I’d known about Tuning World Bodensee for years, but it never really gave me a reason to attend. It always seemed to lack that special something – the atmosphere and standout builds we’ve become used to seeing from tuning shows in the US and Japan. But I’m happy to report that those days are gone.
In early June, I visited Messe Friedrichshafen in Friedrichshafen, Germany, for the 2026 edition of the show. What I saw convinced me that Tuning World Bodensee has become a must-visit event for car enthusiasts across Europe.
From simple, clean builds to full-blown custom creations, this year’s show had it all. Add to that multiple halls filled with international tuning brands and their latest products, and it’s easy to see why the event is enjoying newfound growth.
With smaller booths selling various auto memorabilia, accessories, and car-themed clothing, be prepared to spend some money, because you will find something interesting to buy!
One aspect that makes Tuning World Bodensee especially special is its inclusion of private vehicles and car clubs. It adds another dimension to the event, separating the professionally presented builds from major brands and tuning companies from the pride and joys of everyday enthusiasts, many of which are self-built.
Outside the exhibition halls, the inclusion of drifting brought some live action to the show – an official round of the local AVD Drift Championship, no less. It was good to head outdoors and breathe a bit of fresh air – with a lovely mix of tire smoke and gas fumes!
Throughout the show, the cars were thoughtfully displayed against carefully chosen backdrops, making it a fantastic event for photography. To capture everything, though, you’ll need plenty of time. If you’re only visiting for a day, plan to arrive early and stay until the doors close in the evening.
I only had a few hours to photograph both the drift demos and the show cars, and it simply wasn’t enough. I’ll definitely be returning to Tuning World Bodensee in the future, but next time I’ll be making a weekend of it.
