Harley-Davidson returned to the incredible stage of Faaker See in Carinthia, Austria, from September 5 to 10, 2023, in what was a truly iconic year for European Bike Week. Approximately 100,000 people and more than 70,000 motorcycles joined the festival in the Austrian village of Faak am See to celebrate Harley-Davidson in a stunning alpine setting at a free event open to all riders.
European Bike Week in 2023 was a special celebration marking three milestone anniversaries for the American motorcycle brand. It was a major highlight of Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary celebrations and also marked 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.
The future of this iconic event was sealed during this European Bike Week as well as the brand’s special relationship with the region of Carinthia. Harley-Davidson is pleased to announce that it will formally extend its direct partnership with the region to continue holding European Bike Week annually until 2030. This commitment ensures that customers and motorcycle fans can continue to experience Europe’s largest motorcycle gathering in beautiful southern Austria every September. As a mark of Harley-Davidson’s continued commitment to the city, and to build on its already strong presence in the area, a new Harley Boulevard has been opened in honor of the long-standing relationship. This new location adds to Harley-Davidson’s existing landmarks, including the iconic “Harleywood” sign by the lake and the legendary biker sculpture on Villach’s main road.
Festival-goers had the chance to explore the heart of the celebrations at the Harley Village – a 40,000 m2 site – filled with authorized Harley-Davidson dealers from all over Europe, as well as a variety of other accessory and clothing traders. Those looking for entertainment didn’t have to go far, as the party atmosphere was felt everywhere, including in the newly designed Saloon Bar and Harley Bar, as well as two stages with 25 international artists.
The Harley-Davidson EXPO showcased the latest motorcycles from the iconic brand, including the newly launched CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, the most technologically advanced Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring motorcycles ever made, which attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd. The H-D Demo Zone was packed throughout the festival, with more than 1,700 riders who had the chance to test the latest models. A real highlight for many was the Pan America Adventure Zone, an off-road technical area with Dakar legends Joan Pedrero (Spain) and Mick Extance (UK) and off-road expert and instructor Ralf Wiesenfeller (Germany) who gave demonstrations, dynamic displays, driving lessons and off-road tutorials.
On Friday, the Custom Bike Show sponsored by Metzeler took place. Some 78 custom creations were entered in six categories, with trophies awarded in the Best in Category, Best in Show and People’s Choice categories. The Best in Show prize was unanimously awarded by the judging panel to Mirko Perugini, from Italy, for his creation incorporating a very old V-Twin engine. Continuing with the awards, on Saturday evening entrant Boris Zanki, from Split in Croatia, won a Sportster S and was on stage in front of a huge crowd in the H-D square.
10,000 motorcyclists lined the roads around Carinthia from Lake Faak, Villach and Finkenstein during Saturday’s parade, making it one of the largest and most celebrated motorcycle parades in Europe.
Kolja Rebstock, Harley-Davidson’s vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: “European Bike Week is one of our biggest events of the year and we are delighted to be able to confirm our commitment to holding this magical event until 2030. Delivering lifestyle experiences like European Bike Week to our customers and motorcycle fans is what makes our brand so unique.”
Harley-Davidson’s celebrations continue next year with the 30th Annual European H.O.G. Rally, a free event open to all riders that will take place in the historic town of Senigallia, Italy, from June 6 to 9, 2024. The excellent location is less than two hours from Bologna and features iconic Renaissance architecture, a stunning coastline surrounded by rolling hills and winding roads, making it a perfect place to plan a trip in 2024.
European Bike Week will return to Faak am See from September 3 to 8, 2024.