European Bike Week 2025: The Ultimate Guide with All Must-See Attractions and Highlights

Mark your calendars for September 2nd to 7th, 2025, because European Bike Week is drawing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to Faaker See once again. As the largest Harley-Davidson gathering in Europe, this event is an absolute must-attend for every biker.

As a Bike Week filmmaker and blogger, I can truly say that nowhere in Europe has become such a hub for motorcycle enthusiasts as European Bike Week at Faaker See.

Thanks to Bike Week, the annual highlight on the event calendar, Carinthia is a paradise for anyone who travels on two wheels. The numerous offerings here are simply incredible and make any bike vacation an unforgettable experience.

The 2025 edition marks the 27th European Bike Week, once again promising a spectacular lineup of events. The variety of tours is simply fantastic! And with “The Lake Rocks,” even more live concerts will be brought into the dining scene, and the downtown area of Villach will once again create a rocking atmosphere for all Bike Week guests.

I’ve compiled all the essential information in the following roadmap to help you navigate the many offerings. So, buckle up, enjoy the ride, and have a safe and exciting stay in this incredible region!

To get a feel for what to expect at the 2025 European Bike Week, check out this amazing footage from the 2024 event:

European Bike Week 2025: Europe’s Premier Motorcycle Festival in Carinthia

There are events that you simply can’t afford to miss, and for all motorcycle enthusiasts, European Bike Week is at the top of that list. The 2025 European Bike Week stands as Europe’s premier motorcycle gathering, presented by Harley-Davidson but welcoming riders of all brands and styles.

But before I delve into that, a quick note: Anyone looking to take advantage of the time around Bike Week to explore scenic Carinthia can find plenty of inspiration on my blog at www.Kaernten-Guide.de. There, you’ll find information about the most beautiful panoramic roads, destinations, and events in the region.

The dream setting of Carinthia.

Before the party kicks off, the journey through the breathtaking Alpine landscapes is already worth it. And once you arrive in Carinthia, a network of winding roads and spectacular alpine panoramas await you. Add to that the legendary lake loop, which takes you past the iconic Harleywood sign. Not to forget, the striking Harley-Davidson sculpture that welcomes you right at the entrance to the town.

What to expect in 2025: Bikes, bikes, and even more bikes.

The 2025 European Bike Week stands as the largest motorcycle culture festival in Europe. What began as a brand-focused gathering has evolved into a true celebration of motorcycling culture that transforms the entire Faaker See region into a vibrant community of two-wheel enthusiasts. The 2025 edition marks the 27th year of this tradition, continuing to offer free admission to all visitors throughout its six-day duration.

You can look forward to the latest models from Harley-Davidson. The event will offer demo rides featuring models from across Harley-Davidson’s lineup, including Sport, Cruiser, Grand American Touring, and Adventure Touring machines. These test rides operate from a designated area, providing visitors with the chance to experience different motorcycles in an ideal riding environment.

One of the most exciting aspects of European Bike Week is the strong presence of women riders. Check out this amazing footage from the 2024 event showcasing the incredible women riders:

Festival Villages and Main Venues for 2025

The heart of the European Bike Week experience centers around several key areas, each offering distinct atmospheres and attractions. The primary hub is the massive Harley Village located at the Bauernmarktgelände (farmers market grounds), which spans an impressive 40,000 square meters. This expansive space becomes the commercial and social center of the event, hosting authorized Harley-Davidson dealers from across Europe alongside numerous vendors offering motorcycle accessories, apparel, and custom parts.

The Harley Village will be open daily from Tuesday through Saturday (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM) and on Sunday (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM), offering ample opportunity to explore everything from the latest motorcycle models to custom parts and official event merchandise. The Harley-Davidson Expo within this village showcases the brand’s newest models, providing attendees the chance to see these machines up close while interacting with representatives who can answer questions about the motorcycles’ features and technology.

Adjacent to the main Harley Village, the Arneitz Village offers additional shopping opportunities, food vendors, and entertainment options. The Carinthian Corner provides a taste of local Austrian culture amid the international atmosphere, showcasing regional products and specialties that give visitors insight into the host region’s heritage and cuisine.

German dealers like Harley-Davidson Hamburg, Rhein-Neckar, H-D Würzburg, and the Harley Factory Group are expected to return in 2025. European dealers like Harley-Davidson Katowice from Poland, H-D Vienna, Graz, H-D Fischer, H-D Avellino, H-D Civitanova, and H-D Sopron have also announced their participation. Not to forget the H-D-owned merchandise tent, which will also be back again.

