Hoping for Hessisch Oldendorf 2022
So HO22? After the recent postponement of the air-cooled show at Ninove in Belgium, all hopes are now that Hessisch 2022 finally gets to take place this year! It seems a genuine age since I last was able to go to a decent air-cooled show (for obvious Covid-19 reasons). If there is one show you really want to be able to get to, it’s definitely Hessisch Oldendorf!
As you know, I was really looking forward to Hessisch Oldendorf 2021, but unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic, like a lot of things, it was postponed. Well the good news is that, with all being well, it has now been rescheduled to 2022. If you’ve not been before, Hessisch Oldendorf is a beautiful picturesque town in Germany that, every four years, hosts a very special air-cooled vintage car show that attracts people and really rare vehicles, from quite literally, all over the world.
With air-cooled vehicles adorning the town streets, there is just so much to see as you wander around the town centre and beyond. It’s a good job the show spans the weekend otherwise you would never get to take it all in. Even at a weekend, it’s a struggle as I know there was still loads that I didn’t get to see!
Schwimmwagen spectacular
Plus of course, you get to see one of my favorite air-cooled vehicles, the über cool Schwimmwagens up close on the streets, and even better, in their element of schwimmin’ in the water! Has to be the highlight of the shows many events over the weekend for me.
Road trip destination
Getting to the event is part of the fun. You get to see other people en-route, or cruise in a convoy there with events organised for any stop overs that might be organised. Once you arrive, there are well organised and dedicated areas with full facilities arranged for camping at the event. All helps to make the event a fun weekend road trip destination. Or maybe like me, use it as a spring board for a wider European road trip!
Hopefully things will begin to ease travel restriction wise so that the event will be open to all once again. Fortunately tickets from the postponed 2021 event are still valid for this year, so nearer the time (and further confirmation that all is going ahead) I just need to book ferry tickets, and start planning the trip over. I can’t wait!
Historic classics
It’s a show that features some he rarest of the rare in terms of air-cooled classic VW’s, Porsche along with a range of unique independent coach built vehicles. Some of which I hadn’t even heard of, let alone seen. Some you might expect to see in a museum. Here the museum is the open air streets of Hessisch Oldendorf.
Military incarnations sit alongside concourse restorations and original paint survivors. Each has their own character and story to tell. Each one fascinating in its own special way.
Travel adventures
It will be the first time for me back in Europe for a few years now after this pandemic, so depending on timing and events, it might be a great excuse to have a bit of an extended break after the show. Last time I made a point of visiting the two very different VW museums in Wolfsburg — a really worthwhile extension to any trip. It would be great to see a little more of Germany. You soon get to realise just how big a country it really is! There is so much to explore
Built to roam
This was another favourite from HO17. Incredibly rare, but built to roam and set-up for camping too, with a classic roof tent up above. What a cool camper, a real head turner!
Summer cruising won’t get much cooler if you happen to be driving around in a Hebmüller Cabriolet. Summer driving personified!
Hessisch 2022
Great to finally have a date in the diary for 2022 to look forward to. Hopefully things will continue to slowly improve and it will be another show to remember.
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