Let me welcome you to the Nürburgring; the world's most exciting racetrack located in the heart of Germany.
I first visited in June 2016 and didn't have a clue what to expect. I went along with a guy who used to organise Nürburgring tours - he owed me some money and it made sense.
I came with the intention of having a chilled weekend and had no idea that my soul was about to be swallowed up by the insanity that is known as the Nürburgring. Within four months I had found an apartment to rent and got myself settled at the 'ring for Season 2017.
I first visited in June 2016 and didn't have a clue what to expect. I went along with a guy who used to organise Nürburgring tours - he owed me some money and it made sense.
I came with the intention of having a chilled weekend and had no idea that my soul was about to be swallowed up by the insanity that is known as the Nürburgring. Within four months I had found an apartment to rent and got myself settled at the 'ring for Season 2017.
This is the heart of everything motorsport related. Speak to anybody about cars or racing and they will question if you have been to or driven the Nürburgring Nordschleife. People travel here in the thousands every year for the experience of their lives.
Between the season of 2016 and 2023 I have been out here and still enjoy all the action. I have however taken a backseat and am relocating to the UK for personal reasons. I aim to visit the Nürburgring when a tour guide is required, plus I studied the German language which makes it much easier for English speaking visitors.
Between the season of 2016 and 2023 I have been out here and still enjoy all the action. I have however taken a backseat and am relocating to the UK for personal reasons. I aim to visit the Nürburgring when a tour guide is required, plus I studied the German language which makes it much easier for English speaking visitors.
Above is an image of the Nürburgring Boulevard. Inside you will find everything you need from Subway snacks to an indoor Go Karting track, Nürburgring Museum, Cinema and more. It is possible to visit and browse the shops for gifts and souvenirs; my favourite store for clothing and car accessories is Atomic!
I have a discount code for people wanting to purchase items from Atomic at the Ring. There is also a link under the Nürburgring banner for more information about Atomic Shop EU.
I have a discount code for people wanting to purchase items from Atomic at the Ring. There is also a link under the Nürburgring banner for more information about Atomic Shop EU.
I used to organise group visits from the UK to the Nürburgring, and now I am based back in the UK it makes sense to offer the service again. I can arrange everything from the initial meet up and drive to the crossing, to the best priced accomodation and pre-paid lap tickets to make the transition from the UK to Germany as simple as possible.
For small groups we will use a guest house in Müsch, and for larger groups we can rent a house from the Lindner Hotel which is better for those wanting to sample local food to cook at home.
Restaurant visits are also included, along with one or two city excursions, plus a day out in Phantasialand which is a rollercoaster amusement park just 25 minutes from the Nürburgring Boulevard. They keep the rides open with light rain, which is scary af, but the weather wont put us off of having a great day out on the rides.
For small groups we will use a guest house in Müsch, and for larger groups we can rent a house from the Lindner Hotel which is better for those wanting to sample local food to cook at home.
Restaurant visits are also included, along with one or two city excursions, plus a day out in Phantasialand which is a rollercoaster amusement park just 25 minutes from the Nürburgring Boulevard. They keep the rides open with light rain, which is scary af, but the weather wont put us off of having a great day out on the rides.
Next to the Nürburgring Boulevard is the Lindner Hotel; a haven for holiday guests and tousits alike. The building is beautifully designed and features a 24 hour casino, indoor smoking room, several games and even a simulator for driving the circuit when it is closed. And this is just the hotel lobby...
It is possible to visit the Lindner Hotel as a guest and try their amazing food from the bar area. You don't have to stay at the hotel to experience the place. I usually visit to relax while reading or sometimes when I have work to do on the laptop. It is really chill and all staff members are nice and friendly.
The people make the 'place' and the Lindner has the right attitude and know how to keep guests entertained. There is also a gym with three saunas and if you stay here you will definitely have had the best Nürburgring holiday experience possible. They also have houses at the Ferienpark if you prefer to cook for yourself, as mentioned above.
The people make the 'place' and the Lindner has the right attitude and know how to keep guests entertained. There is also a gym with three saunas and if you stay here you will definitely have had the best Nürburgring holiday experience possible. They also have houses at the Ferienpark if you prefer to cook for yourself, as mentioned above.
Lets talk cars..
