulder, elbows, back and knees. Bear in mind that jackets tend to come with rubbish foam back protectors and proper CE approved protectors need to be bought separately. 

Gloves:  It’s always worth packing two pairs of gloves: one lightweight, breathable summer pair with plenty of ventilation and a thick waterproof pair. Always dry your waterproof pair in the evenings as you never know when you’ll need them. 

Neck buff:  A neck buff is a great handy extra on tours. 

Ear plugs:  You’ll be riding constantly on your tour and ear plugs will stop you from feeling as knackered at the end of the day. 

Boots:  A good, comfortable and worn-in pair of touring boots are important. Make sure they’re waterproof. For a few options check out our adventure boots guide.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Adventure Bike Boots

Thermals: Like with the removable waterproof liner, if your suit comes with a removable thermal liner just throw it away – they’re usually rubbish. Pack a soft and light down-jacket instead. They pack up smaller into stuff sacks than those flimsy thermal liners you get with your jacket are ten times better and can be worn off the bike. 

READ MORE: The Best Heated Motorcycle Jackets 

Helmet: A motorcycle helmet must be comfortable and safe above all else. Next up, it’s worth investing in a lid that has a pinlock anti-fog visor and a drop down internal sun visor too. There should be decent vents at the mouthpiece, top of head and exhaust ports at the rear. We cover choosing the right helmet for your trip in more detail in our choosing your adventure gear guide below. We also have a top 10 adventure helmet guide too. Have a read of our helmets guides:

READ MORE: The 10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets

For more info and help choosing the right kit and detailed buying guides, check out the riding gear guide page.

• How to Choose Your Adventure Riding Gear
• Adventure Riding Gear Guides

Safety and security

Motorcycle and kit security when travelling abroad is always a concern and some parts of Europe are hot spots for theft. If you’re worried about your bike and gear while travelling abroad, have a read of this article first: 

READ MORE: How to Keep Your Motorcycle Safe While Travelling

• Carry spares and a few tools to perform basic tasks like fixing punctures. 
• Make sure your motorcycle insurance policy covers you for the length of time you’ll be touring. 
• Research the countries you’re visiting and plot a rough route. It will stop you from missing out on spectacular roads and sights and also avoid any unwanted surprises like toll roads. 
• Always carry enough gear for the conditions including waterproofs and extra gloves. 
• Get your bike serviced before you go. Are your tyres on the way out? Brakes good? Chain set correctly? Due an oil change?
• Get a bank card that won’t charge non-sterling transaction fees as mentioned above. 

Read more on motorcycle travel in Europe

Thanks for checking out our Motorcycle Travel Guide for Europe. We hope you found it useful! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Europe that we recommend you read next. 

• Europe Country Guides
• Motorcycle Touring Guides
• Motorcycle Touring for Beginners
• What to pack on a Europe Motorcycle Tour

Try these next…

The Ultimate Scotland Motorcycle Tour

The Ultimate Alps Motorcycle Route Guide

The 10 BEST Motorcycle Camping Tents

The 5 Best Motorcycle Sat Navs

The Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets

The Ultimate Winter Motorcycle Riding Gear Guide

Are you planning a motorcycle trip in Europe? Do you have any questions or tips to share? Let us know in the comments below. 

8 thoughts on “motorcycle travel guide: europe”.

Morning, I enjoyed your article but just had a quick question on the accommodation section. You mentioned both wild camping and paid campsites. I had a look at your travelling cheap article as well (excellent by the way, thank you for those tips!!) but I can’t find any info on how easy it is to wild camp in Europe such as the legalities of it? Are official European campsites very expensive? Thank you

Hey Brendon, thanks very much! Great question and something I’ll look at adding in more detail to the How to Motorcycle Travel on the Cheap Guide and this one. Official European campsites can be very expensive – it depends on the country, the campsite and their facilities. You could be spending between £5-£20 to pitch up. Wild camping with your motorcycle in Europe is easy and legal dependent on the country. For example, it’s legal in the Nordic countries to camp wherever you want, you can legally wild camp in France and Estonia (but not on private land), same for Scotland (but not the rest of the UK), Spain and Poland too (actually, most countries in Eastern Europe and Turkey it’s completely fine). But then some countries like Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Italy it’s illegal. Your best option is to individually Google each country you want to wild camp in. Of course, many people hide themselves away very well and hope they don’t get a fine. It depends where you are and where you go… In countries where it’s illegal, you could always ask a landowner, farmer, a restaurant or bar with a big garden if you could pitch up. You’ll be surprised!

