It's not the main reason to go, but nonetheless, it's fun when you can check off another country on your 'been there, done that on a motorcycle'-list. This is my list and some thoughts on every country.

1. Albania

I don't know if it was my favorite country, but it was definitely the country that surprised me the most. I was invited by Motorcycle Albania for a week-long tour through the Balkans. I went without any expectations - I knew where Albania was, but that was about it. I loved it! It was so green, with rivers and creeks everywhere, high mountains, and tasty food.

2. Andora

Living in Spain and visiting the Pyrenees often, it's easy to end up in Andorra. There's supposed to be some cool off-road routes, including Pic Negre, but if you're staying on the pavement, don't bother going. If you do go, when coming from France, you have the chance to either take the Túnel d'Envalira (toll road) or take the CG-2 mountain pass. That last one sounds fun and is fun in theory, but I've never seen it not full of very slow traffic.

3. Belgium

I lived for about 6 years or so in and near Maastricht, in the south of The Netherlands near the border, so riding into Belgium happened regularly. The nicest part however is the Ardennes in the south-east.

4. France

Ah, France! There are so many beautiful parts. The Vosges in the north-east, going into the gorgeous French Alps, followed by places like Les Gorges du Verdon. And of course, the Pyrenees! So much to choose from...

5. Germany

I have to admit, I don't know Germany that well. I've been to the Eifel region and the area around Munich, but never by motorcycle. The only place I rode was just across the border from Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Got some tips? Tell me about them!

6. Italy

In the fall of 2021, I could finally check Italy off my motorcycle list! I took a tiny little corner of it, crossing the border from France into Italy near Sestriere and back into France near Susa. I definitely have to go back sometime.

7. Kosovo

My trip through Kosovo lasted only a few hours. During my Balkans tour, we rode from Macedonia into Kosovo, has lunch in Prizren which seemed like a surprisingly nice town, and then went on back to Albania. What I do remember is that there was a lot of roadwork going on, so I assume the roads are getting better and better over time.

8. Luxembourg

I've only passed through here on my way to France. Is it worth stopping and checking it out?

2021 update: I took the smaller roads. Don't recommend it. Just stop to get your cheap fuel, but other than that, keep riding!

9. Macedonia

Macedonia was great! I entered from the south side of Lake Ohrid and rode from there to Skopje. I wasn't too impressed by the city, but I do remember getting a very affordable, very good massage, which was so welcome after spending by then about 4 long days on the bike.

10. Montenegro

The last country on my Balkans trip. A beautiful country with fun rides along the coast. I went up to Kotor but didn't see the inland. I imagine it's good riding there, too.

11. The Netherlands

The country I was born and raised! I wouldn't recommend it by bike, since it's rainy, flat and boring, but if you must go, the best roads would be the dike between Zwolle and Deventer, following the IJssel river, and the Mergelland Route in the south. That last one was a favorite of mine as a student, skipping classes to be out on the road instead. Make sure to stop at ''t Hijgend Hert' for a local beer and some bitterballen.

12. Portugal

When first counting, I almost forgot Portugal! Probably because I've never ridden a motorcycle on the mainland, but only on the island of Sao Miguel. This island is part of the Azores and something I imagine Hawaii looks like. There's always a comfortable temperature and it's quite wet, making the island super green with colorful flowers everywhere.

13. Spain

Just the region of Catalonia alone is enough to write a blog about, let alone the entire country. The Pyrenees, The Cuenca area, the Sierra Nevada, Picos de Europa, just to name a few... There's endless riding around here and I'm sure more blogs about Spanish regions will follow.

14. Turkey

As I'm writing this, I'm still in Turkey. Riding here was fantastic! I've written an entire blog about motorcycling in the south-east. My stay here has been quite an experience, so make sure to read it!

15. Switzerland

Switzerland... oh so beautiful, oh so expensive. I would love to ride there more often, but budget-wise, it's just not the smartest choice. Maybe later again, when I'm old and rich!

16. Ireland

I booked a spontaneous 7-day trip to Ireland with only one day of motorbike riding - I need to go back for sure. What a fantastic country! The roads, the views... it was absolutely stunning.

What has been your favorite country to ride in? Which one surprised you most? And which one is at the top of your wishlist? Share it in the comments!