Sachsenring - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Sachsenring

Sachsenring

Location:

Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Saxony, Germany

Local Weather & Time


Upcoming at Sachsenring

Upcoming at Sachsenring
German Grand Prix
Moto-3
10 - 12 Jul
German Grand Prix
Moto-2
10 - 12 Jul
German Grand Prix
MotoGP
10 - 12 Jul
Sachsenring
Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters
11 - 13 Sep

Track Info

Sachsenring - Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Saxony, Germany

Permanent road course - counter-clockwise - 3.671 km, 13 turns with 10 lefts and only 3 rights, famous for the Omega hairpin complex and the downhill Waterfall

First Race
26 May 1927
Began on public roads around Hohenstein-Ernstthal. Modern closed circuit opened in 1996 and hosts the German GP from 1998 to present.
Circuit Length
3.671 km
2.281 miles - current Grand Prix layout (2003 to present).
Turns
13
10 left - 3 right. Anti-clockwise character that punishes the right-hand side of the tyre.
Elevation Change
~35 m
Short, hilly lap with notable drops at the back of the course.
Lap Records
MotoGP race 1:20.667 - J. Martín (2024) • All-time 1:19.071 - F. Di Giannantonio (2025)
Race-lap on the 3.671 km bike layout and outright lap from 2025 practice. Car outright reference: F3 1:13.714 - F. Vervisch (2008).

When was the track built?

Racing started on a public-road loop in 1927 and continued through the East German GP era. After safety concerns ended road racing in 1990, a permanent circuit opened in 1996 beside the town. The modern Sachsenring was lengthened and refined to today’s 3.671 km Grand Prix course, which has held the German GP since 1998 and regularly appears on Germany’s GT and touring calendars.

When was its first race?

The venue’s first race was on 26 May 1927 over the original public-road layout. The permanent circuit era began in 1996 with national series before MotoGP arrived in 1998.

What's the circuit like?

  • Left-hand bias: With 10 lefts to 3 rights, riders and drivers manage asymmetric tyre temperatures and wear lap after lap.
  • Omega to back side: The multi-apex Omega complex demands patience and rotation, then the lap builds through fast lefts before plunging down the Waterfall right and charging to the Sachsen Kurve hairpin.
  • Short and intense: At only 3.671 km with ~35 m of vertical swing, mistakes compound quickly and traffic compresses during races.
  • Benchmark pace: MotoGP race-lap 1:20.667 (2024) and all-time 1:19.071 (2025). Single-seater ceiling is stunningly quick too, with F3 at 1:13.714.

Lap records and benchmarks (by series)

  • MotoGP - race lap: 1:20.667 - Jorge Martín, 2024 German GP. Pole: 1:19.423 - Jorge Martín, 2024. Outright: 1:19.071 - Fabio Di Giannantonio, 2025 practice.
  • DTM/GT3 - race-lap reference: 1:19.072 - Audi R8 LMS GT3, 2023 DTM lap record.
  • Formula 3 - outright (car): 1:13.714 - Frédéric Vervisch, Dallara F306, 2008.

Why go?

A hillside amphitheatre with non-stop action. Short laps keep the field compressed, the Omega invites dives and cutbacks, and the Waterfall rewards commitment. MotoGP weekends routinely sell out, and since 2023 DTM has brought GT3 thunder back to the stadium sections.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Haupttribüne/pit straight: Starts, pit work and the sprint to the flag with paddock action in view.
  • Omega complex: See who rotates early for the cutback and who overheats the right side before the run to Turn 11.
  • Waterfall exit to Sachsen Kurve: High-commitment downhill right into the heaviest stop of the lap - prime passes and last-lap drama.

Not just MotoGP: headline series at Sachsenring

DTM: Returned in 2023 with GT3 machinery - overtaking is tough but the show at Sachsen Kurve and through the stadium is intense.

ADAC GT Masters and Prototype Cup Germany: Deep national grids and LMP3 pace have set modern car benchmarks.

IDM Superbikes and junior cups: Germany’s top two-wheel championships add slipstream trains and packed schedules around the hillside circuit.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Sachsenring - Oberlungwitz - Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Saxony

Best options are train to Hohenstein-Ernstthal Station then 10 - 15 minute walk or event shuttle, free P12 park and ride shuttle from 05:00 on major race days, and driving via A72 - A4 to signed car parks P12 - P11 - P10. The circuit address is Am Sachsenring 2, 09353 Oberlungwitz.

