Rügenclassics – Oldtimer Rally

25 Years of Rally Tradition on Rügen

When Bentleys, Mercedes 300 SLs, early Porsche 911s, BMW 2002s, Trabants, and R5 Alpines roll onto the island from the mainland in mid-May, it has a name: Rügenclassics. Since 2001, Soneco GmbH from Norderstedt, together with the Hamburger Motorsport Club, has organized the largest classic car rally on a German island. In 2026, the 25th edition will take place from May 13th to 16th – an anniversary celebrated with a particularly dense field of participants (more than 150 vehicles are expected).

What is a "Regularity Race"?

Unlike a modern sports rally, the Rügenclassics is not about speed. The event is a Gleichmäßigkeitsfahrt (regularity race): on designated stages, teams must maintain a predetermined average speed as precisely as possible. The winner is the one who stays closest to the target time – not the one who drives the fastest. This protects the historic vehicles and makes the rally interesting even for 30 hp classics. Vehicles up to 1996, youngtimers by arrangement, and motorcycles are eligible.

The Route: Four Stages Across the Island

The route changes slightly each year, but the basic principle remains: Start in Binz, stage points in Sellin, Göhren, and Sassnitz, with loops across the Jasmund, Wittow, and Mönchgut peninsulas. The main stage on Friday traditionally starts on the Binz beach promenade in the morning – until then, the vehicles are parked in "Concours d'Élégance" style on the promenade and can be photographed at leisure. For spectators, the stage endings in Sellin, Göhren, and Sassnitz are particularly rewarding.

Where to Watch Best

• Binz Beach Promenade — in front of the white spa architecture, cars line up and start the main stage from 9 a.m. on Friday
• Circus Putbus — the classicist circular square, ideal for photos as vehicles roll over the cobblestones at walking pace
• Alleenstraße near Bergen — beech avenues with light filtering through in May green, very photogenic
• Sassnitz Harbour — contrast between fishing trawlers and polished chrome, often a timed section

When It's Worth the Trip

Anyone who wants to experience the entire rally should plan a long weekend in one of the Baltic Sea resorts – Binz has the most hotels and is the main base for the rally; Sellin and Göhren offer quieter alternatives. In mid-May, the Baltic Sea is still cool, but the tourist beaches are less crowded, and the weather often perfectly matches the event's atmosphere. Those planning a day trip should head to the Binz promenade for the Friday stage.