HARLEY DAYS Willingen

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.