Address
Am Sachsenring 2, 09353 Oberlungwitz
Use for navigation and taxi set down.
Closest rail
Hohenstein-Ernstthal Station
Regular regional trains from Chemnitz - Zwickau. Walk roughly 10 - 15 minutes to the circuit.
Event shuttle
Free P12 ⇄ Sachsenring
Runs Fri - Sun at regular intervals from 05:00 during MotoGP weekends.
Parking
P12 free - P11 special - P10 motorhomes
P12 is the main free park and ride. P11 near the track is paid and limited. P10 is for RV - motorhome.
Motorcycle parking
P3 Autohaus Schmidt
Dedicated MotoGP motorcycle parking at Am Sachsenring 1, 09337 Bernsdorf.

Public transport - rail to Hohenstein-Ernstthal then walk or shuttle

  • Rail hubs: Frequent services from Chemnitz Hbf and Zwickau to Hohenstein-Ernstthal. Journey from Chemnitz is around 20 minutes.
  • Last mile: From Hohenstein-Ernstthal Station it is approximately a 10 - 15 minute walk to the circuit perimeter via signed routes.
  • Event extras: On headline weekends, organisers and local partners supplement public transport with station - circuit shuttles and expanded park and ride.

Event shuttles - free P12 park and ride

  • P12 shuttle: Free buses operate from 05:00 Friday - Sunday between P12 Gersdorf and the circuit at regular intervals. Expect crowding at peak times.
  • How to reach P12 by road: From the A72 Stollberg-Nord exit use B180, or from the A4 Wüstenbrand exit follow local signs to P12.

Driving and parking - follow A72 - A4 to signed P zones

  • Main approaches: Use A72 via Stollberg-Nord or Hohenstein-Ernstthal, and A4 via Wüstenbrand. Then follow brown Sachsenring and event signs to P zones.
  • P12: Large free car park several km from the track with continuous shuttle service on race days. Recommended to avoid congestion.
  • P11 special car park: Very close to the circuit - paid and limited. Pre booking advised.
  • P10 motorhome area: RV - motorhome parking near the venue entrances when operating.
  • Traffic note: Expect heavy queues on Sunday departure. Police and marshals apply contraflow and closures around the venue.

Taxis and rideshare

  • Set destination: Am Sachsenring 2, 09353 Oberlungwitz. On event days, staff will direct drop off - pick up to active gates.
  • From Hohenstein-Ernstthal Station: Taxis are available at the station if you prefer not to walk the 10 - 15 minutes to the circuit.

Walking from station - shuttles - car parks

  • From Hohenstein-Ernstthal: Follow the signed pedestrian route from the station to the circuit perimeter - allow 10 - 15 minutes.
  • From P12 shuttles: Shuttles set down near the outer gates with short stewarded walks to admissions. Services start at 05:00.

Accessibility - designated parking and viewing

  • Parking: Guidance recommends using P10 for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility as it is near key entrances.
  • Tickets - viewing: ADAC notes dedicated wheelchair arrangements and discounts for disabled visitors on standing areas during MotoGP weekends. Check your event page for current platforms and access points.

Airports and longer trips

  • Leipzig - Halle LEJ and Dresden DRS: both connect by train via Chemnitz - Zwickau to Hohenstein-Ernstthal for the final walk or taxi.
  • From Frankfurt FRA - Berlin BER: long distance ICE - regional combinations reach Chemnitz and onward to Hohenstein-Ernstthal. Plan extra time on race weekends.

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • Rail users: ride to Hohenstein-Ernstthal then walk 10 - 15 minutes or use event shuttles when provided.
  • Drivers: follow A72 - A4 to signed P zones. Use P12 free park and ride to avoid congestion near the venue.
  • Motorcyclists: dedicated MotoGP bike parking at P3 Autohaus Schmidt on the B180 across from the circuit.

Always follow the gate and lot printed on your e-ticket and check the event page for shuttle timetables, parking maps and temporary traffic plans before you travel.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Sachsenring - Hohenstein-Ernstthal (Saxony, Germany)

Whether you are here for the MotoGP German Grand Prix, WorldSBK tests, IDM Superbikes, ADAC national series or a busy trackday, this tight, counter clockwise hillside circuit sits between Chemnitz and Zwickau with museums, castles and Ore Mountains nature close by for non race days.

Motorsport at Sachsenring
MotoGP - IDM - ADAC series - Trackdays
Modern 3.671 km anti clockwise GP layout built beside sections of the historic road course. Famous for the Omega complex, heavy lefts and big crowds.
Typical peak window
May - September
MotoGP typically late June or early July. National bike - car meetings run spring to early autumn.
Nearby hubs
Chemnitz - Zwickau - Leipzig - Dresden
Chemnitz and Zwickau are 20 - 30 minutes. Leipzig and Dresden make easy city day trips.
Event impact
Festival scale MotoGP week
Street closures, shuttles and late concerts around the hill. Local attractions and restaurants fill Friday - Sunday.

