HU Travellers Meeting Switzerland 2023
5th Annual Horizons Unlimited Overland Adventure Travel Event
Thursday, August 17 to Sunday, August 20 2023 - Meierskappel, Switzerland
It's All About Overland Adventure
Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.
Inspiring, Informing & Connecting
Some people value Horizons Unlimited events for what they learn from the unique line-up of presenters. Some people value the chance to discover new products and services at the trade stands. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.
Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.
The event will include a packed schedule of presentations and activities. All within the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that Horizons Unlimited is known for.
Below is a short (1:45) video from the 2022 event: (or you can see the full version - 6min 43s)
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
Horizons Unlimited Switzerland Event Schedule
The event is taking place from Thursday, August 17 to Sunday, August 20 2023.
The plan is simple. Show up on Thursday afternoon, meet people and setup. Ride-outs (depending on weather) and workshops will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Organizers will be there on Wednesday afternoon, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area.
Event schedule will be posted here approximately 1 week before the event.
The schedule WILL CHANGE - stuff happens! Check the latest schedule to be posted at the meeting on the day.
Schedule and Programme
Google Sheet with the Programme
Please note that things might change. We will constantly update the google sheet when there are changes and also display the final programme on-site
Presenters at HU Switzerland 2023
Workshops and Tech Sessions below
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Joshua Steinberg,
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Joshua will share his stories from his two trips to Africa. In two separte presentations he will talk about both his trips, one down the West Coast, and one down the East Coast.
"We travelled the African East Coast from October 2020 until February 2022 with two Honda CRF250L on our own. We covered 50.000 kilometers with 40 percent offroad tracks. Our focus is always on the exchange with the amazing people we meet along the road. Against all odds, we had a wonderful time on the road and the world is still as amazing as it was before. Covid virus, civil war, corruption, and violence could never change the fact that the people of this world are just great and the hospitality is even greater where you least expect it. "
"We want to tell the stories of all those who inspired us, all those who helped us, all those who will always be in our hearts and travel with us ever since we met them. Some positive vibes don't kill anybody these days, so come around and listen to our stories."
JOSHUA STEINBERG travelled western Africa, South America, eastern Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe by motorcycle. All in all, 150.000 kilometers and 60 countries. Less is more for us. Small budget, small bikes, small tent. Ride on!
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Heike & Gerd Burch,
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NOTE: This presentation will be in German, Questions can be answered in English.
Ob auf zwei Motorrädern, später nur noch auf einem oder dann im Van: Die Reise ist unser Leben, das Gefährt nur eine Nebensache. Zugegeben: eine wichtige, um die Freiheit des Reisens zu spüren!
Ob bei eisigen -30°C im lappländischen Winter oder im Sand der tunesischen Wüste, ob im Linksverkehr Englands oder entlang malerischer Traumküsten Europas. Ob im heissen Sommer der Türkei oder im «interessanten» Verkehr Georgiens: Das Beste an allen Orten sind die Begegnungen mit den Menschen vor Ort und mit anderen Reisenden.
Wir berichten von eingefrorenen Schiebetüren, dem Zusammenleben auf 9,5 Quadratmetern, dem unvermeidlichen Sand in der Wüste und unvergesslichen Fährfahrten. Wir schauen, wie wir mit wenig auskommen und trotzdem zu viel dabei haben.
Über HEIKE & GERD: "In der dritten Phase unseres Lebens (nach unserer eigenen Kindheit und der unserer Kids) haben wir uns 2020 auf den Weg gemacht, die Welt zu entdecken. Unsere Erlebnisse teilen wir auf unserem Blog www.leben-pur.ch"
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Barbara und Robert Schumacher, Ride 2 See the Worldride2seetheworld - auch durch China |
NOTE: This presentation will be in German, Questions can be answered in English.
Als wir, Robert und Barbara, im Oktober 2018 mit unseren beiden Motorrädern von Zuhause aufbrachen, wollten wir die Welt kennenlernen. Wir beide hatten wenig Erfahrungen mit Fernreisen und waren neugierig auf so viele Teile der Erde. Wir dachten daran, etwa 1-2 Jahre zu reisen, ohne Pläne und auch ohne ein Ziel. Eines wussten wir aber ziemlich sicher: China mit einer geführten Tour zu durchqueren, passt nicht zu unserem selbstbestimmten Reisestil - das wollten wir auf keinen Fall machen.
