Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Oldtimer Messe is a premier event for vintage car enthusiasts, taking place on 25 October 2026 at OLMA-Gelände in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
This year marks the 20th edition of the fair, which has evolved significantly since its inception. Attendees can expect a diverse range of vintage vehicles, parts dealers, and services dedicated to classic cars.
The event aims to foster community among old-timer clubs and ensure the future of this cherished hobby. Oldtimer Messe takes place in St.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Oldtimer Messe takes place on 25 October 2026 at OLMA-Gelände, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- 2Scale and Focus: Celebrating its 20th edition, the event showcases a variety of vintage vehicles and parts.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Renate Hürlimann, with more details available on the official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include classic car enthusiasts, parts dealers, and vintage vehicle collectors.
- 5Entry: Tickets are priced at CHF 12, with free entry for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.
Why visit
Visit the Oldtimer Messe to explore a wide range of vintage vehicles and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The event offers a unique opportunity to discover rare parts and services tailored for classic cars. Engage with exhibitors who are passionate about preserving automotive history and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere celebrating vintage automobiles.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Oldtimer Messe provides unparalleled access to a dedicated audience of vintage car enthusiasts and collectors. Showcase your products and services to potential buyers who are actively seeking parts and vehicles. Benefit from networking opportunities with other exhibitors and industry professionals, enhancing your visibility in the classic car market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Private collectors of classic cars and motorcycles, from pre-war models to 1980s youngtimers
Restorers and workshop owners sourcing parts, trim, tools and technical services
Prospective buyers looking for dealer stock, private-sale vehicles and project cars
Members of old-timer clubs and marque registries comparing vehicles and club activities
Automotive historians, archivists and literature collectors seeking manuals, brochures and period documentation
Families and leisure visitors interested in vehicle history and the classic-car lifestyle
Professionals in vehicle valuation, insurance, transport and veteran registration
Model-car, toy and automobilia collectors
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Classic and vintage car dealers with stock from the 1920s to the 1990s
Vintage motorcycle dealers and marque specialists
Restoration workshops and bodywork, paint and upholstery craftsmen
Spare-parts traders offering new-old-stock, used and reproduction components
Automobilia and literature dealers selling badges, signs, brochures, manuals and photographs
Tool and equipment suppliers for classic vehicle maintenance
Model-car, die-cast and toy manufacturers and specialist retailers
Classic vehicle clubs, associations and specialist media
Vehicle appraisal, insurance, transport and registration services
Private sellers offering project cars, parts collections and barn finds
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Vintage automobiles, including pre-war, post-war, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s models
Classic motorcycles, mopeds and scooters
Mechanical spare parts: engines, gearboxes, braking, suspension and steering components
Body panels, trim, chrome, glass, rubber seals and interior materials
Restoration consumables, paints, oils, lubricants and cleaning products
Workshop tools, lifts, diagnostic equipment and storage solutions
Automobilia: enamel signs, badges, mascots, posters, brochures and period advertising
Automotive literature, workshop manuals, parts catalogues and marque histories
Model cars, die-cast collectibles, toys and slot-racing items
Vehicle-related services: appraisal, insurance, transport, storage and veteran registration advice
Project vehicles, barn finds and parts donor cars
Location & Facilities
Venue
OLMA-Gelände
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Facilities
Parking
OLMA-Gelände in St. Gallen typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: OLMA-Gelände in St. Gallen typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at OLMA-Gelände for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
25 October 2026:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General admission
CHF 12.00
Who runs the show
Organisers
Renate Hürlimann
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Why it matters
Attending Oldtimer Messe on 2026-10-25 to 2026-10-25 in St. Gallen lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
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Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Zurich Airport
Main international gateway for St. Gallen. Direct trains run from Zurich HB; from the airport, take a train to Zurich HB or Winterthur and connect. Confirm current SBB connections
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hour by car; 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes by train to St. Gallen HB with a possible change
by car
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
Small regional airport east of St. Gallen. Limited scheduled service; check availability before relying on it
TBA
to venue
Approx. 25-30 minutes by car or taxi
by car
Friedrichshafen Airport
Alternative across Lake Constance in Germany. Check ferry timetables and cross-border car rental rules
TBA
to venue
Approx. 45-60 minutes by ferry and road; longer if driving around the lake
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen
4-star
St. Gallen city centreGoogle Hotels result for 25-26 Oct 2026 showed a deal price of USD 151 (33% below usual); rating 4.3 with 854 reviews, breakfast and parking at extra cost, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
B&B Hotel St. Gallen
3-star
St. GallenGoogle Hotels deal price of USD 83 (17% below usual) for the 25-26 Oct 2026 sample night; rating 4.5, breakfast and parking at extra cost, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, smoke-free property.
Revier Hotel Säntispark
4-star
Abtwil-St. Gallen areaRated 4.5 on Google Hotels; rate not shown in the capture. Listed benefits include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, pools, hot tub, air conditioning and fitness centre.