Just wanted to say thank you so very much for writing such a detailed response. This is very helpful and appreciated. Thank you

Hi Brendon, glad it helped 🙂 Shout if you need anything else mate.

Great guide on riding in Europe. I should imagine there’ll be plenty more of us heading that way once the flood gates properly open. Cheers for this

Hi Christopher, thanks mate, and yes! I reckon there’ll be plenty of people dashing over there as soon as (if) it all clears up one day!

Very good roundup for those of us looking to venture across the water. Very good having the country guides too for more infomation. Loving all of this

Hi Bill, thanks very much, really glad you like the guides as well and are finding them useful. Cheers

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From the incredible historical opportunity that is exploring Europe, to the outstanding cuisines, scenery, and riding, if you're on this page, you probably know: There's no better way to explore than by motorcycle. Make it easy on yourself by having the rental bike you want waiting for you along with the host of services shown as "Included" in each of the trip packages below (click the Inclusions tab once looking at a tour.) Our Guides, Support Vehicle, hotel packages and route plans all combine for a lifetime experience that you will never, ever forget.

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Motorcycle Tourer

The Ultimate Guide to Touring Europe on a Motorcycle

Motorcycle Tourer | 15 April 2023 26 March 2023 | Touring , Touring Tips

Before you start skimming through this post and looking for the kit you need to pack or whether you should ride 500 or 800 miles each day… wait!

I want to instil from the start that your experience of touring Europe on your motorcycle will be far more enjoyable if you remember that it’s meant to be fun.

Yes, checklists come in handy. And I’m sure you can’t wait to drill down into the minutiae of the route prep. But so many people (including myself) make touring so much hard work that they deprive themselves of the enjoyment that goes with it.

Of course, you want to cover miles, ride roads, meet people, and be blown away by the scenery – and I promise you will.

But the first tip for planning that perfect trip to Europe is that you give yourself the best opportunity to enjoy it.

So with that, you’ll find the first half of this guide concentrates on factors that will actually allow you to enjoy your trip. The second half focuses more on the black-and-white elements, such as packing and the legal requirements of touring Europe on your motorcycle.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Enjoyment

Plan using time, not miles.

I’ve said this a million times, and people still forge ahead planning days in the multiple hundreds of miles – forgetting that when the day finally comes around,  they  will be the ones who have to ride them!

Elaborate plans sound great – 9 months before your departure date when in your cosy apartment sipping on a Cabernet Sauvignon after a hard week in the office.

But when it comes down to getting on your bike and riding, the foremost factor is that it’s enjoyable, fun, and as easy and stress-free as possible.

So as you meander your way through your list of places to vist, plotting points on maps and figuring out where to go, disregard the mileage and look at the time it will take you to get there instead.

Because whilst covering thousands of miles sounds great when you’re bragging about it to your mates in the pub, you’ll enjoy it a whole lot more if your final tour is manageable. And we do this by measuring TIME, not miles.

Related: Motorcycle Touring Miles Per Day: Prioritise TIME Instead!

Start Planning Early

So now we’ve got the misconception out of the way that miles matter, we can start with the exciting bit – the planning. And the good thing about this phase is that you can allow your mind to wander.

It doesn’t have to be anything set in stone at this stage. Allow your imagination to take you places, jot down notes or drop pins using Google My Maps. When you’ve got a basic idea of where you would like to visit, you can begin more in-depth research – reading forums, ride notes, or even reading a guidebook or two.

But planning early benefits you far more than simply getting your adrenalin pumping. Being ready early means hotels and campsites still aren’t fully booked. If you’re early enough, you might even get early-bird deals. More importantly, it allows you to book your spot on the ferries – which often get booked up months in advance. 

Being early means you’re more likely to end up riding the tour you want – rather than a compromised version of it.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Rose-Tinted Glasses

Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, it’s time to start looking at whether your plans are realistic. Again, you don’t need to go overboard with the planning at this point – a cursory glance on Google Maps will suffice.

If you want to go to the Swiss Alps from the UK, for example, you can find the distance (and the estimated time to ride it) by simply typing it (or saying it) into Google Maps.

You could take it one step further by getting Google to avoid motorways or toll roads if this is your preference. This will give you an even better idea of how long it will take you to get there. From here, you can make the mental calculation of whether it will be worth it or not.

If it will take you three days to get there and three days to get back, it’s not worth the hassle if you only have a week off work – because you’ll have to come back as soon as you get there.

