In glorious sunshine, an unforgettable Saab meeting took place at the Melchtal sports camp from 8 to 10 August 2025: the IntSAAB 2025. The more than 750 guests from 21 countries with their 450 Saab models conquered the Melchtal and were completely thrilled by the perfectly organized meeting, the charming mountain landscape and the great encounters with Saab fans from all over Europe. This made the IntSAAB 2025 the largest Saab event ever to be held on Swiss soil.
Planning for IntSAAB 2025 began four years ago by the Saab Club Switzerland, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and currently has around 200 members. The busy OC worked with an event size of 350 - 400 guests. A crisp teaser video in particular, which met with great interest in the Saab world, gave the invitation to tender a huge turbo boost. Twice as many people registered as expected. A huge success, but at the same time a great challenge to cope with this rush of Saab friends from near and far.
Insider tip: Melchtal sports camp
In terms of tourism, the canton of Obwalden is an insider's tip, and the Melchtal with its sports camp at 963 meters above sea level is particularly so. The location was deliberately chosen by the OC as an inexpensive, natural location away from the mainstream, which offers a harmonious ambience and - particularly important - a high degree of flexibility. Otherwise, it would not have been possible to successfully hold IntSAAB 2025 with twice as many guests as originally planned.
Parking and reception
The first highlight could already be enjoyed upon entering the grounds: In the huge parking lot, over 350 Saab models from all eras of the cult brand from Trollhättan shone in the sun - from the old Saab 93 to the rare Saab 9-3 Cabriolet Independence Edition. For a better overview, the models were grouped together using stylish beach flags with model designations. Directly opposite, arriving guests were greeted at the welcome desk and presented with a personalized welcome bag. In addition to the program magazine and the badge, the high-quality polo shirt in the right size was met with much delight. Also particularly lovely: a Saab sweet baked by Belinda Wenger, the wife of OC President Alex Wenger, who also hosted the event in perfect English.
Info, gastro and Saab Icon Square
The next highlight followed a little further up with the information stand, Samaritan post, a spacious catering area and the Saab Icon Square, where extraordinary specimens that have made Saab history could be discovered. The centerpiece was a poison green Sonett I, a small, lightweight, open-top sports car from 1955, of which only six were built - an absolute rarity and the highlight of the event. It was framed by a Saab 92 from 1951, the oldest Saab in Switzerland. As a counterpart to this, the youngest, a Saab 9-5 SportCombi from 2011, of which there is also only one in Switzerland. Other exclusives at Icon Square included one of the first Saab 99s and a 99 turbo version, a Saab 900 Turbo16 Cabriolet in Monte Carlo yellow and, emblematic of a younger volume model, a 9-3 SportCombi. These were joined by a Saab 96 towing a Saabo - a light and practical caravan of which Saab produced 390 units at the time.
Sport & rally sector, spare parts sales and the Saab Camp
Another 200 meters further up on the site, three pitches accommodated the numerous campers, who particularly enjoyed the nature of the charming Melchtal valley. The Sport Camp's multi-purpose building is also located in this area. The popular spare parts and accessories sale took place on the square in front of it. Four Saab sports cars slumbered in the building itself, which were allowed to start their engines at 5 p.m. and were given a run-out for a few demonstration laps on a closed-off course in the camp - a spectacle in a class of its own. A hot Saab 99 Turbo Rallye with well over 200 hp and experienced driver Gerhard Zeier at the wheel led the field, followed by a top-prepared Sonett II with a V4 1.85 liter engine and 178 hp, driven by Dutchman Frank von Oteren. An opal green 96 V4 with 120 hp, driven by Daniel Amstutz, and a Sonett II in original condition with Hanspeter Buser at the wheel provided the music in third and fourth place. The drivers were greeted with huge applause from the audience after crossing the finish line. The shining eyes of the drivers showed how much fun they were having.
A varied program around the clock
A round trip around nearby Lake Sarnen or on the panoramic road into Entlebuch, a hike in the magnificent mountain world on Melchsee-Frutt - the valley station is just over a kilometer away from the sports camp -, a visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne or a visit to the Brünig Indoor Shooting Competence Centre: all further activities that the varied program of the IntSAAB 2025 offered its guests. And of course, the beauty contest was not to be missed. A competition in which the public could choose the most beautiful Saab models. The award ceremony was an eagerly awaited highlight of the gala evening. And to please as many proud Saab enthusiasts as possible, the first three in each category received a prize in the form of a valuable bell with emblem and engraving.
The IntSAAB 2025 in Melchtal is over. It will go down in Saab history and will be remembered by participants for a long time to come as a great, lovingly organized Saab festival in the heart of Switzerland. The Saab Club Switzerland has thus achieved great things for its 40th anniversary.