Oberwaid
4-star
St. GallenRated 4.6 on Google Hotels; rate not shown in the capture. Listed benefits include breakfast at extra cost, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub and air conditioning.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train
Estimated costApprox. CHF 30-45 second class one way; confirm SBB saver fares
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to OLMA-Gelände
Journey time is usually 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes with a change at Zurich HB or Winterthur. Book an SBB ticket before travel.
Trolleybus / bus
Estimated costApprox. CHF 3-4 single journey
Best forSt. Gallen Hauptbahnhof to OLMA-Gelände
Use a local VBSG service toward OLMA-Gelände. Journey time is about 10-15 minutes; confirm the current line and stop on the VBSG network map.
Walking
Estimated costFree
Best forSt. Gallen city centre to OLMA-Gelände
The venue is about 2.4 km from the main station, roughly 30-35 minutes on foot. Pavements are generally good, but the route includes an uphill section.
Taxi / ride-hailing
Estimated costApprox. CHF 20-30 for the short trip
Best forSt. Gallen centre to OLMA-Gelände
Taxi ranks are at the main station. Ride-hailing availability is limited compared with larger cities; confirm via the local app before relying on it.
Parking
Estimated costRates not captured; confirm on site
Best forOlma Parkplatz (Sonnenstrasse 27) and Parkgarage Olma (Sonnenstrasse 39)
Both facilities are listed as open 24 hours and are the closest parking to the OLMA-Gelände halls. Arrive early on show mornings.
taxi
Estimated costCHF 45-90 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forSt. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH) to OLMA-Gelände
Approx. 25-30 minutes by car or taxi; Small regional airport east of St. Gallen. Limited scheduled service; check availability before relying on it.
taxi
Estimated costCHF 45-90 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forFriedrichshafen Airport (FDH) to OLMA-Gelände
Approx. 45-60 minutes by ferry and road; longer if driving around the lake; Alternative across Lake Constance in Germany. Check ferry timetables and cross-border car rental rules.
Weather
Late October in St. Gallen is cool and changeable. Daytime temperatures typically range from about 7 C to 13 C, with nights around 2 C to 6 C. Rain showers, morning fog and a cool breeze are common; snow at venue level is uncommon but possible in cold snaps. The OLMA halls are indoors, but queues and outdoor vehicle displays may be exposed. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer and comfortable shoes. Values are climatological approximations; check a local forecast 3-5 days before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Switzerland.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language
Swiss German is the local spoken dialect, while standard German is used in writing and formal settings. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and at the fair, but a few words of German help with small vendors.
Greetings
A polite 'Grüezi' is the usual greeting in St. Gallen. Handshakes are common in business settings; use surnames until invited otherwise.
Payments
Swiss francs (CHF) are the local currency. Cards and mobile payment such as TWINT are widely accepted, but some small exhibitors and market stalls may prefer cash.
Tipping
Service is generally included in restaurant bills. Rounding up or adding 5-10% is normal for good service, but not obligatory.
Sunday and quiet hours
Many shops close on Sundays, so buy supplies on Saturday. Observe quiet hours in residential areas and keep noise low on public transport in the evening.
Punctuality
Trains and appointments run to schedule. Arrive a few minutes early for meetings and allow extra time at the venue during peak opening hours.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ZRH
Google Flights results for St. Gallen route travellers through Zurich (ZRH) and include a rail leg operated with Swiss Railways; the London search showed fares from CHF 424 and flagged prices as currently high, while the New York search showed fares from CHF 969 with typical pricing.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Zurich Airport (ZRH): Approx. 1 hour by car; 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes by train to St. Gallen HB with a possible change; St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH): Approx. 25-30 minutes by car or taxi; Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH): Approx. 45-60 minutes by ferry and road; longer if driving around the lake. Allow road or rail time to OLMA-Gelände; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near OLMA-Gelände: St. Gallen city centre: Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen; St. Gallen: B&B Hotel St. Gallen; Abtwil-St. Gallen area: Revier Hotel Säntispark.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in St. Gallen; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: OLMA-Gelände sits about 2.4 km from St. Gallen city centre; Google Maps lists walking and cycling as viable options alongside the short road connection, and the venue's own parking is at Sonnenstrasse 27 and 39. Confirm current bus or rail connections to the OLMA-Gelände stop locally before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at OLMA-Gelände; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 4-13 C in late October
Seasonality: Autumn is changeable: rain showers, morning fog and cool breezes are common. Pack a waterproof layer and warm mid-layer; check a local forecast 3-5 days before travel.
Packing: October 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Oldtimer Messe usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm dates, opening hours and ticket terms
T-2
Book accommodation
T-3
Plan the rail journey
T-4
Check the weather and pack
T-5
Prepare a want list
T-6
Set up payments and documents
T-7
Arrive early and prioritise
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at OLMA-Gelände
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Oldtimer Messe registration concourse
OLMA-Gelände
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
OLMA-Gelände
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCHF 166.00
- Per diem × 2CHF 150.00
Estimated totalCHF 316.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
CHF 12 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | CHF 12 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Oldtimer Messe fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Oldtimermesse in St. Gallen?
