Between Aachen, Koblenz, Liège and Luxembourg lies one of the twistiest upland regions in Europe. The German Eifel flows without a visible border into the Belgian Ardennes and Luxembourg's Éislek. For motorcycle tours in the Eifel and Ardennes you don't need a long journey, and in one weekend you can ride through three countries, crater lakes, reservoirs, castles and hundreds of bends. Here are three routes, the key rules and practical tips.
Why the Eifel and Ardennes are so popular
- Bends without passes: altitudes are mostly between 200 and 700 metres. The roads follow the valleys of the Ahr, Rur, Our, Sûre, Amblève, Ourthe and Semois and are often one bend after another.
- Easy to reach: from the Rhineland, the Ruhr, the Netherlands or Brussels you're in the middle of it in one to two hours.
- Three countries: Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg are so close together that you ride through all three in a day. Mind the different rules (see below).
Route 1: High Fens and East Belgium (approx. 160 km)
Start and finish: Monschau
From Monschau you cross the border towards Eupen and climb into the High Fens, a raised bog with wide views. At the Signal de Botrange you reach Belgium's highest point at 694 metres, and the Baraque Michel is a popular bikers' meeting point. Continue via Malmedy past the Spa-Francorchamps circuit into the Amblève valley towards Stavelot and Trois-Ponts. Return via Sankt Vith and Büllingen to Monschau.
- Highlights: High Fens, Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Amblève valley, Coo waterfall
- Watch out: fog can come in very quickly in the Fens, and the road is often damp. Expect cyclists and walkers' car parks.
Route 2: Volcanic Eifel and Ahr (approx. 180 km)
Start and finish: Daun
Around Daun lie the maars, circular volcanic lakes such as the Pulvermaar and the Daun maars. From there small country roads lead towards Nürburg and past the Nürburgring into the Ahr valley. The road along the Ahr is narrow and twisty, but ride attentively: the valley is still being rebuilt in many places after the 2021 flood. Return via Adenau and Kelberg to Daun.
- Highlights: maars, Nürburg castle, Ahr valley, Hohe Acht
- Watch out: at weekends it gets very busy around the Nürburgring, including very sporty riders. Keep your distance and ride at your own pace.
Route 3: Luxembourg and the Belgian Ardennes (approx. 220 km)
Start and finish: Vianden
From Vianden and its castle you follow the Our and then cross to the Upper Sûre lake near Esch-sur-Sûre. Continue over the border to Bastogne and into the Ourthe valley to La Roche-en-Ardenne. If you have time, add the loop into the Semois valley to Bouillon, which turns it into a two-day tour. Return via Houffalize and Clervaux to Vianden.
- Highlights: Vianden castle, Upper Sûre lake, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Semois valley, Bouillon castle
- Tip: fuel in Luxembourg is usually cheaper than in the neighbouring countries. Fill up there before riding into Belgium.
The routes are rough suggestions. Plan the exact route with a twisty-road route planner; tips are in The best motorcycle route planners.
Nürburgring: no more tourist drives on a motorcycle
Many people link the Eifel with a lap of the Nordschleife. On a motorcycle that's no longer so easy: since the 2025 season, motorcycles are no longer allowed on the tourist drives on the Nordschleife. The operator cites safety reasons. On a motorcycle you can now only get onto the Nordschleife at organised training sessions with instructors. On the shorter Grand Prix circuit there are separate time slots just for motorcycles. You'll find the current dates on the Nürburgring website.
Rules in three countries
| Rule | Germany | Belgium | Luxembourg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside built-up areas | 100 km/h | 90 km/h (Wallonia) | 90 km/h |
| Protective gear | only helmet mandatory | helmet, gloves, jacket, long trousers, boots mandatory | only helmet mandatory |
| Hi-vis vest | not required | wear after a breakdown outside built-up areas | must be carried |
| Alcohol limit | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
The most important point is the mandatory protective gear in Belgium. Anyone riding over the border from the Eifel in jeans and trainers risks a fine. All details are in Riding a motorcycle in Belgium and Riding in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Road closures and noise
The Eifel is so popular with motorcyclists that some villages have problems with noise. Some sections are therefore closed to motorcycles at weekends and on public holidays. Which roads are affected changes regularly. Before your tour, check the overview of the German Federal Association of Motorcyclists (BVDM) and watch the signs on the way.
You can help make sure no more roads are closed: ride with a standard exhaust, shift up early in villages and don't rev up in the car park at the bikers' café.
Practical tips
- Best time to go: May to October. In spring there's often still grit from the winter at higher altitudes, in autumn wet leaves.
- Wildlife: deer and wild boar live in the forests, especially active at dusk. Deliberately ride slower in the morning and evening.
- Road surface: Belgian minor roads have many patches and concrete slabs. After rain, tractor tracks and mud on the road are dangerous.
- Weather: the High Fens and the High Eifel have their own weather. A rain suit always belongs in your luggage.
- Accommodation: many hotels and guesthouses in the region advertise themselves as biker-friendly and offer a garage or drying room.
- Avoid weekends: if you can, ride during the week. Then you'll have many roads almost to yourself.
Frequently asked questions about tours in the Eifel and Ardennes
Can I ride my motorcycle on the Nordschleife?
Not during the normal tourist drives. Since 2025 motorcycles have been excluded. Organised training sessions with instructors and separate motorcycle slots on the Grand Prix circuit are possible.
What gear do I need in Belgium?
Helmet, gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long trousers or an overall and boots covering the ankles. This applies to riders and passengers.
How many days should I plan?
Each of the three routes can be done in a day. For all three plus the Semois valley, plan three to four days.
Are there road closures for motorcycles in the Eifel?
Yes, some sections are closed at weekends and on public holidays. The current overview is on the BVDM website.
Where is the highest point of the Ardennes?
The Signal de Botrange in the High Fens is Belgium's highest point at 694 metres.
Do I need to pay tolls in Belgium or Luxembourg?
No, both countries are toll-free for motorcycles. In Belgium only the Liefkenshoek tunnel in Antwerp charges a toll, and it's not in this region.
Summary
The Eifel, Ardennes and Éislek are the perfect area for short breaks and long weekends. You don't need Alpine passes to ride your fill of bends. Remember the mandatory protective gear in Belgium, respect the locals and ride during the week if you can. Then you'll keep coming back. More destinations are in The 10 best motorcycle routes in Europe.
Sources
- Nordschleife without tourist drives for motorcycles (Motorrad & Reisen, German)
- Nürburgring tourist drives 2026: prices and info (Auto Zeitung, German)
- Road closures for motorcycles (BVDM, German)
- Motorcycle rules in Belgium (ADAC, German)
- Motorcycle rules in Luxembourg (ADAC, German)
Last checked: September 2026. Rules, closures and road conditions can change.
