Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to experience the ETR?

Whichever way you want to! What do you feel like this year? Ride the ETR on your motorcycle? Alone or with some other riders? With your club? Maybe try it in the car, or in a van with friends? Or a combination of van + 5-6 motorcycles? Or maybe you want to explore ETR in Winter on Snowmobiles? Or on the water in RIB Boats? Combine motorcycles, snowmobiles, RIB's and dog sled tours? The possibilities are (nearly) endless!

Some of the ways you can enjoy The ETR >>

What type of traveler is the ETR designed for?

The ETR is designed for people that like to take the time to slow down and get under the skin of the local areas and regions, and not just skim over the top as fast as possible. It’s not meant to be used as an Autobahn to get from Spain to Norway, which is exactly why it is composed primarily of slow country roads and backroads, stretching from one end of Europe to the other.

The only integrated stretch of motorway (at time of writing) is the Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö, connecting Denmark and Sweden by road and rail. Otherwise, you should think in terms of ‘Slow Travel’ when you’re enjoying The ETR, so you don’t deprive yourself of the millions of great experiences you find when you’re not racing around Europe like a mindless lunatic :) Slow down, chill out, enjoy more!

Read more about different types of riders here >>

Can I bring my motorcycle club?

You should! We have seen large groups of riders on all Stages of the route. Just plan ahead and book hotels well in advance so you are sure to get the number of rooms you want, in the type of accommodation you prefer for any season. Restaurants also. And always tank-up the night before wherever possible, so your motorcycles are ready the next morning, and you don’t have to start the day queuing for petrol along with all the locals!

Read more about groups here >>

Why is the ETR divided into 60 stages?

The ETR Route is divided into 60 Stages which are strong and individual experiences in themselves. Each stage covers a different and unique set of cultural, historic, heritage, topographic, landscape and geographic experiences.Each stage contains hundreds of great roads, routes, destinations and experiences, in a radius of 100km of the route. You can ride each stage in a day, or better still, take a week to explore a stage in detail, and go off the beaten track. ETR Stages can take as long as you want, and you don't have to stick to the route - just get out there and discover!

The 60 stages are designed with Stage 1 at the very North and Stage 60 in the southern end, so if you want to ride it chronologically you start up north. Otherwise, ride it in reverse :)

Take a look at the 60 Stages here >>

Is the idea that you ride the route in both directions?

Yes, the route is designed to be enjoyed in any direction - also East-West. When you have finished riding the 12,638 kilometers of great country roads from Nordkapp to Cadiz, and you still feel like more hairpins and switchbacks, great coastal roads, tunnels, spectacular bridges and high mountain passes, just point your vehicle in the other direction and head north again - the end of one adventure, is always the start of the next one!

Get an overview on the route map >>

Why does the ETR only cover some countries, and not others?

ETR is developed as a touring backbone through Europe, and contains a lot of the great roads, rides, attractions and experiences that you can find in Europe, baked into one large route. There are currently 9 countries along the route, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain.

Feel free to include other countries in your experience of the ETR - we also encourage visitors to get off the main track and explore the smaller backroads, towns and villages within a 100km radius each side of the route, before continuing north or south on the main route again. It's all about finding those unique experiences for yourself, and maybe sharing them with others, - if you want to :)

Read more about European Touring Route here >>

Are you planning to introduce more countries, regions, cities in the future?

At some point, we'll add more countries and regions, but for the moment, we're focusing on developing the central route and including as many great destinations, experiences, locations, attractions, that riders and travels like you want to experience on your 'Great Quest' through Europe.

Get an overview on the route map >>

When is the best time to ride the ETR?

You can ride it in any season, and some even go all the way north in the depths of Winter, but it’s definitely more pleasant in the Arctic regions in the summer. You could start down south in late Winter, early Spring and arrive up north in Summer, for example. Or the other way around, start from the north in late Summer and arrive down south in Autumn sometime.

Take a look at the different Stages and regions here >>

Where is the best place to start the ETR?

Anywhere you like! It makes no difference where you start the ETR, the main idea is to enjoy it, where you’re coming from and heading back to, afterwards. You can cut in anywhere along the route, and head north or south, depending on which types of experiences you want to start with. Each country and region offers a host of different experiences, events, festivals and happenings at different parts of the year, so you are sure to catch some great memories whichever direction you decide to start in. Both are good!

Get an overview on the route map >>

Why is Alta the best place to use as a base for a run to Nordkapp and back, in one day?