It is a classic and vintage vehicle fair at the OLMA-Gelände in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Exhibitors present vintage cars, motorcycles, spare parts, restoration services, automobilia and literature. The 2026 edition is listed for October 2026 on the official domain; confirm the exact days on oldtimermesse-ch.com.
When exactly is the 2026 edition?
The available capture points to October 2026, with sample travel dates around 25-26 October. The organiser site should confirm the exact opening days and hours before you book travel.
Where is the venue and how do I get there?
OLMA-Gelände is in St. Gallen, about 2.4 km from St. Gallen Hauptbahnhof. From Zurich Airport, take a train to St. Gallen HB (about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes), then a local VBSG bus or trolleybus, a taxi or a 30-minute walk to the venue. Confirm current connections on the SBB and VBSG sites.
How much is a ticket?
A general admission ticket is listed at CHF 12 in the current cost capture. Concessions, children's tickets and multi-day passes were not captured, so check the official ticket page before buying.
Is the fair open to the public or trade only?
The event is presented as a classic vehicle fair with both private visitors and trade participants. No trade-only restriction is stated in the captured material; confirm registration requirements with the organiser if you are attending as a professional buyer.
Can I buy a classic car at the show?
Dealers and private sellers exhibit vehicles, and some may be offered for sale. Inspect the vehicle's history, chassis and engine numbers, veteran registration documents and any restoration invoices before agreeing a price. Sale terms are between buyer and seller; the organiser is not a party to the transaction.
What can I find besides cars?
The fair covers classic motorcycles, spare parts, body panels, trim, tools, workshop equipment, automobilia, model cars, books, manuals and restoration services. It is also a place to compare clubs and specialist suppliers.
Is parking available at OLMA-Gelände?
Yes, parking is listed at Olma Parkplatz (Sonnenstrasse 27) and Parkgarage Olma (Sonnenstrasse 39), both open 24 hours. Rates were not captured; confirm current prices and hall access on site or with the venue.
How do I exhibit a vehicle or take a stand?
Contact the organiser through oldtimermesse-ch.com. Ask about stand options, vehicle display rules, insurance, load-in times and whether a veteran registration document is required for exhibited vehicles.
Are dogs allowed?
The captured material does not state a pet policy. Contact the organiser before bringing a dog; assistance dogs are normally handled separately, but confirm with the venue.
Is the venue accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Accessibility details were not captured. Check with the organiser or OLMA-Gelände directly for step-free routes, parking bays and hall access before travelling.
What language is used at the fair?
German is the main language, with Swiss German spoken locally. Many exhibitors and venue staff speak English; bring a translation app for detailed technical conversations.
What should I wear?
Late October in St. Gallen is cool and changeable. Wear layers and waterproof shoes; some vehicle displays and queues may be outdoors even if the main halls are heated.
Glossary
- Oldtimer
- German term used for a classic or vintage vehicle, generally a car or motorcycle kept in original or period-correct condition. At the fair it covers models from the early 20th century through the 1980s.
- Veteranenfahrzeug
- Swiss and German term for a historic vehicle. In Switzerland, veteran status can bring specific registration and inspection rules; confirm current rules with the cantonal road traffic office.
- Matching numbers
- A vehicle whose engine, chassis and body numbers match the factory records. Matching numbers usually support value and authenticity, especially for high-value collector cars.
- Patina
- The original wear, fading and surface ageing of a vehicle that has not been restored. Some collectors prefer patina because it preserves the vehicle's history.
- Scheunenfund
- German for barn find, a vehicle discovered after long storage, often dusty or unrestored. Barn finds may need substantial mechanical and structural work.
- Restauration
- German spelling of restoration. The process of repairing, rebuilding and refinishing a classic vehicle to period-correct or improved condition.
- Concours d'Elegance
- A judged classic vehicle competition that assesses originality, condition, history and presentation. Not every fair has a concours; check the programme.
- Teilespender
- German for parts donor, a vehicle used as a source of spare parts for another restoration. Such vehicles are usually incomplete or beyond economic repair.
- Automobilia
- Collectible objects related to motoring, including enamel signs, badges, mascots, posters, brochures, tools and model cars.
- Veteran plate
- A Swiss registration plate for historic vehicles that meet age and originality criteria. Eligibility and use restrictions are set by the cantonal authorities.
- Youngtimer
- A modern classic, often roughly 20-30 years old, that is becoming collectible but may not yet qualify as a veteran. The term is used by dealers and collectors at the fair.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Oldtimer Messe
- Oldtimer Messe 2026
- Oldtimer Messe St. Gallen
- Vintage automobiles from various eras
- Vintage automobiles from various eras St. Gallen
- Automotive parts and accessories for restoration
- Automotive parts and accessories for restoration St. Gallen
- Collectible memorabilia related to classic cars
- Collectible memorabilia related to classic cars St. Gallen
- B2B Trade Expo
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.