On Saturday, June 7 and Whit Sunday, June 8, 2025, Obwalden will once again be transformed into a paradise of historic vehicles. As every year, more than 500 classic cars are expected. O-iO offers unforgettable moments, not only for lovers of rolling cultural assets. O-iO is positioned as the cheerful classic car, folk and photo festival for the whole family, especially with kids. Spectators benefit from free admission. This is so that as many people as possible can share in our passion. We need the public on our side, the adults now, the kids in the future.
For many Obwalden residents, O-iO is a substitute for the Landsgemeinde, which was last held in 1998. Pure nostalgia in tin and history that connects.
Register now
Participants with vintage cars can register for both days, for Saturday only or for Sunday only. You pay a contribution towards expenses for rally signs, personalized badges, aperitifs and the major organizational effort. The rest is financed by numerous sponsors. Under the motto "Perfectly organized - fun guaranteed", hundreds of classic cars will be on display in a varied programme.
Highlights of the program
Saturday, June 7: Exhibition of historic vehicles in the center of Sarnen, which is closed to normal traffic. The Obwalden capital is transformed into an expansive, three-dimensional work of art, accompanied by appropriate music and many in costumes from the previous century. The highlight for spectators are the free passenger rides. Being so actively involved in the action, this immersion in another time, creates a deep emotional connection to our scene and makes O-iO a truly immersive experience.
This is followed by a drive for the participants in classic cars on a romantic route through the beautiful surroundings of Sarnen. Hundreds of classic cars take part each time. Drivers and passengers enjoy the many spectators along the route. In the evening, free concerts are on the program in Sarnen.
Sunday, June 8: Start at 10 a.m. in Sarnen and finish at the Seelisberg Event Center. Spectators can expect an impressive convoy of hundreds of historic vehicles, which will reach the Eventcenter Seelisberg via two routes - one flat and one over the Ächerli Pass.
Variety of classic cars - an insight into the start list
A cross-section from the 1908 Berliet Raceabout racing car, which represents the pioneering days of the automobile, to the 1992 VW Polo, the start list offers exciting insights into automotive history. One enthusiast is traveling with his 1979 Porsche from Hamburg (930 km), another with his 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 CE from Kloetinge in the Netherlands (780 km). Both for the second and third time respectively.
Classic cars are recognized as a cultural asset in Obwalden
In 2019, the organizer, Ruedi Müller, received the first ever cultural sponsorship award from Sarnen, the capital of Obwalden. In the Ob- und Nidwaldner Zeitung of January 2, 2025 and other CH Media newspapers, O-iO was one of only three cultural events to be prominently mentioned with a photo:
"O-iO is a cheerful classic car, folk and photo festival, but also encompasses a mission: to promote a positive image for the car - via the emotions that classic cars trigger. Classic cars connect generations and create unforgettable moments full of joy and nostalgia," says Müller.
Further information, the registration form, a start list and much more can be found on the event website.