A lot of ETR Riders & Drivers take a few days in Alta, Northern Norway before making the final run along ETR Stage 1 to Nordkapp and back, so they get the best weather conditions. It’s a 207km ride in each direction, and perfect for a same-day ride up and back, leaving you with enough good hours to relax at Nordkapp before riding back to Alta, for a great night out!

Stay at Canyon Hotell >>
Eat at Restaurant Stakeriet >>
Eat at Alattio Pizza e Pasta >>
Enjoy drinks at Gabo Bar >>
Experience unforgettable adventures with Æventyr >>

Will all the Alpine passes be open when I get there?

Not all Alpine Passes are open continuously all year round, so you should always check whether the passes you want to include in your ride are open or closed before you set off that morning. In late Spring, sudden snowfall can close a pass that had been open for weeks beforehand. There are some local info websites that can tell you which passes are open/closed and for how long.


What type of equipment do I need in Winter?

Prepare for all types of weather up north, and if you’re riding to Nordkapp on anything without a roof and heating system, it’s a good idea to have heated vests, jacket, pants, boots, gloves and grips, as it can get cold up there, even in Summer. Warm, woolen thermals, waterproof and breathable outer layers, waterproof boots, heated hand protectors (attached to the handlebars) are a good idea, and maybe a waterproof outer poncho if you plan to ride on rainy days. Bring sunscreen also!



Where can I buy or download a GPX file of the route, for my navigation device?

Click on the link below to open the download page for the ETR GPX file. This download contains the route divided into 60 sections and is compatible with most (if not all) modern GPS units. You can also upload it to any of the widely-used navigation apps and use them on your mobile.

Download ETR GPX files here >>

Do I have to stick to the main route?

Not at all, in fact, the idea is that you use the route as a guide or backbone for exploring the 60 Stages in detail. There’s no right way or wrong way to ride the route - everyone’s experience is unique and all will be different - but we do recommend that you take your time, slow down and enjoy it at a calmer pace - it’s not a race, and there are no prizes for being the fastest!

Get an overview on the route map >>

What do you mean with a 100km radius around the route?

The core route itself is meant to be used as a backbone to explore the great roads and regions contained in the 60 Stages. The ‘diameter’ of the route is around 200 km, which gathers in and includes all of the interesting destinations, events and experiences you can find within a couple of hours riding in any direction. Then, when you want to move on, make your way back to the main route and head towards the next stage, and take a drift around that region.

Get an overview on the route map >>

Do you arrange organized tours of the ETR, or the stages?

Not any more, but there are many good motorcycle touring companies that run tours at different stages of the route. The best way, however, is just gather a group of friends together, pack your bags and just get out there. And don’t just stick to the route, explore the side roads also!

Read more about groups here >>

Can I ride the ETR in Winter?

For experienced riders that have tried riding in harsh conditions, yes. As always, hardcore and risk-filled rides are at your own responsibility, and we don't recommend riding to Nordkapp in Winter for inexperienced riders, so take care out there! Don't just do it as a TikTok challenge or just to get idiotic Instagram pictures. Riding in the Arctic in Winter is serious business, and your life relies fully on the strength of your equipment and depth of your riding experience. You can take it in stages and judge the weather before setting out on the next stage. Always bring a backup supply of petrol/diesel and food/water on each stage, and plan your rides so you know you’ll make it from one petrol station to the next. It’s also recommended to ride in groups, and not as a solo rider. And tell people where you’re heading to next, in case they have any local or recent information that you need to be aware of.

Take a look at the different Stages and regions here >>

What do you mean by "Ride the ETR your own way"?

ETR is for everyone to enjoy on any type of vehicle - even on foot. We have seen cyclists starting out in southern Spain to arrive at Nordkapp a few months later. Walkers and hikers also. And if you need to carry more equipment with you, then your choice of vehicle changes also, from bicycles, to mopeds, all types of motorcycle and sidecar rigs, trikes, slingshots, 4-wheeled 1-person vehicles, cars, pickups, SUV’s, vans, campervans, overland trucks, busses, and of course, large groups of motorcyclists. Ride the ETR your own way!

Read more about riding The ETR here >>

What is the best vehicle to experience the ETR with?

That is entirely up to personal taste, and what you feel comfortable with. And whether you like being warm, cold, wet or dry. Maybe you want to sleep in your vehicle, or bring your pets along for a great adventure?

Read more about riding The ETR here >>

Where is the best place to rent motorcycles to ride the ETR?