Transportation and Mobility Guide for the European Bike Week 2025

Want to know how to get from point A to point B without always relying on your bike? Then you’re in the right place! The European Bike Week and the Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See tourism region have made sure that you can travel comfortably and flexibly. You can also find parking locations marked on the map above.

Flexible on the go: shuttle and rail services

With the Experience CARD, which already offers you numerous benefits, you can use the S-Bahn and certain shuttle and post bus lines for free. If you don’t have the card, you can, of course, use most services for a fee. So don’t worry, your bike can take a break now and then.

Motorcycle Transport Services

For those unable or unwilling to ride their motorcycles to the event, specialized transport services offer convenient alternatives. M-Motorradreisen provides motorcycle transport to the European Bike Week, allowing riders to travel separately to the event while their machines are securely delivered. For the 2025 edition, they offer round-trip transport services with motorcycles available for pickup in Villach starting August 28, 2025. This service includes various drop-off and pickup options in Eberdingen, Herbertshausen (near Munich), or Würzburg Village, with prices starting at €600 for round-trip transport.

This transportation option proves particularly valuable for attendees traveling from distant locations who want to enjoy the event without undertaking lengthy rides to reach it. By separating the motorcycle’s journey from the rider’s travel, these services allow more people to participate in the European Bike Week regardless of their home location.

Adventure Zone and Test Rides for 2025

For those who want to feel not just asphalt but also dirt under their tires, the 2025 European Bike Week will feature a dedicated Pan America Adventure Zone. This specialized area allows riders to test Harley-Davidson’s adventure motorcycles in their intended environment, with off-road tours and expert guidance available.

The Pan America™ Experience will feature professional stunt shows and experienced instructors. Get ready for a true off-road experience with some of the big names in the scene. The combination of on-road and off-road test ride opportunities ensures that visitors can experience the full spectrum of Harley-Davidson’s contemporary lineup.

Test Rides: The Latest H-D Bikes

If you’ve only dreamt of riding one of Harley’s latest models so far, now is your chance. Various models from the categories of Sport, Cruiser, Grand American Touring, and Adventure Touring will be available for test rides. To ensure that the desired model is available, it’s recommended to register in advance.

The ‘The Enthusiast’ App is your official guide for the European Bike Week 2025

The official agenda for Harley-Davidson’s European Bike Week will only be available in digital form; printed flyers are no longer being distributed. About a week before the event, the complete program will be published in “The Enthusiast” app, available for both Apple and Android devices.

• Download on Google Play
• Download on Apple

Harley-Village: The heart of the Harley-Davidson Zone for 2025

The 27th European Bike Week will once again feature a Harley Village at the farmer’s market area by Faaker See. In addition to a variety of Harley-Davidson dealers, there will also be a Customizer Area, offering something for everyone looking to personalize their bike.

Culinary and entertainment

A popular Farmers Market, along with the Carinthian Corner and the Harley-Bar, round out the culinary offerings. Additionally, concerts and a Custom Bike Show are back on the agenda, providing a diverse range of entertainment.

Shopping Village: Biker equipment and more

The Shopping Village will feature more than 80 vendors, offering everything a biker’s heart could desire, from equipment to special gadgets.

Custom Show 2025: A feast for the eyes

The Custom Bike Show will be a special highlight again in 2025. The free registration typically starts in the morning, with bike evaluation in the afternoon and an award ceremony for the most impressive participants later in the day. For the 2025 event, the Custom Bike Show will feature six categories: Classic, Touring/Bagger, Adventure & Offroad, Sport, Cruiser, and Radical Custom.

Harley Village opening hours 2025

• Tuesday, September 2nd: 12 PM to 8 PM
• Wednesday, September 3rd to Saturday, September 6th: 10 AM to 8 PM
• Special opening: Some merchants are still open for you on Sunday, September 7th, until 1 PM.

Plan your visit during these times to make the most of the European Bike Week!

Carinthian Corner: The insider tip for local flair.

If you’re attending the European Bike Week, you shouldn’t miss out on the Carinthian Corner. Located right next to the Harley Village in Faak am See, this area epitomizes authentic local craftsmanship and gastronomy. Here, you’ll find everything from unique artisan goods to special local products that you won’t find anywhere else.

Live Entertainment and Music for European Bike Week 2025

Throughout the week, European Bike Week 2025 will transform the Faaker See region into a massive entertainment district with multiple stages hosting dozens of performances. The 2025 edition will feature live music at venues throughout the event grounds, including the Harley Bar, the Saloon Bar, and other locations.

Two stages will provide space for live bands to rock the audience until past midnight every evening. From local favorites to internationally known acts, there will be something for everyone to ensure the atmosphere stays at its peak.

