Nordschleife

Nürburgring Nordschleife – Facing the Green Hell

Why this legendary circuit joins our Trackday Calendar in 2026

There are racetracks – and then there is the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Few places in motorsport history carry as much mythology, respect and emotional weight as this ribbon of asphalt winding through the forests of the Eifel.

In 2026, we will take a major step forward:
For the first time, the Nordschleife becomes part of our official trackday calendar. A milestone for us – and one we do not take lightly.

Origins & History – Born to be Extreme

The Nordschleife was conceived in the 1920s, at a time when motorsport was still raw, dangerous and uncompromising. Opened in 1927, the circuit was designed as a high-speed testing ground for manufacturers and racing teams, using public-road style sections carved directly into the Eifel landscape.

With a length of 20.832 km and over 150 corners, massive elevation changes and constantly evolving grip levels, it quickly earned a reputation as the most demanding circuit in the world. Jackie Stewart later coined the nickname that would define it forever:

“The Green Hell.”

While Formula 1 eventually moved away from the Nordschleife for safety reasons, the circuit never lost its importance. Instead, it became the ultimate benchmark for car development, endurance racing and driver skill.

A Track Made of Legends

Rather than being defined by one single corner, the Nordschleife is a sequence of iconic sections, each with its own character and challenge:

• Hatzenbach – narrow, technical and rhythm-sensitive

• Flugplatz – cresting at speed, where cars go light

• Schwedenkreuz – fast, intimidating, absolute commitment

• Fuchsröhre – compression, speed and trust

• Adenauer Forst – a common trap even for experienced drivers

• Bergwerk – critical exit, key to lap time

• Karussell – brutally banked concrete, pure history

• Pflanzgarten – jumps, compression and rapid direction changes

• Döttinger Höhe – over two kilometres of full throttle

Every lap feels different. Temperature, light, traffic and surface conditions constantly change. This is not a circuit you “learn” – it is one you grow into.

A common saying among Nordschleife regulars:

“Below 100 laps, you don’t really know the track.”
Experienced drivers often have 300–500 laps or more before they truly feel at home here.

Evolution & Safety – Preserving the Challenge

Originally resembling public roads, the Nordschleife has undergone continuous safety development over the decades:
run-off improvements, barriers, modern asphalt sections and advanced race control systems.

Today, the circuit is monitored with state-of-the-art digital systems, including AI-supported observation tools – a pilot project even by international motorsport standards.
Despite these upgrades, the essence remains unchanged: the Nordschleife is still unforgiving, still demanding, still real.

Motorcycle participation during tourist sessions has been discontinued in recent years to improve safety, underlining how seriously the Nürburgring treats risk management today.

Why the Nordschleife Matters to Us

Much like Spa-Francorchamps, the Nordschleife stands at the very top of global trackday destinations. Including it in our 2026 calendar was not an easy decision – logistically, financially or organisationally.

But some circuits simply belong in a serious trackday programme.

The Nordschleife represents everything we value:

• Maximum driving challenge

• Deep respect for driver skill

• Emotional connection between car, driver and environment

It is no coincidence that Manthey Racing, one of the world’s most respected Porsche motorsport specialists, is based just next door in Meuspath. The Nordschleife is not just a track – it is an ecosystem of motorsport excellence.

The Driving Experience – Nothing Compares

The first lap is overwhelming.
The second demands focus.
Somewhere later, confidence begins to build – but respect never fades.

One of our drivers described his first Karussell experience like this:

“Pure goosebumps. My hands were shaking for minutes afterwards.”

A fast lap around the Nordschleife is unforgettable. But more than speed, it is the intensity that stays with you. The way the track forces you to be precise, calm and committed – for over 20 kilometres without pause.

At the end of the day, sitting in the paddock with a drink, one thing is clear:
You didn’t just drive a track.
You faced it.

Trackday Tips – What You Should Know

• Thorough vehicle preparation is essential: brakes, tyres, fluids

• Detailed driver briefings are mandatory – especially for critical sections

• Choose your sessions wisely: early morning or late afternoon often offer the best conditions

• Stay hydrated, take breaks, exchange experiences – the community is part of the Nordschleife experience

Final Thoughts

The Nordschleife is the ultimate test of driver, machine and mindset.
It demands respect, rewards precision and delivers emotions that no other circuit can replicate.

With its addition to our 2026 trackday calendar, we are proud to offer an experience that goes far beyond driving fast laps.
This is motorsport history you can feel – corner by corner.

See you in the Green Hell.