For most tours, I find the primary factor of whether I go or not revolves around how long it will take me to get there and back – and how much I’m prepared to suffer.

Related: 8 Motorcycle Routes In France That Take Less Than A Week

Decide Your ‘Why’

Once you understand how long it will take you to get there and back, you can plan the days in between. These form your ‘actual’ tour.

At this point, it’s important to ask yourself what you want to achieve from this tour – WHY you’re doing it.

Do you want to see as much as possible in a tour filled with frenzied days that leave you more tired than before you went? If so, go for it! I’ve done many tours like this, and they’re thrilling, demanding, and challenging. We call this the ‘A-B approach’ – because you’re forever moving from one place to the next, never stopping more than one night in each location.

Things To Consider With An A-B tour:

• Exciting and often non-stop
• See lots of places (albeit briefly)
• Often frantic and include time restraints
• You don’t get to experience places fully
• No optional rest days if you’re tired

But maybe you want time to relax, regenerate, and return home refreshed. Perhaps you want to  experience  and  enjoy  these places rather than simply whizz through them at 80mph.

If this is the case, consider the ‘flower petal approach’ where you base yourself at one hotel and then loop out and back every day in a different direction.

Figuring out what’s important to you will help you shape your tour. And if you shape your tour, you’ll enjoy it a thousand times more – I promise.

Things To Consider With A Flower Petal Tour:

• Far more relaxed
• Option to choose between long or short days depending on how you feel
• You can have a rest day whenever you feel like it
• Your most difficult days will be at the beginning and end of your tour – getting to and from your hotel
• Great for people who dislike packing/unpacking

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Realistic Route Planning

Planning realistic routes is a lot easier if you plan to ride a tour using the Flower Petal approach above – mainly because you can alter your route on the fly.

If you’re doing an A-B tour, you don’t have this luxury – you  need  to get to your next hotel.

I know from experience how demoralising it is when you’re feeling under the weather one morning, only to find you have a 400-mile slog to your next destination. It’s not fun – and it defies the logic of touring.

Be Honest With Yourself

Take this time to honestly ask yourself if your route is feasible. Will you be wrecked at the end of each day? If so, you’ll likely find yourself flagging on the second half of your tour, and your days will be spent simply trying to get home.

Rather than looking at the miles of each day, look at the time spent in the saddle. If all your days are 7-hour days, I’d reconsider your routes. Because by the time you account for a lunch stop, a few coffee breaks, toilet stops and photo opportunities, your seven-hour day would have turned into 11 hours. 

Personally, I try to keep rides to Google’s estimation of 4-5 hours. On transit days, I might go higher if I’m prepared to suffer on the motorways to get there quicker. But for enjoyable days in the saddle, 5 hours is plenty. Add a few hours on for lunch, coffee breaks etc., and you’re looking at leaving the hotel at 10am and arriving back at 5pm.

Plan Lots of Breaks

I’ve been the guy who rode nine hours a day for a fortnight only to get home and realise I didn’t actually see anything.

And whilst the riding part of your tour is paramount, the memories you make will likely be from the times you  weren’t  on the bike.

When planning your day rides, add an extra hour or two onto your overall time to allow yourself the luxury of wandering, exploring, taking photos , enjoying the scenery, and making memories.

The same goes for rest days. It’s tempting to forge ahead without any breaks. And while this is fine, you generally get more from the trip when you plan time off the bike to explore the town, visit museums, enjoy the local food, and sample a few beers.

Related: Off-Bike Gems: Motorcycle Touring In Bohinj, Slovenia

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Look After Your Well-Being

I’m not a happy-clappy, hippy kind of guy. But looking after your mind and body on tour will lead to a better overall experience. And I know this through experience!

Riding shorter days, allowing yourself more breaks, and taking rest days contribute to a more rounded tour – whilst preventing aches, pains, and mental fatigue.

Others include keeping on top of hydration, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and enjoying alcohol sensibly.

Other factors to consider are your hobbies and passions. For example, I like to keep fit at home – and I continue this on tour by taking my running shoes. Running gives me a whole new dimension to enjoy on my trip. Similarly, I enjoy landscape photography – so factoring time for that goes a long way toward how I feel when I return.

Easy Things To Consider For Well-Being:

• Carry your hobbies and interests over from home
• Light stretching to relieve aches and pains
• Walking, hiking, or exploring off the bike

Don’t Let Mishaps Spoil Your Tour

One thing I’ve come to realise over the years is that mishaps are just as much a part of your tour as the times that go right!

