Roaring engines in a picture-book Alpine setting.

This year marks the 15th year of BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

For the past 15 years, thousands of bikers from around the world have been flocking to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the foothills of the Wetterstein mountains. BMW Motorrad Days, the motorcycle event of the year, has been taking place here for the past 15 years.

Garmisch Partenkirchen sits like a story-book town at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain. Countless trails take hikers up to nearby peaks and beyond to ice-cold Alpine lakes. Once a year, this idyllic setting is a magnet for thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. A festival atmosphere takes over in Garmisch-Partenkirchen during the event. The locals celebrate together with bikers, who come to BMW Motorrad Days from literally every corner of the earth.

Figures. Data. Facts.

Visitors come from 50 different countries.
Campsites are packed by early July: 2,000 to 3,000 overnight stays are booked during the festival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
12,000 pretzels and 1,400 pork knuckles were consumed in 2015.
40,000 visitors. Year after year.
Globetrotters gather at BMW Motorrad Days. This rider travelled over 320,000 kilometres on his GS.

Bavarian lifestyle.

Bavarian lifestyle.

The festival was originally held in Austria. The first BMW Motorrad Days took place in Seefeld in 2001 and was called the "BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting". But before long, it became clear that the biker event belonged in Bavaria, home of the BMW Group. Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the ideal location. Framed by the Zugspitze and Hausberg mountains, this panoramic Alpine setting gives visitors a real feel for the Bavarian lifestyle. Its motorcycle routes make it an ideal meeting place for motorcyclists. But Garmisch-Partenkirchen has even more to offer: This therapeutic resort town at an altitude of 720 metres is a magnet for tourists, who come here to enjoy recreational activities.

+ Read more

A multicultural gathering in the Alps.

Everyday life in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is traditionally Bavarian, however, the town becomes multicultural during BMW Motorrad Days. Motorcycle enthusiasts from places like Thailand, China or India cross many countries for months before finally reaching the Wetterstein mountains. For many, the last leg of the journey to the free event is the highlight of the trip. The Alpine region allures bikers with its windy country roads and switchbacks. Ten thousand enthusiasts now mark their calendars every year for BMW Motorrad Days. Hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites are always fully booked by the beginning of July. In 2015, 40,000 people from about 50 different countries came to the festival.
+ Read more

Join in the fun.

BMW Motorrad Days isn't just for spectators, it's also an active festival. The Boxer Sprint has been held since 2013. The Try-Out Trophy event also brings the spirit of the International GS Trophy to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It was co-organised by none other than Tomm Wolf – also known as "Mr GS Trophy". Visitors can drive at trials and introductory courses for beginners. Breath-taking shows in the event area and the Motodrome, the world's oldest wall of death, are a feast for all the senses.
+ Read more

Motorcycle stunt with a little kiss.
A daring jump.
Full throttle on a Double R.
Fireworks on the BMW Motorrad Days festival grounds.
The Boxer Sprint gets underway.
The spectacular race on the furlong.
Breath-taking stunts at the Motodrome wall of death.

Up close and in person.

Chris Pfeiffer, Sabine Holbrook, Michael Martin, Mattie Griffin, Makani Terror: These are just some of the stars who make guest appearances at BMW Motorrad Days. What's different about this event: Fans get to meet these celebrities in person. Racer Sabine Holbrook has always taken the time to talk to fans and pose for photos with them.
Renowned photographer Michael Martin holds presentations at BMW Motorrad Days and takes questions from festival-goers. Stunt icon Chris Pfeiffer also comes to the event to cheer on his colleague Mattie Griffin and personally thank his fans. "I've always looked forward to this event. BMW Motorrad Days is truly a professional motorcycle event", says Chris.
+ Read more

Actor Hannes Jaenicke (right) came to BMW Motorrad Days for the first time in 2014. This year he's back again.
Unique autograph.
Chris Pfeiffer: feeling great after an action-packed stunt session.
Chris Pfeiffer also autographs T-shirts.
Tattoo model Makani Terror at the Motodrome.
Autograph session for fans.
Make Life a Ride – that could also be the slogan for BMW Motorrad Days.

Party time and bonfire.

Party time and bonfire.

There's also more than enough to do in the evenings: long nights of partying at the US Lodge, an Oktoberfest-style celebration in the party pavilion, with bands like "Blechbos'n" or "Gerry und Gary". A whole lot of dancing and singing going on. The bonfire is the perfect setting for talking with kindred spirits.

+ Read more

No end in sight.

Preparations for the next BMW Motorrad Days are in full swing.

No end in sight.

After 15 years, there's no end in sight for BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The event is evolving every year. You don't have to be a motorcyclist to enjoy this festival.

+ Read more

No distance is too far.

Despite poor health, 80-year-old Karl Bossert was not going to miss out on BMW Motorrad Days. The Pforzheim native has never missed a single year of the three-day event. In 2005 he even won an award for the highest mileage. A loyal festival fan and a true enthusiast.
+ Read more

July is around the corner once again, so climb on your bike, start your engine, and come out for your own unique BMW Motorrad Days experience.

The new BMW Motorrad Days collection

More stories you might be interested in.

"The Future Shack" by BMW Motorrad
Episode 2: Smart City
Learn more
Created with strength and grace
BMW R 18 The Wal by Shinya Kimura
Learn more

Suitable motorcycles.

Limited Edition
R 18 100 Years
Heritage
Learn more
R 18 First Edition
Heritage
Learn more
Limited Edition
R nineT 100 Years
Heritage
Learn more
spinner