Willingen is now an official Harley-Davidson event

From the Bike Days Willingen In 2026, Harley Days Willingen—which has been an official Harley-Davidson event since February 10, 2026—will be one of the brand’s key events in Germany. From July 8 to 12, the small town in the Sauerland region will serve as a gathering place for the community for five days, with free admission.

In northwestern Hesse, on the border with North Rhine-Westphalia, the Sauerland region—with its winding roads—has long been considered a motorcyclist’s paradise. It is right here that Willinger Event GbR organizes the festival, which has quickly become one of the most important Harley-Davidson events in Germany. Not only Harley riders, but all motorcycle enthusiasts are expressly welcome.

An Event for the Harley-Davidson Community

First things first, because this is important to me: Harley Days Willingen isn’t some contrived event planned from scratch on a drawing board. Here, they listen to the community—and you can feel that at every turn. The whole town is decked out in Harley style: The shops are decorated, and when you walk into any of them, you’ll feel right at home. The staff at the restaurants are just as much a part of the scene as those on the event grounds—everyone in the same style. You’ve never experienced anything like this before.

Free Admission as a Policy

The fact that there’s no admission fee isn’t a coincidence—it’s a matter of principle: No one should be excluded; everyone is welcome to join the festivities. In this day and age, that’s anything but a given—motorcycle events have a hard time reconciling the interests of residents, the community, and tens of thousands of visitors. In Willingen, they manage to do just that because both sides are willing to meet each other halfway.

Harley Village as the centerpiece

The event grounds are located behind the Sauerland Stern Hotel and will be called Harley Village in 2026—a large area featuring motorcycles, dealer booths, and stages. Authorized Harley-Davidson dealers and independent dealers from the region and all over Germany will showcase bikes, accessories, and apparel. Live bands will provide the soundtrack, and numerous caterers will serve food and drinks. Admission is free.

Jack’s Inn 54 Area: A Whiskey Village in Harley Village

I’m especially looking forward to the new Jack’s Inn 54 Area. Spanning 700 square meters right in the heart of Harley Village, a truly cool whiskey village is taking shape—the likes of which you’ve never seen before: cool exhibitors, live music and entertainment, whiskey, an Irish pub, a cigar lounge, and a bonfire in the evening. A dedicated space to unwind between the dealer row and the stage program—it’s exactly these kinds of spots that make the difference between a trade show and a festival you’ll want to stick around for.

Book Launch: „Born to be Fierek“ with Wolfgang Fierek

A premiere that is personally very close to my heart: Our book, „Born to be Fierek — My Life with a Leather Jacket, Leberkäs, and a Harley-Davidson,“ will be unveiled for the first time in Willingen. Wolfgang Fierek and I wrote it together—published by National Geographic, 272 pages, available in stores starting July 3, 2026. It’s about legendary motorcycle trips across the U.S., off the beaten path, and, of course, the big topic of Harley-Davidson.

Wolfgang will be holding book signings near the H.O.G. tent; you can pick up a copy of the book right there on site. There will also be readings—anyone who has seen the show “Riverboat” knows how Wolfgang captivates his audience when he tells his stories and shares his experiences. You won’t want to miss this.

I’d just like to note that the book is already on track for success—even before its release, it’s at the top of Amazon’s pre-order charts. Wolfgang’s wife, Djamila Fierek, is also involved—she’s showcasing her art exhibition in Willingen.

The Sauerland from the Air: Helicopter Sightseeing Flights

A highlight you’ll only find in Willingen: During Harley Days, helicopter sightseeing flights take off over the Upland. From the air, you’ll see why the Sauerland is considered a motorcyclist’s paradise—the winding roads you ride on down below are spread out right at your feet. The flights are operated by a Bell 407.

The sightseeing flight costs 65 euros; H.O.G. members pay 55 euros. Seats are in high demand, so it's best to secure yours early when you arrive.

Five Days at Harley Village: The Schedule

Wednesday, July 8: A quiet start in downtown Willingen, featuring live music, Harley-themed window displays, and special offers from local businesses.

Thursday, July 9: Dealer and Friends Party — an open gathering, not an exclusive group. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, July 10: Harley Village is opening. Dealers and traders from the DACH region, live bands on stage, and a custom bike show judged by a strict panel.

Saturday, July 11: Main day in full swing. Custom Show competition in the afternoon, followed by the concert hall until late at night.

Sunday, July 12: The big family program to wrap things up. For many, it’s departure day—and at the same time, the day when day-trippers from the region gather to ride their bikes. Test rides, the dealer row, and the stage program continue at a more leisurely pace.

Getting There, Parking, and Lodging

Frequently Asked Questions About Harley Days Willingen 2026

More about Willingen & the season on Harleysite

• Harleysite Event Guide: Harley Days Willingen 2026
• Pre-order the book „Born to be Fierek“
• Ride Planner — Plan Rides from Willingen
• Looking Back: Bike Days Willingen 2025 Review
• My Top Harley-Davidson Event Recommendations for 2026
• Official event website: harley-days-willingen.de
• 30th Anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Meeting in the Ruhr Region, 2026
• An Overview of All Harley Rallies in 2026