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Your Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Travel in Belgium

Belgium offers breathtaking scenery for motorcyclists , with thrilling routes that span the country from Bruges to Bastogne. Although extremely flat, the picturesque country is a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Additionally, riders can explore the historic First World War battlefields of Passchendaele and Ypres and the iconic Menin Gate Memorial. Experience the beauty and history of Belgium on your thrilling motorcycle adventure!

Language spoken in Belgium

Belgium is a federal country consisting of three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and the bilingual capital city of Brussels. Official languages in Belgium are French, Dutch, and German. French is commonly spoken in the southern part, while Dutch is prevalent in the north.

Brussels is bilingual, and some eastern provinces have German speakers. English is widely spoken and understood, although it is not recognized as an official language.

Due to the multilingual nature of the country, road signs and place names are often presented in multiple languages, which can be confusing for visitors. Familiarizing yourself with the various place name spellings before travelling to Belgium is recommended.

Speed Limits

The national speed limits mentioned below apply unless otherwise indicated by appropriate signage. Abide by these speed limits for a safe and legal driving experience.

• Motorways – 120km/h
• Other roads – 90km/h
• Residential areas – 20 km/h

Vehicles on motorways should maintain a minimum speed limit of 70 km/h, unless there is traffic congestion or dangerous conditions. Stay safe and keep the traffic flowing smoothly!

Documentation

When riding in Belgium , it is important to have the following documents with you at all times for compliance:

• Full and valid driving licence
• Proof of insurance (third party or above)
• Proof of ID (Passport)
• Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)
• If you plan to ride in Belgium for over 90 days, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Ensure you have these essential documents ready before embarking on your journey in Belgium.

Motorcycling laws in Belgium

In Belgium, all motorcyclists must wear protective gear, such as gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long-legged trousers or an overall, and ankle-protecting boots.

Additionally, please note that children under three are not permitted to ride as passengers on motorcycles.

However, children between the ages of 3 and 8 may ride as passengers using a specialized seat, but only on motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125cc.

It is also mandatory for all riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets the ECE 22.05 or equivalent standard.

Safety Tips

• Always carry your documents with you while riding.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions, as Belgium experiences frequent rainfall.
• Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and signs before embarking on your journey.
• Avoid riding during rush hour to minimize traffic congestion.
• Stay vigilant while riding, especially on narrow roads and in crowded cities.
• Plan your route and have a map or GPS with you for navigation.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable motorcycle experience in Belgium.

Accommodation

From bed & breakfasts to luxurious hotels, Belgium offers a range of accommodation options for motorcyclists. Many accommodations also have secure parking facilities specifically for motorcycles.

Consider staying at campsites or pitching a tent in designated areas for a more budget-friendly option. Be sure to check the availability and accessibility of these options beforehand.

No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine! Belgian food is influenced by its neighbouring countries, resulting in diverse dishes. Don’t miss out on trying Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate, and beer. For a more authentic experience, visit local markets and food stalls or dine at traditional restaurants.

Belgium offers an unforgettable motorcycle travel experience with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Be sure to follow the laws and safety measures, and don’t forget to explore all the hidden gems this beautiful country has to offer. Happy riding!

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Trip Planner: Touring the Ardennes on Motorbike

Posted on february 7th, 2017 by motorcycle diaries.

Deep in the folds of French and Belgian borderlands, twisty, forested roads connect old castles with quaint churches, and village restaurants with fantastic B'n'Bs. This is an area of Europe best toured by motorbike.

Motorbike Touring in the Ardennes

In Europe, curvaceous roads normally exist because they're built on hills or mountains. Not so in the western Ardennes. Think of the area as an inverse mountain range, where the region's multitude of rivers have dug themselves down into the landscape. Here, the roads burrow along the edge of valleys, or pass over hills from one valley to the next. Further east, the landscape raises itself up to meet the Eifel region of Germany, and the roads keep on rewarding you with curve after curve.

The area also has its fair share of racing spectacle, thanks to the Belgian Classic Trophy's use of a historic road circuit near the town of Gedinne, the Spa Francorchamps circuit to the north west, and the region's proximity to Germany's Nürburgring. The Gedinne race takes place in August each year, when the roads are sealed off with hay bales. Miss the event, though, and you'll be able to ride it yourself.  

