From 12 to 14 June 2026, Klassikwelt Bodensee will once again transform the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen into a meeting place for fans of historic mobility and offer a varied program of events with over 2,000 classic vehicles. In addition to the well-known event highlights such as the daily Vintage Demo Racing on the exhibition circuit and the air show, visitors can once again look forward to impressive special shows and the return of the Abacus Theater.
Special shows with an experiential character
As part of the recently agreed partnership between Klassikwelt Bodensee and the Techno Classica Salon Dortmund, the new partner will be presenting the special show "Techno Classica Salon presents: Past Brands". The focus will be on traditional automobile manufacturers that once dominated the streetscape but have now largely disappeared. The exhibits include a Borgward Isabella, a Triumph TR2 and an Adler 2EV convertible.
Another special exhibition in Hall A2 shows the development of firefighting technology - from the manual fire pump from 1888 to the MAN tank fire engine from 1980. Highlights include a unique Mercedes L315 S KW 15, which was specially built for the Ludwigshafen fire department, and an airfield fire engine from 1991, which is still considered the fastest of its kind today at 141.7 km/h.
The exhibits come from the Friedrichshafen fire department, the Steim car collection from Schramberg and the Bavarian Fire Brigade Museum in Waldkraiburg.
The special "Nippon Classics" show will focus on vintage and classic cars from Japan that have become rare. Motorcycle fans will get their money's worth at the "Modern Classic Bikes": these are machines that combine modern technology with classic design.
Crowd favorites: Vintage Demo Racing and Airshow
At Vintage Demo Racing, around 300 racing cars and motorcycles will exude the zeitgeist of historic racing history every day on the 1.6 km long exhibition circuit. A special highlight this year will be original DTM vehicles and replicas of the "Touring Car Golden Era" - including an Abt Audi TT-R DTM and a BMW E30 DTM.
The "Next Gen Classic Racers", a group of young drivers who take part in vintage races with classic vehicles and want to get younger generations interested in historic mobility, will also be taking part for the first time.
At the Airshow, which also takes place daily, some of Europe's best pilots will take to the starting line and bring a piece of aviation history to Klassikwelt Bodensee. One of the highlights will be the North American T-28B, which was once in service with four different air forces. Ralf and Nico Niebergall will also be presenting an impressive formation flight with their Siai Marchetti.
"Sunset by the lake" on Friday evening
Following last year's successful premiere, numerous classic and vintage cars will once again make their way from the exhibition grounds to Friedrichshafen's lakeside promenade on Friday evening at 6.30 p.m. at the "Sunset am See" event in 2026. The vehicles will be presented in a special setting between Graf-Zeppelin-Haus and Gondelhafen.
Solo artist King Ralf will provide musical accompaniment with live music at the concert shell.
Vintage and classic car parking in the outdoor area
Visitors arriving with a classic vehicle built up to 1996 can present their gem in the ADAC Oldtimer Park Arena on the open-air grounds and thus become part of Klassikwelt Bodensee themselves. Additional parking spaces are available in Zeppelin CAT Hall A1 and Hall B5.
Drivers of youngtimers built up to 2006 can also park free of charge in Zeppelin CAT Hall A1. A separate area in Hall B2 is reserved for motorcycles built up to 1990.
ADAC strongly represented
ADAC Klassik will also be represented again this year with numerous activities, partners and program items.
The ADAC has given its name to the popular Oldtimer Parkarena since 2024. Once again, a unique open-air museum with historic vehicles from all eras will be created here. The finish of the ADAC Youngtimer Tour Bodensee will also take place there on Saturday. Visitors will receive a welcome bag on entry.
ADAC Klassik presents itself together with partners in Hall A3. Among the exhibits will be historic road patrol and police vehicles, including BMW sidecars, BKW K75 motorcycles and a Porsche 944 police car. The Stuttgart Police Museum will also be represented again with exciting exhibits. In addition, the Stuttgart Motor Vehicle Guild will be a guest at the ADAC stand with a number of trainees, demonstrating the functions and technology of the classic car with an open VW Beetle chassis and looking for the best mechanic team every day.
The partner TÜV Süd will provide information about classic car registrations directly at the neighboring ADAC Klassik stand. Representatives of the FIVA, the world classic car association, and delegates from various countries will also be on site. ADAC ClassicCar Versicherung will also be providing advice on classic and vintage car insurance.
At the ADAC stand, experts from ADAC, FIVA and various partner organizations will be available to talk about historic mobility, H-plates, restoration, environmental zones, general inspections and current political developments.
Opening hours and tickets
Klassikwelt Bodensee will take place from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026. It is open on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Further information can be found on the Klassikwelt Bodensee website.