In fact, you remember the mishaps more – usually because they’re a drama, and you have to work to get out of them. So welcome them!

At some point on your trip, something will go wrong with your routing. Your sat nav will get confused and have you doing circles in the middle of Luxembourg for hours. There’ll be road closures. The fast mountain pass you’ve ridden all this way to ride will be covered in gravel for resurfacing. Or there’ll be a traffic jam halfway up Stelvio pass .

Worse still, you’ll get lost on the un-named roads of the Pyrenees, miles away from anyone, and accidentally off-road (on a fully-ladened bike rocking road tyres.)

And worse than that – you’ll have a spill, break something on your bike, and have to limp it back with a bruised body and dented pride.

And yes, I’m using my own examples there – those have all happened to me – and it can be draining when it happens.

At the time, you won’t see the funny side. So make a promise to yourself whilst still in the planning phases that you’ll make the conscious effort to embrace every second – even when things are going wrong. 

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Guided, Group, Or Solo

Once you’re at this stage, it might be worth taking a minute to take stock of how you feel about taking on the challenge. Are you excited and looking forward to it? Or does it all just seem a little too overwhelming?

If you’re the latter, perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable completing your tour as part of a group of riders – which also has benefits and drawbacks.

Many riding groups (particularly advanced riding groups ) have trips to Europe as part of their calendars. And these can be an excellent way to learn the touring ropes and improve you’re riding whilst you’re at it!

If it’s more the logistics of the tour that’s bothering you, why not check out one of the many guided tours available? You usually pay a little more as somebody else has done all the hard work, so you don’t have to.

But at least with a guided tour, you’ll ride the best roads, have your meals and hotels taken care of, you won’t have to worry about routing issues or getting lost, and literally everything is done for you.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are solo riders . These riders are usually confident in their abilities – not just as riders, but in their ability to figure things out by themselves in a foreign country and to take care of themselves without support.

It’s a tough ask, but it’s an immense achievement. 

Related: Solo Motorcycle Touring: Tips For The Brave

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Planning-Focused

Decide on your navigation.

For a long time, my choice of navigation was a dedicated sat nav, wired into the bike’s battery for constant and reliable power. However, they’re overly expensive, fiddly, and can often have a mind of their own! They’re great when they work, but can be a drain on your energy and time when they don’t.

Recently, I changed to using my smartphone for touring Europe on my motorcycle, and I don’t see myself returning to my Garmin. I still take it with me on tour as a backup. But for most places, I find my phone is easier, more convenient, and less hassle.

Finding the right app for you may take some trial and error. In the months leading up to your trip, download the free versions of the ones you like the sound of and give them a try. Work out what’s important to you and what isn’t, and base your choice on your priorities.

Once you decide on the one you like, take the time to get familiar with it. Because when something goes wrong with your route on tour (which it will!), stress is kept to a minimum when you know what to do.

Apps Worth Considering:

• Scenic Motorcycle App
• MyRoute-App

Related: Our Top Motorcycle Route Planning App Comparison

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Finding The Best Routes

On my first few tours, I planned everything myself – such was my confidence in my abilities! But alas, I spent most of my time sorting out mistakes and getting myself back on track.

And this is a problem – because most of us only have a limited time to ride. We only have a week or two off work, so every road we ride has to matter. There isn’t time to ride a long boring road when there’s an incredible mountain pass running parallel to it!

To solve this, take advantage of the information that’s already out there. Thousands of riders have ridden the roads you’re planning. Tap into that knowledge, listen to their tips on forums, and note down what is over-rated or not worth the effort.

There are also plenty of social platforms out there that can help, such as Motorcycle Diaries , and Best Biking Roads .

Related: My 9-Step Route Planning Process For Motorcycle Touring

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Preparing Your Bike & Documents

Book your bike in for maintenance.

Wherever you’re going and however well-maintained your bike is, I recommend booking it in with your mechanic for a health check (at the very least) a few weeks before you leave.

Depending on when you go, this might also mean getting it MOT’d, serviced, and/or getting new tyres.

Whatever your bike requires, get it done. And don’t scrimp! If you feel you  might  be okay with the tyres you have, don’t take the risk. Get them changed and keep the old pair for when you get back.

Give yourself plenty of time to do this – not the week before you leave. As is often the case with these things, your mechanic might need additional time to diagnose an issue or get parts. I’d recommend getting any work done four weeks before you leave to avoid rushing. It also gives you time to readjust any repairs if needed.