Road Spotlight: D31, Route des Légendes  

The Route des Légendes leads you along the route of the Semois river, from France and across the border into Belgium. Don't miss the viewpoint east of Monthermé. Ride up out of the valley, and then turn into the lay-by on a left-hander for great views over the village of Tournavaux to the south.

Riding The Belgian Ardennes

From east to west, the Belgian Ardennes rises higher and higher, breaking free of deep river valleys and shedding some of the thick forests. Roads like the N660 are wide and fast and allow a bike to travel through the area quickly. That's not to say that the area becomes tedious. Far from it. Roads like the N860 from Houffalize to La Roche-en-Ardenne is smooth, full of curves, and isn't interrupted by as many villages as similar roads of the region.

Road Spotlight: N589, Baileux - Regnionwez

The Belgian Ardennes continues from France eastwards and northwards to the town of Chimay. The N589 takes you from the French border to the village of Baileux, close to Chimay. Skipping along the border, the road begins with shallow and fast curves. Further north, it tightens to a tasty s-bend before stretching out into an absolute dead-straight for nearly 2km. If you're feeling flush, treat yourself to lunch at L'Attrape Loup, the restaurant right at the end of the straight. The Chimay abbey, famous for the trappist beer of the same name, is close by in Scourmont.  

Where To Stay in the Ardennes

Stay in Rochefort or Bouillon when you're in the area. Rochefort sits at the top of the Ardennes, but centrally, so that east and west are both accessible from the one spot. It's a small enough town to be able to ride out after breakfast and be on fantastic roads within a minute or two. Bouillon, on the other hand, is nestled deep in a bend of the Semois river to the south. Not only is it absolutely prime Ardennes territory, but it's also quite a vibrant place. Visit the castle, sold by Godfrey de Bouillon to pay for the first crusade back in the 11th Century.

Interested in trying the local specialities? Look for wild boar or game on restaurant menus. Need to stick to a budget? You could always survive on chips and beer. This sort of diet won't cost you the Earth: Belgian beer will cost around €3 for a glass, and every town has its own 'friterie', serving delicious chips.

Road Spotlight: N819, Tombeau du Géant  

Don't miss the panoramic view of Frahan village when riding the N819. Ride into Rochehaut and look south down over a bend in the Semois valley, and cosy Frahan nestled within it, surrounded by farmland and thick forest. This is one of the most characterful Ardennes views you can get. The rest of the N819 is twisty and challenging, as the road surface isn't always triple-A standard.  

See The Sights

Riding through Dinant? Take a minute to appreciate the dramatic Rock Bayard, as it stands erect over the bank of the Meuse River. It's named after the magic horse Bayard who, according to legend, leaped from it's crest to the other side of the river. That's no mean feat. In more modern history, the Ardennes saw fierce fighting in both World War I and World War II in three major battles. In one of the first actions of the First World War, a French offensive between the 21st and 26th August 1914 was fought off by the German Empire within the Ardennes. During World War II the area was subjected to the initial stages of the Fall of France and the infamous Battle of the Bulge. The Henri-Chapelle Cemetery in Hombourg is one of the largest American Military cemeteries in Europe. The Battle of the Ardennes Museum in La Roche-en-Ardenne houses a collection of artefacts from the time, including one of the last surviving Enigma decoding machines. The Chateau de La Roche, which sits above the town, is worth exploring for its wide-angle views along the various river approaches.

Road Spotlight: N838, Steinbach - Tavigny

Riding further east to the Nürburgring, or south towards the deep valleys of Luxembourg? Then take in this 11km Belgian route from Steinbach to Tavigny. Close to the town of Houffalize, the road starts with long straights past fields of sheep. Use these to warm up on. After the village of Cetturu, get ready for a smooth s-bend that will take your breath away.  

Images: Jonathan Godin

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Why your next motorcycle tour should be through Belgium’s Ardennes

Ah, Benelux. A trio of countries that seem to make up one of Europe’s most boring areas when it comes to quality of riding on offer. Put Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg together and, on paper at least, it seems like the best way to experience the densely populated and mostly flat lands when on a motorcycle tour is to get your head down and blast through them until you reach Germany’s Mosel Valley.