The event offers not just a feast for the ears but also a paradise for shopaholics and foodies. With more than 100 stalls, including those from Harley-Davidson fashion and parts dealers, there will be something for everyone. Plenty of caterers and bartenders also ensure that no one goes hungry or thirsty.

Arneitz Village Live Music: The holy grail of biker sounds.

If you’re on the hunt for legendary live performances that make your biker heart skip a beat, then be sure to stop by the large event hall in Arneitz Village. Top bands grace the stage here every year, and 2025 will be no exception.

Whether you’re a fan of classics or tributes are more your thing, the event hall in Arneitz Village has something for every taste. So make sure you don’t miss out, as you’ll be part of nights that will go down in Bike Week history.

Accommodation Options for European Bike Week 2025

Securing accommodation represents perhaps the most critical planning aspect for European Bike Week attendees. With the event attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to a relatively small region, lodging throughout the area books quickly. Camping provides a popular and authentic option, with sites like Strandcamping Gruber offering prime locations near the main festival areas. This particular campsite features convenient proximity to both Harley Village (900m) and Arneitz Village (100m), making it an ideal base for those wanting to be close to the action.

Many attendees choose alternative accommodation options, with the Ossiacher See area mentioned as a quieter retreat for those seeking some distance from the main festivities. This lake region, located northeast of Faaker See, allows visitors to participate in the event while enjoying more peaceful evenings away from the central celebrations.

With approximately six months remaining before the 2025 European Bike Week, now represents the ideal time to begin planning. Accommodation bookings should be prioritized, particularly for those seeking specific locations or services.

Scenic Rides in Carinthia: The Must-See Panoramic Roads for Bikers

Carinthia is not just a paradise for nature lovers, but also a haven for bikers who want to savor the feeling of freedom on two wheels. The region is blessed with some of the most breathtaking panoramic roads in Europe. Twisty routes, dizzying heights, and views that will leave you speechless—all this and more await you here.

The Großglockner High Alpine Road: The ultimate road trip through Austria’s alpine jewel

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is not just one of the most famous Alpine roads—it’s a true masterpiece and a must-visit for every passionate motorcyclist. Spanning 48 kilometers, it winds through the majestic Alps and offers 36 hairpin turns that will challenge and thrill every rider.

Nockalmstraße: A paradise in the Nockbergen (Nocky Mountains).

The Nockalm Road runs through the Nockberge Biosphere Park and offers a diverse experience over 35 kilometers, ranging from smooth glides to challenging curves.

Villach Alpine Road: Nature up close.

No less impressive is the Villacher Alpine Road, stretching over 16.5 kilometers. With its seven hairpin turns and 116 curves, this road invites you to experience the Dobratsch Nature Park from a new perspective. Along the way, unique landscapes and spectacular views unfold that you simply must see.

The Grand Finale: The Spectacular Motorcycle Parade

The undisputed highlight of European Bike Week 2025 will be the legendary motorcycle parade, scheduled for Saturday, September 6. This massive procession typically attracts more than 10,000 participating motorcycles, creating a spectacle that stretches for many kilometers along scenic Carinthian roads.

The parade route begins at the Faaker See and follows a picturesque journey through Finkenstein, the center of Villach, along the western shore of Ossiacher See, through Wernberg and Rosegg, before returning to Faak am See. This carefully designed route showcases some of Carinthia’s most beautiful landscapes while passing through both charming villages and urban centers.

The planned route looks like this:

Participation in the parade is open to riders of all motorcycle brands, though Harley-Davidson machines naturally dominate the scene. The experience combines the joy of riding with the powerful sense of community that defines the European Bike Week.

Check out this incredible footage from the 2024 parade to get a sense of the scale and excitement you can expect in 2025:

Conclusion: Why European Bike Week 2025 is Unmissable

The European Bike Week 2025 stands as the pinnacle of European motorcycle gatherings, offering an unmatched combination of organized events, spontaneous celebrations, and breathtaking riding opportunities. From September 2-7, the Faaker See region will once again transform into a motorcycling mecca that welcomes enthusiasts regardless of what they ride.

The event’s balanced approach—combining commercial aspects with authentic riding experiences and community building—explains its enduring appeal and growing attendance over 27 years. The event’s setting in Carinthia’s magnificent landscape, with crystal-clear lakes surrounded by majestic mountains, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration.

For those considering attendance, early planning remains essential, particularly regarding accommodation and transportation. The resources provided by official channels (https://www.bikeweek.at) offer valuable information for planning, while specialized services like motorcycle transport can simplify logistics for distant travelers.

We look forward to seeing you at European Bike Week 2025 – it promises to be the motorcycle event of the year!