Name: Donau Classic Ingolstadt 2026
Start: 2026-07-16T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Start / Ziel Ingolstadt

Donau Classic

About Donau Classic

The Donau Classic is a two-day classic car rally with start and finish in Ingolstadt. On well-maintained routes through the Danube and Altmühl valleys and the Upper Bavarian hill country, up to 170 historic vehicles compete in timed and regularity tests. The event, organised by Donau Classic Veranstaltungs GmbH, is one of the most renowned classic rallies in Southern Germany and stands for solid organisation and Bavarian hospitality.

Dates 16 Jul — 18 Jul 2026

Venue Ingolstadt (09161)

Prices —

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Donau Classic — edition 2026

Tickets →

The 21st Donau Classic will take place from July 16 to 18, 2026. The two driving days are July 17 and 18, with an optional technical evening including reception and vehicle inspection on July 16. Up to 170 classic cars, up to model year 2006, will start in Ingolstadt for two days of timed and regularity tests through the Danube and Altmühl valleys. Registrations were possible from September 19, 2025, with the deadline on June 30, 2026.

The 21st edition of the Donau Classic kicks off from July 16 to 18, 2026. The actual driving days are July 17 and 18; on July 16, an optional technical evening with reception and vehicle inspection will take place.

Up to 170 classic cars – vintage cars up to model year 2006 and selected sports cars from 2007 onwards – will start in Ingolstadt for two days of timed and regularity tests through the Danube and Altmühl valleys and the Upper Bavarian hill country. Registration has been open since September 19, 2025; the registration deadline was June 30, 2026.

Highlights Donau Classic 2026

21st edition of a renowned classic rally
170 starting places for classic cars up to model year 2006
Routes through the Danube and Altmühl valleys
Bavarian hospitality and a well-organized supporting programme
Start and finish in the Audi city of Ingolstadt

Programme Donau Classic 2026

Donau Classic 2026 Programme

July 16, 2026: Optional technical evening with reception and vehicle inspection
July 17, 2026: First driving day with timed sections in the Danube and Altmühl valleys
July 18, 2026: Second driving day and finish in Ingolstadt

Prices Donau Classic 2026

Entry fees are listed on donau-classic.de under Services & Entry Fees 2026. Includes catering, roadbook, and supporting programme. The event is free for spectators.

Practical information

Practical information — Donau Classic

Getting There

Ingolstadt is accessible via the A9 (Munich–Nuremberg) and the A93 motorways. Ingolstadt Hauptbahnhof (main station) has ICE high-speed train connections. Start and finish will be set up centrally in the city.

Participation

Registration via donau-classic.de. Up to 170 starting places, priority for classic cars up to model year 2006. Registration deadline is usually the end of June.

Tips

Spectators can watch the field of participants free of charge – at the start and finish areas, as well as at the timed sections along the route.

Classic Rally through Bavaria

The Donau Classic is a two-day classic car rally that takes place annually in July, starting and finishing in Ingolstadt. The town in the Ingolstadt district is centrally located in Bavaria on the Danube and has been the home of this classic event since 2006.

Two Days – Changing Routes

Each year, the two driving days follow newly designed routes through the Danube and Altmühl valleys and the Upper Bavarian hill country. Along the route, there are timed and regularity tests, which can be driven in both sporting and touring modes – participation is optional.

170 Starting Places, Many Brands

A maximum of 170 vehicles are allowed to participate. Classic cars and selected sports cars up to model year 2006 are permitted, with a limited number of younger sports cars from model year 2007 also allowed. The Donau Classic is a stage for a colourful variety of pre-war classics to youngtimers.

Home of the Automobile City

The connection to the automotive city of Ingolstadt – home of Audi – gives the event a special character. The start and finish in the city centre make the event accessible to spectators. Optionally, a technical evening with a reception and vehicle inspection takes place on the day before (July 16th).

Bavarian Hospitality

The Donau Classic Veranstaltungs GmbH is known for its well-kept, personal atmosphere. Refreshment stops, accommodation packages, and an evening supporting programme make the rally a sociable event for participants and companions alike.