At least that was my thinking until I started to educate myself on what these three great countries can offer, particularly Belgium. OK, the riding and scenery isn’t going to blow you away like the mountain passes of the Alps will, but here we have some fantastic roads that take you through areas that are rich in significant historical sites. And there’s world-famous chocolate and wonderful cones of frites (that’s chips) and mayo to boot.

In particular, one of the best places to explore if you want to experience the best of Benelux is eastern Belgium and northern Luxembourg, where you’ll find some of the best roads, views and attractions in the Ardennes. Along the way you’ll ride the wonderfully smooth and rollercoaster-like roads that now cut through the once thought to be impenetrable Ardennes Forest*, seeing first hand just how beautiful this south-eastern area of Belgium is.

The Ardennes area can be likened to the Black Forest of Germany, but on a smaller scale, and while the mountains of the Alps rise to heady heights of over 4,000m, the highest ‘peak’ around here is Signal de Botrange at 694m (making it Belgium’s highest mountain). While the hills may not wow you with their stature, the beautiful valleys, which have been carved out of the land by meandering rivers, will delight you.

Upon reaching the small town of Frahan, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of a particularly picturesque meander on the Semois River, as seen in the first image on this page.

Of course, it’s almost impossible to visit the Ardennes and not see any reminders of the Second World War. In La Roche-en-Ardenne it’s well worth visiting The Battle of the Bulge museum, where a fantastic exhibition displays many artefacts from the war, including one of a few remaining German Enigma machines. Further south and there’s the Bastogne War Museum, which again provides a wonderful insight into the significance of the area during WWII.

On my ride through the Ardennes, I had just finished watching the epic Band of Brothers series, and was particularly excited to pay a visit to Bastogne and Foy, which is just up the road. Those who have seen the series, or have a knowledge of Easy Company’s exploits during WWII, will know that this is the area where the infamous Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive of the war, took place.

Back in 1944 the place would have seemed like hell, with a bitter winter kicking in and enemy shells peppering the forest, but today, the area is a delightful place to be, particularly when you’ve got the weather, as the rolling, forested hills contain many great roads.

Fortunately, all of these remarkable attractions are included on a longer route of discovery that snakes its way around the Ardennes region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, and this comes preloaded on the  TomTom Rider 450 .

*A French Folly

During the Second World War, the French believed the Ardennes to be the perfect natural defence against the tanks of the Nazis, with one general even calling it “Europe’s best tank obstacle”. While the Maginot Line protected the country’s borders with Germany and Italy to the east, it was believed that the densely forested hills and valleys of the Ardennes would prove too difficult for the German army to negotiate. And what a mistake that was. In May 1940, the Germans pushed into Belgium and the Netherlands to the west, and slipped through the Ardennes with relatively little resistance. This masterstroke from the Nazis brought about the beginning of the end for France, and it took just over a month for the country to surrender.

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Motorcycle Trips Belgium

There is no shortage of routes for good motorcycle rides in Belgium. Discover the seaside of Flanders, the forests and wide open spaces of Wallonia, while enjoying the beautiful medieval cities that make the reputation of Belgium. Select a route, Liberty Rider will guide you on its GPS.

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Five motorcycling routes in Belgium

Temperatures are slowly rising again, so it's time to get the motorbike out. We would like to present five delightful motorbike routes here in our own country, from the Ardennes to the coast. Get ready for the smell of grass, winding roads and interesting sights. 

The East Cantons

We’ll make a start in Wallonia, a paradise for motorcyclists, with many kilometres of winding curves, a beautiful natural environment and a host of cultural and gastronomic destinations. It is the ideal destination for those who like to get off the beaten track on an off-road motorbike.  For example, start in Eupen and drive to Malmedy, Sankt-Vith and then onto the place where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. If you still have gas in the tank, you can easily drive on to beautiful Bastogne. 

Motorbikes are unfortunately banned from the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe (a nature reserve of more than 3,500 hectares, most of which lies in the Netherlands) but the area around it is well worth exploring. The impressive Antwerp docks, interspersed with the beautiful vistas leave an almost surreal impression. And don’t miss the drive past Doel, the deserted ghost town in the shadow of the nuclear power plant of the same name. An ideal route for touring motorbikes. 

