The Nurburgring's legendary Nordschleife loops through the forested volcanic hills of the Eifel, with public 'Touristenfahrten' laps open to visitors' own cars and motorcycles alongside a visitor center, driving experiences, and viewpoints over the circuit and surrounding countryside.
The Nurburgring lies in the volcanic Eifel hills about 65 km from Koblenz, best reached by car via the A48/A1 motorways and the B257/B412 roads in about 1 to 1.5 hours; public transport requires a regional train to Adenau or Ahrweiler followed by an infrequent connecting bus, making a car the practical option for most visitors. The circuit's legendary Nordschleife loops through forested volcanic terrain, with public 'Touristenfahrten' laps (tourist-drive sessions) open to visitors' own cars and motorcycles on a pay-per-lap basis from about EUR 30, alongside a visitor center, ring°werk experience center, and viewpoints over the track and surrounding countryside. A one-day itinerary for non-drivers can focus on the visitor center exhibits and grandstand viewing areas in the morning, a walk along the fan zone paths overlooking the Nordschleife's undulating curves, and an afternoon exploring the volcanic Eifel countryside nearby, such as the Nurburg castle ruin above the circuit or the maars (volcanic crater lakes) scattered through the region. Visitors driving their own cars can add one or more Touristenfahrten laps to the day, best scheduled early to avoid queues at the toll booth. Food options are concentrated at the visitor center's cafes and restaurants, with additional options in the nearby village of Nurburg. The best season runs April through October, when Touristenfahrten laps and the visitor center run full hours; laps can be cancelled on short notice for weather or track events, so checking the day's schedule before setting out is worthwhile.
| Distance | Koblenz to Nurburgring: about 65 km |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1-1.5 hours by car; longer by train and connecting bus |
| Getting there | Mode: Car; Detail: A48/A1 motorways and B257/B412 roads from Koblenz to the Nurburgring; regional trains reach nearby towns but not the circuit directly |
| Cost | Fuel and tolls only if self-driving; Nordschleife tourist-drive lap tickets from about EUR 30 |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Otto-Flimm-Strasse, 53520 Nurburgring/Eifel |
How to get there
- Car: A48/A1 motorways from Koblenz, then the B257/B412 to the circuit (about 1-1.5 hr)
- Train + bus: regional train to Adenau or Ahrweiler, then a connecting bus to the Nurburgring (longer and less frequent)
- Organized motorsport day tours from Koblenz combining a circuit tour with the Eifel countryside
Weather through the year in Rhineland-Palatinate
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Rhineland-Palatinate.
Location
Otto-Flimm-Strasse, 53520 Nurburgring/Eifel
50.3356, 6.9475 View on map
Highlights
- Nordschleife Touristenfahrten public tourist-drive laps
- ring°werk visitor and experience center
- Nurburg castle ruin overlooking the circuit
- Volcanic Eifel maar crater lakes nearby
Tips for visiting
- Drive rather than rely on public transport, since bus connections to the circuit are infrequent
- Check the Touristenfahrten schedule online before setting out, as laps can be cancelled for weather or events
- Arrive early on lap days to avoid a queue at the toll booth
- Book grandstand or hospitality tickets in advance for major race weekends
- Bring a jacket, as the exposed viewing areas can be windy even in summer
When to visit
April through October, when Touristenfahrten public laps and the visitor center run full hours; confirm the schedule in advance, since race weekends close the circuit to visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Can visitors drive their own car on the Nordschleife?
Yes, during public Touristenfahrten sessions, tickets are sold per lap from about EUR 30.
Is public transport a practical option?
Not really; the nearest stations are at Adenau or Ahrweiler with only infrequent onward buses to the circuit.
Is the circuit open every day?
Touristenfahrten sessions run on a published schedule and are frequently closed for races and track days, so checking ahead is essential.
What else is there to do in the area besides the circuit?
The volcanic Eifel region nearby has maar crater lakes and the Nurburg castle ruin above the track.