The Nordschleife features 154 corners and a total elevation change of approximately 300 meters per lap.
Sir Jackie Stewart famously coined the nickname 'The Green Hell' for the Nordschleife due to its difficulty and dense forest surroundings.
The track was constructed in the 1920s as a way to alleviate regional unemployment and provide a venue for automotive testing.
The complex includes the ring°boulevard, a 300-meter indoor area featuring automotive displays and shops.
The Nordschleife is technically a toll road during public sessions, requiring drivers to follow German road traffic regulations.
The circuit was once the site of the German Grand Prix until safety concerns led to its removal from the F1 calendar after 1976.
Many manufacturers, including Porsche and BMW, operate permanent test centers within the Nürburgring industrial park.
The Karussell is a famous banked corner on the Nordschleife characterized by concrete slabs rather than smooth asphalt.
The circuit remains one of the longest permanent racetracks in the world.
Nürburg Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is visible from sections of the track.
The Nürburgring is a world-renowned motorsport complex in the Eifel mountains, featuring the historic 20.8-kilometer Nordschleife circuit. Known as the 'Green Hell,' the track is open to the public during Touristenfahrten sessions, allowing private vehicles to drive the legendary course. The complex includes the modern Grand Prix circuit, an eSports arena, and a multi-purpose event center called the ring°werk. It serves as a primary testing ground for automotive manufacturers to develop high-performance vehicles. The venue hosts major endurance events including the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The Nordschleife maintains its 1920s-era layout with significant elevation changes and limited runoff areas. Visitors can access a dedicated museum and multiple vantage points overlooking the technical corners. The site functions as a year-round hub for automotive tourism and professional racing series.
The elevated viewing area at the Karussell corner offers the most iconic perspective of the circuit.
Check the official website's 'Touristenfahrten' calendar before arrival to confirm public track access times.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes if you plan to walk the perimeter or explore the various spectator viewpoints.
Carry a dashcam or smartphone with a sturdy mount if you intend to record your laps, as hand-held recording is strictly prohibited while driving.
Do not attempt to drive the Nordschleife without familiarizing yourself with standard track safety protocols and vehicle insurance limitations.
The Nordschleife is frequently closed to the public on weekends for major racing events and private track days.
Maintain strict lane discipline on the track by passing only on the left; do not stop on the track unless in an emergency.
