This tour tracks one of the most daring raids of WWII, when 617 Squadron bombed the dams of the Ruhr Valley in a daring and costly raid. The Dam Busters were immortalised in the 1955 film of the same name. 75 years on, in better times, we can retrace their route and enjoy the rebuilt Dams of the Ruhr. This is a biking holiday where the roads twist and wind around the lakes of the Ruhr Valley.
DAMS OF THE RUHR VALLEY
At a Glance
Tour Overview
This is a premium motorcycle tour across France and Germany, linking historic routes, iconic locations and some of the most rewarding scenic motorbike routes in Europe. Designed for riders who value both exceptional roads and meaningful destinations, it combines flowing countryside, technical riding and cultural depth into a distinctive European motorcycle adventure.
The journey begins in France with a ride into the Ardennes, a region known for quiet, sweeping roads that naturally suit motorcycle touring. From here, the route leads into Germany and the Ruhr Valley, where this experience becomes something truly unique. This is Germany motorcycle touring with purpose, visiting the legendary dams connected to Operation Chastise while enjoying engaging roads that wind through forests, valleys and riverside landscapes. The ride around the Edersee stands out in particular, delivering constant curves and ever-changing views along one of the most enjoyable stretches of road in the region.
Leaving the Ruhr, the tour heads south toward Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most enchanting medieval towns in Germany. This stage blends relaxed scenic riding with a shift in atmosphere, arriving within historic walls where time slows and the experience deepens. A pause here offers balance, giving space to explore while reinforcing the premium, curated feel of this motorcycle tour in Europe.
The rhythm builds once again as you ride into the Black Forest, a defining region for Germany motorcycle riding. The B500, or Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, is widely regarded as one of the best roads in Europe, delivering smooth surfaces, fast curves and uninterrupted views. This is a highlight of any Germany motorcycle adventure and a key moment in the journey.
The route then returns to France through quiet, flowing countryside, with a reflective stop at the Butte de Montsec memorial before the final evening in the Ardennes. A last ride north to Calais completes the experience, bringing together a tour that combines history, landscape and some of the finest riding roads across France and Germany into one seamless premium guided motorcycle tour.
Well organised with very good pre tour information, good hotels particularly SCHLOSS WALDECK and HOTEL CHATEAU LE FORT SEDAN. Katrina was very good at managing peoples wants and needs on the tour.
Tour Availability
| From | To | Days | Nights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
04-September-2027 |
12-September-2027 |
9 |
8 |
|
02-September-2028 |
10-September-2028 |
9 |
8 |
Motorrad Tours welcome all makes and models of bike on tour. We also have a range of BMW bikes that you can hire. All our hire bikes for Classic and European Explorer Tours are current model BMW’s complete with ABS, Heated Grips, Panniers, Top Box, Tank Bag, Inner bags for all boxes and a pre programmed BMW Navigator GPS included.
| Price option | Solo Rider Shared Room | Solo Rider Single Room | *Rider and passenger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riding Your Own Motorcycle | 1995 | 2595 | 3095 |
| Including an F800GS or F900XR Hire Bike | 3045 | 3645 | 4145 |
| Including an F900GS Adventure Hire Bike | 3145 | 3745 | 4245 |
| Including an R1300GS, RS or RT Hire Bike | 3245 | 3845 | 4345 |
| Including an S1000XR Hire Bike | 3295 | 3895 | 4395 |
| Including an R1300GS Adventure Hire Bike | 3395 | 3995 | 4495 |
| Including a K1600 GT Hire Bike | 3445 | 4045 | 4545 |
* Rider and Passenger price is for both people, not per person.
HIRE BIKES: If you are booking with a hire bike we will hand your bike over on the afternoon prior to the first tour day. This will give you a chance to get familiar with the bike, make any adjustments, arrange your packing and not waste any time on the first day riding.
Day 1 Your journey begins with an early LeShuttle crossing from England before heading into France, where relaxed riding leads to Cambrai for lunch and on into the sweeping roads of the Ardennes. This opening stage blends smooth tarmac with rolling countryside, offering the perfect introduction to motorcycle tours in Europe before a welcome evening with the group.
Day 2 Crossing into Germany, the ride sharpens as you enter the Ruhr Valley, a region rich in history and known for rewarding riding. The route includes the impressive Ennepe Dam before settling into a riverside base along the Ruhr. This is Germany motorcycle touring with a unique twist, where engineering heritage meets scenic riding.
Day 3 A full day in the Ruhr region delivers a carefully crafted loop taking in the Lister, Sorpe and Mohne dams. Expect a mix of technical sections and fast flowing roads that define Germany motorcycle riding, combined with relaxed stops and a pace that allows you to fully absorb the landscape and history.
Day 4 The ride continues to the iconic Eder Dam, a key highlight of this Germany motorcycle adventure. The roads here offer excellent variety, with sweeping curves and open views, before an atmospheric overnight stay and an opportunity to reflect on one of the most memorable locations of the tour.
Day 5 Turning south, the landscape shifts as you ride toward Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most enchanting medieval towns. This stage blends scenic motorbike routes with cultural depth, arriving within ancient walls where cobbled streets and historic architecture create a completely different dimension to this European motorcycle tour.
Day 6 A day at leisure allows you to explore Rothenburg at your own pace. Walk the town walls, discover its hidden corners or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. This pause enhances the overall journey, balancing exceptional riding with immersive travel.
Day 7 The rhythm builds again as you ride into the Black Forest, one of the most celebrated regions for Germany motorcycle touring. The Black Forest High Road delivers exactly what riders seek, smooth surfaces, sweeping bends and uninterrupted views across dense forest and open ridgelines.
- The Sorpe Dam
- The Mohnesee Dam
- The Edersee Dam
- The Ennepe Dam
- A chance to visit the Bridge at Remagen Museum
- The stunning unspoiled Medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- A night in Waldeck overlooking Edersee
- The roads of the Black Forest
- Traditional German Hospitality
This was my 5th Motorrad tour, and they have all done 'what its says on the tin ' Hopefully there will be a 6th next year. I just wish I could afford the Overland Adventures
What's Included
- Pre tour pack including tour information, Michelin maps, route notes and GPS routes in Garmin/BMW format
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary in 3 or 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts
- Welcome and farewell dinners (excludes beverages)
- Dinner at Waldeck, Edersee (excludes beverages)
- Motorrad Tours Tour Leader throughout the Tour
- Le Shuttle Return crossing
- Commemorative Polo Shirt for all riders and passengers
- Expert advice and support throughout
- The protection of booking with a fully bonded tour operator
Not Included
- Fuel
- Lunches
- Dinners other than those listed
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not listed as included
