Some places feel like they were made for motorcyclists (or at least that is what you start thinking once you ride there). Luxembourg is definitely one of those places. No endless boring highways. Just beautiful roads, smooth corners, forests, hills and routes where every turn makes you think: “one more corner then.” And the best part? You can get there from the Netherlands in just a few hours. There are, however, a few stricter rules when it comes to riding a motorcycle in Luxembourg. In this article we explain everything you need to know.
Why riding a motorcycle in Luxembourg is so good
Luxembourg may be small, but on a motorcycle it feels much bigger. That is mainly because everything is close together. Within an hour you can go from tight forest roads to open hill routes with views that make you stop for a picture (and a cold Coke).
What you get there:
- Beautiful asphalt roads
- Very little traffic
- Lots of elevation changes
- Endless corners
- Great restaurants and cafés along the way
- Cheap fuel
Especially that last one suddenly makes motorcyclists very happy at the fuel station 😉
The best places for motorcycle riding in Luxembourg
Mullerthal
Mullerthal is also called “Little Switzerland”. Sounds touristy, but honestly, it really is beautiful.
Narrow roads, forests, rocks and short corners one after another. It is exactly the kind of area where you naturally start riding sharper because the roads just flow so well.
Tip: be careful in the mornings. Roads through the forest can still be damp or slippery.
The Luxembourg Ardennes
This is probably the best part of Luxembourg for motorcycle riding.
Long corners, beautiful elevation changes, quiet roads and views everywhere that make you think: “okay, this ride was already worth it.”
Around Vianden and Clervaux you will find amazing roads. Nothing too technical, just great riding and clearing your head.
Riding along the Moselle
Want to take it a bit easier? Then the Moselle region is perfect.
You ride past vineyards, villages and riverside roads where you can cruise without constantly focusing on aggressive cornering. Definitely book an overnight stay there as well.
Perfect for:
- riding with a passenger
- a relaxed motorcycle holiday
- stopping at terraces and cafés along the way
- simply enjoying the scenery
Tips for riding a motorcycle in Luxembourg
1. Leave early
Not because you have to, but because empty roads are simply more fun.
Later in the day you will start running into campers, cyclists and tourists. Early mornings often give you the roads almost completely to yourself.
2. Fuel up in Luxembourg
Make sure you have enough fuel to reach Luxembourg before filling up your bike there.
Your wallet will thank you. Fuel is usually cheaper there than in the Netherlands or Belgium. Especially during longer riding days, it can save you quite a bit of money.
3. Use a good route app
Sure, Google Maps works… sort of.
But apps like Kurviger or Calimoto actually guide you over the fun roads. Less boring straight roads, more corners. And honestly, that is exactly why you go to Luxembourg.
4. Always bring rain gear
Even if it is 25 degrees when you leave home.
The weather can change quickly there, especially in the hills and forest areas.
Traffic laws and motorcycle rules in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is relaxed, but they do take traffic laws seriously. So do not go blasting through every road at full speed and take it easy in villages. There are also a few rules that are different compared to the Netherlands.
The most important rules and requirements:
- Clothing: An approved helmet (ECE 22.05 or 22.06), protective clothing and CE-approved gloves are mandatory.
- Safety vest: You are required to carry a reflective safety vest and wear it in case of a breakdown or accident.
- Visor: Your visor must have an ECE approval mark.
- Communication systems: Since the ECE 22.06 regulations, helmet communication systems must be homologated as one unit with the helmet. Loose mounted systems may result in a fine.
- Lights: Riding with dipped headlights during the day is mandatory.
- Exhausts: Police checks on exhaust noise are strict. Original exhausts are allowed, but aftermarket systems must have a dB-killer installed.
- Dashcams: The use of action cameras such as GoPros mounted on helmets or dashcams is prohibited in Luxembourg because of privacy laws.
- Lane splitting: Riding between lanes or filtering through traffic is not allowed.
- Reflector: In Luxembourg a separate red rear reflector is legally required on your motorcycle. A reflector integrated into the rear light is not enough. The reflector must have an E-approval mark and be mounted vertically under or above the license plate.
Best time to go motorcycle riding in Luxembourg
Spring: Fresh air, quiet roads and beautiful green landscapes everywhere.
Summer: Great weather, lots of motorcycles on the road and long riding days.
Autumn: Probably the best season for many riders. Forests full of autumn colours, less traffic and often perfect riding weather.
