Harley-Davidson returns to the fantastic lakeside festival of Faaker See in Carinthia, Austria, from September 5 to 10, 2023, in what is a truly iconic year for the brand. Following celebrations around the world 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 Europe’s largest free motorcycle festival.
European Bike Week doesn’t just attract Harley-Davidson owners, fans and motorcycle enthusiasts, 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 stunning views, with great roads to enjoy during the event – including the iconic lakeside ride past the famous “Harleywood” sign and the legendary biker sculpture on Villach’s main road.
European Bike Week in 2023 is an extra special celebration marking no less than three milestone anniversaries! Completing Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary celebrations 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 at Faaker See in 1999.
Another novelty 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 made. There will also be a new Adventure Zone, an off-road technical area right in the heart of the European Bike Week site with Dakar legends Joan Pedrero (Spain) and Mick Extance (UK) and off-road expert and instructor Ralf Wiesenfeller (Germany) giving demonstrations, dynamic displays, riding lessons and detailed off-road tutorials.
A wide range of Harley-Davidson Sport, Cruiser, Grand American Touring and Adventure Touring 2023 motorcycles will be available for test rides in the H-D Demo Zone. In addition, 120th anniversary models 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 Harley-Davidson custom homebuilt motorcycles. The show will have six categories of bikes and 15 awards, including Best in Show and Metzeler’s People’s Choice. The legendary Harley-Davidson parade, featuring thousands of motorcycles of all makes and seen by thousands of people, will take place on Saturday, September 9.
With five nights of entertainment on two stages until after midnight, more than 100 vendors (including Harley-Davidson clothing and parts), food, bars and much more, it will be one big 25th anniversary party.
Kolja Rebstock, Regional Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: “We’ve reached some incredible milestones at Harley-Davidson during this 120th anniversary year and I’m delighted to warmly welcome everyone to the 25th anniversary of European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria. Ride safe, ride free – and I’ll see you in Faaker See.”