There is nothing on two wheels that matches the feeling of a wide-open road or the freedom of exploring the continent via a self-guided motorcycle tour such as those found at horizonmotorcycletravel.com.

No convoy required – all you need is the wind in your hair, leaning through the corners, with miles of tarmac to play on. These are some of Europe’s best new and classic roads – from the wild peaks of the Dolomites, to postcard-perfect Harz scenery, and the raw and rugged Pyrenees.

The Dolomites: A Ride Through Alpine Majesty

A ride through Italy’s Unesco-listed Dolomites should be on any petrolhead's bucket list. These dramatic mountains have smooth, steep roads that switch back left right and centre, making them some of Europe's best biking. 

The Great Dolomite Road stretches about 110km from Bolzano in northern Italy to mountain resort Cortina d’Ampezzo. On this amazing journey riders will conquer hairpins, climbs and descents with stunning views over the Alps. They pass through lush alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes and along jagged peaks before dropping down to the valley floor and climbing again over another mountain pass. 

With its well-maintained roads plus a selection bike hotels and gashouses to choose from it's ideal for a DIY tour.

Harz: Germany's Hidden Gem

Thanks to its stunning natural beauty and twisting roads, Germany’s central Harz Mountains have been attracting bikers in ever greater numbers over recent years. 

The region offers an excellent mix of nature, historic towns and cultural monuments; UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Goslar's old town or Quedlinburg are located next to scenic winding roads that are not far from such attractions as Cliffs along River Oder or Beckerich Cliffs at Königsstuhl National Park Centre (both within easy reach). 

Riding around the Harz is straightforward – roads are in great condition and there's no shortage of open-air accommodation, making it an ideal destination for a motorcycle adventure.

Pyrenees: A Cross-Border Adventure

There are few rides in Europe to match the Pyrenees, a mountain range that follows the 495km border between France and Spain.From lush valleys to rugged peaks, cross-country runs and challenging passes, it boasts some of the greatest motorcycle journeys in Europe, and services like location moto make it easier for riders to access and explore these routes. The most famous is the route taken by the Tour de France, over its highest passes, including the Col du Tourmalet. 

Other highlights are the hairpin bends found on the N-260 in Spain and the jumps across the border between both countries, where you can indulge in French wine or Spanish jamón and discover different cultures.

Conclusion

Setting off on a motorbike tour on your own is a fantastic way to discover the most scenic or unknown parts of a region without relying on someone else’s itinerary, to relax and take as little as a week or as long as you wish, to visit the places you choose to visit, go where you wish and even stop where you please, and – of course – to experience the sensation of speed. 

Whether you like high mountain passes crisscrossing the Dolomites, adventurous trails crossing between France and Spain over the Pyrenees, or anything in between.