08/08/2025

Why Is the Nürburgring Nordschleife Known as the “Green Hell”

Steeped in danger, history, and adrenaline, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is more than just a racetrack - it’s a rite of passage. Famously dubbed the “Green Hell” by Formula 1 legend Jackie Stewart, this forest-lined circuit tests every limit of man and machine. In this article, we explore what makes the Nordschleife so unique, from its relentless corners and unpredictable weather to the unforgettable Genesis Track Taxi experience that lets you feel the thrill without taking the wheel.

Understanding why the Nürburgring is called the Green Hell

At Genesis, our mission is to turn every ride into a refined, multisensory experience we call Ogam. Rooted in Korean philosophy, Ogam represents the harmonious engagement of all five senses, going beyond the typical automotive experience to create a profound and lasting impression that resonates long after the journey ends.

While luxurious comfort defines the Genesis experience, there's another side to our elevated brand: performance. To put the dynamic spirit of the Genesis G70 sedan to the test, we headed to one of the world’s most iconic and demanding circuits: the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

A true proving ground for performance and precision, the Green Hell pushes man and machine to their limits - making this the perfect environment for our Genesis Track Taxi experience. 

Read on to discover why this legendary track earned such a fearsome nickname, and what makes it the ultimate challenge for anyone that dares to take it on.

Who First Named It the Green Hell?

Unlike what some might think, the nickname “Green Hell” wasn’t invented by journalists or marketers trying to sell a myth. It came from someone who faced its challenges the fast way. Jackie Stewart, a three-time Formula 1 World Champion, raced on the Nürburgring Nordschleife during one of the most dangerous periods in motorsport history. After winning the rain-soaked and fog-covered 1968 German Grand Prix, he famously described the track as a “Green Hell”, a phrase born from raw fear, admiration, and survival.

The Story of Jackie Stewart in 1968

The 1968 German Grand Prix was a true nightmare for everyone who had to get behind the wheel that day. Torrential rain poured down, and thick fog drifted between the trees of the Eifel Forest, cutting visibility to just a few meters. 

To make things even harder, Jackie Stewart was racing with a broken wrist. His car was fitted with narrow, outdated wet tires that gave little grip on the soaked asphalt. With almost no safety barriers and zero room for error, every turn could have ended in disaster.

After stepping out of the car, he described the track as “a Green Hell,” a nickname that captured the sheer intensity of the race and stuck with the circuit forever.

How did the name “Green Hell” spread worldwide?

Once Jackie Stewart’s quote made the rounds, it didn’t take long for it to catch on. Other drivers started using it. Soon, the nickname appeared in magazines, books, and even in official promotions. “The Green Hell” became more than a term; it became a symbol. 

Quick facts to remember:

• The nickname “Green Hell” was coined by Formula 1 legend Jackie Stewart in 1968.

• The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a 20.832 km rollercoaster of 73 corners, blind crests, and forest-lined straights.

• Rain, fog, and rapidly changing weather make it one of the world’s most dangerous tracks.

• Today, you can experience it firsthand as a passenger of the Genesis Track Taxi, with professional drivers and comprehensive safety measures ensuring a thrilling yet secure ride. Discover more about our Nordschleife cars and pilots here.
  

What Makes the Nürburgring So Unique?

A Demanding Track Layout

Since being built in the 1920s, it spans 20.832 kilometers (12.9 miles) and features more than 73 corners. With close to 300 meters of elevation change, it feels more like a twisting mountain road than a racetrack. The constant turns, changing grip, and uneven slopes challenge even the most experienced drivers.

The 20.832 km of Curves, Hills, and Forest

Modern racetracks are designed with safety in mind, providing large run-off areas and strict regulations. The Nordschleife is the opposite. It cuts through thick forest, with the track bordered closely by trees, fences, and metal guardrails. There’s little margin for error. A single misjudged corner can send you off the tarmac. It’s just you, the car, the constant flash of greenery, and the pressure to stay in control from start to finish. ‎

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How Nature Shapes the Challenge

At the Nordschleife, nature doesn’t play by the rules: it rewrites them. 

The Eifel Mountains creating wild shifts in weather is only part of the story. In spring and autumn, damp leaves and early morning frost can catch even experienced drivers off guard. The forest floor rises close to the asphalt, sometimes narrowing visibility with low fog or spraying mud after heavy rain.

Elevation changes are just as extreme, meaning your car’s behavior can shift dramatically mid-lap. One section might feel grippy and fast, the next like a cold, slippery descent.

While luxurious comfort defines the Genesis experience, there’s another side to our elevated brand: performance. To put the dynamic spirit of the Genesis G70 sedan to the test, we turned to one of the world’s most iconic and demanding circuits: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. From high-speed bends to technical sections like the infamous Bellof S, a blind, sweeping corner named after racing legend Stefan Bellof, the track reveals what only a true driver's car like the Genesis G70 can handle. It’s where composure meets capability, and where the G70 proves it’s more than refined. It’s relentlessly engineered.

