HARLEY DAYS Willingen
From BIKE DAYS to an official Harley-Davidson® event in the Sauerland
About HARLEY DAYS
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From BIKE DAYS to HARLEY DAYS
2026 marks a turning point for Willingen's motorcycle festival: The traditional BIKE DAYS Willingen will become HARLEY DAYS Willingen – one of Germany's most important official Harley-Davidson® events. The elevation to an official brand event has catapulted the festival into a new league: more manufacturer presence, more custom bike competitions, more test rides on the latest models, and a more packed live music program.
The Harley Village
The center of the festival is the "Harley Village" behind the Sauerland Stern Hotel on the street "Vor den Weiden": an expansive area where motorcycles line up day and night, dealers set up their stalls, and mechanics demonstrate live what can be made from a standard machine. Admission to the Harley Village is free – a sign that the festival also wants to integrate the Sauerland into its economic strategy.
Sauerland – Biker Paradise in Hesse
Willingen is located in the Hessian Sauerland, on the border with North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. With its winding country roads, wooded hills, and low mountain range panoramas, the region is a biker paradise. The festival leverages this locational advantage with eight pre-planned tour routes and guided rides through the Upland and the adjacent Hochsauerland.
Custom Bike Contest, Test Rides, Live Music
Three pillars characterize the program:
- The Custom Bike Contest, where custom machines from all over Europe compete before a jury and the public.
- Free Test Rides on the latest Harley-Davidson models.
- A continuous Live Music Program on several stages, ranging from rock to country to blues.
Overnight Stays Among Bikers
As a ski resort, Willingen is well-equipped for large events: hotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments, and campsites are available near the festival grounds. The Sauerland Stern Hotel itself is usually booked up months in advance – those coming to the festival should book in time.
HARLEY DAYS — edition 2026
The premiere under the new name HARLEY DAYS brings with it an official Harley-Davidson® designation. Thousands of bikers from Germany and Europe are expected. Admission to the Harley Village is free.
Programme HARLEY DAYS 2026
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 — Welcome Day
- Opening of the Harley Village behind the Sauerland Stern Hotel
- Side events in Willingen town center with live music
- First rides in the afternoon
Thursday, July 9, 2026 — Dealer and Friends Party
- Industry event with Harley-Davidson dealers from all over Germany
- First test rides on the latest models
- Live band on the main stage in the Harley Village
Friday, July 10, 2026 — Opening of the Main Program
- Custom bike show with registration of participating bikes
- Guided tours on eight pre-planned routes through the Sauerland
- Test rides on the new Harley-Davidson models
- Dealer mile and live custom mechanics
- Evening concerts (Rock/Blues/Country)
Saturday, July 11, 2026 — Celebration Day
- Custom bike contest with judging in front of the audience
- Continuous live music on several stages
- Test rides, tour offers, dealer stands
- Headliner concert in the evening
Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Family Day / Closing
- Family day with a smaller admission area
- Award ceremony for the Custom Bike Contest
- Last rides, closing concert
Tours (eight routes)
- Routes through the Upland, Hochsauerland, and Waldeck
- Route lengths from 80 to 250 km
- GPS data and roadbooks available on site
Highlights HARLEY DAYS 2026
- First edition as an official Harley-Davidson® event
- Custom bike contest with European competition
- Free test rides on new models
- Eight guided tours through the Sauerland
- Continuous live music in the Harley Village
- Free admission to the Harley Village
Prices HARLEY DAYS 2026
Admission to the Harley Village is free. Some concerts and the custom bike contest may require separate registration or a fee.
Practical information — HARLEY DAYS
Getting There
By Car: A44 or A45, then B251 to Willingen – just under 2 hours from Frankfurt, just under 1.5 hours from Cologne. By Bike: Recommended via the winding routes through the Sauerland. By Train: To Brilon Stadt or Korbach, then bus or shuttle.
Admission
Admission to the Harley Village is free. The Custom Bike Contest and individual concerts may require tickets.
Dates
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Tip
For the most beautiful tour: One of the eight pre-planned routes through the Sauerland with a rented test ride bike.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a HARLEY DAYS al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place HARLEY DAYS
Harley Village – Festivalgelände am Sauerland Stern Hotel
Harley Village hinter Sauerland Stern Hotel, Vor den Weiden, 34508 Willingen (Upland)