Central and southern Euurope have more motorcycle rental locations than Scandinavia, and we have heard good things about MotorBikeTrip, based on the French Riviera. From there you can ride the ETR north, south or any other direction!



Do you arrange hotels for ETR Travelers?

Nope, we don’t handle any bookings on your behalf, but we can direct you to where you can make your own bookings, and build your dream trip that way.

Find some of our hotel partners here >>

What type of accommodation can I expect to find?

Along the route, or within a 20 km ride in any direction, you will find comfortable and good-quality hotels, hostels, campsites, cabins, guest houses, and once you get far enough away from ‘civilisation’, you’ll find an unending supply of beautiful wild camping locations, if you prefer to bring your own accommodation on your motorcycle.

Get an overview on the route map >>

Can you recommend any good hotels along the route?

Yes, take a look through the Stories section of the website, and you’ll come across some of our favorite hotels and reliable hotel partners that we recommend to travelers, where they can get everything they need at a reasonable price. Check out the STORIES section to read more about ETR Accommodation, or browse the map and find them there!

Find some of our hotel partners here >>

Is ETR just an online concept? What’s the connection between motorcycling and VR?

ETR is based on decades of experience and information gathering by the owners on the road (in the real world). The ETR owners have a collective 100+ years of experience in motorcycle travel and touring all over Europe and on other continents. We have put in the miles and kilometers, and are converting that knowledge and information into a timeless motorcycle & adventure travel experience for anyone to enjoy.

ETR originated as a motorcycle route for riders to enjoy in the real world, and we have ridden the route in detail in both directions, on regular occasions, to visit all of the locations and destinations along the route, and talk to our partners, clients, customers and the local people in each region. We have also led tour groups on long and short tours, run expeditions from one end of Europe to the other, hosted music and motorcycle events at various locations along the route, and developed larger events on behalf of or sponsors, partners and clients to promote motorcycle touring and travel in Europe - for you to get out there and uncover the many layers of culture, history, heritage and other great things that the European Continent has to give you. Also in VR :)

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

So the ETR exists on multiple metaphysical planes, is that what you’re saying?

Yes, maybe… ETR is anchored in the real world, carved into the asphalt, concrete and dust tracks and trails around Europe. Mainly composed of backroads and B-roads, ETR is constructed around great experiences, locations, destinations and attractions, using existing traffic and transportation infrastructure, geographic and topographic details in the natural landscape, avoiding motorways and rail lines wherever possible. You can ride it both directions from one end to the other without ever having to get onto a motorway. The only section of motorway is the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden, but you can even avoid that by taking a ferry between Helsingør and Helsingborg. The water layer is also a main feature of the ETR :)

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

But it’s an online thing, also?

ETR is also an online concept, connecting people from all parts of the globe through a common shared set of interests.. Through real-world connections, friends and their friends, through social media and other online networks and virtual spaces. It’s also a B2B and B2C Business Network, connecting business to each other, and connecting business to their audiences and customers. Other layers on top of that include the Virtual Reality layer, where it’s possible to enjoy stages, locations and sections of the route from anywhere in the world, at any time, using a VR headset, phone VR headset, Powerwalls, or any other VR device that allows you to experience 360-degree stereoscopic or monoscopic immersive virtual reality environments. Just don’t try it while you’re riding a motorcycle!

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

What exactly is VR, or what do you mean by immersive Virtual Reality environments?

Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive experience and a computer-simulated reality. It refers to technologies using reality headsets to generate the realistic 360-degree soundscapes, images and other sensations that replicate a real environment or create an imaginary world. VR is a way to immerse users in an entirely synthetic world. A true VR environment engages all five senses (taste, sight, smell, touch, sound), but this is not always technically possible.

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

What does Augmented Reality mean?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. As AR exists on top of our own world it provides as much freedom as you have in your normal life. AR utilizes your existing reality and adds to it using a device of some sort. Mobiles and tablets are the most popular mediums of AR at the moment. Through the camera, apps can add an overlay of digital content into the environment, which you can interact with. Did that make sense?

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

Ok…. So what is Extended Reality, then?

Extended Reality (XR) is the umbrella term for AR / VR / MR computer altered reality. Extended Reality refers to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. Extended Reality includes all its descriptive forms such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR). Extended reality provides a wide variety and vast number of levels and sensor inputs to Immersive Virtuality.

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

So where does that put Actual Reality, are we all going to be living in fake spaces in a few years?

