Nürburgring - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Nürburgring

Nürburgring

Location:

Nürburg, Eifel, Germany

Local Weather & Time


Upcoming at Nürburgring

Upcoming at Nürburgring
24h Nürburgring
Intercontinental GT Challenge
14 - 17 May
NLS6
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
20 Jun
NLS7
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
1 Aug
NLS8
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
12 Sep
NLS9
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
13 Sep
NLS10
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie
10 Oct

Track Info

Nürburgring Nordschleife - Nürburg/Quiddelbach, Germany

Part-public road style permanent circuit through the Eifel forest - clockwise - extreme length, elevation and corner density

First Race
1927
Opened with the Eifelrennen after construction from 1925 to 1927. The historic Gesamtstrecke once combined North and South loops.
Circuit Length
20.832 km
Modern Nordschleife lap used for records and competition. The 24h and NLS also use GP links on some configs.
Turns
~154
Official corner counting treats multi-apex complexes separately. You will also see 73 or 170 quoted depending on method.
Lap Records
5:19.546 - Timo Bernhard, 2018 (919 Hybrid Evo)
Overall outright lap (non-homologated). Fastest race lap on the classic layout: 6:25.91 - Stefan Bellof, 1983 (Porsche 956, World Sportscar).
Elevation Change
~300 m per lap
From the high point near Hohe Acht to the low at Breidscheid, with constant crests, compressions and camber changes.

When was the track built?

The Nordschleife was carved through the Eifel mountains between 1925 and 1927 to create a proving ground and international race venue. The original complex included the Südschleife and a combined 28.265 km Gesamtstrecke. Post-war safety works progressively altered the North Loop, with major updates in the 1970s and new chicanes at Hohenrain before the separate Grand Prix circuit opened in 1984. The Nordschleife remains in active use alongside the GP track for endurance racing and public lapping.

When was its first race?

The venue’s first race was the Eifelrennen in 1927. The Nordschleife went on to host pre-war Grands Prix and later World Sportscar and Formula 1 (last F1 World Championship race on the Nordschleife was 1976) before top-level single-seaters moved to the modern GP-Strecke.

What's the circuit like?

  • Length and memory test: 20.832 km of constantly changing radius, camber and surface. Drivers speak of “sections” rather than corners.
  • Signature sectors: Hatzenbach’s rhythm, Flugplatz’s crest, Schwedenkreuz into Aremberg, the compression of Fuchsröhre, Bergwerk onto Kesselchen, the bound over Pflanzgarten and the banked Karussell and Kleine Karussell.
  • High-speed payoffs: The Döttinger Höhe straight is ~2.6 km, deciding slipstream battles before Hohenrain and the line.
  • Weather wildcards: Microclimates can deliver sun, fog and rain on different parts of the lap at once. Track evolution is huge across endurance events.
  • Benchmark pace: Outright 5:19.546 (919 Hybrid Evo). Bellof’s 6:11.13 qualifying lap from 1983 remains a legendary competitive reference; his 6:25.91 stands as the race lap benchmark for Group C on the classic layout.

Lap records and benchmarks (by series)

  • World Sportscar (Group C, race lap): 6:25.91 - Stefan Bellof, Porsche 956, 1983 1000 km Nürburgring.
  • Outright Nordschleife (non-homologated test): 5:19.546 - Timo Bernhard, Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, 2018.
  • GT3/24h pace: Modern GT3 race laps typically in the 8:10 - 8:20 range depending on BoP, traffic and weather.
  • TCR/production classes: Competitive race laps span ~9:10 - 9:40 for TCR and ~9:50+ for faster production classes, again highly condition dependent.

Why go?

A motorsport pilgrimage. Nowhere combines spectacle, scale and atmosphere like the Nordschleife during the 24 Hours and NLS rounds. Camping villages spring up trackside, fireworks echo through the forest at night and cars streak through fog banks at dawn. On non-race days, Touristenfahrten sessions let the public lap in road cars under specific rules.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Brünnchen: Famous spectator bowl with multiple viewing angles of mistakes and recoveries.
  • Pflanzgarten: High-commitment jumps and direction changes that separate the brave from the merely quick.
  • Karussell: Iconic concrete banking where traffic stacks up and lines vary with class and weather.
  • Hatzenbach to Hocheichen: Early-lap rhythm that shows balance and traffic craft as packs form.
  • Döttinger Höhe: Slipstream battles and last-lap drama before the Hohenrain chicane and timing line.

Not just one event: series at the Nordschleife

ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring: The GT3-topped endurance classic on the Nordschleife plus GP link, with 150+ cars battling day and night.

NLS (formerly VLN): The year-round Nordschleife Endurance Series runs multi-hour races in mixed classes, the beating heart of the Ring’s competition calendar.

WTCC/WTCR & international specials: Selected years used a combined GP-short + Nordschleife layout for touring car world championship rounds.

