Review: 2026 "Humpback Volvo" Meetup in Paderborn
23.05.2026
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the "Buckelvolvo" Meet: A Traditional Classic Car Drive Through the Paderborn Region
The Ascension Day weekend of 2026 (May 14–17, 2026) was all about automotive nostalgia in the Paderborn region. For the 50th time, enthusiasts of this Swedish cultural treasure held their anniversary gathering. A total of 25 “Buckelvolvos” (PV444, PV544, and one Duett) with 47 participants from Germany and Switzerland set out to conquer the winding roads of East Westphalia. The weather was at its best, albeit on the chilly side: It was cold, but it stayed dry, and the sun shone on the gleaming car bodies almost nonstop.
Day 1: Technical History, Cake Dreams, and Turning Circle Tests
Dori, the six-year-old granddaughter of organizers Mechthild and Günter Mero, gave the starting signal on Friday morning. She took on the role of starter with a traditional flag and the authority of a seasoned traffic officer.
Images:
- The official poster for the 50th Buckelvolvo Meet
- The history of technology meets automotive history
- In the triangular courtyard of Wewelsburg Castle
First Stop: A Journey Through Time at the HNF
The first destination was the renowned Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF) in Paderborn. The world’s largest computer museum offered participants a fascinating journey back in time to their own youth. Amid classics like the Commodore C64, the Apple II, and old Atari consoles, many reveled in memories.
As they left the HNF parking lot, minds were racing over the meet’s first quiz question:
Which car was NOT on display at the HNF?
- The Pontiac K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider?
- The DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future?
- The NSU Ro80 from Heinz Nixdorf?
(You’ll find the answer at the end of the report!)
Via Wewelsburg to Dalheim Abbey
After visiting the imposing Wewelsburg, the convoy headed for Dalheim Abbey. In the historic atmosphere of the abbey, huge slices of homemade cake awaited the drivers and their passengers—a culinary delight.
Images:
- Starter Dori waves the black-and-white flag to send the “Buckelvolvos” onto the South Loop
- This roadbook is simply...
- “Buckelvolvos” under the Altenbeken viaduct
The return trip over the Haxterberg, however, put the drivers’ skills to the test. The problem this time wasn’t the meticulously detailed roadbook, but the classic “following too closely” . Sure enough, some participants missed a turn, which meant the Volvo PV’s turning radius had to be thoroughly—and involuntarily—tested. The fact that every fourth “humpback” contributes a more or less substantial amount to Paderborn’s city coffers wasn’t the roadbook’s fault either. The warning about the speed camera on the B64 was clearly included in it.
At the evening asparagus buffet, all the hardships and frustrations were forgotten, and the car talk continued late into the night.
Day 2: Viaducts, Myths, and Roman History
On the second day, too, the cheerful teams set off highly motivated after a hearty breakfast. Dori, now visibly experienced as a starter, sent the 25 “Buckelvolvos” of this friendly gathering onto the Nordschleife.
Photo stop at the viaduct and climb to the Externsteine
First, the “humpbacks” rolled through the mighty arch of the Altenbeken railway viaduct—a dreamlike backdrop for snapshots of the historic vehicles.
The journey continued to the mystical Externsteine. A few particularly athletic participants dared to make the double ascent to the Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) and the observation deck and were rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view.
In the Footsteps of the Romans at the Hermann Monument
Just a stone’s throw away lay East Westphalia’s next tourist attraction: the Hermann Monument on the Grotenburg. During an exclusive guided tour, participants learned all about the historic, decisive battle of 9 AD.
The return trip to Paderborn took them, as befits the occasion, along the Gauseköte, a former military road used by Napoleon’s army. This beautiful tree-lined avenue also provided a wonderful backdrop for photos.
Images:
- The mystical Externsteine natural monument
- At the Hermann Monument—history up close
- Humpback Volvos on the historic Gauseköte military road
A Grand Finale in Paderborn
Back in Paderborn, a real treat awaited the classic car enthusiasts: thanks to a special permit, the 25 Humpback Volvos were allowed to park right in the schoolyard of the Theodorianum Gymnasium in the heart of the city. The vehicles presented a beautiful sight against the historic walls, while participants explored Paderborn’s history on a guided city tour.
In the evening, the festive closing ceremony took place, followed by the long-awaited announcement of the results of the meet-and-greet quiz. This year, Anja Dexheimer and Lasse Ehlers received the coveted challenge cup for the most correct answers amid thunderous applause. Norbert Waldvogel secured the Skandix Wobbling Moose award for the event’s “breakdown vehicle,” as his car simply wouldn’t start on the first day.
A wonderful 50th anniversary that will surely remain in the memories of everyone involved for a long time to come!
Answer to the quiz question:
The DeLorean DMC-12 from *Back to the Future* (Answer 2) was not exhibited at the HNF. K.I.T.T. was on display as part of a special exhibition in the spring of 2026, and the NSU Ro80 was exhibited in 2025.
Text: Günter Mero; Photos: Sabine and Holger Willuhn, Michael Krarup, Axel Bretthauer
Info
What:
Humpback Volvo Meet 2026
When:
May 14–17, 2026
Where:
Paderborn