Im März 2023 endet unsere Reise nach 4, 5 Jahren unterwegs sein. 42 Länder haben wir "erfahren" und jetzt kommen wir aus Chile wieder zurück nach Deutschland. Mit unglaublich vielen wunderbaren Geschichten im Gepäck - so auch unsere Geschichte von über 5.000 Kilometern quer durch China mit einer organisierten Tour und Guide. Denn eines zeigt diese Geschichte: Reisen funktioniert am Besten ohne Plan!
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Berndt NordingMorocco without a Plan |
Planning to travel across an ocean to Europe to ride Morocco. Wait, isn’t that on a different continent? Forget the PLAN!
Ob For the year 1 B.C. I made a plan to continue my travels through Europe and go a bit further afield to Morocco. Bad idea! Traveling is always a good idea, making a PLAN is definitely not. Follow along with me on my journey and count all the hazards that can knock a PLAN sideways from bureaucrats to the weather gods as well as a couple of other Gods. Then there is the incredibly stupid idea of using the internet to gather information.
Über BERNDT: "I have been a traveler my whole life and started using a motorcycle for traveling half a century ago. In 2012 I shipped a motorcycle to Germany and have been making trips to various destinations from there on a yearly basis since then."
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Judith Seeberger1 month solo in the Balcans |
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Jens RuprechtMaximo 80 |
South America - okay, why not. Buying a motorcycle over the phone. Where are those things - only 10 PS (horsepower)? Customs issues, new friends, traveling illegally. Paris Dakar 2009, do we stand a chance? Reaching the finish line with a gearbox problem??? Just to mention a few points of our three-week journey through South America.
Educational Sessions
Because Horizons Unlimited events are about informing, not just inspiring, we also have a great line-up of educational sessions for you!
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Filippo FaniaFilippo's Motorbike Elektronics Workshop |
NOTE: This workshop will be in German, questions can be answered in English.
No need to worry about electrical problems - all you need is a little basic knowledge and lots of creativity, Filippo will explain you the basiscs and show you tips and tricks - and also where to be careful! Smoke and explosions to be expected! :)
There will also be time to discuss your questions and problems.
About the presenter: Filippo is a trained electronics specialist and has extensively travelled the world by motorcycle, truck, 4x4 - he has huge experience in motorcycle mechanics and in particular the electrics and electronics.
More to come...
How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and seminars - but we need volunteers to give them! Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Please sign up here.
The Adventure Travel Zone
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If you know of any other motorcycle or travel equipment vendors or tour operators who should be there, please suggest it to them!
Exhibitors, more details and registration here. Please contact us if you have more questions.
Panel discussions at most HU events include...
Border crossings - How to get through borders with minimal stress and cost!
Packing light - Tips and techniques from experienced travellers to reduce weight and bulk.
Regional discussions - e.g. travelling in South America or Asia.
For Women Only - A must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there! A chance to talk to experienced travelling women without the men around!
Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!
Walk arounds / Show and tell!
Tool Kits - Show us your favorite tools. Toolkit discussion.
Tents and Bedding discussion (in the camping area) - What works, cheap vs dear and which ones keep you dry, warm and comfy!
Farkle Walk - Take a stroll and talk about your best bike mods - homemade saddle bags, toolbox mounts, GPS mounts, seats, side stands, tank panniers, cup holders, etc.
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
Facilities for a great weekend!
Heike and Filippo have found a great venue for our Horizons Unlimited Switzerland Travellers Meeting!
Erlebnisbauernhof Gerbe
6344 Meierskappel
Central Switzerland
+41 417903534
Camping
- Official campsite with showers and toilets. Camping fees are not included in registration and have to be paid in cash upon arrival: 16 CHF per person per night. Please note: this applies only if you travel on two wheels or by foot and sleep in a tent. No reservation is needed in this case.
- If you plan to attend with a van, mobile home, etc. or if you want more space, please book a place at the campsite directly. Official prices of the campsite apply and have to be paid directly to the campsite.
- Tipi tents for rent or Sleeping in the Barn are also available, please contact the campsite directly via their website: www.swiss-bauernhof.ch
Facilities
- Workshops and presentations take place in the well-equipped barn or outside
- Free Wi-Fi
- Swimming possibility in nearby lakes
- Restaurant/bar on-site. Meals are NOT included in registration.
- Bakery and supermarkets are only few minutes away.