If you are coming to the Nürburgring and want to drive your own car, my advice would be to have your vehicle inspected BEFORE leaving your home town, and also paying to have the vehicle looked over by a mechanic in Nürburg after the drive; BEFORE going on track.
People's lives could be at risk if your car loses fluid on the circuit and it is not a joke. There is a risk of death, and it is unfortunately further increased by the ignorance of tourists. This is something locals are very much against because it ruins the fun for everyone. We want to see cars go on and come off of the track in one piece.
If you are coming to the Nürburgring and want to drive your own car, my advice would be to have your vehicle inspected BEFORE leaving your home town, and also paying to have the vehicle looked over by a mechanic in Nürburg after the drive; BEFORE going on track.
People's lives could be at risk if your car loses fluid on the circuit and it is not a joke. There is a risk of death, and it is unfortunately further increased by the ignorance of tourists. This is something locals are very much against because it ruins the fun for everyone. We want to see cars go on and come off of the track in one piece.
It is better to be safe than sorry. Having an accident at the Nürburgring is going to cost you a lot of money.
Now there is a way around it but you would have to move to Germany, get yourself a German registered car and also a German drivers license. If you do this and pay for the correct insurance it is possible to drive the track 100% covered with just the excess to pay in an accident. This means the car, circuit and barriers, plus recovery is covered by your insurance handler.
When I leased a Golf 7 GTi out here my excess was 300€ regardless of accident on the road or track. Doing it this way means you can enjoy the circuit knowing you are covered in case the unexpected happens. Personally I always drive with set rules and never try to be 'better' than myself or my driver ability. It really isn't worth it - it is just a bit of fun.
Having insurance doesn't mean I can drive like a lunatic with no care in the world. All accidents are inspected by the track marshalls and police, and it is clear from the skid marks and damage what has happened. There are however people who register their second car in Germany as a ringtool and this works well for people who frequent the circuit and make use of it like the locals.
Those people are generally very good drivers and they don't register their cars here because they want to crash.. its more a convenience thing for the drivers who really want to make good use of their track prepared vehicle, without having to drive 1000km + with each visit.
Now there is a way around it but you would have to move to Germany, get yourself a German registered car and also a German drivers license. If you do this and pay for the correct insurance it is possible to drive the track 100% covered with just the excess to pay in an accident. This means the car, circuit and barriers, plus recovery is covered by your insurance handler.
When I leased a Golf 7 GTi out here my excess was 300€ regardless of accident on the road or track. Doing it this way means you can enjoy the circuit knowing you are covered in case the unexpected happens. Personally I always drive with set rules and never try to be 'better' than myself or my driver ability. It really isn't worth it - it is just a bit of fun.
Having insurance doesn't mean I can drive like a lunatic with no care in the world. All accidents are inspected by the track marshalls and police, and it is clear from the skid marks and damage what has happened. There are however people who register their second car in Germany as a ringtool and this works well for people who frequent the circuit and make use of it like the locals.
Those people are generally very good drivers and they don't register their cars here because they want to crash.. its more a convenience thing for the drivers who really want to make good use of their track prepared vehicle, without having to drive 1000km + with each visit.
You will always meet like-minded people out here in Nürburg. I would say there are more 'enthusiasts' than actual drivers but it is always a nice place for decent conversation and to learn more about other people and their countries.
I have spent a lot of time this year (2023) with the Chinese community whenever they visit and always ask them about their country, government, daily life and so on. They are really great people and you will see a photograph above with one of the rental customers.
My interest isn't limited to cars and I constantly try to learn from people about subjects other than car car car 24/7.
I have spent a lot of time this year (2023) with the Chinese community whenever they visit and always ask them about their country, government, daily life and so on. They are really great people and you will see a photograph above with one of the rental customers.
My interest isn't limited to cars and I constantly try to learn from people about subjects other than car car car 24/7.
The BMW M2 Competition is the most driver-focused machine I think I have ever driven in my life. The image above shows me driving my first lap in the car and it was a crazy experience.
Everything happened so quickly and I got around the track purely on instinct. This car is FAST. It is the best modified car I have ever driven and after five laps I am 100% sold. The Competition rocks.
Everything happened so quickly and I got around the track purely on instinct. This car is FAST. It is the best modified car I have ever driven and after five laps I am 100% sold. The Competition rocks.
It doesn't matter what you take on the track. I have tested so many makes and models over the years and my personal favourite would be a Porsche 911 (any). It is the most challenging car to drive and that, coupled with the Nordschleife is the best fun ever.
