Motorcycling is not just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about the experience. The best routes offer thrilling curves, breathtaking landscapes, and a pure riding thrill. In this article, we explore some of the most legendary motorcycle routes in Finland and Europe that every rider should experience at least once.
1. The Most Stunning Motorcycle Routes in Finland
Finland offers spectacular roads that run through lake landscapes, forests, and the wilderness of Lapland.
The Päijänne Loop – Lake Views and Twisty Roads
📍 Distance: ~250 km
📍 Best time to ride: May–September
📍 Highlights: The shores of Lake Päijänne, winding roads, picturesque small villages
Why ride this route?
- Winding country roads circling Lake Päijänne.
- Scenic stops like Pulkkilanharju Ridge Road.
- Suitable for both sportbikes and touring motorcycles.
Lapland Routes – Riding Through the Arctic Wilderness
📍 Distance: 500–1000 km
📍 Best time to ride: June–September (especially stunning during the midnight sun)
📍 Highlights: Saariselkä, Kilpisjärvi, Arctic tundra landscapes
Why ride this route?
- Unique atmosphere: quiet roads and endless views.
- Northern lights in autumn, midnight sun in summer.
- The roads to Kilpisjärvi and the Arctic Ocean offer incredible landscapes.
Koli National Park – Lakes, Forests, and Winding Roads
📍 Distance: 150–200 km
📍 Best time to ride: June–September
📍 Highlights: Koli Hills, Lake Pielinen
Why ride this route?
- Stunning scenery at Lake Pielinen and the Koli peaks.
- Smooth, winding roads.
- Great rest stops and cozy cafés along the way.
2. Legendary Motorcycle Routes in Europe 🌍
Europe is filled with spectacular motorcycle roads that offer thrilling curves, elevation changes, and views that leave you speechless.
The Alpine Passes – The Best Riding Experience in Europe
📍 Famous Passes:
✔ Stelvio Pass, Italy – 48 tight switchbacks, 2757 meters high
✔ Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria – Toll road but worth every cent for the views
✔ Furka Pass, Switzerland – Famous from the James Bond movie Goldfinger
Why ride in the Alps?
- Elevation changes and hairpin bends challenge and improve riding skills.
- Fantastic rest stops, cafés, and restaurants.
- Unmatched landscapes.
Norwegian Fjords and Trollstigen – The King of Northern Curves
📍 Pituus: 100–500 km, riippuen reittivalinnasta
📍 Paras aika ajaa: Kesä–elokuu
📍 Parasta reiti📍 Distance: 100–500 km, depending on the chosen route
📍 Best time to ride: June–August
📍 Highlights: Fjords, serpentines, waterfalls
Why ride Trollstigen and the Norwegian fjords?
- The switchbacks of Trollstigen are a dream for motorcyclists.
- Short stages with incredible scenery.
- Combine with the Atlantic Road, which runs over the sea!
German Autobahn and Black Forest – Speed and Scenic Curves 🇩🇪
📍 Distance: 300–600 km
📍 Best time to ride: May–October
📍 Highlights: Unlimited-speed autobahns, winding forest roads
Why ride in Germany?
- The Autobahn allows testing your motorcycle’s top speed (safely!).
- Black Forest (Schwarzwald) roads are full of curves and fantastic scenery.
- High-quality roads and motorcycle-friendly rest stops.
3. Tips for Planning Your Motorcycle Journey
✔ Check weather forecasts and temperatures – in the mountains, conditions change rapidly.
✔ Choose the right tires – long trips may require touring tires rather than soft sportbike tires.
✔ Book accommodations in advance if possible – especially in the Alps and Norway, hotels fill up quickly.
✔ Have a backup plan – sometimes roads are closed or in poor condition.
4. Conclusion – Which Routes Should Every Rider Experience?
🏍️ In Finland: The Päijänne Loop, Lapland’s roads, and Koli’s stunning landscapes offer fantastic experiences.
🏍️ In Europe: The Alpine passes, Norwegian fjords with Trollstigen, and Germany’s autobahns combined with the Black Forest are must-ride routes.
👉 Have you ridden any of these routes? Or do you have a favorite that we didn’t mention? Leave a comment and share your experience!
👉 For route planning, I have created a GTP tool that helps map out motorcycle routes. If you’re interested, feel free to ask for the link!
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