- Refrigerated trailer to store your food and drinks
- Beautiful surrounding in the heart of Switzerland
- Great motorcycling roads nearby and the Alps at your doorstep, with the famous Furka, Grimsel, Susten or Klausen Pass roads only a few kilometres away. Check out Best Biking Roads.
I've already registered - I just want to pay!
PRE-REGISTRATION PRICING FOR FULL PASSESIncludes admission to all slide shows, workshops and demos on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Camping fees are NOT included in registration. The fees have to be paid on-site. Meals are NOT included. |
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Pre-Register & Pay before: |
Event Price |
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15 March, 2023 |
€35 (saves €20) |
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10 Aug, 2023 |
€45 (saves €10) |
AT THE EVENT PRICING (APPLIES AFTER Aug 9)Pay Cash on Arrival |
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Full Pass |
€55 |
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Weekend Pass (arrive Friday after 6 pm) |
€45 |
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Day Pass (Saturday only) |
€30 |
days to go!
Join the discussion:
On the HUBB!
On Facebook!
HU Switzerland Unofficial Video (28 minutes!)
Thanks to KiwiMCVideos for this video of the HU Switzerland 2018 Travellers Meeting (and some gorgeous scenery along the way to remind you of why this country is so popular with motorcyclists)!
What happens at HU events?
HU South Africa
Comments about
HU Switzerland
"Thanks everyone for a wonderful weekend, from the the organisers, to presenters to attendees. What a super bunch of people. I will certainly be attending again."
"Some of the speakers were truly inspirational and meeting Ted Simon was a real privilege."
"Just want to say a big thanks to Heike & Filippo and everyone who helped make the weekend so good. This was my first Hubb meet and I will be coming to the next one. I met some really great people and the atmosphere was amazing. I enjoyed all the talks and even had some one on one time with the Great Ted simon. So I look forward to seeing everyone again next year."
"For a first meeting it was a very nice weekend without a cloud and everything was professionally prepared. A great thank you to the organization team and specially to Heike & Fillipo. I'm sure we all hope and waiting for the announcement of the next HU Switzerland meeting. Great atmosphere, great people and nice interesting presentations, everything was there. Thanks again and see you next year."
You can help!
If you have a few minutes, please download the poster (Adobe pdf format) and print off a few and hand them round your club or your local bike shop or anywhere seems like a good place.
Poster in pdf format, English (715 kb) full colour Event poster.
Postcard in pdf format, English (349 kb) full colour postcard, can be printed 4 to a page:
You may need to right click and choose "save target as..."
Thanks!
Join the Volunteer Crew
From welcoming travellers at the gate, to taking care of the campsite and making sure all the presentations run smoothly, the success of every HU event relies on the enthusiasm of its volunteer crew.
"What a wonderful bunch of people. I had no idea how much fun I'd have by helping out!"
"It was my absolute pleasure to be able to give something back to the HU community and working with such great folks really made the event special."
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, get more involved with Horizons Unlimited and have loads of fun! You can sign up to volunteer when you register for the meeting, OR click here if you have already registered and want to add volunteering.
Be a Presenter
We're inviting submissions for presentations, so whether you're attending the event or exploring a distant continent, if you've got a story to tell or expertise to share we'd like to hear from you.
We love to hear stories about your travel adventures, especially if you have great pics! Also, practical how-to sessions such as roadside cooking, navigation / GPS, trip prep and planning, adventure motorcycling medicine, packing light, setting your bike up, communications / blogging from the road, self-publishing your story, yoga for bikers, bodging / bike maintenance, self-defense, photography, videography, tire repair, safe riding techniques, how to pick up your bike, off-road riding, all are of interest.
There are 45 minute and 100 minute sessions available for talks, workshops, demos and live web chats.
Click here to submit your ideas
PLEASE NOTE:
Submitting a Presenter registration DOES NOT mean you will automatically be included in the schedule, as we can have more presenters than available presentation slots. We will confirm one way or the other as soon as we can (but not immediately!)
Departing or Returning?
If you're planning an expedition, why not make the Horizons Unlimited meeting your official start point? Or maybe you're nearing the completion of a journey and would like a very public welcome home? Of course you might just be passing through and fancy marking a key stage of your travels?
We'd love to make you a big part of the meeting, so feel free to get in touch and tell us your plans.
Book your Exhibitor Stand space
Over the course of four days, this Horizons Unlimited event offers a unique opportunity to build awareness of your brand and talk directly to potential customers.
The Adventure Travel Zone occupies a central position at the event site and is exclusive to trade stands representing the overland adventure travel market.