East Limburg

We end up in Limburg, more specifically in the region of the Hoge Kempen National Park. The nearly 13,000-hectare nature reserve stretches across As, Zutendaal, Lanaken, Dilsen-Stokkem, Genk and Maasmechelen. At the end of August/beginning of September, it is wonderful to cruise along small roads, enjoying the gorgeous scent of purple heather which is in full bloom at that time of year. Here, you are also close to the Limburg mining region, with villages and towns such as Zwartberg, Beringen and Eisden. 

Wallonia Belgium Austrian Tyrol and Julian Alps Slovenia

Location: Gozd Martuljek Slovenia Accommodation: Typically 3-4 star rated hotels for bed and breakfast, six nights include dinner Summary: SORRY NOW FULLY BOOKED An outstanding motorcycle tour from Wallonia Belgium to Tyrol Austria and Julian Alps of Slovenia that embraces some outstanding twisty roads. Price includes rail with rider and bike. Excludes ferry or other travel arrangements to and from the Netherlands. Motorcycle Hire Available: No Gozd Martuljek Slovenia, Belgium, Wallonia Belgium Austrian Tyrol and Julian Alps Slovenia

UK to Tyrol

Location: the South Tyrol region Accommodation: Typically 3 star rated hotels Summary: Return overnight ferry between the UK the Netherlands plus 11 nights accommodation in Europe with a private cabin, dinner on the ferry crossings. 11 hotel nights bed and breakfast and 5 nights dinner at hotels. Motorcycle Hire Available: No the South Tyrol region, Belgium, UK to Tyrol

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After two successful BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin in 2022 and 2023, BMW Motorrad will continue the legendary format of the previous events this year.  The world’s largest BMW Motorrad meeting will return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Alps. This is BMW Motorrad’s response to the heartfelt desire of its fans all over the world for unadulterated motorcycle culture, a party atmosphere and unique riding experiences against a breathtaking Alpine backdrop.

IMPERIAL CITIES: EASTERN EUROPE

Come and join us on our fresh and epic 20 day European Explorer Tour. Starting and finishing in the UK, we’ll go on to visit France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria.

MOUNTAINS: ALPS

Our famous Mountains: Alps tour takes on a new lease of life for 2024 and heads to the Italian Dolomites, providing us with an exciting ride of twisty roads, sky-high mountain passes, and picture-postcard views. The days will be long and fulfilling, with unsurpassed riding and scenery through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

DAMS OF THE RUHR VALLEY

This tour tracks one of the most daring raids of WWII, when 617 Squadron bombed the dams of the Ruhr Valley in a daring and costly raid. The Dam Busters were immortalised in the 1955 film of the same name. 75 years on, in better times, we can retrace their route and enjoy the rebuilt Dams of the Ruhr. This is a relaxing biking holiday where the roads twist and wind around the lakes of the Ruhr Valley.

ROMANTIC ROAD: GERMANY

Experience the charm of Bavaria on our new 2024 tour; Romantic Road: Germany. Packed with scenic passes, quaint villages, and beautiful architecture this low daily mileage tour offers plenty of opportunities to explore on and off the bike.

CRUISE THE CASTLES OF THE ARDENNES

This new tour takes a relaxed pace as we explore the beautiful landscapes of the Ardennes, cruise the twists and turns through the rolling hills, and witness the extensive forests in one of natures unspoilt regions. You have the option to take two days away from the saddle and soak up the culture of the area, or join us on our optional daily ride-outs.

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Motorcycle tours in Europe: Top 10 best motorcycle routes in Europe

By Nathan Millward

Round the world adventurer Nathan Millward rode home to the East Midlands from Australia on a 105cc Australian postal bike (he didn’t like flying). He’s since ridden across America to Alaska, writing two brilliant books about the experience. www.nathanmillward.com

Where does it start?  Reykjavik Where does it end?  Reykjavik  How long is it?  828 miles

Why’s it great?  

The ring road of Iceland is by no means the best route on the island, but it does serve as a great jump off point for exploring the more interesting corners of the island.

