The 5th edition of the Heidlauf Classics along the Southern Wine Route was - despite the bad weather forecast - a complete success! The number of participants increased significantly compared to the previous year, when around 3000 vehicles were on the road.
Running System
It is fascinating to see what is developing so dynamically here in the beautiful Southern Palatinate along the Southern Wine Route. The concept is unique! We are experiencing the largest classic car event of its kind in the country - a unique experience. The highlight of the event is therefore the format itself with its 24 individual stops. The Heidlauf Classics at the SÜW is now a permanent fixture in the calendar of the classic car scene, as reflected by the license plates from all over Germany.
This year, the event started with a warm-up at the blue light stop in Heuchelheim-Klingen, where the first vehicles had already arrived at around 4 pm. From 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, large gatherings of vintage and classic cars were already reported on the route. Thousands of historic vehicles from all over Germany and neighboring countries had made their way to the Southern Palatinate for the two-day event. The Heidlauf Classics, the event originally launched by Karsten Heidlauf as a classic car hike along the Southern Wine Route, was celebrated in style. Many participants spent hours on the road to spend a wonderful day with like-minded people. The entire spectrum of historic mobility was represented on the route - from mopeds, scooters and motorcycles to tractors, from trucks to cars from a wide variety of years and countries of manufacture. It was great to see how many young people enjoy the hobby and were out and about with their oldies, some of which they had refurbished themselves.
The new stops, such as the blue light stop with its vehicles from the emergency services, together with a fascinating water organ show, the Hermeskeil fire department and adventure museum and the airfield in Landau Ebenberg, where classic aircraft could also be admired, were gratefully accepted by the participants.
A trip into the blue
The route, which led through one of the most charming and picturesque wine-growing regions of Germany to neighboring Alsace, could be driven freely from all sides throughout the day. The entire Southern Palatinate was filled with vintage and classic cars that impressively showcased the history of individual mobility. Waving and smiling were almost permanently on the agenda for the occupants of the vehicles to greet the passing and crossing vehicles. The relaxed atmosphere and informal get-together made the event stand out. The response from the public and tourists was also overwhelming. Everywhere along the route you could see beaming people who had made themselves comfortable on the street and in their courtyards to watch the colorful hustle and bustle.
It is also important to the organizers to show that this is a technical cultural asset that should be preserved for posterity. This is why the date was chosen, on the Open Monument Day. The vehicles should be on the road and not gathering dust in museums. The two days have shown that the interest of the population is very high and that the many old treasures are definitely popular. The clubs, restaurants and hotels had a lot to do during the weekend due to the Heidlauf Classics on the Southern Wine Route and were very satisfied with the response. Record sales were reported as early as Sunday lunchtime.
The stops, which were organized by clubs, wineries, museums and companies from the classic car sector, had been prepared in advance of the Heidlauf Classics with a great deal of passion and commitment. A wide variety of regional specialties were on offer to cater for all tastes.
Re-edition 2026
For the 5th edition, further renowned partners have been acquired. Thanks to these large houses, there were no costs for the participants! The 2026 edition will take place on September 12 and 13 on Open Monument Day. There will be further highlights here, it remains exciting. There are also plans to digitize the route and offer participants an app for the route and stops.
Up-to-date information and pictures can be found at www.heidlauf-classics.de, Instagram & Facebook (heidlaufclassics) and LinkedIn (Karsten Heidlauf).
Finally, in addition to the participants, we would like to thank all supporters and sponsors, whose commitment made the realization of this event possible in the first place, as well as the Initiative Kulturgut Mobilität e.V. as the source of ideas for the Day of Rolling Cultural Heritage as part of the Open Monument Day.
Facts & Figures
- 140 km of the most beautiful route along the Southern Wine Route
- Several thousand participating vehicles
- 270 people working at the stops
- 17 partner hotels cooperating with the classic car hike
- 14 people who signposted the route
- Countless beds that were booked
- 8 clubs involved in the stops
- 8 regional partners
- 17 well-known partners from the classic car sector
- No participation fee thanks to the major partners
Highlights
- The unique concept of this classic car event was once again extremely well received with an overwhelming response at the fifth edition.
- Several thousand participating vehicles over two days filled the classic car hike along the Southern Wine Route with life and transformed the Southern Palatinate into a museum on wheels.
- Large number of pre-war vehicles
- Europe-wide response - participating vehicles from Belgium, Switzerland, France, Holland and Austria
- The longest journey was made by tractors from NRW in 9 hours on their own axles.
- Numerous clubs were on the route with up to 30 vehicles, such as the Borgward Club, DAVC Süd-West or the Warsteiner Oldtimer Team.
- Locals and tourists happily attended the rolling museum
- Many younger people were on the road with their vehicles
- 24 different and individually special stops along the route all the way to France were a delight.
- New features included an airfield with classic airplanes and a blue light stop with vehicles from the entire spectrum of the rescue chain
- It was clear that these old vehicles were very well received by the spectators.
- Various evening events, from wine tasting to live music
- Re-edition on September 12 & 13, 2026
- No fees for participants thanks to major partners