Front wheel drive is great for learning and for some fast laps in a well modified vehicles, but rear wheel drive is king. I learned that quickly after studying the track and memorizing the corners. Next to that would be 4WD in something like a Lamborghini Huracan but I would always take a 911 given the choice.
Front wheel drive is great for learning and for some fast laps in a well modified vehicles, but rear wheel drive is king. I learned that quickly after studying the track and memorizing the corners. Next to that would be 4WD in something like a Lamborghini Huracan but I would always take a 911 given the choice.
It is also possible to visit one of the viewing spots around the track and soak up some action. In the above image I am sat at Breitscheid which is the halfway point around the circuit. Plenty of people come here to stare at cars or wait for somebody to crash. I cannot speak badly of those people because I used to watch horror movies for fun.
I generally sit by the track in the morning when the weather is good and I need to do some online work. This camping chair has a cupholder and side pouch for everything I need plus it holds my powerbank that keeps my tablet running for around 4 hours.
I generally sit by the track in the morning when the weather is good and I need to do some online work. This camping chair has a cupholder and side pouch for everything I need plus it holds my powerbank that keeps my tablet running for around 4 hours.
I tune engines across the UK and now in Europe. Being able to take cars out for a before and after test is another way to enjoy the circuit. The Up! GTi pictured above is still one of my favourite hatchbacks and they are one of the most fun cars to drive at the Nürburgring.
They drive similarly to the Golf 7 GTi and these cars really make you a better driver. The traction control forces you drive smoothly and with care.. which translates when you get into other cars. If you want to learn the Nürburgring Nordschleife I recommend anything VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group).
I learned the circuit using a Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S and had no problem tackling the corners. When I removed the steering wheel from the 911 it says Audi/VW, showing the cars are from the same place.
Here's an interesting fact about the Golf 7 GTi... the person who did the work on the Porsche 911 '991' GT3 worked on the Golf 7. This explains why it is so good on track. Same people. Same vision. Same goal. And it works.
They drive similarly to the Golf 7 GTi and these cars really make you a better driver. The traction control forces you drive smoothly and with care.. which translates when you get into other cars. If you want to learn the Nürburgring Nordschleife I recommend anything VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group).
I learned the circuit using a Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S and had no problem tackling the corners. When I removed the steering wheel from the 911 it says Audi/VW, showing the cars are from the same place.
Here's an interesting fact about the Golf 7 GTi... the person who did the work on the Porsche 911 '991' GT3 worked on the Golf 7. This explains why it is so good on track. Same people. Same vision. Same goal. And it works.
Germany has the best food that I have ever eaten and after all these years I have made some friends who I really get on with. It is a completely different culture out here but I respect the German way of life. They are mostly good people with kind hearts.
Once you penetrate their 'shell' you will find they are some of the most fun people to be around. Of all the people I have met I have to put Dennis Mathes at the top of the list. He is nothing like the evil people we see in movies, and is completely different to the majority of people that I had to filter through before finding him.
Once you penetrate their 'shell' you will find they are some of the most fun people to be around. Of all the people I have met I have to put Dennis Mathes at the top of the list. He is nothing like the evil people we see in movies, and is completely different to the majority of people that I had to filter through before finding him.
To end, I am a middle aged man trying to enjoy the rest of my life on this planet. It hasn't been the easiest journey and spending time out here has been good for me personally. We are in a big pool of different personalities, cultures, and attitudes. It does get tiring but it is definitely the best country I have ever visited.
Germany has everything and every city has its own character and special attractions. I can't think of anywhere I would rather spend my summer months. That said.. I am now based in the UK and will travel between the UK and America until I decide what I want to focus on full time.
It makes more sense to use a rental company to get on the track, because the cars are set up and built specifically for getting around the circuit. It is definitely possible to drive across in your own vehicle though.
If you made it this far, have a great day and thank you for reading.
Nicholas.
Germany has everything and every city has its own character and special attractions. I can't think of anywhere I would rather spend my summer months. That said.. I am now based in the UK and will travel between the UK and America until I decide what I want to focus on full time.
It makes more sense to use a rental company to get on the track, because the cars are set up and built specifically for getting around the circuit. It is definitely possible to drive across in your own vehicle though.
If you made it this far, have a great day and thank you for reading.
Nicholas.