What do I need to know? 

Getting to Iceland is the tricky part. You can either take the two-day ferry from the top of Denmark (about a 1000 mile run from the UK) or ship your bike with Eimskip  out of Immingham and fly in to meet it. Both options cost roughly the same at around £1000 by the time you’ve paid for either the flights if you’re shipping in, or the travelling costs through Europe if you’re taking the ferry. Not cheap, granted, but then bike rental is on the expensive side, with costs of around 250 Euros per day, which might make sense if you’re there for less than seven days. 

Anything else? 

Be prepared for poor weather even in summer; it can be a bleak place. Prices are high, especially for restaurant meals, alcohol and hotels, but if you’re camping and stove cooking it shouldn’t cost you any more than travelling to mainland Europe. The roads are surprisingly well surfaced, with the unpaved F roads heading into more remote, challenging places that are perfect for trail bike riders. But even a Harley could make a good fist of touring Iceland. For more information read the full BikeSocial report here .

Download the GPX file of this route for your TomTom or Garmin SatNav by clicking here

Where does it start?  Bascov Where does it end?  Sibiu How long is it?  56 miles

Why is it great?

An obvious suggestion ever since Top Gear featured it a few years back, the road definitely carries some romance and gives good reason to push east out of western Europe.

What do I need to know?

The road is 56 miles in length and crosses the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains. It’s located approximately 130 miles west of the Romanian capital Bucharest, and almost 1500 miles east of Dover, meaning that it’s going to need a couple of weeks to get out there and back. The advice, if you do go, is to get there early as traffic can be dense.

Check the road is open before heading out. Generally, it’s closed from mid-October to early June due to snow, so the window is short. In a way the road would arguably best serve as a marker for a wider trip, with good excuse for finding an interesting route for getting down there and back. A route down through the Balkan countries of Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia is increasingly popular with bikers, while a route back through the Alps would give you the best of both worlds.

But so much depends on how much time you have. If you’re racing to get down there and racing to get back, then maybe consider an interesting road a little closer to home. Good information can be found here .

Where does it start?  Kinsale, County Cork Where does it end?  Londonderry How long is it?  1553 miles

Why is it great? 

Officially the longest coastal route in the world, and with inexpensive ferries from the Welsh ports of either Fishguard or Holyhead, the Wild Atlantic Way is a dream destination for those with limited time or looking for adventure a little closer to home.  

It’s not so much a point-to-point route, more a theme of travel along the coastline of Ireland, covering a total distance of 1553 miles and passing through nine counties and three provinces. The tourist board designates six regions of the route; Northern Headlands, Surf Coast, Bay Coast, Cliff Coast, Southern Peninsulas and Haven Coast, with the Southern Peninsula likely to be increasingly popular as it’s just off shore that Great Skellig – the island featured in the latest Star Wars movies, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi – can be found, with boats from the mainland able to take you there.

Anything else?

Prepare for rain and be realistic about distances. Those narrow country lanes take a lot longer to navigate than a regular A-road, so 150 miles a day might be the top end of what’s manageable. To plan a route or to find out more head to the official site at www.wildatlanticway.com

The Three Passes of Switzerland  

Where does it start?  Andermatt  Where does end?  Andermatt How long is it?  80 miles

An easy to navigate route that takes in three amazing Alpine passes with the full route do-able in a day.  

The three passes of Susten, Furka and Grimsel are in the Alpine region of Switzerland, crossing the Bernese Alps at an elevation above 2000 metres. The passes are generally closed between October and May due to show.

The Grimsel is a personal favourite due to the multiple well-surfaced switchbacks on the way up, heading clockwise, with emerald blue lakes on the way down. The Furka Pass is higher, at a peak of 2429 metres, and arguably tighter and not as well surfaced, but still an excellent riding road, as is Susten. 

The small Alpine town of Andermatt is a good place to base yourself, with all the facilities and some great riding east of there if you wish to venture further into Switzerland. Be wary of Switzerland’s strict speed limits and try not to get carried away; fines are harsh. Also be wary of busy weekend traffic, and as with all foreign riding, try to keep within your own limits and enjoy the scenery. If you have the time then the Nufenen Pass, just to the south of the loop, is also worth riding.

