Ann-Kathrin Bendixen, widely known by her online pseudonym Affe auf Bike, is a prominent German content creator, world traveler, author, and television personality. Born on December 8, 1999, in Timmersiek, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, she rose to fame by documenting her solo motorcycle journeys across the globe. Over the years, she has expanded her digital presence into a successful multi-platform media career. She captures the attention of millions through bestselling literature, major brand partnerships, and appearances on popular German reality television shows.
- Quick Facts: Ann-Kathrin Bendixen
- Early Life, Education, and Health Struggles
- The Origin of “Affe auf Bike” and Worldwide Travel
- Literary Success and Writing Career
- Television Career and Major Reality Shows
- Net Worth and Income Sources
- Personal Life, Boyfriend, and Relationships
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen’s real name?
- How old is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen?
- What is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen’s height?
- Who is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen’s boyfriend?
- What is her estimated net worth?
- Why is she called “Affe auf Bike”?
Quick Facts: Ann-Kathrin Bendixen
- Full Name: Ann-Kathrin Bendixen
- Stage Name / Pseudonym: Affe auf Bike
- Date of Birth: December 8, 1999
- Age: 26 years old
- Place of Birth: Timmersiek, Handewitt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Nationality: German
- Ethnicity: German
- Religion: Christianity
- Height: 5 feet 5¾ inches (167 cm)
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Bendixen
- Relationship Status: In a relationship with Isa Akhmatov
- Occupation: World Traveler, Content Creator, Influencer, Author, Photographer, Television Personality
- Estimated Net Worth: $1 million USD
Early Life, Education, and Health Struggles
Ann-Kathrin Bendixen grew up in the rural region of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. She was born to parents Mr. and Mrs. Bendixen. During her youth, she maintained an active lifestyle that included playing football and developing an adventurous spirit. She attended the Siegfried Lenz School in Handewitt, where she successfully completed her Abitur in the spring of 2019.
Her life took a dramatic turn at age 18 following a routine bone surgery. She developed a mucocele that required an emergency operation. The intense medical scare and associated health anxieties deeply impacted her perspective on life. Seeking freedom and a way to conquer her fears, she purchased an old motorcycle. She packed minimal belongings alongside a small plush monkey and set off into the unknown.
The Origin of “Affe auf Bike” and Worldwide Travel
In August 2019, shortly after finishing school, Ann-Kathrin officially launched her journey as a global traveler. She adopted the moniker Affe auf Bike (Monkey on a Bike). This was a playful reference to childhood teasing she faced regarding her protruding ears. She began sharing her adventures on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
What started as a spontaneous European road trip evolved into a massive multi-continental expedition. Over the years, her motorcycle travels have spanned Europe, Africa (including Western Sahara), South America, North America (the USA and Canada), Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia. Her authentic storytelling, stunning photography, and resilient attitude earned her major corporate backing. Most notably, she secured a collaboration with Harley-Davidson, which provided a custom RH975 Nightster build and appointed her as an official brand ambassador.
Literary Success and Writing Career
Transitioning from digital creator to published author, Ann-Kathrin released her autobiographical book titled Bikergirl: Wie ich die Freiheit suchte und das Leben fand in September 2021 via riva Verlag. The book resonated strongly with readers, climbing to No. 17 on the official German Spiegel bestseller list. She has also contributed travel journals and articles to prominent publications like Motorrad & Reisen and Brigitte.
Television Career and Major Reality Shows
Ann-Kathrin’s adventurous background made her a natural fit for demanding reality television formats. Her television credits and notable appearances include:
- 7 vs. Wild (Season 3, 2023): Partnered with wildlife photographer Hannah Assil, she successfully survived 14 challenging days in the wilderness, emerging as one of the winning teams of the season.
- Let’s Dance (Season 17, 2024): Showcased her dancing skills alongside professional partners, finishing a respectable fourth place and building a close friendship with fellow contestant Gabriel Kelly.
- Mission Unknown: Atlantik (2025): Participated in high-stakes expedition challenges.
- Most Wanted – Wer entkommt? (2025): Featured alongside Gabriel Kelly in tactical escape scenarios.
- Die Verräter – Vertraue Niemandem! (2026): Tested psychological boundaries in the popular murder-mystery reality game.
- Jetski Star WM (2026): Competed in high-speed water sport events.
In addition to television, she teamed up with Joey Kelly and Fritz Meinecke for intense physical endurance trials. She completed the grueling 5,000-kilometer Race Across America (RAAM) bicycle marathon with the “No Limits” and “Fo(u)r Women” teams.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Ann-Kathrin Bendixen boasts an estimated net worth of $1 million USD. Her financial portfolio is built on multiple diversified revenue streams:
- Social Media & Content Creation: Monetized channels across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Brand Endorsements: Lucrative long-term partnerships with brands like Harley-Davidson and Insta360.
- Book Sales: Royalties from her Spiegel-bestselling publication.
- Television Salaries: Appearance fees and prize winnings from major German TV networks and streaming platforms.
- Professional Photography & Writing: Paid magazine articles, travel journalism, and visual asset licensing.
Personal Life, Boyfriend, and Relationships
Ann-Kathrin Bendixen is currently in a relationship with Isa Akhmatov. They maintain a long-distance relationship that occasionally features in her travel updates. She is not married and does not have children.
Due to frequent television collaborations and joint travels with musician Gabriel Kelly, media outlets have often sparked romance rumors between the two. Both Ann-Kathrin and Gabriel have repeatedly clarified that their connection is strictly platonic and built on a strong, adventurous friendship. Together, they launched the podcast Schnack auf Achse in April 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen’s real name?
Her real name is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen, though she is widely recognized by her internet pseudonym, Affe auf Bike.
How old is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen?
Born on December 8, 1999, she is 26 years old.
What is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen’s height?
She stands at 5 feet 5¾ inches (167 cm) tall.
Who is Ann-Kathrin Bendixen’s boyfriend?
She is currently in a relationship with Isa Akhmatov.
What is her estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million USD, earned through social media, brand sponsorships, books, and television appearances.
Why is she called “Affe auf Bike”?
She chose the pseudonym because classmates used to call her “Affe” (monkey) due to her prominent ears during her school years.
