Harley-Davidson rally draws thousands to Carinthia

The European Bike Week at Lake Faak has begun, drawing thousands of Harley-Davidson fans to Carinthia, ORF reported. Now in its 28th year, the event is considered the most important Harley gathering outside the United States.

The motorcycles are already filling the roads around the lake, with noise levels correspondingly high. Visitors can see new Harley models flown in directly from the United States, while many are taking group rides through Carinthia and the Alpine-Adriatic region.

Georg Overs, managing director of the Villach tourism region, said interest remained strong and that Harley riders spent more than average. He said businesses were reporting “really good spending behaviour” and that all types of accommodation, from campsites and guesthouses to five-star hotels, were currently full.

Overs said the event was expected to generate about 200,000 overnight stays across Carinthia. Its impact extended beyond Lake Faak to Lake Ossiach and Lake Wörth, he said.

The main event will take place on Saturday, when nearly 20,000 motorcycles are expected to join the Harley parade. For many participants, the group ride is the emotional highlight of the week, beginning at the Harley roundabout in Faak and continuing through Villach’s main square.