Travelling beautiful Benelux

The lower regions of northern Europe, known as the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), have fascinating histories behind each country. One runs into the next, providing a changing landscape and ornate European architecture to get lost in

One could worry that riding your Harley-Davidson^® through the entire Benelux region is too much of a complex, far-flung dream, but it is actually simpler than you think. Planning a one-day trip, or even several days, is really very easy. As a member of H.O.G.^®, if you want to rent a Harley-Davidson, consider the Authorized Rentals dealers or the network of H.O.G. chapters. You know yourself that there is no better way to discover nice spots than being tipped by a local. On the H.O.G. Benelux website (hogbenelux.com) you will find all the contact addresses of the local chapters – don’t hesitate to contact them.

Whether you decide to plan a tour through the Benelux region or opt for a central base and explore from there, you will find that no matter how many hours you travel the roads, you will still be short of time to see everything the Benelux region offers. In this part of the world you will find so many different Harley-Davidson dealers and H.O.G. chapters within close proximity of each other.

Enjoy the spectacular coastline of Belgium and the Netherlands, the polder roads and mountainous landscapes of Ardennes and Luxembourg in just one trip. Take the opportunity to taste the unique local specialities of each region; we bet you will be coming back!

Belgium

Have you always dreamt of riding Route 66? Why not start with the Belgian version of Route 66, also known as the N4, from Brussels to Luxembourg. This 200km road is the route from the Netherlands to southern France, from Flanders to the Ardennes, and from Wallonia to the sea.

If you prefer to take a route through the forest-covered landscapes, then your choice should be Ardennes. Be sure to make a stop in Dinant and behold the tremendous tilting rock while sitting on a cosy terrace. This is also the birthplace of the inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax.

If you want to get the wind in your hair and paddle in the sea, then the coastal region is definitely for you. The Flemish coast, from Knokke to De Panne, is 67km long and has 13 bathing resorts in 10 coastal municipalities. It is a region diverse in nature, culture, beach life and café culture. Let your hair blow and your Harley-Davidson® rumble along the road as you explore the coast.

Once you arrive in De Panne, you can cross over to Westhoek with the city of Ieper (Ypres) as a base. In the Flanders Fields Museum, you will get a full picture of the ups and downs of the First World War. When riding through the Fields of Flanders, pay a visit to the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Grab a bite in the evening and then at 8pm participate in the Last Post, a traditional final salute to the fallen, which is played by the buglers in honour of the memory of the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies, who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War.

Luxembourg

The grand duchy of Luxembourg is the second smallest country in the European Union, after Malta.

But don’t worry, its cosmopolitan capital offers just about everything, such as UNESCO world heritage monuments, museums and plazas. Be sure to pop over to the Harley-Davidson^® dealer; he will no doubt give you some useful information.

In the southern part of the country, you will discover the industrial past of the Red Lands, such as old steel factories. Are you a lover of wines? Discover the Moselle region with its steep vineyards – don’t hesitate to stop at a winemaker for a tasting.

The Netherlands

Windmills, cheese, tulips, wooden shoes and Amsterdam are usually the first things that come to mind when you hear the name Holland. But is it the Netherlands or Holland? Holland is located in the western part of the Netherlands and is bordered by the North Sea in the west, Zeeland and North Brabant in the south and Gelderland, Utrecht, Flevoland and Ijsselmeer in the east.

In the southern part of the Netherlands you can ride through Zeeland, a great ride from one peninsula to the next. This takes you over the Zeeland Bridge, an architectural and hydraulic spectacle, which once was the world’s longest bridge.

While enjoying the landscape, you can continue further north until you reach Rotterdam. In 1940, most of the historical city centre was destroyed by German bombardments. Nowadays, Rotterdam is known for its innovative modern architecture.

Rotterdam is the largest and most vital port in Europe, and for a long time was the biggest in the world. The port area stretches over more than 40 kilometres.

Here you have the option of charting your course along the coast or along inner lakes in order to reach Amsterdam. It goes without saying that this is an international city that has something for everyone.

All the way north is the province of Friesland with its nearly incomprehensible language, Frisian. In this flat and open countryside, you will see splendid sights during your tour. The dry sausages are a local product, but in the evening you can try the Frisian whisky. The whisky is called ‘Frysk Hynder’, which refers to the royal Frisian horse, for its elegant and ebony appearance. Drop in at the most northern dealer, HD-Point in Drachten, or meet the members of the local H.O.G. chapter.

The next natural course of action is to take a tour of the east and south parts of the Netherlands. Consider for example riding through hilly South Limburg, which is perfect proof that the Netherlands is not entirely flat!

H-D^® AUTHORIZED RENTALS DEALERS
 

1. Oude Monnink Motors
Vroomshoop , Netherlands
oudemonninkmotors.nl

2. Motor Saloon
Amersfoort, Netherlands
motorsaloon.nl

3. Dutch Hills
Harley-Davidson      
Kerkrade, Netherlands
dutchhills.nl

4. Central Harley-Davidson
Veghel, Netherlands
centralharley-davidson.nl

5. Big-Rivers Harley-Davidson
Heteren, Netherlands
big-riversharley-davidson.nl

6. West Coast Motors
Alkmaar, Netherlands
westcoastmotors.nl

7. H-D Point
Drachten, Netherlands
hdpoint.nl

8. American Lifestyle
Zwijndrecht, Belgium
americanlifestyle.be

9. Harley-Davidson Mons
Mons-Cuesmes, Belgium
harley-davidson-mons.be

10. Harley-Davidson
Capital Brussels
Dilbeek, Belgium
capitalofeurope.be

11. Harley-Davidson Luxembourg 
Moutfort, Luxembourg
harley-davidson-luxembourg.lu