Time wise, if you push straight through France it is easily possible to do this loop and be back home again in a week. 

Verdon Gorge     

Where does it start?  Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Where does it end?  Moustiers-Sainte-Marie How long is it?  56 miles

The Verdon Gorge is a magnificent site in itself – Europe’s Grand Canyon – and the roads around it match it for excitement. The coastal resorts of Nice and Monaco aren’t far away either. 

The Verdon Gorge is down in the south of France, just to the north of Nice and Monaco. It’s 25 kilometres in length and 700 metres deep, and was formed by the Verdon River. Much like most canyons, it creeps up on you; one minute the land is flat, the next minute you’re at the rim of a huge canyon. The road around it is what you’re going for, with endless twisting sections and parts where it traces right across the top of the rim, a steel barrier the only thing stopping you from a long drop to the bottom.

Great riding, great scenery, great weather. And if you want to explore the gorge further then venture along D23, an interior road (broken tarmac in the main) that drops south from the town of La Palud-sur-Verdon on the north side of the rim. Camping is a good option for accommodation in this region, with campsites plentiful.

As with any popular tourist place, traffic can be an issue in peak season, but at least unlike the Alpine passes listed above, you can ride the Verdon Gorge most of the year, so aim for the shoulder season of spring or autumn and you’ll be fine. Riding clockwise is recommended for the novice rider as you’re not as exposed to the drops, and if you don’t fancy riding all the way down to the South of France, consider using www.bikeshuttle.co.uk , who can freight your bike down to Toulouse while your fly. It still leaves a 300 mile ride to the Gorge, but that might be a better option than riding from your home in the UK, especially if time is a factor.

The Normandy Beaches 

Where does it start?  Rouen Where does it end?   Mont Saint-Michael How long is it?  340 miles

Good riding as well as the historical element makes for an easily accessible overseas road trip.   

This coastline of France has long held significance in the minds of British visitors. It’s also easy to access and doesn’t feel that far from home, so for the novice overseas explorer it’s not going to be as intimidating as heading out to the Alps for example.

The route starts in the Normandy capital of Rouen, where you’ll find lots of history dating back to medieval times, before heading towards the Normandy Beaches, and passing through Caen where you’ll find a selection of war museums at the old castle. Then you have the beaches; Omaha Beach with cliffs riddled with German bunkers, Juno Beach where the Canadians came ashore, Utah Beach led by the US 4th infantry, Gold Beach at Arromanches – where the British 50th Infantry Division landed – and Sword Beach on the left flank, where the 6th Airborne Division landed.

The war graves of the Bayeux War Cemetery, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Ranville, Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery and the La Cambe German War Cemetery can also all be visited in this area.

The route finally concludes with the stunning medieval monastery at Mont Saint-Michael. The Brittany ferries website – a great option for getting over there – has a superb guide to the region at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/d-day-guide

Anything Else?

The cheapest way of getting there is via the Dover-Calais route, but for more convenience consider sailing from Portsmouth to either Le Havre, Caen or Cherbourg, which can also be reached via a ferry from Poole. Take one of these options and you could make a good tour of it even in the time frame of a long weekend. For more information on Normandy visit the tourist board website .

Where does it start?  Calais, France Where does it end?  Garmisch, Germany  How long is it?  715 miles

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a town in southern Bavaria that every year plays host to the biggest BMW gathering in the world (it’s also open to riders of any bike) – it’s well worth heading down to. This is a scenic way of getting there.  

For 2018 the event is from 6th to 8th July, with this route taking three days to get down there at a leisurely pace, with time to enjoy some stop-offs on the way. You can do the ride back via motorways in a day if needs be, but it’s best if you have time to make an interesting round-trip of it.

From Calais take the A26/E7 all the way down to junction 9 near Bonavis. From there follow the 644 to Le Catelet, then the D28 to the D960 all the way to Vernis.

From there, the D966 to Montcornet, D946 to Vouziers, D982 to Sainte-Menehould, then A4 and finally D904 and D3 down to Port-a-Mousson for the first night’s stop. You’ll find a good choice of hotels here.

