Voegtlin - Meyer AG (Brugg AG)

Are you looking for a special means of transport for your excursion? Our vintage bus "Berni " is ideal for weddings, birthday parties, club and company outings. "Berni" has 30 seats and can be decorated on request.

Do you remember how it was back then? "Dü-da-do, Poschtauto!" was the advertising slogan in reference to the triad horn of the golden yellow vehicles. "Dü-da-do" had the right of way everywhere and in every situation, especially in the mountains. "Dü-da-do" rang out on wedding trips and on school trips. And if you were on vacation somewhere and heard a "Dü-da-do", you stepped up to the window and wanted to see the Postbus go by.

Without any hustle and bustle

In those days, life was more peaceful than it is today. Hectic was largely unknown. Klaus Zimmermann, a retired postbus driver, remembers: "I drove this exact model of the Berna brand. Back then, in the Bernese Oberland. The vehicle always worked; it never had a technical defect. It was only on very rare occasions that the battery went on strike. Then people had to get out, and I said to them: 'Gäbet ehm hurti schnäu e Mupf!' - and the matter was settled." Zimmermann smiles and repeats, "Yes, it ran like an Örgeli. And all on a very simple basis."

Memories are awakened: "Thanks to the good load distribution on the axles, driving in a lot of snow was also problem-free. However, it was sometimes the case that visibility was quite impaired in heavy snowfall, despite the windshield wiper. Then I just had to 'hurti schtill ha', get out and clean the windows."

"There was never a rush. Normally, I never drove faster than 65 km/h. Anything more would be an imposition on the engine. Even at the stops, you still had time back then. If I saw a Müeti up there at Heimetli signaling with its umbrella, I waited until it had come down and only then drove off. No one was annoyed about that, on the contrary."

"You speak almost affectionately about the old post bus. Almost as if it were a living being." - Zimmermann smiles again. "For me, it's actually something similar. I was extremely fond of driving it."

Extra Rides

The old 1966 Berna with its long snout is in top condition and still fully roadworthy. Manfred Gautschi, senior manager of Voegtlin-Meyer, calls it "our gem. He knows that it is not easy to steer. There is no talk of power steering or a synchronized transmission. You not only hear the engine, you also feel it. Especially when shifting gears.

The oldie is to be put back into action more often. Next spring, Voegtlin-Meyer wants to offer wine tours to Döttingen, including tastings. Or to Hallwil Castle. Or to the Tegerfelden wine museum. Or to the Schenkenberg Valley Or ... The possibilities are many. The important thing is that passengers are taken through the countryside at a leisurely pace and on secondary roads, giving them plenty of time to see its sights.

In addition to organized excursions, the Berna also lends itself to weddings, birthday parties and company outings. Gautschi says, "I can well imagine that memories will be awakened in older people, and younger passengers will be just as pleased with the old technology and nostalgic-looking equipment of the vehicle."

And for those who want to see the oldie for themselves: It will be on display at the upcoming Expo in Schachen (October 22-25)!