Priority Documents

If you’re travelling to Europe from the UK, paperwork is relatively straightforward. If you’re travelling from the US, Australia, or Asia, check to see if you need any visas or special documentation. This can usually be found on the government website of the country you wish to visit.

If you’re a UK national, all you really need for Europe is your passport (make sure it has more than six months before it expires) and your driver’s licence.

Other documents include your vehicle log book (V5), motor insurance certificate, and MOT certificate.

Vehicle Insurance

Check with your vehicle insurance provider in advance whether you are covered to ride in the countries you wish to visit.

Also, check how many days you are covered, as most policies only cover you for 15-30 days abroad. You may need to take out a separate policy for particular countries or if you plan to stay longer than the allotted time.

Finally, consider whether you need a Green Card. Before Brexit, UK citizens didn’t need one. Then they decided we did, and then we didn’t again! Currently, UK nationals don’t need a Green Card for most European countries. But the rules are forever changing, so it’s worth checking before you leave.

Personal Insurance

This is not the same as your bike insurance and is covered under an entirely different policy. Your bike insurance covers your bike relating to theft and accidents. Personal insurance covers you, any medical treatment you may need on the road and (at the very worst) repatriation.

Something else we highly advise you to get is a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) , which prevents you from having to pay astronomical health bills if you need a hospital visit.

A few years ago, it was known as the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card.) It’s now been rebranded as GHIC and is still available for free for UK nationals.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: GB (Now UK) Sticker

The GB sticker we all know is now defunct. You now need a UK sticker instead – unless you have a UK identifier on your number plate (including the Union flag.)

It’s worth noting that if you have the  GB identifier  on your number plate (rather than the  UK identifier ), you will still need a UK sticker – even if you have a Euro symbol or the English, Welsh, or Scottish flag.

In short, get a UK identifier on your number plate (or get a UK sticker.)

Breakdown Cover

Don’t ever be tempted to tour Europe without breakdown cover. For newer bikes, it’s pretty cheap – many manufacturers even give you a year free when you buy a new bike.

As all the costs mount up for your trip, it’s easy to brush breakdown cover under the carpet. But as someone who has broken down in the South of France, I can categorically say that breakdown cover is worth every penny!

My tour came to an abrupt end at the bottom of the Col de l’Iseran . Fortunately, I could limp it to the hotel. But the breakdown caused havoc with hotel bookings, repatriation of the bike, and almost everything else.

Thanks to the breakdown service, my bike was shipped back to the UK, and I was provided with two courtesy cars to continue my trip (one in France and one in the UK). Plus, my ferry and taxis were also paid for to get me home.

Well worth the £40!

Related: How To Deal With A Breakdown On Your Motorcycle Tour

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Consider Any Legal Requirements

You need to have a hi-viz jacket and a reflective breakdown triangle if you have a mechanical failure at the roadside. It’s also worth carrying an alcohol tester (that isn’t expired), although this is no longer a legal requirement.

It’s often written that you need reflective stickers on your helmet when visiting France. However, I’ve never heard of anyone being pulled over for this (even the locals don’t have stickers on their helmets).

That said, I’ve heard of riders being fined for not wearing CE-approved gloves.

Another misconception is the idea that you must legally carry spare bulbs. This isn’t the case – although it isn’t necessarily a bad idea to carry some.

Related: Motorcycle Touring In France: Why You Shouldn’t Dismiss It!

The Spanish are generally easygoing. But you still need a hi-viz jacket, and a spare pair of glasses if you wear them.

It’s worth mentioning that loud exhausts are frowned upon in Spain.

As with Spain, the German’s are easygoing, but they will batter you with speeding fines if you’re caught. It’s worth noting that not all autobahns have unlimited speed limits. Some do, some don’t. So be careful!

Another misconception about Germany is that the roads are fast. On the autobahn, you’ll spend most of your time stuck in traffic – so it’s not quite as fast as you would think!

You  can  filter through this traffic though – provided the traffic isn’t moving.

A beautiful country with wonderful people, but beware of atrocious driving standards! Riding in Italy is often chaos. Throw a tonne of bikes at the Dolomites and it can be a dubious place to ride.

Also, beware if you’re heading towards any of the cities. I thought I was going to die the last time I rode to Venice.

Legally, Italy is much the same as the rest of the EU. But you  will  need to carry a high-viz jacket.