On the second day, head across country on the D913 and D955 to the N4, aiming for Baden-Baden. South from here begins the famous B500 through the Black Forest, aiming for somewhere around the town of Schluchsee, 105 miles to the south of Baden-Baden. Be mindful that the B500 can be busy with tourist traffic and police.

The final day (and to be honest you could shorten this run down to two days if you got cracking) is east along the German/Austrian border, aiming for Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance. The 308 east from there takes you to the 199 and briefly into Austria, before returning to Germany on the 187 where you’ll soon arrive in Garmisch.

You can find route maps here:

Day One: https://www.motogoloco.com/map/?route=9955 Day Two: https://www.motogoloco.com/map/?route=9956 Day Three: https://www.motogoloco.com/map?route=9957

Book early if you want accommodation in the town during the event as it gets busy with tens of thousands of bikers over the weekend. It is something of a spectacle, even for those not interested in the BMW brand. The food and drink are good, and there’s free camping in the meadows beneath the ski mountains. The event itself is also free to attend – a great excuse for a road trip. 

Where does it start?  Garmisch  Where does it end?  Garmisch  How long is it?  200 miles

If you’ve made it down to Garmisch, this is a fine route for exploring some of the best mountain roads through the Alps .

Heading clockwise, this route takes you on two good passes of Stelvio and the excellent Timmelsjoch that connects the Ötztal valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol to the Passeier Valley in the Italian province of South Tyrol.

On the Italian side, the road to reach the summit is called SS44bis, and on the Austrian side, there’s a toll road, called Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstrasse. From Garmisch take the E533 down to the A12, then 186 south to the ski resort of Sölden (or Soelden) and the start of the Timmelsjoch. Sölden is an upmarket resort with some camping options.

The Ötztal Glacier Road up from Sölden to the glacier (and back) is also a must-ride, with a nominal toll charge mid-way up. From there south along the Timmelsjoch, with a single journey by motorcycle costing 14 Euros, but well worth it, with 38 kilometres of twisting Alpine road that’s well-surfaced and well-sighted. From there take the SS44 leading to Merano, west on the SS38 with a left turn leading to the famous Stelvio Pass.

The Stelvio is maybe a touch over-rated, but it’s still worth riding. It’s quite busy and narrow in places, but worth it for the experience. The town of Bormio at the bottom has good facilities, while onto Livingo has you pointing north, back towards Garmisch, with the SS41 east to the SS40 running north, before figuring your way back to Garmisch, or simply heading back from the foot of the Stelvio heading west to where you could link up with the Furka-Susten-Grimsel Pass listed earlier. 

While it takes effort to get through France to the Alps, it is worth it, though try not to rush it and look for ways of avoiding the monotony of the motorways where possible.

The Road to the Fjords 

Where does it start?  Bergen   Where does it end?  Kristiansand  How long is it?  273 miles

This is a road trip in itself – up along the coast of Norway – but the best bit is that upon reaching Bergen, a world of opportunity opens up for exploring the famous Norwegian fjords.

This route begins in the port town of Kristiansand, which can be reached by catching a ferry from Hirtshals at the top of Denmark. This is a two-hour ferry, operated by either Color Line  or Fjord Line , with multiple sailings throughout the day and costs around £90 return.

There’s no easy way of reaching the top of Denmark to begin with – not since DFDS stopped its route from the UK to Denmark back in 2014. Harwich to the Hook of Holland is about the best you’ll get, with a 650mile slog to Hirtshals from there.

Once in Norway, the route is easy to follow along the E39, winding along the coast, passing through tunnels and with short ferry crossings between the longer stretches. Once you’ve reached Bergen the options are endless for exploring the Fjords, all of which are no more than a day’s ride away, including Hardangerfjord and Aurlandsfjorden. Or park the bike and take a boat ride.  

Norway is a surprisingly easy country to explore, with good road conditions, plentiful camping and lodging facilities and a well-established tourist network. Some push onto Nordkapp at the very top, but without doing that extra huge distance, there’s plenty to be seen in South and Central Norway, with it easy to bolt on a side tour through Sweden. If you’re into your trail riding, consider combining it with parts of the TET listed above.

