Adolph Saurer founded the company in 1853, initially focusing on textile machines before pivoting to automotive manufacturing.
Saurer trucks were once exported to over 50 countries, becoming a global benchmark for durability in mountainous terrain.
The museum houses original embroidery machines that were central to the St. Gallen textile industry's dominance.
Many of the vintage trucks on display are regularly maintained and participate in classic car rallies.
The museum is housed in the actual factory site where these machines were historically produced.
The Saurer Museum in Arbon documents the industrial legacy of the Saurer company, a world-renowned manufacturer of trucks, buses, and textile machinery. Located in the former production halls of the Saurer works, the museum preserves the history of Swiss mechanical engineering. The collection features a diverse array of vintage Saurer trucks, postal coaches, and military vehicles. Visitors can view intricate textile looms and embroidery machines that once defined the regional industry. The museum functions as a historical archive for the technological evolution of heavy-duty Swiss vehicles. Many of the restored engines and chassis are maintained in working condition. It provides context on how the company transitioned from a family workshop to a global industrial enterprise. The exhibition spans several floors, emphasizing the technical craftsmanship of the early 20th century.
The main hall, where rows of vintage Saurer trucks and postal buses are aligned for a panoramic perspective.
Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibition changes before arrival.
The site is largely accessible to wheelchair users, though some narrow industrial aisles exist.
Consider pairing your visit with a walk along the nearby Lake Constance waterfront.
Do not attempt to touch the vintage engines or control panels, as many are fragile historical artifacts.
Generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; operates on a reduced seasonal schedule during winter months.