Related: Off-Bike Gems: Motorcycle Touring In The Alpe di Siusi

Switzerland

Switzerland is a bit like Norway in that you need to be careful! It’s a biker’s mecca, but due to the sheer amount of tourists there and the Swiss government’s penchant for financially ruining people caught speeding, it can be an expensive trip.

The two big things to remember about Switzerland are: Don’t speed, and ensure you have a vignette.

A vignette allows you to ride on the motorways (a bit like road tax in the UK.) You can get away with not buying one if you plan on staying off the motorways. But you’ll face a hefty fine if you get caught without one.

The good news is that vignettes can be found everywhere – including border crossings, service stations, petrol stations, and even grocery stores.

Related: Riding Furka Pass: Exploring Switzerland’s “Big 3” Passes

Despite being a Schengen country, many of the rules in Norway are the same as the EU. The main thing to watch out for here is speed cameras – which are heavily enforced.

The locals drive slowly and to the letter of the law. And whilst you won’t see many police patrols on your travels, you’ll find speed cameras around every corner – even in the mountains.

That said, they  do  give you lots of notice leading up to them – so if you get caught, it’s your own fault!

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: When & Where

How to get there.

Getting to Europe from the UK is easy. But there are a few things to consider when planning your trip there.

Firstly, don’t be tempted to ride your way there if time is limited. For example, don’t get the Eurotunnel to Calais and then ride all the way through France to get to the Pyrenees. Just get the ferry to Santander from Plymouth – it takes 20 hours, which is better than a week of riding!

Also, you don’t have to use Calais at all. Consider other ferry ports, such as Le Havre, Dieppe, or Hook of Holland.

Another thing to remember is that you can sail into one port and then leave from another. This means you don’t necessarily have to do an entire round trip – affording you more time to travel because you have less transiting to do.

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: When To Go

Unfortunately, you’ll get the best out of Europe in the summer months – so June, July, and August.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t go outside these months. Touring in September is often quieter and cheaper – but it’s a little colder, and you might get more rain. May can be the same.

One thing to remember is that many mountain passes can remain closed up until mid-May, depending on the previous winter’s snowfall. Be sure to take this into account when deciding when to go.

If you want a quiet, hassle-free trip without crowds, consider southern Europe during the winter months. Andalusia is an awesome place to ride in October/November. It’s usually cheap as it’s out of season, and you’ll have the roads to yourself.

Accommodation

Accommodation can make or break a tour and is usually the most expensive factor of your trip. Of course, there are numerous options you can take.

Hotels work great if you want an easy life, but you pay for that luxury. That said, if you can afford it, websites like booking.com offer a filtering system so you can tailor your search to what you need.

Air BnB can also work, especially if you plan on touring for longer periods like 4+ weeks. We have 4 months of travel planned for this year – all of them using Air BnB’s.

If money is a driver for you, camping is a superb way of keeping costs down – especially if you already have the gear to begin with. There are many campsites across Europe – and wild camping is legal in most countries.

Be sure to book early for the peak season. In places like Norway, campsites get booked up months in advance.

Related: Motorcycle Camping Gear Checklist

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Packing

Despite the many arguments you might read on the internet, there are no hard and fast rules to what luggage you should use. 

In my humble opinion, soft luggage is best for off-road trips. It’s lighter, more versatile, won’t get warped/ruined by falls and bangs, and won’t rip your leg off when you fall (like an aluminium pannier might.)

For road-only tours, I’d go for hard luggage . It provides better protection from the weather and is more secure – especially handy if you have to leave your bike on the street overnight.

But the truth is, it’s whatever you prefer. Or whatever you can afford.

I started with soft luggage on my CBR600 many years ago before graduating to hard luggage on my adventure bikes later.

Now I have a combination of the two – with hard panniers, a soft roll bag , and soft ancillary luggage such as tank bags and tail packs .

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Don’t Overpack!

If you’ve done any amount of Googling about packing for a motorcycle trip, you’ll see that EVERYBODY tells you to pack light. And the reason for that is it’s true!

You won’t use/need most of what you think you will. Taking clothes that are multifunctional save loads of room (for example, a mid-weight fleece that can be used both on and off the bike).

If you take base layers, they usually dry overnight. This means you can take one or two base layer tops that you wash and dry each night rather than 14 cotton t-shirts for a two-week trip.

The way to pack is to be ruthless. Write your list and then scrub off all the things you know you can do without. When you’ve done that, figure out how to refine it even more. The less you take, the easier your trip will be.

