Car Hire in Germany - The Nurburgring
The Eifel mountain region in Germany is a great place to go for a holiday, but why not hire a car and travel to one of the most famous racetracks in the world: The Nurburgring? The Nurburgring is located 43 miles south of Cologne and 75 miles northwest of Frankfurt.
Situated in the Eifel Mountains and built around the town of Nurburg and its medieval castle, the track was originally opened in 1927 as a showcase for German engineering and driving talent.
Over eighty years later, the 'Ring is still regarded as the most challenging purpose-built racetrack in the world.
At roughly thirteen miles long and boasting corners of every type, the track will severely test even the most experienced racing driver.
When originally built, the Nurburgring consisted of a North loop (Nordschleife), a South loop (Sudschleife) and a start/finish area linking the two with pits and grandstands.
Although the southern loop is now derelict and the start finish area is now part of the short Grand Prix circuit currently used for F1 and Touring car races, the Nordschleife still exists and you can drive it! Despite being a racetrack, the Nordschleife is classed as a one way toll road, allowing anyone to drive it for a fee.
However beware, this track is incredibly demanding and will bite hard if you do not drive within your limits.
Also ensure that you check the official website for track opening times as the 'ring is used regularly for manufacturer test sessions and driver training.
Before you go on the trip do some preparation by learning the track on a console or PC game.
There are several games which have fairly accurate reproductions of the 'ring, including Gran Turismo 4.
When you are at the circuit, you can pay to be driven around it on a 'Ring Taxi' to allow you to familiarise yourself with the many challenges the Nordschleife offers.
If you want a break from driving (and it is advised that you do so), there are many things to see and do at the 'ring.
The Schloss Nurburg is a 12th century castle that over looks the start/finish area of the circuit and is an ideal attraction for non-drivers.
This year sees the opening of the Warsteiner event complex, Nurburgring arena, four-star hotel and shopping mall, close to the start/finish area of the Grand Prix track.
Car hire in Germany - Driving the track It is not advisable to take your road-going hire car onto the Nordschleife, as car rental companies have now become savvy to such use of their vehicles.
Some companies will give you a hefty fine for doing so and one company in particular will ban you for life.
To assist them in preserving their cars, GPS tracking is sometimes used and locals are employed to spot them in the Nurburgring car park.
If you have driven a hire car from the airport, do not leave it there! Instead of breaking their cars, you can find several local German car hire firms that provide cars specifically for driving on the 'ring.
For more information on these companies and more general information about the circuit, visit Ben Lovejoy's website.
Situated in the Eifel Mountains and built around the town of Nurburg and its medieval castle, the track was originally opened in 1927 as a showcase for German engineering and driving talent.
Over eighty years later, the 'Ring is still regarded as the most challenging purpose-built racetrack in the world.
At roughly thirteen miles long and boasting corners of every type, the track will severely test even the most experienced racing driver.
When originally built, the Nurburgring consisted of a North loop (Nordschleife), a South loop (Sudschleife) and a start/finish area linking the two with pits and grandstands.
Although the southern loop is now derelict and the start finish area is now part of the short Grand Prix circuit currently used for F1 and Touring car races, the Nordschleife still exists and you can drive it! Despite being a racetrack, the Nordschleife is classed as a one way toll road, allowing anyone to drive it for a fee.
However beware, this track is incredibly demanding and will bite hard if you do not drive within your limits.
Also ensure that you check the official website for track opening times as the 'ring is used regularly for manufacturer test sessions and driver training.
Before you go on the trip do some preparation by learning the track on a console or PC game.
There are several games which have fairly accurate reproductions of the 'ring, including Gran Turismo 4.
When you are at the circuit, you can pay to be driven around it on a 'Ring Taxi' to allow you to familiarise yourself with the many challenges the Nordschleife offers.
If you want a break from driving (and it is advised that you do so), there are many things to see and do at the 'ring.
The Schloss Nurburg is a 12th century castle that over looks the start/finish area of the circuit and is an ideal attraction for non-drivers.
This year sees the opening of the Warsteiner event complex, Nurburgring arena, four-star hotel and shopping mall, close to the start/finish area of the Grand Prix track.
Car hire in Germany - Driving the track It is not advisable to take your road-going hire car onto the Nordschleife, as car rental companies have now become savvy to such use of their vehicles.
Some companies will give you a hefty fine for doing so and one company in particular will ban you for life.
To assist them in preserving their cars, GPS tracking is sometimes used and locals are employed to spot them in the Nurburgring car park.
If you have driven a hire car from the airport, do not leave it there! Instead of breaking their cars, you can find several local German car hire firms that provide cars specifically for driving on the 'ring.
For more information on these companies and more general information about the circuit, visit Ben Lovejoy's website.
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