The Dangers of the Nürburgring Nordschleife

Harsh Weather and Blind Corners

Tackling the Nordschleife is like stepping into controlled chaos. Corners such as Aremberg, Fuchsröhre, and Pflanzgarten come at you fast, each demanding precision, split-second timing, and nerves of steel. Many turns offer no clear view ahead; you must trust your memory and instincts to carry you through. And when the Eifel weather adds fog or slick patches in the forested sections, even Nordschleife pros are sometimes forced to slow down and respect the track’s unpredictable nature. There’s nothing else quite like it.

Lack of Run-Off Areas

Modern racetracks are designed with safety in mind, featuring wide run-off areas and forgiving gravel traps. The Nordschleife is different. Its layout has barely changed since the 1920s, and the guardrails sit just a few meters from the racing line. At high speeds, even a small mistake can have serious consequences, a reality that commands respect from both drivers and engineers.‎

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Legendary Crashes and Near Misses

Every great track has stories. The Nordschleife has epic ones. Niki Lauda’s near-fatal crash in 1976, countless high-speed accidents during endurance races, and terrifying footage from Touristenfahrten (public driving days) all feed the myth. 

Why Drivers Love the Green Hell Anyway

The Sense of Achievement

Completing a clean, fast lap of the Nordschleife is a personal victory. Here, success means more than just speed. It’s about feeling the track beneath you, reacting to its every twist, and staying calm when the adrenaline kicks in. Many professional drivers say mastering this lap feels more rewarding than standing on a podium elsewhere. It’s the kind of challenge that stays with you long after the engine cools. ‎ ‎

Legends Built on the Ring

The Nordschleife has long been a proving ground for both drivers and machines. Car manufacturers bring their latest prototypes here to chase record lap times, using the track as the ultimate benchmark for performance. Over the decades, this circuit has revealed some of the greatest drivers in history, from Niki Lauda to Stefan Bellof. Even today, it continues to challenge the best GT3 drivers in the world. ‎

A Mountain Pass in Disguise

Many describe it as “the best road in the world that just happens to be a racetrack.” Its remote, wild setting and elevation changes make it feel like a private mountain road.

Experiencing the Green Hell Today

Track Taxi Experience for Visitors

The Genesis Track Taxi puts you in the passenger seat of a professional-grade ride over the Nordschleife. Strapped into a Genesis G70 modified for the circuit (though you’d never guess), you’ll experience an 8-10-minute adrenaline rush, guided by expert hands.

Unlike other taxi services, Genesis focuses on a refined blend of speed, control, and luxury. The sensation isn’t just about fear, it’s about flow, G-forces, and the smooth brutality of high-performance harnessed with grace. ‎

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Safety Measures on Modern Track Days

The Genesis Track Taxi experience prioritizes both safety and excitement in equal measure. Our professional drivers are experts who know every curve and corner of the Nordschleife intimately, ensuring you experience the thrill while remaining completely secure. The track itself has been enhanced with modern safety infrastructure, including a comprehensive AI-supported camera system implemented since 2024 that enables rapid response times to any incidents. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for another rush, you can trust that safety is paramount throughout your journey. It's more than just a ride - it's a story you'll tell forever.‎

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How to Book a Nürburgring Taxi Ride

Planning your trip to the Nordschleife at Nürburgring and booking your Genesis Track Taxi experience is easy:

• Online or on-site: While many tickets are sold directly at the Ring, pre-booking online is recommended, especially during high season (Easter through summer).
• Pricing: 120 EUR for 1 person, 160 EUR for 2, or 180 EUR for 3 passengers.
• Season: Available from March to November on weekends and public holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Hell

Is the Nürburgring Nordschleife Open to the Public?

Yes! During Touristenfahrten (public driving sessions), anyone can drive the track with a road-legal vehicle and a valid license. It’s one of the only world-class circuits where this is possible. ‎

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How Safe Is the Track Today?

While still demanding, the Nordschleife has seen major safety improvements. Track days and professional experiences like Genesis Track Taxi are well-regulated, with strict safety standards and medical support.

Since 2024, a cutting-edge camera network powered by AI has been implemented across the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This technology enhances track surveillance and enables quicker intervention in case of incidents, contributing to an even safer environment for all participants.‎

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Can You Drive Your Own Car There?

Absolutely. Insurance exclusions, lack of run-offs, and the track’s difficulty make it advisable only for experienced drivers. Many first-timers opt for passenger rides like the Genesis Track Taxi to get a feel for the circuit first.

Final Thoughts: From Myth to Modern Day

The Nürburgring Nordschleife earned its nickname through fear, respect, and triumph. The “Green Hell” is a challenge that echoes through time.

And now, with the Genesis Track Taxi, you don’t need to be a Formula 1 legend to experience it. All it takes is a seat, a heartbeat, and the courage to let go.