Hundreds of Rare Classics Meet Swiss Postcard Scenery at «Oldtimer in Obwalden» 2025

Twice a year, the small Swiss town of Sarnen turns into a paradise for classic car enthusiasts: during the «Oldtimer in Obwalden» event, the town bursts at the seams as hundreds of vintage vehicles fill the town center and surrounding streets. streetwheelz1 was there to capture the impressions.

Over Pentecost weekend 2025, the «Oldtimer in Obwalden» event took place for the 26th time. Although officially classified as a city, Sarnen has the charm of a picturesque village: the streets are lined with historic chalets and elaborately decorated townhouses, rich in ornaments, timberwork, and many intricate details. The fountain in the village center is adorned with red geraniums. Framed by the gentle pre-Alps with their lush green meadows and dark forests, the scenery becomes a perfect postcard image — made complete when rare classics line the streets.

See the highlights in the video:

The weather was mixed, yet many visitors and vehicles still made their way to Sarnen. Just a few steps from the train station, the event was already in full swing. Loudspeakers played nostalgic hits from the 1970s like «Mendocino» or «Schau mal vorbei,» creating an instant festival atmosphere. Though occasional drizzle fell that Saturday morning, it didn’t deter anyone — despite the unstable weather, both cars and spectators were present in large numbers. The brightly colored vintage cars added vibrant splashes to the village, and even the umbrellas of the visitors contributed their share. The air was filled with the smell of grilled sausages and cheese dishes offered at various food courts.

Photogenic rarities were everywhere: playful American cars from the 1950s (such as a baby blue Buick Special) stood alongside early automotive history (La France Type 12 from 1917). Some models were so large they would hardly fit into any garage. At the village entrance stood a mighty American truck (Kenworth W90), far bigger than the trucks one usually sees even in U.S. movies.

Swiss manufacturers were well represented too, including Saurer with a G230 truck from the 1970s and a 1939 passenger coach.

The Brünigstrasse and the village square hosted rare beauties such as a pre-war MG model (likely an MG K3 Magnette, 1933–1934, with only about 33 units built). Many highly original vehicles were on display as well: next to a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I (1965–1976), Bentley S1 or S2 Standard Steel Saloon (1955–1959), and other distinguished British luxury classics, one could spot a motorized armchair on wheels.

Equally unique was a small homemade tractor from 1960 with a simple single-cylinder engine driven by a chain — a charming collector’s piece today, but once simply a creative solution for mobility. And today, events like this add passion and community to these machines.

Oldtimer in Obwalden – Event Facts

«Oldtimer in Obwalden» is one of Switzerland’s largest classic car gatherings, held annually in Sarnen since 1999. Founded by Swiss classic car enthusiast Ruedi Müller, the event attracts hundreds of vintage vehicles from all eras, set against a picturesque Alpine backdrop. Unlike formal concours, the event offers a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere where owners and visitors can enjoy automotive history up close. The event takes place annually during Pentecost weekend in late May or early June.

Website: https://www.o-io.ch/

Written by cr