Trackdays & Touristenfahrten: Public lapping sessions under road rules keep the circuit busy most weeks outside major events.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Nürburgring Nordschleife - Nürburg, Germany

Best options are driving to the signed spectator and day-visitor car parks around the Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit, using event shuttles on 24h Nürburgring weekend, and regional buses to Nürburg or Adenau for the last leg. Public transport to the Eifel is limited and often requires a bus connection, so many fans prefer to drive or arrange a direct transfer.

Campus address
Otto-Flimm-Straße, 53520 Nürburg
Official Nürburgring contact address for navigation to the main complex by the GP circuit.
Nordschleife entrance
Einfahrt Nürburgring - L93 roundabout
Single tourist drives entrance on the L93 between Nürburg and Meuspath - search "Einfahrt Nürburgring".
Day parking - GP area
A1 - B5 - C7 - C8 - D9
Official day-visitor zones signposted around the GP circuit.
Day parking - Nordschleife
Adenauer Forst - P96 Brünnchen - P98 Pflanzgarten - P100 Schwalbenschwanz
Popular spectator car parks on the forest loop.
Event shuttles
Free on 24h weekend
Routes link key viewpoints and the GP paddock - hours published each year.

Public transport - workable with a bus connection

  • Train to the Rhine - then bus: Common rail gateways are Koblenz or Andernach with onward regional buses toward Nürburg or Adenau. Services are limited and may require waiting time - plan connections carefully.
  • Local stops near the circuit: Look for Nürburg Kirche or Adenau Markt. Typical regional buses in the area include services operated for Verkehrsbetriebe Mittelrhein toward Adenau.
  • Expectation setting: Even locals note that public transport to the Ring is sparse - allow extra time or consider a shuttle or taxi for the last leg.

24h Nürburgring shuttles - easiest on race weekend

  • Free visitor buses: On 24h race weekend there are free shuttle buses linking the GP area to Nordschleife hotspots such as Hatzenbach, Brünnchen, Schwalbenschwanz and more. Timetables and stop lists are published each year.
  • Operating hours example: Recent guidance listed extended hours from Thursday through Sunday with late night service around the circuit. Always check the current fan guide before you travel.

Driving and parking - the straightforward option

  • Follow the zone letters: The Ring uses lettered and numbered lots. Around the GP circuit look for A1 - B5 - B5a - C7 - C8 - D9. For the forest loop use Adenauer Forst, P96 Brünnchen, P98 Pflanzgarten, P100 Schwalbenschwanz. These fill fast during big events.
  • New parking system: Some GP car parks such as A1 - A2 - D8 use license plate recognition and cashless payment - check signs on arrival.
  • Map of lots: Independent guides show the spread of car parks around the loop if you want to pick a corner to watch from.

Taxis and private transfers

  • Pre-book a transfer: If you are arriving by rail or air, several local operators offer pre-arranged transfers to the Ring from Koblenz, Bonn or Cologne. Handy when public buses are infrequent.

Walking from car parks and bus stops

  • Forest viewpoints: From P96 Brünnchen, P98 Pflanzgarten or P100 Schwalbenschwanz it is a short signed walk to the fences. Surfaces are uneven forest tracks - bring sturdy shoes and a torch after dark.
  • GP side: The lettered GP lots feed directly into the boulevard, paddock access points and grandstands via stewarded routes.

Touristenfahrten - tourist drives access

  • Entrance: Use the Einfahrt Nürburgring on the L93 roundabout between Nürburg and Meuspath for all tourist drive sessions.
  • Opening times: Sessions vary by day and can change at short notice for weather or incidents - always check the official opening hours before you set off.

Airports and long distance travel

  • From Cologne - Bonn - Frankfurt regions: Many travelers take a train to Koblenz or Andernach and connect by bus or pre-booked transfer to Nürburg or Adenau for the final leg.

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • Tourist drives users: set navigation to Einfahrt Nürburgring on the L93 - this is the only Nordschleife car entrance for TF.
  • Forest spectators: choose car parks by corner - P96 Brünnchen, P98 Pflanzgarten, P100 Schwalbenschwanz, or Adenauer Forst for quick access.
  • 24h race week: use the free shuttle buses to move between viewpoints and the GP paddock - check the current fan guide for routes and hours.

Always follow the lot printed on your ticket or the on-site signage, and check the Nürburgring pages for any last minute traffic, parking or timetable changes.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Nürburgring Nordschleife (Eifel - Rhineland Palatinate, Germany)

Whether you are here for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, NLS endurance rounds, GT World events, manufacturer tests or public tourist drives, the Nordschleife winds through forests and castles with family parks, lakes and historic towns close by for non race days.

