120 YEARS OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON WERE CELEBRATED AT EUROPE'S LARGEST MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL
Around 100,000 fans made a pilgrimage to Faak, where the first Harley-Davidson mega party took place
FAAK AM SEE (September 13th, 2023) – From September 5th to 10th, 2023, Harley-Davidson returned to the turquoise blue Faaker See in Carinthia, Austria, in the best summer weather. Around 100,000 guests flocked to Faak and more than 70,000 bikes cruised the streets. With free entry and regardless of the preferred motorcycle brand, everyone celebrated together in front of the impressive Alpine backdrop.
There were three anniversaries on the agenda in 2023: The event was a highlight of the celebrations for Harley-Davidson's 120th anniversary spread throughout the year. At the same time, we looked back on 40 years of the Harley Owners Group and a quarter of a century of partying at Lake Faaker See.
Of course, motorbikes were ridden: for example on the free tours led by the HOG Kärnten Chapter Austria. The past was honored and at the same time the future of the event, which is so closely linked to Carinthia, was discussed.
During the event, the partnership between Harley-Davidson and the region was officially extended: European Bike Week, Europe's largest motorcycle festival, will take place annually in Faak in the beautiful south of Austria until 2030. As a sign of the Motor Company's commitment, the new Harley-Davidson Boulevard was opened. It complements the existing HD landmarks in and around Faak: the Harleywood lettering on the Seeinsel and the biker sculpture at the Pogöriacher roundabout.
The heart of the event once again beat in the Harley Village, an area measuring around 40,000 square meters. Harley-Davidson dealers from all over Europe as well as a variety of other accessories and clothing suppliers presented themselves here. There was of course plenty of entertainment - including in the newly designed Saloon Bar and in the Harley Bar, where 25 bands rocked out on a total of two stages.
The US brand's latest machines were presented at the Harley-Davidson Expo, including the recently launched CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models. The most modern Grand American touring bikes that Harley-Davidson has ever produced magically attracted visitors. More than 1,700 bikers took advantage of the opportunity in the demo zone to get a closer look at a Harley on a free test ride.
off-road area of the Village dedicated to Pan America , proved to be a real highlight for many Dakar champs Joan Pedrero from Spain and Mick Extance from Great Britain as well as German off-road pro Ralf Wiesenfeller were present here, offering presentations, driver training and off-road tutorials.
The Custom Bike Show sponsored by Metzeler took place in the Customizer Area on Friday. Almost 80 unique items were registered in the six categories. Trophies were awarded for “Best in Category” and “People's Choice,” among others. The jury agreed on the “Best in Show” award, which went to Mirko Perugini from Italy for a spectacular bike with a classic V-twin. There was also a special prize for Boris Zanki from Split in Croatia: to the cheers of the crowd, the winner of the European Bike Week competition at the HD Plaza received a brand new Sportster S.
Around 10,000 bikers started on Saturday for what is probably Europe's largest and most popular motorcycle parade, which took them via Villach, around Lake Ossiach, to Velden and back to Faak.
Kolja Rebstock , Harley-Davidson Regional Vice President Europe, Middle East and Africa, who paraglided into the parade, is already looking forward to the future: “The European Bike Week is one of the biggest HD events of every year. It's great that this fascinating event will continue to take place over the next seven years. Experiences like those offered by European Bike Week underline the lifestyle that characterizes our brand and makes it so unique.”
The first Harley-Davidson parties for the coming year have already been planned. Among other things, all bikers are cordially invited to the 30th Annual European HOG Rally, an event with free admission from June 6th to 9th, 2024 in Senigallia, Italy. The extraordinary city is less than two hours from Bologna and offers impressive Renaissance architecture, breathtaking beaches as well as rolling hills and winding roads in the surrounding area - ideal for a tour in 2024.
And in Faak am See there will be celebrations from September 3rd to 8th, 2024 - at the next European Bike Week.
Text & image credit: Harley-Davidson
Questions about the Harley-Davidson meeting in Carinthia
When is the Harley Meeting Faaker See 2024?
The European Bike Week will take place from September 3rd to 8th, 2024.
Where is the largest Harley meeting in Europe?
The largest Harley-Davidson meeting in Europe takes place at Lake Faak in Carinthia and is the annual European Bike Week.
When does the Harley Parade take place at Lake Faaker See?
At the European Bike Week at Lake Faaker See, the parade takes place every Saturday.
