Blog post
Straand Treffet 2026 brought together the motorcycle crowd in Vrådal: 750 test rides and a fully booked hotel
The weekend of September 18th to 20th, 2026, Vrådal was once again filled with motorcycles, riding pleasure, and pleasant encounters. The ninth Straand Treffet gathered motorcycle enthusiasts, dealers, and professionals from the motorcycle community for a weekend of test rides, inspiring lectures, and fantastic riding experiences in Telemark. With around 750 test rides, 16 motorcycle brands, and a fully booked hotel, this year’s event was a great end to the motorcycle season. We are already looking forward to the tenth anniversary in 2027!
Straand Treffet 2026: A Weekend Filled with Motorcycle Joy
There’s something truly special about the third weekend of September here in Vrådal.
That’s when the area around Straand Hotel fills with motorcycles of all sizes and shapes, familiar and new faces, pleasant conversations, and the great atmosphere that arises when people with a common interest meet.
This was also the case during Straand Treffet 2026, which was held from September 18th to 20th.
For the ninth time, we welcomed motorcyclists from all over Norway for a weekend where riding pleasure, community, and road safety were central.
And this year’s event gave us much to be happy about.
According to Bike powered by Motorrad, approximately 750 test rides were conducted during Saturday and Sunday. The hotel was fully booked throughout the weekend, and both participants and exhibitors enjoyed a great atmosphere and, eventually, increasingly better motorcycle weather.
We find it incredibly gratifying to see how Straand Treffet has developed over the years.
What started as an initiative to bring motorcyclists together for great riding experiences and professional development has become an important meeting place for the motorcycle community.
And the best part? There’s still room for everyone.
750 test rides and 16 motorcycle brands in Vrådal
One of the major attractions at Straand Treffet is the opportunity to test ride new motorcycles from various manufacturers.
This year, seven dealers presented an impressive selection of motorcycles from no less than 16 brands.
Here, participants could get better acquainted with both established favorites and exciting new releases from the motorcycle industry.
Among the brands represented were BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha, Indian, Husqvarna, BSA, CFMOTO, QJ Motor, Stark, Voge, and Zero.
For many, this is one of the biggest advantages of Straand Treffet.
Instead of visiting several different dealers, you can compare motorcycles, talk to professionals, and test ride various models all in one place.
And with Telemark’s winding roads as a test arena, the experience is quite different from a short ride around the block.
Indian Scout and BMW R 1300 GS Among the Popular Models
According to Bike’s report from this year’s event, the Indian Scout was the most popular motorcycle during Saturday’s test rides, followed by the BMW R 1300 GS.
The new Suzuki SV7-GX also received a lot of attention. The motorcycle was so in demand that, according to the dealer, it was out on test rides almost constantly.
That says something about the interest in experiencing new motorcycles under realistic riding conditions.
Because it’s only when you’re on the bike, feeling how it handles the curves and finding your own riding position, that you truly get an impression of whether it’s the right model.
Read Bike’s report on the 750 test rides during Straand Treffet 2026.
Motorcycle Tours in Telemark: Experience Some of Norway’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle Roads
It’s no coincidence that Straand Treffet is held right here in Vrådal.
Telemark offers a fantastic starting point for motorcycle tours, with winding roads, beautiful mountain passes, lakes, and small villages that make the ride itself an experience.
Here you can ride through landscapes that constantly change character.
From lush valleys and tranquil lakes to open mountain areas with views as far as the eye can see.
For many motorcyclists, this is precisely one of the best things about riding a motorcycle in Norway.
You get to experience nature up close, while the roads offer both variety and riding pleasure.
HUBRiding from Straand Hotel
At Straand Hotel, we have worked for several years to develop great experiences for guests who want to explore Telemark by motorcycle.
Through our HUBRiding concept, you can use the hotel as a base and embark on new riding routes every day.
The idea is simple.
You unpack once, sleep well, eat a good breakfast, and set off on the day’s ride. When the day is over, you return to the same hotel, where you can enjoy dinner and pleasant company.
It gives you the freedom to experience much of Telemark without having to pack your luggage and change accommodation every day.
HUBRiding is suitable for those traveling alone, with a good friend, or with a larger motorcycle group.
Read more about HUBRiding and motorcycle tours in Norway.
Road Safety and Good Riding Techniques at the Forefront
Although Straand Treffet offers a lot of riding pleasure, it is also an event with an important message.
We want everyone to have great experiences on their motorcycle, but most importantly, that everyone returns home safely.
Therefore, road safety and professional development have been a central part of Straand Treffet since its inception in 2018.
Through lectures, exchange of experiences, and test rides, the organizers aim to contribute to increased knowledge about modern motorcycles, safety systems, and good riding techniques.
