European Bike Week celebrates 25 years in Faaker See – Austria

Harley-Davidson returns to the fantastic lakeside festival at Faaker See, in Carinthia, Austria, from September 5 to 10, 2023, in what is a truly iconic year for the brand. Following celebrations worldwide to honor Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary – including the European 120th Anniversary Festival in Budapest in June, and the Harley-Davidson Homecoming in Milwaukee in July – European Bike Week will be a magnet for riders and fans from around the world, with thousands of participants expected to make the scenic journey to the largest free motorcycle festival in Europe. European Bike Week not only attracts owners, fans, and enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and for good reason: part of its unique appeal is traveling through some of the most stunning landscapes that Central Europe has to offer. Carinthia itself offers breathtaking views, with great roads to enjoy during the event – including the iconic lakeside ride, passing by the famous “Harleywood” sign and the legendary motorcyclist sculpture on the main road in Villach.

The 2023 European Bike Week is an extra special celebration marking not one, but three significant anniversaries! Completing the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of Harley-Davidson in Europe, 2023 also marks the 40th anniversary of the Harley Owners Group and the 25th anniversary of the first Harley-Davidson European Bike Week event in Faaker See in 1999.

Another highlight in 2023 will be the opportunity to see the newly launched CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, the most technologically advanced Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring motorcycles ever built. There will also be a new Adventure Zone, an off-road technical area right in the heart of the European Bike Week venue with Dakar legends Joan Pedrero (Spain) and Mick Extance (UK) and off-road expert and instructor Ralf Wiesenfeller (Germany) performing demonstrations, dynamic displays, driving lessons, and detailed off-road tutorials.

A wide range of 2023 Harley-Davidson Sport, Cruiser, Grand American Touring, and Adventure Touring motorcycles will be available for test rides in the H-D Demo area. Additionally, models from the 120th anniversary will be on display at the H-D Expo.

A free Custom Bike Show, sponsored by Metzeler Tires, will take place on Friday, September 8, and will be open to all homebuilt Harley-Davidson custom motorcycles. The show will have six categories of bikes and 15 awards, including the Best in Show and Metzeler’s People’s Choice. The legendary Harley-Davidson parade, with thousands of motorcycles from all brands and seen by thousands of people, will take place on Saturday, September 9.

With five nights of entertainment on two stages until after midnight, over 100 vendors (including Harley-Davidson clothing and parts), food, bars, and much more, it will be a great celebration of 25 years.

Kolja Rebstock, Regional Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, states: “We have achieved some incredible milestones at Harley-Davidson during this 120th anniversary year and I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to everyone at the 25th anniversary of the European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria. Ride safe, ride free – and see you in Faaker See.”