Motorcycle Trips in Europe: Planning Tips and Routes

For many of us, riding a motorcycle is more than a hobby. And nowhere is that clearer than on a longer motorcycle trip through Europe. The gentle hills of Tuscany, the rugged coasts of Norway, the hairpins of the Alpine passes: the choice is huge. To make the tour as relaxed as you imagine it, good planning, the right gear and an eye on safety pay off. Here are the key tips for planning your next motorcycle tour through Europe.

1. Planning a motorcycle tour: good preparation pays off

Before you set off, you should know where you're going. Europe is big, and every region has its own character. Think about whether you'd rather roll leisurely through the countryside, see cities or ride Alpine passes sportily. If you plan ahead, you'll have less stress and much more fun on the road.

Planning tips

• Use navigation apps such as Kurviger, Google Maps or Calimoto. Kurviger and Calimoto in particular suggest twisty routes tailored to motorcyclists. Google Maps is better for quick connections, it doesn't yet have a dedicated two-wheeler mode in Europe.
• Plan realistic daily stages. 200 to 300 kilometres a day is comfortable and leaves enough time for breaks and sightseeing.
• Book accommodation in good time. Campsites, guesthouses and biker-friendly hotels are quickly booked up in high season.
• Mark sights along the route so you can stop spontaneously. That way you won't miss anything and still stay flexible.
• Prepare alternative routes. Especially in the mountains or popular holiday regions, roads are sometimes closed or congested.

With well-thought-out planning, you can enjoy the ride instead of getting annoyed by unexpected obstacles. Which apps are best is covered in The best route planners for motorcyclists.

2. The right gear for motorcycle trips

Nothing spoils a tour faster than uncomfortable clothing or missing protective gear. Don't make compromises here.

What belongs on every tour

• Jacket and trousers with armour, breathable and waterproof. Light summer suits suit the south, warmer versions the north.
• A well-ventilated, light helmet certified to ECE 22.06 or ECE 22.05. According to the German automobile club ADAC you may keep wearing older 22.05 helmets, but go for 22.06 when buying new. It protects you and makes long stages comfortable.
• Waterproof gloves and boots that protect yet allow movement. On long distances hands and feet shouldn't tire unnecessarily.
• Extras such as a kidney belt, rain suit, waterproof dry bags and if needed a sat nav mount on the bars. Such little things often decide whether a tour is stressful or relaxed.

Tip: dress in layers so you can react flexibly to temperature changes. Thin functional underwear keeps you warm and dry, an extra jacket or vest protects when it gets cold. Our packing list helps you not to forget anything.

3. Motorcycle technology: fit for the trip

A well-maintained motorcycle is the basis for a safe and relaxed tour. Check tyre pressure and tread depth before every ride. Also check brakes, oil level, coolant and chain. Lights, indicators and on-board electronics must work perfectly too.

Tip: a small tool bag, spare fuses and a tyre repair kit save you a lot of trouble on the road. With those to hand you're well equipped for minor breakdowns.

Check your accessories too: sat nav, charger and phone mount must work reliably. A flat battery can quickly become a problem in remote areas.

4. The most beautiful routes for motorcycle trips in Europe

Europe has countless roads every motorcyclist should ride at least once.

• Alpine passes in Austria, Switzerland and Italy: twisty roads such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria, toll road, usually open from early May to early November) or the Stelvio Pass (Italy) are ideal for sporty riders. The view of the snow-capped peaks rewards every hairpin. Allow enough time for photo stops. All details are in our Alpine passes guide.
• Tuscany and southern France: small country roads lead through olive groves, vineyards and lavender fields. This is for leisurely riders. Plan stops in small villages to get to know the area and try regional specialities.
• Norway and Scandinavia: fjords, spectacular coastal roads and almost empty roads. Well suited to anyone who also wants to camp. Pack weatherproof clothing and a warm sleeping bag, because temperatures vary a lot.
• Spain and the Pyrenees: twisty mountain roads, pretty villages and a mild Mediterranean climate. The region is especially worthwhile in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are empty.

Tip: ideally plan several alternatives for every route. If a road is closed, you can switch immediately without upsetting your day's stage.

5. Safety on the road

Motorcycling has risks. With a few basic rules you can avoid many dangers and ride more relaxed. Our section on rules and regulations by country covers the legal situation in the various destinations.

• Always adapt your speed to the road conditions. Take every corner deliberately, especially on unfamiliar roads.
• Keep enough distance from the vehicle in front, even if the road looks clear. That gives you time to react to surprises.
• Check the weather regularly. Rain, fog and ice are especially dangerous in the mountains.
• Take a break at least every two hours. Fatigue is an often underestimated risk.
• Look after your fitness. Enough sleep, regular meals and plenty to drink help you stay focused.

Tip: pack a small emergency bag with a first aid kit, power bank, water and snacks. That way you're prepared for the unexpected.

6. Tricks for relaxed travel

Many small details make your motorcycle tour much more pleasant:

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. That saves space and prevents creases.
• Save maps offline and take copies of important documents: licence, insurance and passport.
• Use a Bluetooth headset in your helmet for sat nav instructions and chatting with fellow riders.
• Find out about local rules such as speed limits, low emission zones and tolls so you don't get fined.
• Pack your bags thoughtfully so you can quickly get to the important things on the road.

Tip: a small thermal mug for coffee keeps energy and mood up. Short breaks with a hot drink motivate and prevent fatigue.

7. Food and culture on the road

A motorcycle trip is also about travelling away from the road. Try local specialities, visit regional markets and look for small cafés off the tourist trail. That way you get to know the country and its people and have restful breaks at the same time.

8. Summary

A motorcycle trip through Europe combines riding fun, adventure and nature in a very direct way. With good preparation, the right gear and an eye on safety, the tour becomes a real experience. Twisty Alpine passes, sunny roads by the Mediterranean or lonely stretches along the fjords: in Europe everyone finds the right tour.

If you pay attention to details, plan sensibly and don't lose sight of safety, your head stays free for riding. Many of the bends, landscapes and encounters of such a trip will stay with you for a long time. Enjoy every stage consciously, because that's exactly why you set off.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Supported countries for two-wheeled routes (Google Maps Platform)
• Kurviger: motorcycle route planner (Kurviger)
• Calimoto: motorcycle navigation app (calimoto)
• Motorcycle helmets: ECE 22.05 and 22.06 (ADAC, German)
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: opening times and tolls (Grossglockner Hochalpenstrassen AG)

Last checked: September 2026. Rules and fines can change.