Harley-Davidson and Faaker See: A Symbiosis of Tradition and Future

13. September 2023

4 min read

In the picturesque setting of Lake Faak, European Bike Week celebrated three anniversaries at once, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors and showcasing everything from new Harley models to off-road training. A renewed agreement will make the idyllic Carinthian region an annual motorcycle Mecca, at least until 2030.

Three anniversaries, one place: Faak am See

The motorcycle event of the year took place from September 5-10, 2023, in the idyllic setting of Lake Faak in Carinthia, Austria. Under bright sunshine, nearly 100,000 visitors and more than 70,000 motorcycles gathered. Admission-free and brand-independent, participants were enthralled by the picturesque mountain landscape.

The year 2023 had special significance: the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, 40 years of the Harley Owners Group and a quarter of a century of festivities at Lake Faak were celebrated.

On tour with the local experts

Steered by the Carinthian offshoot of the Harley Owners Group, the H.O.G. Carinthia Chapter Austria, guided motorcycle tours through the region were part of the program. Not only were memories of past events shared, but plans for the future were also made. A renewed agreement guarantees that European Bike Week, Europe’s largest motorcycle festival, will be held annually at Lake Faak at least until 2030.

New attractions and extension of partnership

The latest contribution to the local Harley-Davidson scene, the Harley-Davidson Boulevard, was inaugurated during the festival. This joins existing attractions such as the “Harleywood” sign on the Lake Island and the motorcycle sculpture at the Pogöriach traffic circle.

Variety of exhibitors and entertainment in the Harley Village

The heart of the event beat on an area of about 40,000 square meters, the so-called Harley Village. Here, Harley-Davidson dealers from all over Europe as well as a number of suppliers of motorcycle accessories and clothing presented their products. Entertainment was also provided, with a newly designed Saloon Bar and Harley Bar, where a total of 25 bands provided musical highlights on two stages.

New models and riding experiences in the Demo Zone

The Harley-Davidson Expo featured the latest models such as the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide. These bikes, considered the company’s most advanced Grand American touring motorcycles, captured the attention of visitors. A special area, the Adventure Zone, was dedicated to the Pan America off-road model. Here visitors could experience off-road training and presentations by Dakar champions and off-road experts.

Custom Bike Show and future events

The Custom Bike Show, sponsored by Metzeler, was another highlight. Nearly 80 custom designed motorcycles were entered for judging in six categories. “Best in Show” went to a spectacular bike by Mirko Perugini from Italy. Future plans are also in place: the next European Bike Week is already scheduled for September 3-8, 2024.

Closing words from Harley-Davidson executive

Kolja Rebstock, Harley-Davidson Regional Vice President Europe, Middle East and Africa, expressed his anticipation for the years to come: “European Bike Week is among the biggest H-D events of any year… Experiences like those offered by European Bike Week underscore the lifestyle that characterizes our brand and makes it so unique.”

2023HD22 European Bike Week Review 1 — Harley-Davidson and Faaker See: A Symbiosis of Tradition and Future 9

2023HD22 European Bike Week Review 2 — Harley-Davidson and Faaker See: A Symbiosis of Tradition and Future 9

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