Not if you don’t want to. The way we’re all going to be using the internet in a few years time will be vastly different to the way we use it today. We're used to using it in flat 2D where we have some kind of clunky physical screen, phone, tablet or interface sitting between us and the raw data, and we interact with that using a mouse, trackpad, keyboard, facial recognition or voice commands, or using some other physical interface that we hammer on with our fingers. Now, imagine those interfaces were replaced with holograms or ‘keyboards made of light’ that can track the movements of your fingers in the real world. Much like if you’re typing on a 3D floating keyboard inside VR. Just in the real world, where the interfaces are projected into your ‘real’ reality. More ways to control your input will be possible, for example, via gestures, facial recognition, iris tracking, voice control, movement, but if you’re feeling particularly old-school and really feel you have to hammer something out on a keyboard, that will still be possible for a long time to come. Just like CD’s, video cassettes or combustion engines are still around. There will always be luddites to hold us all back :)

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

Sounds nuts - how is that practical for me?

Imagine you’re on the road with your motorbike somewhere, and you can call up anything you might need in a transparent 3D space around you. You don’t need to take off your gloves in the rain and go digging for your phone buried deep in your pocket; everything you could possibly need can be accessed right in front of you, within seconds. Maybe on the inside of your helmet, or using a pair of lightweight AR-glasses, where you can order your next hotels, pay for yesterday's hotel, book ferry tickets for the day after tomorrow, book a table for later tonight when you arrive at the next town, pay the bills back home, or order spare parts for your motorcycle and get them delivered to the destination you will be at in 3 days time. You could probably even book a mechanic at a garage to install them with you. Meeting up with friends on the road will be a lot easier also, as you can track them in realtime and gauge your own arrival time to fit with when they’re getting there, so you can relax and enjoy your own trip a lot more.

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

What is The Metaverse?

The Metaverse will replace the mobile internet as a type of embodied internet, where instead of just viewing content, you are in it. A digital layer on top of your physical existence where people can move between different devices and socially interact, buy, sell, trade, travel, explore, communicate, connect in virtual/real environments.

The Metaverse, like the internet, is not owned by any one company. Many different organisations, companies, teams, and individuals are contributing to the development and construction of this new ecosystem.

For example, Epic Games best known as the creator of Fortnite announced on April 13, 2021 a $1 billion round of funding to build a “long-term vision of the Metaverse” which will help the company further develop connected social experiences. Sony Group Corporation contributed an additional $200 million strategic investment to align Epic Games’ upcoming Metaverse with its own technology, entertainment and socially-connected online offerings.

Facebook Reality Labs and META have invested heavily in virtual reality and augmented reality, developing hardware such as its Oculus VR headsets with about 10,000 employees already working on virtual reality, AR glasses and wristband technologies. META, FB & FRL plans to hire 10,000 more developers & technicians in Europe to build out the concept over the next five years.

Read more about AR / VR / MR / XR here >>

I'll need that one more time, what is it in simple terms?

  • The future of The Internet, where we carry out our daily tasks, purchases, interactions, etc.
  • Persistent - it never resets, pauses, or ends, just continues indefinitely and seamlessly.
  • Synchronous and live - a living experience that exists consistently for everyone in real-time.
  • No limit to concurrent users, and each user will have an individual sense of “presence”.
  • Everyone can be a part of the Metaverse and participate in a specific event/place/activity together, at the same time and individually. Like breathing air or swimming in the sea.
  • A fully functioning economy - individuals and businesses will be able to create, own, invest, sell, and be rewarded for a wide range of “work” that produces “value” that is recognised by others.
  • An experience that spans both the digital and physical worlds, private and public networks and experiences, and open and closed platforms.
  • Offers unprecedented interoperability of data, digital items/assets, content, creativity, etc. across each of these experiences.
  • Populated by “content” and “experiences” created and operated by a wide range of decentralised contributors, organisations, companies, teams, producers and individuals.
Read more here >> www.wundermanthompson.com/insight/building-the-metaverse

Maybe it's just easier if you tell me what The Metaverse is NOT?

  • The Metaverse is not a virtual world
  • Not a virtual space
  • Not only virtual reality
  • Not a digital or virtual economy
  • Definitely not a game
  • Not a virtual theme park
  • Not a new app store
  • Not a new UGC platform (user-generated content like Facebook or Instagram)
Did that help? You can read more about it here >> www.matthewball.vc/all/themetaverse

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