Photo by Brent Leport

Just like any holiday, a trip on a motorcycle – be it in the UK, Europe or beyond – can be ruined by delays, lost documents, illness and more. There are plenty of travel insurance options, but you need to make sure you get a policy that includes riding motorcycles, and if it does, that it's for bikes of the engine size you'll be riding (many only cover up to 250cc). At its most basic, you should look for insurance that provides cover for the following: 

Medical expenses

Loss or theft of personal possessions

Lost or delayed luggage

Loss of your passport and other documents

Travel delays and disruptions

Having to cut your holiday short

In addition though, if you’re taking a motorcycle (or you're renting one while you’re away) be sure that your insurer will cover you for any medical expenses, should you have an accident. You must also think about where you’re riding – some policies won’t cover you if you’re trail or enduro riding, or if you’re on a race track. Remember – this isn’t about your bike being covered, it’s about your medical expenses, should the worst happen.

If you're only going away once, a single-trip policy will likely be all you need, but also consider an annual policy, which could extend to cover your family holidays too (a good insurer should also be able to offer cover for your whole family). 

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Motorcycling in Belgium

Things to do in Belgium

Discover Belgium's captivating allure, an ideal destination for independent motorcycle travellers. A stone's throw away from our Dunkirk port, or a scenic route via northern France from Calais landing, Belgium is conveniently accessible. Driving to Belgium is also easy from our port in IJmuiden , Netherlands, as it's a mere 85 miles away.

Experience Belgium's breathtaking landscapes on your motorbike, traversing from Bruges ' charm in the north to historic Bastogne in the south. The Ardennes offers motorcyclists an exciting playground, with WWI battlefields of Passchendaele, Ypres, and the iconic Menin Gate Memorial serving as intriguing pit stops.

In Belgium's east, lies the famed Circuit De Spa-Francorchamps (Spa Racing Circuit), a 7km track that hosts the Belgian Grand Prix, adding to Belgium's appeal for motorcycle tourists.

Belgium is a federation of the Flemish-speaking Flanders, the French-speaking Wallonia and the bilingual capital of Brussels. As a result, Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch and German.

French is prevalent in the south, Dutch in the north. Brussels is bi-lingual and in some Eastern provinces, German is spoken. English is also widely spoken and understood, though not recognised as an official language.

This being the case, road signs and especially place names are often presented in multi-lingual format and can be very confusing to visitors. It’s wise to make sure you’re well aware of the various place name spellings before travelling.

Belgian motorcycling law

All motorcyclists riding in Belgium must wear protective clothing. This includes gloves, a jacket with long sleeves, trousers with long legs or an overall and boots that protect the ankles.

Children under the age of 3 are not allowed as passengers on motorcycles. Children between the ages of 3 and 8 may be carried as passengers with the use of a special seat, but only on motorcycles up to 125cc.

Documentation

When riding in Belgium the following documents should be carried at all times:

• Full, valid driving licence
• Proof of insurance (third party or above)
• Proof of ID (Passport)
• Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)
• If you’re riding around Belgium for longer than 90 days (lucky you!) you’ll need an International Driving Permit

Speed limit

Unless otherwise stated by appropriate signs, the following national speed limits apply:

• Motorways – 120km/h
• Other roads – 90km/h
• Residential areas - 20 km/h

Unless traffic is congested or conditions are dangerous, vehicles must observe a minimum speed limit of 70 km/h on motorways.

Dover-Calais Ferry Crossings

Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in Calais in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time onboard, from dining to duty free shopping.

Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Crossings

With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and more. Enjoy dining and duty free shopping on board.   

Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry Crossings

Arrive in Dieppe in 5 hours with our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing. Enjoy our facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an onboard shop.

Newcastle-Amsterdam Ferry Crossings

If you’re travelling to Holland from the north of England, our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry crossing is your best option. Sail overnight and enjoy maximum comfort, duty free shopping and fantastic entertainment throughout the day.  

Travel guide

Have a fantastic city break in Belgium's second city.

Visit Bruges, a canal-laden city and home to the Guild of Chocolatiers.

The Ardennes

Explore The Ardennes region famous for military heritage and landscape perfect for outdoor sports fans.

Visit this relaxed harbour town with rich war history and beautiful beach.

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