We made a comprehensive list of everything you will need when touring (link below), but here are a few of the essentials:

• Helmet (legal and comfortable)
• Riding suit (or waterproof/warm jacket and pants)
• Consider a summer jacket for June-August tours
• Winter gloves if touring in the mountains
• Summer/mesh gloves for tours in the warmer months
• Dedicated waterproofs (one-piece or two-piece)
• Waterproof boots
• Base layers
• Neck buff/snood
• Spare gloves

Related: Motorcycle Touring Checklist: Your Complete Packing Guide

Most people are usually in one of two camps regarding tool kits . The first camp is the people who take a massive bag of tools on every trip (my dad). The second camp takes very few tools, if any (me).

I tend to sway towards the latter – simply because I’m not very good at fixing stuff!

You can go any way you want with tools. Just remember they’re heavy and take up a lot of room. A general rule is that if I don’t know what a tool is (or what it does), then I don’t take it – because what’s the point?

If you’re off-roading, taking a more comprehensive tool kit isn’t a bad thing. Nor is taking spares. Just make sure you know how to use/fit them.

Other than that, most European cities will have main dealers and back street garages – although you might end up paying through the nose for their services.

In all my years of touring, I’ve never had any issues with security. I’m not saying things don’t happen, but I’ve never seen anything happen in my own experiences.

For the first few times I toured, I took a security chain, disc locks, and even my bike cover. 

These days, I take a hefty (visible) disc lock as I spend most of my time in the mountains surrounded by cows. I might take a second disc lock if I have the space (or if stopping in a city overnight.)

Small, light locks that act as a visible deterrent are the way to go when touring. You could also try an alarm (although they’re generally a pain), an alarmed disc lock (also a pain), and/or a tracker (recommended.)

Related: Choosing the Best Security For Your Motorcycle

Touring Europe On Your Motorcycle: Cost

The main culprits.

How much does all this cost? Ha! A lot is the short answer. In my experience, I find it’s best to accept that touring Europe on your motorcycle will be expensive and just get on with enjoying it.

And whilst I know many people who tour on a shoestring, they always come back looking homeless and malnourished. 

By all means, save money where you can and take advantage of vouchers or freebies – I certainly do! But if you think a lack of money will turn your enjoyable tour into a struggle, do yourself a favour and keep saving until next summer.

The biggest factor in gobbling up your cash is accommodation. Hotels are the worst, but you can claw money back by getting ones that include breakfast, provide free lunch packs, or discounted rates for evening meals.

Hostels can also be a good compromise.

Air BnB can work out cheap for longer periods away – especially if you’re sharing as part of a group.

Related: Cut Costs On Your Motorcycle Trip (The 3 Biggest Ways)

Fuel & Food

The next money-eater is fuel – which you can’t do anything about! It’s worth remembering that fuel costs differ in different countries. So if you plan on touring Europe on your motorcycle for a long while (4+ weeks), stay away from places like Switzerland or Norway where fuel is extortionate.

Other than that, all you can do is keep half an eye on the petrol gauge, staying economical where possible and generally looking after the fuel.

Finally, consider where you will eat as food can really, ahem, EAT into your budget.

Restaurants are the worst, as you might expect. Although they generally are the most satisfying and filling. 

I spend a lot of time in supermarkets whilst on tour, especially in places like France and Spain. Supermarket cafes provide superb food at reasonable prices. And buying a baguette, some meats/cheeses, and a bottle of local wine is a tenth of the cost of eating out.

Related: How Fuel Prices Could Affect Your Motorcycle Tour

Top image: Lisha Riabinina

Skanky Bike? Here Are The Best Motorcycle Cleaning Products!

Your guide to motorcycle touring: norway & the arctic circle.

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Experience Europe like Never Before: A Guide to the Best Motorcycle Road Trips

Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a favored destination for tourists from around the globe. While most choose to traverse this diverse continent by train, bus or car, there is a unique thrill and freedom in exploring Europe on a motorcycle. The roar of the engine under you, the wind in your face, and the open road ahead, a motorcycle road trip in Europe promises an adventure like no other. It is not merely about reaching a destination, but rather about the journey itself – the scenic routes, the charming villages, the historical sites, and the local cuisine that you encounter along the way.

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Motorcycle Road Trips

There is a certain romanticism attached to motorcycle road trips that is hard to replicate. The sense of freedom and adventure, the possibility of serendipitous encounters, and the sheer joy of riding make motorcycle road trips an irresistible proposition for many.

