Nurburgring

The most challenging racetrack in the world

Nurburgring is, by far, the most prestigious racetrack in the world. Stretching almost 21 kilometres it is a true challenge for all drivers. Learning the track is nothing one can do in an afternoon - it is often a lifetime project for many members of the sports car community to master the ring.

The track construction was finished in the spirng of 1927 and activities started immediately. The first races to take place on 18 June 1927 showed motorcycles and sidecars. The first car race was won by Rudolf Caracciola in a Mercedes-Benz Compressor. His name is now on the famous Caracciola-Karussell curve.

In addition, the track was opened to the public in the evenings and on weekends, as a one-way toll road. The whole track consisted of 174 bends (prior to 1971 changes), and averaged 8 to 9 metres (26 to 30 ft) in width. The fastest time ever around the full Gesamtstrecke was by Louis Chiron, at an average speed of 112.31 km/h (72 mph) in his Bugatti.

After World War II, racing resumed in 1947 and in 1951, the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring again became the main venue for the German Grand Prix as part of the Formula One World Championship.

Between 1971 and 1983 the Nordschleife was reconstructed by taking out some bumps, smoothing out some sudden jumps (particularly at Brünnchen), and installing Armco safety barriers. The track was made straighter, following the race line, which reduced the number of corners. The German GP could be hosted at the Nürburgring again, and was for another six years from 1971 to 1976.

In 1984 a completely new track was constructed to accommodate F1 - the GP-Strecke which used some parts of the former Sudschleife. It was built to the highest safety standards. The GP-Strecke is an independent racing track, separated by its much more challenging brother Nordschleife. However, they can be combined, forming one super large 27-kilometre racing track.

To visit the Nurburgring you can either go on one of the many tourist days, where you by a ticket for a lap on the track. The tourist days, especially the weekends, can be very crowded. If you are looking for a higher quality experience, you register for any of the many track days.

Our annual event on the track, Gran Turismo Nurburgring, is usually held in the spring and is a great option if you own a supercar and want the safest driving environment. Welcome!

Nearby

Pistenklause Nurburg

A restaurant in Nurburg decorated with racing memorabilia

Schloss Lieser

A five star hotel set in a 19th century castle

Dorint Am Nürburgring Hocheifel

Dorint is a great hotel at the Nurburgring

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