Family friendly highlights near the circuit

  • Sachsenring Kartcenter - Oberlungwitz: Arrive and drive for adults and juniors on selected non event days. Book ahead on race weeks.
  • Miniwelt Lichtenstein: Outdoor miniature world with global landmarks, play areas and lawns for picnics.
  • August Horch Museum - Zwickau: Superb automotive museum tracing Horch, Audi and Trabant history with interactive displays.
  • Industriemuseum Chemnitz: Big machines, textiles and hands on science corners in a historic factory.
  • Tierpark Chemnitz: Walkable zoo plus a small fossil and natural history section nearby for a rainy hour.
  • Stausee Oberwald bathing lake: Beach, pedal boats and playgrounds 10 - 15 minutes from the paddock on warm days.

Popular indoor venues use timed entry in holidays. Lakeside car parks reach capacity on hot Saturdays during MotoGP week.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Schloss Augustusburg - Motorcycle Museum: Hilltop castle with a renowned motorcycle collection and panoramic views.
  • Schloss & Park Lichtenwalde or Schloss Rochlitz: Elegant palaces and riverside walks within easy reach of Chemnitz.
  • Opernhaus and art venues - Chemnitz: Galleries and design museums if the weather turns unsettled.
  • Trabant production story - Zwickau: Combine the Horch Museum with a stroll through the old town and cathedral square.
  • Meissen porcelain detour: If you add time, the manufactury museum and painting studios make a fine rainy day plan north of Dresden.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Chemnitz and Zwickau centers: Breweries, coffee roasters and Saxon kitchens around Markt squares for group friendly dinners.
  • Saxon specialties: Sauerbraten, Klöße potato dumplings, Quarkkeulchen and Eierschecke cake are reliable crowd pleasers.
  • Beer and soft drinks: Local names include Freiberger, Wernesgrüner and Radeberger. Drivers stick to Apfelschorle or malt drinks on hot paddock days.
  • Wine add on: Saxon wine from the Elbe around Meissen and Radebeul appears on many lists if you venture toward Dresden.
  • Race week tip: Book Friday - Saturday tables across Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Chemnitz and Zwickau on MotoGP - IDM weekends. Village kitchens close earlier midweek.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • Erzgebirge Ore Mountains: Short spruce forest loops near Stollberg and Thalheim with signposted family trails.
  • Rabensteiner Wald - Chemnitz: Lake, zoo and woodland tracks for an easy jog or stroller friendly walk.
  • Rochlitzer Berg: Basalt viewpoints, tower climb and gentle circuits through mixed woodland.
  • Cycling: Quiet rolling lanes around Callenberg and Waldenburg. Start early before race traffic builds.
  • Water time: Oberwald lake and Rabenstein lake offer swimming zones and rentals in summer.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Leipzig - 60 to 80 minutes. Zoo, Spinnerei art complex, St. Thomas Church and lively food halls.
  • Dresden - 60 to 90 minutes. Zwinger, Frauenkirche, river terraces and porcelain collections.
  • Seiffen - 70 to 100 minutes. Toy village, wooden crafts and museum in the upper Ore Mountains.
  • Kriebstein Reservoir and Castle - 50 to 70 minutes. Boat tours, cliff views and a photogenic fortress.
  • Meissen - 75 to 95 minutes. Porcelain manufactory and castle hill above Elbe vineyards.

Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular castles and museums may require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - Late spring through summer concentrates MotoGP, IDM and big club festivals. Hotels in Chemnitz, Zwickau and spa towns fill Thursday - Sunday.
  • Weather - Continental and changeable. Expect warm sun with a chance of afternoon showers or storms. Pack sunscreen, a hat, a light rain shell and comfortable shoes for steep banks and long walks.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • On site operations: Public experiences, karting and tours often pause or run special hours on headline weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
  • Ground and shade: The hillside layout means climbs between Omega, Waterfall and Saxon Curve. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on hot days.
  • Evening plans: MotoGP week brings concerts and fan zones in Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Chemnitz. Expect late music and busy terraces.
  • Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light jacket for after sunset and sturdy shoes for gravel - grass banks.

Opening hours, seasonal programs and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

Never Miss Lights Out

Get alerts before every race, across all major series.

Email reminders • Calendar sync • Push notifications