Moreover, motorcycle road trips allow you to experience your surroundings in a way that is not possible in a car or a train. You can feel the change in temperature, smell the countryside, and hear the sounds of nature. It is a more intimate, immersive, and sensory experience.

Motorcycle road trips also offer flexibility and spontaneity. You can explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, stop whenever you want, and plan your itinerary according to your interests and preferences. In other words, you have the freedom to create your own unique journey.

Preparing for Your European Motorcycle Road Trip

Preparation is key to enjoying a smooth and memorable motorcycle road trip in Europe. First and foremost, ensure that your motorcycle is in good condition. Get it serviced and checked for any potential issues.

Next, plan your route and accommodation. Europe offers a plethora of routes to choose from, each unique in its own way. Research thoroughly and choose a route that suits your interests and riding abilities. Also, book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Pack wisely and lightly. Carry only the essentials and invest in good quality riding gear for your safety and comfort. Also, learn about the rules of the road in the countries you plan to visit. Remember, the driving rules can vary significantly across Europe.

Top 5 European Countries for Motorcycle Road Trips

Europe boasts of several countries that are perfect for motorcycle road trips. Here’s a list of the top 5:

• France : With its picturesque countryside, winding mountain roads, and historic cities, France offers a diverse range of experiences for motorcyclists.
• Italy : Known for its beautiful coastal roads, charming villages, and delicious cuisine, Italy is a motorcyclist’s dream.
• Spain : From the rugged Pyrenees to the sun-soaked coast of Andalusia, Spain offers a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences.
• Germany : Germany’s well-maintained roads, beautiful countryside, and historic cities like Munich and Berlin make it a great choice for a motorcycle road trip.
• Norway : With its stunning fjords, scenic coastal roads, and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, Norway offers a unique and unforgettable motorcycle road trip experience.

Best Motorcycle Routes in Europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and thrilling motorcycle routes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Amalfi Coast, Italy : This stunning coastal route offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the charming Italian villages.
• Route des Grandes Alpes, France : This iconic route takes you through the French Alps, offering spectacular mountain views.
• The Atlantic Road, Norway : This unique route takes you over a series of bridges that connect the Norwegian islands, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes.
• The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania : Often dubbed as the “best road in the world”, this route offers a thrilling ride through the Carpathian Mountains.
• The Ring of Kerry, Ireland : This circular route takes you through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and coastal views.

Following are the top ten European motorcycle road trips that promise breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable riding experiences:

Before embarking on any road trip, it’s essential to check road conditions, local regulations, and ensure your motorcycle is in good condition for the journey.

Essential Tips for Motorcycle Trip in Europe

Here are some essential tips for a successful motorcycle road trip in Europe:

• Plan but be Flexible : While it’s important to plan your route and accommodation, be flexible and open to changes. You might discover a hidden gem along the way or decide to spend more time in a particular place.
• Respect the Rules : Learn and respect the driving rules of the countries you are visiting. This not only ensures your safety but also avoids unnecessary fines or troubles.
• Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks : Riding a motorcycle can be physically demanding. Stay hydrated and take regular breaks to rest and rejuvenate.
• Pack Wisely : Pack only the essentials and make sure your luggage is securely fastened to your motorcycle.
• Get Travel Insurance : Travel insurance is a must for any trip. Make sure it covers motorcycle road trips.

The Role of Technology

Technology can be a great ally in planning and executing a successful motorcycle road trip in Europe. There are several apps and websites that can help you plan your route, find accommodation, and discover attractions along the way.

GPS navigation is a must for any road trip. It not only helps you stay on your planned route but also allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Also, consider investing in a good quality action camera to capture your journey. This not only serves as a great memory but also allows you to share your experiences with others.

A motorcycle road trip in Europe is more than just a holiday. It’s an adventure, an opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories. From the iconic Stelvio Pass in Italy to the winding roads of the Pyrenees and the coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast, each route offers a unique blend of adventure and natural wonders. Whether navigating hairpin turns in the Alps or cruising along the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway, riders can immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of the continent.

Before setting out, it’s crucial to plan meticulously, considering road conditions, local regulations, and ensuring the motorcycle is well-maintained. With these precautions in place, riders can savor the freedom of the open road and create lasting memories on some of Europe’s top motorcycle routes. So, gear up, plan your journey, and embrace the adventure that awaits you on the open roads of Europe. Happy riding!

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