This year’s event also had close cooperation with the police, who were present both in Vrådal and along the riding routes.
In its review of the event, Reitwagen highlighted the importance of safe test riding, good cooperation, and the work towards Vision Zero.
We believe this is an important part of what Straand Treffet should be.
Because good riding pleasure and responsible riding go hand in hand.
More Than Motorcycles: Community Makes Straand Treffet Special
It’s easy to be fascinated by all the motorcycles parked outside the hotel during Straand Treffet.
But if you ask us, it’s the people who make the weekend truly special.
Here, motorcyclists meet across age, experience, and the brand they ride.
Some have been riding motorcycles for decades. Others may have just bought their first bike and are curious about everything the motorcycle community has to offer.
Common to them is the joy of riding and the interest in sharing experiences with others.
Throughout the weekend, there are ample opportunities to meet new people, exchange experiences, hear exciting stories, and perhaps get some good tips for your next motorcycle tour.
And when the day’s riding is over, conversations often continue around the dinner table or in one of the hotel’s cozy lounges.
Because it’s often when the helmet is off and the coffee is on the table that the best stories emerge.
Volunteers and Partners Make the Event Possible
Straand Treffet is also the result of great commitment from volunteers, dealers, importers, motorcycle organizations, and partners.
Many put in significant effort to ensure the event is a good experience for all participants.
From planning and facilitating riding routes to test rides, safety, and practical execution.
In Reitwagen’s report from Straand Treffet 2026, event manager Trond Olsen specifically highlights the volunteer effort as an important part of this year’s successful event.
We completely agree.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make Straand Treffet possible, year after year.
Straand Treffet Has Gathered the Motorcycle Community Since 2018
When Straand Treffet was first organized in 2018, the goal was to create a meeting place where motorcyclists could combine great riding experiences with professional development and social community.
Since then, the event has developed into an annual highlight for many motorcycle enthusiasts.
It has also received attention in Norwegian motorcycle media.
Both Bike powered by Motorrad, Reitwagen, and Reiseliv1 have covered the event and the importance of bringing the motorcycle community together in Vrådal.
For us, it’s especially gratifying that so many return year after year.
At the same time, it’s just as pleasing to welcome new participants.
It is this combination of tradition and new acquaintances that makes us continue to look forward to Straand Treffet every single year.
We are now looking forward to the 10th anniversary of Straand Treffet in 2027
After nine successful events, there’s already one thing we’re particularly looking forward to.
In 2027, Straand Treffet will celebrate its tenth event!
The anniversary is planned for the third weekend of September 2027, and work to further develop the event is already underway.
The ambition is to build on what has made Straand Treffet a popular meeting place.
Good test riding opportunities, exciting professional content, a focus on road safety, and not least the pleasant atmosphere that arises when the motorcycle community gathers in Vrådal.
We hope to see both old friends and many new faces when we once again open our doors for a weekend filled with motorcycle joy.
And an anniversary is a pretty good occasion to make our guests feel extra special!
Please follow Straand Hotel’s official page about Straand Treffet for information on upcoming events, program, and accommodation.
Experience Straand Hotel and Vrådal by Motorcycle
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until the next Straand Treffet to experience the great motorcycle roads in Telemark.
With historic Straand Hotel as your starting point, you can plan a motorcycle holiday with both short and longer day trips through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.
The hotel is located by Lake Nisser in Vrådal, surrounded by mountains, forests, and great riding routes.
We have welcomed guests here since 1864, and through five generations, we have been dedicated to creating good experiences for those who visit us.
Whether you come by motorcycle, car, or simply want a few pleasant days in beautiful Telemark, you are heartily welcome.
And should you come by motorcycle, there’s a good chance you’ll meet someone who’d be happy to chat about roads, engines, and the next trip.
Thank You for Straand Treffet 2026!
We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Straand Treffet.
To the motorcyclists who traveled to Vrådal, the dealers and exhibitors who presented an impressive selection of motorcycles, the partners, the volunteers, and everyone who helped create a pleasant and safe motorcycle weekend.
It is you who make Straand Treffet what it is.
We are already looking forward to welcoming you back for the tenth anniversary in September 2027.
And until then, we hope you have many wonderful trips on two wheels.
Ride wisely, and get home safely!
Sincerely,
Katrine and Lars Arne Straand
5th generation hosts
Read More About Straand Treffet 2026
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Bike: Straand Treffet 2026, motorcycle joy in Vrådal for the ninth time
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Reiseliv1: Straand Hotel as a meeting place for motorcycle joy
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NTB: Dealers and 16 motorcycle brands ready for Straand Treffet 2026