Event
Since 1976, the International Oldtimer-Meeting has transformed Baden-Baden's Kurpark and Lichtentaler Allee into one of Germany's most elegant automotive gatherings. The 2026 edition marks the 49th running of an event that began with thirty-five cars and a thousand curious visitors, and now draws over 350 pre-1979 classics and more than twenty thousand spectators across three summer days.
The setting could hardly be more appropriate. Baden-Baden earned UNESCO World Heritage status as one of Europe's 'Great Spa Towns', and the event unfolds against this backdrop of belle époque architecture, manicured gardens and the stately Kurhaus casino. Cars are displayed along tree-lined promenades where visitors can stroll at leisure, brass bands providing the soundtrack while lampion illuminations create atmosphere as evening falls.
At its core, this is a proper concours d'élégance. A jury of automotive designers and engineers awards 120 prizes across categories including condition, originality and beauty. All marques and nationalities are welcome provided they pre-date 1980, so you'll find German limousines alongside Italian sports cars, British roadsters and rare European curiosities. Each year features a guest marque showcased in a dedicated exhibition – recent honourees have included Aston Martin and Porsche.
Beyond the static display, participants can join the traditional Black Forest-Alsace rally, a two-day driving tour through the curves and villages of the surrounding countryside. Evening programmes include garden parties with big band concerts, jazz performances and fashion shows at the historic Trinkhalle.
Baden-Baden sits at the edge of the Black Forest, easily reached from Karlsruhe, Stuttgart or Strasbourg. The town's ICE station connects to the wider German rail network, with local buses running to the Kurpark throughout the event weekend.
