04/06/2025

How to Plan Your Trip to the Nordschleife at Nürburgring: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

The journey to the legendary Nordschleife at Nürburgring isn’t merely about reaching a destination - it’s about embracing an experience that lingers long after the engine cools. Where others seek to conquer, we invite you to embark on a multisensory voyage that redefines performance on board the iconic Genesis G70, transforming a simple drive into a profound dialogue between driver, machine, and landscape.

Why the Nürburgring and Especially the Nordschleife Is a Must-Visit for Car Enthusiasts

Built in the 1920s and stretching through the Eifel Forests like a ribbon of asphalt unfurling through time, the Nürburgring represents the ultimate pilgrimage for automotive enthusiasts. The original track featured 174 bends across 8-9 meters of width, each corner telling its own story. After closing during World War II, the circuit reopened in the 1950s and underwent renovations in the 1970s, adding the Grand Prix track in 1984. This Grand Prix circuit was further refurbished in 2001, with an additional section extending it to its present 5.148 kilometres.

»A legendary track for an equally iconic car: the Genesis G70«

Nordschleife: More Than a Track, a Rite of Passage

What now sets the Nordschleife apart is its 20.832 kilometres of adrenaline-inducing tarmac, with 73 corners, elevation changes of up to 300 meters, and a fluctuating surface that rewards precision and punishes complacency. Here, driving transcends transportation to become artistry, a delicate dance between technical mastery and intuitive flow, where each section demands its own unique interpretation.

Three-time Formula 1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart nicknamed it "Green Hell", a testament to both its verdant surroundings and primal challenge. Unlike sanitized modern circuits, the Nordschleife commands respect through its unforgiving nature, delivering a rare authenticity in today’s world of calculated risks.

Can Anyone Drive on the Nürburgring?

The Nürburgring offers numerous track days and driving experiences for motorsport enthusiasts of all levels. During public sessions known as "Touristenfahrten," the circuit opens its gates to visitors, making this legendary track accessible in a way few world-famous venues are. Unlike exclusive racing circuits, the Nürburgring democratises the adventure of driving on a truly historic course.

The track is open from mid-March to mid-November, with dates released in February each year. Weekends are exceptionally busy, making weekday evenings a wiser choice for those seeking a more measured experience. For first timers, it’s best to treat the track as a one-way country road rather than adopting a circuit-driving approach. Remember that overtaking is officially permitted only on the left side. The Nürburgring is for everyone to enjoy - respect the track and other drivers, and keep in mind that there are "no prizes for coming first".

How to Plan Your Trip to the Nürburgring

Want to experience the Nordschleife with Genesis? This guide tells you the best times to visit, where to stay, and what to prepare for your Track Taxi adventure at the Nordschleife - on board our iconic Genesis G70.

Best time to go: weather, crowds, and pricing

The Eifel region experiences distinct seasons, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C and winter bringing snow that closes the circuit. The optimal window falls between late April and early October, when morning mists dissolve into clear skies and the forest’s emerald canopy provides a stunning backdrop to your driving adventure.

For reduced crowds, consider weekday sessions rather than weekends. The loop tends to be most congested during special events like the Nürburgring Classic and the ADAC Total 24-hour race, when passionate enthusiasts gather from across the globe. Checking the official track calendar is essential, as corporate testing and private events regularly close the track to public access as well.

A basic lap during „Touristenfahrten“ simply requires purchasing a ticket (around 30 Euro per lap, as of May 2025), available at the circuit or through the Green Hell website – your passport to one of motorsport’s most hallowed experiences.

Where to stay near the Nordschleife: local hotels and access to the track

Accommodation options near the Nürburgring range from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Properties within walking distance include:

• Lindner Nürburgring Congress Hotel and Motorsport Hotel
• Hotel am Tiergarten in Nürburg, a family-run establishment with a racing heritage
• Dorint Am Nürburgring Hocheifel, positioned at the starting line

For evening entertainment, the nearby town of Adenau offers restaurants and bars. Those seeking tranquillity might prefer the surrounding countryside, where the verdant landscape provides a serene contrast. Booking well in advance is crucial, particularly during major events.

