Every motorcycle lover wants to ride on beautiful roads and go on memorable journeys. The world is a vast place with many stunning roads to explore. The only question is: where do you go? It can be challenging to choose just a few destinations because there are so many places to explore. Today, I will share my favorite motorcycle routes in Europe.
5 Motorcycle Routes in Europe
Deutsche Alpenstrasse, Germany
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Atlantic Road, Norway
Route des Grandes Alpes, France
The Deutsche Alpenstrasse in Germany
The oldest tourist route in Germany is the Alpine Road. Plans for what is locally called the Queralpenstrasse were initially drawn up in 1927. It is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Germany because it offers breathtaking vistas, a pleasant riding experience, and connections to the most well-known attractions in Bavaria.
This incredible route spans southern Germany and provides stunning scenery with picturesque views of mountains. Due to its scenic alpine landscape, quaint towns, and winding roads, it is well-liked by motorcycle riders. This 450 km route will take you through exhilarating mountain passes with winding roads, as well as the Bavarian Alps. Make an effort to visit some of the attractions, such as the famous Neuschwanstein Castle or Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. For lodging, there are options such as hotels, campgrounds, and even mountain huts; however, during the peak season, reservations should be made in advance.
The Swiss Alps in Switzerland
Traveling through picturesque mountain passes, breathtaking scenery, and some winding roads offers the well-known Swiss Alps experience. Besides the stunning views, the roads are clearly signposted and well-maintained for a seamless journey. There are numerous route options available, allowing you to choose to do part of the trip or spend up to seven days experiencing everything. Regardless of your choice, plan for the possibility of cool weather at high elevations even during the summer months.
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
This route, which traces the western coast of Ireland, is famous for its stunning vistas, towering cliffs, and winding roadways. As its name implies, the journey is thrilling yet challenging, taking you through some meandering roads for a breathtaking experience. The Wild Atlantic Way covers the entire west coast of Ireland, spanning 2,500 km. You can immerse yourself in Irish culture by staying overnight in any of the many quaint seaside villages or historic places along the road.
The Wild Atlantic Way was designed purely for aesthetic purposes. The roads aren’t meant to carry you from point A to point B quickly; they’re neither freeways nor highways. Instead, it’s a biker’s paradise as you ride through hills that descend to the thunderous Atlantic Ocean. The path isn’t meant to be completed in one visit, nor is it a rigid event. It’s more of an opportunity to explore Ireland more closely, stay in small towns, and soak up the atmosphere. There are many places along the route where you’ll see signposts with the recognizable Wild Atlantic Way emblem pointing in different directions. This allows you to travel the route multiple times and discover new, hidden gems. Riding northward after starting from the south is the optimal course of action. This way, you can ride on the left side of the road, where the most beautiful landscapes will be on your left, and you can stop at any of the observation locations with ease.
The Atlantic Road in Norway
You’ll travel through some remote and stunning areas of Norway on the winding route to Nordkapp. Although the journey is approximately 2,000 km, you can begin the trip wherever you prefer. Most people choose to start in Oslo, the capital of Norway. The Nordkapp road offers breathtaking natural beauty. During the summer months, you may experience the midnight sun phenomenon, which allows you to see daylight at midnight. The sun never sets north of the Arctic Circle. During winter, you might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
The Route des Grandes Alpes in France
This stunning 700-kilometer journey will take you from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and alpine communities as it traverses the French Alps. This is a popular route for motorcycle riders, and there are many lodging and service options available. Although the road is generally in good condition, there are occasionally sharp turns and narrow sections.
