FYI: Ocean City’s H2Oi and Austria’s GTI-Treffen have left a lasting impact on car enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s why the cancellation of GTI-Treffen has changed Wörthersee forever.
A Childhood Dream Turned Reality
As a young automotive enthusiast, I spent countless hours watching car forums and early YouTube videos featuring the iconic H2Oi in Ocean City, Maryland, and the GTI-Treffen at Wörthersee in Austria. These events were the epitome of automotive culture long before I had the chance to drive. I remember riding my bike to local gas stations, hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent machines.
Experiencing GTI-Treffen First-Hand
Years later, my annual trips to Velden am Wörthersee for the GTI-Treffen became a cherished tradition. It was an exhilarating experience for someone who had dreamt of being a part of such an event. The streets were alive with the hum of modified cars and the conversations of like-minded enthusiasts.
The Unfortunate Halt
The advent of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented changes. Wörthersee’s local authorities decided to cancel that year’s Volkswagen-centric event, a tradition at the lakeside since 1982. Despite simmering discontent among some residents over the influx of visitors, the cancellation was a significant blow to the community and enthusiasts alike.
Revisiting Wörthersee Today
I make a point to stop in Velden am Wörthersee whenever I’m in Austria. My recent visit was particularly poignant. I noticed an eerie calmness compared to the hustle and bustle of past GTI-Treffens. Where once the town was full of life, with cars and people from across Europe, now it felt almost deserted.
A Nostalgic Look Back
I vividly recall driving around the lake, parking at Faaker See for evening meet-ups, and experiencing the thrill of the Turbokurve corner. Those nights of coffee and laughter at the Mischkulnig gas station are unforgettable. When a friend and I attended the GTI-Treffen, it felt like unlocking a fantastical world, where modified cars dominated the landscape.
The Community Impact
While some residents might have welcomed the event’s cancellation due to the annual disruption, the absence of GTI-Treffen has undoubtedly left a void. Velden am Wörthersee is now quieter, with empty storefronts and vacant restaurants serving as a stark reminder of what once was.
A Tribute to the Past
In this article, you’ll find photos from my visits to GTI-Treffen during the summers of 2017 and 2018, which, for me, represented the pinnacle of the event. Today, the remnants of Lake Wörthersee’s automotive glory lie in a luxury car dealership along the main road and a "Granite Golf" statue.
Final Reflections
I’ll continue to revisit Wörthersee to reminisce about the golden days of GTI-Treffen. It was a special time for hot-rod enthusiasts, and its absence is deeply felt. Does anyone else have fond memories of Wörthersee during GTI-Treffen? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Donald Smith
Editor, Automotive.fyi
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Knockout visual evidence of the vibrant past:
