The Nürburgring is a motorsports complex in the town of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains of western Germany. The original race track was built in the 1927. Nicknamed the “Ring” this track is one of the most challenging in the world, and certainly the most beautiful! The town even boasts an 800-year-old castle!
The Nordschleife is the storied 12.9 mile track that is part of the Nürburgring. Jackie Stewart nicknamed it the Green Hell in 1968 after a race in very difficult conditions. The Nordschleife features over 1000 feet of elevation change, 170 corners and both low and high speed sections. The complex also features a Grand Prix track that opened in 1984.
The Nürburgring has hosted all sorts of races, from cars to trucks to bicycles, running, 24-hour races, classic cars, World championships, German championships, Formula 1, motorcycle, drifting, concerts and events. Every famous driver has driven this track or dreamed of it! The Nürburgring is utilized by race teams and manufacturers for testing. The current non-race record on the Nordschleife is held by the Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO with a time of 5:19:55.
Perhaps the greatest feature of this iconic race track is that it is open to anyone that wants to take a spin on it! The Nordschleife and the Grand Prix track are open to the public. The cost (summer 2025) is € 30 Mon-Thurs and € 35 per lap on the Nordschleife and € 35 for 15 minutes on the Grand Prix track.
Guidelines for Driving the Nürburgring
- Cars and motorcycles are allowed
- Safety rules and regulations must be followed
- The tracks are open when not otherwise in use
- Reservations are not required
- The track does not provide insurance
- There are car rental companies that will allow you to drive their vehicles on the Ring
- Helmets are not required
- Passengers are allowed
- Valid driver licenses from any country are accepted
So if you’re in the area, stop by and have a look, and maybe take a lap or two! Here’s a compilation of non-professional drivers enjoying the Nürburgring: