22nd Pforzheim Economic Miracle

Pforzheim Celebrates the Economic Miracle

For over 20 years, the Pforzheimer Wirtschaftswunder has been the most stylish spring festival in the Gold City of Pforzheim (State of Baden-Württemberg). Under the motto “Everything was better back then”, WSP — Wirtschaft und Stadtmarketing Pforzheim annually transports its city center to the 1950s and 1960s at the end of April — the era when the German economic miracle shaped the republic. In 2026, the 22nd edition will take place on Sunday, April 26.

200 Vintage Cars of All Eras

The centerpiece of the event is the vintage car show with around 200 registered vehicles from all eras, thematically sorted and distributed throughout the city center:

• American Dream — Cadillacs, Buicks, and Ford Mustangs from the USA
• Ostalgie — Trabant, Wartburg, and East German classics
• German Economic Miracle Classics — BMW Isetta, Goggomobil, Mercedes
• Italian and French Elegance — Fiat 500, Citroën 2CV

The vintage cars arrive between 11 AM and 1 PM and are welcomed at a photo point designed as a giant model car. Exhibition locations are Marktplatz, Bertha-Benz-Platz, Waisenhausplatz, and in 2026, for the first time, the area along the Enz river.

Amphicars on the Enz

The spectacular highlight of 2026: From 11:30 AM, amphibious vehicles (Amphicars) will glide on the Enz river — a tribute to the engineering prowess of the 60s, rarely seen today. The amphibious vehicles drive on the road to the Enz, glide into the water, and complete their laps — a spectacle that makes Pforzheim unique nationwide.

Rock'n'Roll on the Sparkassen Stage

On the Sparkassen stage at Leopoldplatz, two Rock'n'Roll bands provide the musical accompaniment: “The Blue Cats” and “The Reindeers” perform classics by Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, and the entire 50s rockabilly era. Petticoats, pomade, and dancing feet are welcome!

Sunday Shopping and Special Pin

Concurrently, Pforzheim shops open for the Sunday shopping event with spring offers. A limited edition enamel pin featuring the 1965 BMW 3200 CS Bertone will be sold for €1 at the Tourist Information office and at WSP stands — a collector's item and souvenir. Restaurants and cafés offer special menus, and parking in the city center is discounted.

Pforzheim — Gold City on the Edge of the Black Forest

Pforzheim (approx. 125,000 inhabitants) is known as the Gold City — over 80% of Germany's jewelry and watch industry is based here. The city lies at the transition from the Black Forest to the Kraichgau, at the confluence of the Enz, Nagold, and Würm rivers. The Economic Miracle also recalls Pforzheim's reconstruction history, as the city was almost completely destroyed in February 1945 — and looks back at its own history with a wink and irony under the motto “Everything was better back then.”