Essen

Essen is best known for the Essen Motor Show, covering tuning, performance, motorsport and classic cars, and RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN, dedicated to historic vehicles and automotive culture. These major exhibitions are complemented by local classic car gatherings and kart racing.

Plan around the event that interests you most. The Essen Motor Show takes place in late November and early December, while RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN brings classic car enthusiasts together in spring. Local events such as the Tour de Rü add further reasons to visit during the warmer months.

The final Techno-Classica Essen took place in 2025. From 2026, RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN became the spring classic car fair at Messe Essen. Check the current event name and dates when planning your visit.

Look for local gatherings such as the Tour de Rü in Rüttenscheid, the Oldtimertreffen at Burg Altendorf and Reben & Karossen in Borbeck. These offer opportunities to see historic vehicles and meet their owners. They take place on specific dates, so check the next announced edition before travelling.

Yes. Daytona Kartbahn offers karting and organised racing in Essen-Borbeck. Verkehrswacht Essen offers car and motorcycle safety training at its practice facility in Frillendorf, giving drivers a chance to develop their skills under instruction.

You can enjoy car exhibitions and attend classic car gatherings as a visitor without bringing a vehicle. Driving activities have different requirements: Verkehrswacht Essen’s safety courses use your own vehicle and require a valid licence for that vehicle. Check whether an activity is for spectators or participants before choosing it.

Classic car gatherings can make an enjoyable family outing; the Burg Altendorf event explicitly welcomes families with children. For karting and other activities involving driving, check the provider’s age, height and supervision requirements before visiting.

An exhibition at Messe Essen or a session on Daytona’s indoor kart tracks can suit a rainy day. Gapp’s Slotcar-Bar also offers indoor model-car racing for private groups. Daytona’s outdoor track is available only in dry weather.

The U11 connects Essen Hauptbahnhof with the exhibition grounds, serving the Messe Ost/Grugahalle and Messe West/Messe Süd entrances. If arriving by car, follow the event’s parking and entrance information to reach the appropriate part of the venue.

Yes. Classic Remise Düsseldorf offers classic vehicle displays and views into specialist workshops, while Halle 77 in Dortmund focuses on classic cars and youngtimers. Both are outside Essen and make separate stops on a wider automotive trip through the region.