Motorsport at the Ring
24h Nürburgring - NLS - Trackdays - TF
Nordschleife length about 20.832 km for most sessions. The 24h layout links the GP circuit to create a longer course.
Typical peak window
April - October
Tourist drives and major events concentrate in spring to autumn. Winter can bring weather closures.
Nearby hubs
Nürburg - Adenau - Daun - Koblenz
Cologne and Bonn are around 75 - 100 minutes for big city museums and dining.
Event impact
Closures and one way toll access
Public sessions close for races and private hire. Expect local road controls during headline weeks.

Family friendly highlights around the circuit

  • Ring Boulevard and ring werk: Indoor motorsport exhibits, simulators and shops beside the GP paddock. Easy 60 - 90 minute visit with kids.
  • Nürburg Castle: Short hill walk from the village to medieval ruins with panoramic views over the track and Eifel hills.
  • Wildlife & leisure pools: AhrThermen Bad Neuenahr and Eifel thermal pools make a relaxing half day if weather turns.
  • Sommerrodelbahn Altenahr or Nürburg area slides: Seasonal alpine style toboggan runs are a hit with families on sunny days.
  • Phantasialand (Brühl): Large theme park about 60 - 75 minutes away if you add an extra morning or afternoon.
  • Eifel lakes: Paddle boats and safe shoreline walks at lakes like Laacher See and Rursee for a calm family outing.

Many attractions use seasonal hours. Book dated tickets for theme parks and popular pools on weekends.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Marksburg or Burg Eltz: Two of Germany’s best preserved castles within an easy drive, with guided tours and photo friendly courtyards.
  • Monreal and Cochem: Storybook towns in the Eifel and Moselle valleys for cobbled lanes, cafés and riverside walks.
  • Laacher See & Maria Laach Abbey: Romanesque abbey by a volcanic lake with garden center and bookshop.
  • Museum & Documentation Forum at Remagen Bridge: World War II history on the Rhine if the weather turns.
  • Cologne: Combine Cologne Cathedral, the Chocolate Museum and the Romano Germanic Museum for a full culture day if you are staying longer.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Eifel comfort plates: Schnitzel, bratwurst, game stews and potato dishes in Nürburg, Adenau and Kelberg villages.
  • Bakeries and café stops: Morning pastries and good coffee in Adenau make easy pit stops before or after viewing stints.
  • Mosel wine detours: Riesling tastings and riverfront lunches in Cochem or Bernkastel Kues if you can spare an afternoon.
  • Race week tip: Friday and Saturday tables near Nürburg and Adenau fill fast during NLS and 24h weeks. Reserve early for groups.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • Hohe Acht & Eifelsteig segments: Forest hikes with lookout towers and broad views. Choose short signed loops to fit gaps between sessions.
  • Laacher See circuit: Easy lakeshore walk with volcanic geology panels and picnic spots.
  • Rursee and Nationalpark Eifel: Boat rides, shoreline cycling and family friendly trails around a scenic reservoir.
  • Road cycling and scenic drives: Quiet B roads snake through the Eifel, but expect race week traffic and occasional closures near the ring.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Moselle Valley - 45 to 75 minutes. Castle climbs, vineyard walks and river cruises from Cochem, Beilstein or Traben Trarbach.
  • Ahr Valley - 30 to 50 minutes. Wine villages and cliff path viewpoints along the Rotweinwanderweg trail. Check local updates as the region continues to recover in places.
  • Koblenz - Deutsches Eck - 55 to 70 minutes. Cable car over the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and old town lunch spots.
  • Bonn - About 75 minutes. Beethoven House, Rheinaue park and compact museums on the Museumsmeile.
  • Trier - 1.5 to 2 hours. Roman city gates, baths and a cathedral cluster for a full history day if you add an extra night.

Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Popular castles and river cruises often require timed tickets in peak season.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - Spring to early autumn hosts the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, NLS rounds, manufacturer days and busy tourist drive calendars. Rooms and restaurants in Nürburg and Adenau sell out from Thursday to Sunday.
  • Weather - The Eifel is changeable. Expect cool mornings, sudden showers and fog. Pack layers, a light rain shell and comfortable shoes for forest paths and gravel banks.

Practical notes during race weeks and tourist drives

  • Public sessions: Tourist drives are one way, tolled and strictly controlled. Sessions close for incidents, weather and events. Always check the day’s timetable before you plan other activities.
  • Viewing spots: Popular corners include Brünnchen, Pflanzgarten, Hatzenbach and Pflanzgarten 3. Some access tracks are rough and can be muddy after rain.
  • Safety and etiquette: If you intend to drive, read the rules carefully. No timing, no drifting, overtake on the left, hazard lights for warning and insurance must explicitly cover TF use.
  • Traffic and road changes: During the 24h and major events, local roads gain diversions and pedestrian bridges are the easiest way to move between areas. Allow extra time.
  • Packing list: Ear protection for children, waterproof footwear, refillable bottles and a small folding chair or blanket for long stints on the banks.

Operating hours, tourist drive sessions, roadworks and event week operations can change at short notice. Check official Nürburgring schedules and local attraction sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

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