Choose between our Premium and Standard packages, both of which include on-site advertising and can include a presentation about your products and services. Be sure to let us know you want to do a presentation when you register.
Switzerland Venue Location
Erlebnisbauernhof Gerbe
6344 Meierskappel
Switzerland
Other Accommodation
B&B / Hotels available in nearby villages (be sure to check reviews!):
Hotel Waldheim in Risch
Bahnhöfli in Küssnacht
Hotel zum Hirschen in Küssnacht
Local Hosts
Thanks go to Heike and Filippo and their helpers for volunteering to bring Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meetings to Switzerland!
Please contact Heike with vendor, venue and speakers questions.
We can always use help on the day - please volunteer to help out for a couple of hours when you register (above)!
HU Events Refund Policy
Like adventures, life can throw surprises our way. Stuff happens. While we would love for you to join the fun and connect with everyone at our events, we understand that you (and the funds) may be needed elsewhere. We'll catch up later!
On our side, we know you appreciate that we have financial commitments to venues and caterers!
The best way to let us know that you're unable to attend an event is to reply to the Registration Confirmation Email you got from us when you first signed up.
Up to 30 days prior to event start, we will refund all fees in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration and all fees to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year.
Up to 15 days prior to event start, we will refund only the camping/accommodation and food packages in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU Event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.
Within 15 days of the event start, there will be no refunds. At your request, we can apply your registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.
If WE cancel an event:
We are constantly evaluating the situation for every event, and very much err on the side of caution. We will endeavour to announce "Final" decision one month or more before the event, but the situation COULD change closer to time, and we could be required by law to cancel.
If we are forced to cancel for COVID or natural disaster, we will roll your registration over to next year automatically.
If you want to transfer your existing registration to any other HU event in the world, just let us know.
Need a full refund? PLEASE REPLY to your original Registration Confirmation email to make it easier for us to find. If you can't find it, please email a request to: events-c (AT) horizonsunlimited(-)com with the subject line: "Refund event-name event-year"
Next HU Events
HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.
2023:
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August
- Romania: August
- Ecuador: September
- France: September
- Austria: September 12-15
- South Africa
- Queensland: Oct 4-7
- Germany Autumn: Nov.
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
New to Horizons Unlimited?
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80 G/S motorcycle. The website, HUBB forum and regular events across the globe have inspired thousands of people to follow their dreams and take the road less travelled.
Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love overland adventure travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events such as this one (18 this year!); we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, the HUBB or to receive the e-zine. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
You can join at a reduced rate as part of your meeting registration. Note that new Memberships with your Meeting Registration are applied as of the Meeting date or as soon as possible thereafter, not earlier, unless you make a special request in the Comments box when you register.
Comments
Thanks everyone for a wonderful weekend, from the the organisers, to presenters to attendees. What a super bunch of people. I will certainly be attending again.
Some of the speakers were truely inspirational and meeting Ted Simon was a real priviledge.
Do I have to register my two underage kids if I bring them along?
Hi, bring your kids along - that's no problem. Even though there is no special programme for them, I am sure they will like it. Grant already commented about registration and the waiver form. If you stay on the camp site you will have to pay the campsite fees for the kids as listed above. See you next week!
Hi,
Not sure what age "underage" is, but here you go:
Under 16 no, and free entry for them, but you need to sign a waiver for them as we don't want to be responsible. Over 16 yes, they're of riding age so they're just like everyone else, must register.
Remember we have nothing specific for younger (under 16) kids to do as we get very few of them, the event is primarily adults.
Hope that works for you, and you all have fun!
I am aware that to use Swiss roads, you need to buy a yearly vignette, the current price being 38,00€. Is there a possibility to reach the campsite from Germany without using the concerned roads? On another hand, will Grant and Susan attend this particular HU meeting? Thanks for your time guys...
You need to buy a vignette only for the motorways. Normal roads are free, and much nicer anyway. But it will take much longer for you to get there. I already posted two route suggestions on the HUBB
Looking forward to meeting you soon...
I was wondering what the main language for the presentations will be?
Presentations will all be in English. Some workshops will be in German. But we will make sure that there is somebody doing on the go translations.
See you soon...
Sorry for the late reply, we missed it!
Most of our events are primarily in English as the language most people will know. Where needed, there is a translator who does "on the go" translations for those who struggle with English, or if the speakers main language is something else, to English. Language is rarely an issue, so whatever you speak go and you'll be fine!