What to pack and prepare ahead of your visit

For your vehicle:

• Perform a thorough mechanical inspection
• Pay special attention to brakes, tyres, and fluid levels
• Verify insurance coverage for track activities

For your journey:

• EU car safety equipment (warning triangle, hi-vis jackets, first aid kit)
• Headlight converters if driving from the UK
• Vehicle documents, including insurance certificates
• Weather-appropriate clothing (the Eifel climate is notoriously unpredictable)
• EU plug adapters and necessary medications
• Cash, as some local establishments may not accept cards

Tourist Drives vs. the Genesis Track Taxi: Which Experience to Choose?

Drive your own car: thrills and limitations

Driving your own vehicle around the Nordschleife offers a special connection with the track - every apex and elevation change is yours to navigate, every conquered section a personal triumph. The whisper of tyres on asphalt becomes a private symphony, creating memories that echo long after you’ve left the circuit behind.

However, without extensive track knowledge, first-time visitors often spend their laps reacting rather than anticipating, their attention divided between piloting and admiration. Concerns about mechanical issues and insurance liability can cast shadows over what should be pure exhilaration, tempering the freedom to explore the limits of both car and driver.

Book the Genesis Track Taxi: what to expect from the experience on the Nordschleife?

The Genesis Track Taxi offers an entirely different approach: you become the passenger while professional drivers take the wheel, transforming the Nordschleife from a technical challenge into a multisensory revelation as you sit in the co-pilot seat of our Genesis G70 vehicle:

WATCH the precision of professional drivers as they navigate the circuit with effortless grace, unveiling racing lines that redefine your understanding of what’s possible.

LISTEN to the symphonic dialogue between the Genesis G70’s refined powertrain and the surrounding environment, from the whisper of tyres gripping asphalt to the confident voice of the engine.

FEEL the sophisticated balance of the chassis as it flows through the circuit’s corners, the supportive embrace of finely stitched seats cradling you through high-G manoeuvres.

BREATHE IN the unique aromatic signature of the Eifel Forest, mingling with the crisp mountain air - the most memorable olfactory backdrop.

TASTE the flavour of adrenaline itself, creating a heightened state where every sense is amplified.

Ready to enjoy the Nordschleife like never before?

What to Know Before Driving on the Nordschleife

The Nürburgring demands respect from drivers of all skill levels. When you are behind the wheel, you must find the right balance and meet your edge safely.

Before heading to the track, carefully review your insurance contract to make sure all your bases are covered.

For those seeking to experience the Nürburgring without these concerns, the Genesis Track Taxi offers a sophisticated alternative where professional drivers handle the navigation while you immerse yourself in the pure sensory pleasure of the journey.

FAQ: Nürburgring Trip Essentials

Is the Nürburgring open to the public every day?

The Nürburgring is open for several famous motorsport events between late June and early September. Checking the official calendar before planning your trip is essential, as the track’s availability varies throughout the season.

Do I need a special licence?

No special licence is required for tourist driving sessions - a standard valid driving licence is sufficient. For those without a licence or who simply prefer to leave the driving to the professionals, the Genesis Track Taxi presents a sublime opportunity to experience the legendary Nordschleife without restrictions.

Is Genesis Track Taxi suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The Genesis Track Taxi is ideal for anyone who wishes to experience the thrill of the Nordschleife. Passengers as young as 14 are welcome (with parental consent below the age of 18), even if they don’t drive themselves. With capacity for up to three passengers per vehicle, it’s also an excellent option for sharing the experience with friends or family.

How much does it cost to drive the Nordschleife?

The Genesis Track Taxi experience is priced at €120 for one person, €160 for two persons, or €180 for three persons, offering exceptional value while providing a premium experience that engages all five senses.