The Nürburgring is one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world, attracting fans from across the globe. Known for its challenging 20.8 km Nordschleife (North Loop), often referred to as “The Green Hell,” the Nürburgring provides unique and thrilling spectator experiences. Watching cars tackle its winding roads, sharp corners, and steep gradients is a captivating experience, and each viewing point around the track offers a different perspective on the action. This guide covers the best spots to view the Nürburgring, offering tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Brünnchen: The Most Popular Viewing Spot
Brünnchen is perhaps the most famous viewing spot on the Nordschleife. Known for its combination of tight corners and steep elevation, it’s a fan-favorite for witnessing drivers handle challenging turns and showcasing their car control.
- What to Expect: At Brünnchen, you can witness a range of driving skill levels as drivers approach a series of curves in quick succession. This area is notorious for spin-outs and minor accidents, so you’re almost guaranteed to see some dramatic moments. The area often becomes a social hub for spectators, with fans bringing chairs, tents, and even barbecues.
- Access and Tips: Brünnchen is easily accessible by foot or car, with parking available nearby. Arrive early, especially on weekends and race days, as it gets crowded. Bring snacks and water, and don’t forget a camera to capture close-up shots of cars maneuvering the curves.
2. Adenauer Forst: A Technical Challenge
Adenauer Forst is a spot that requires drivers to quickly change direction through a tricky series of tight corners, making it a fantastic place to observe skilled driving and car handling.
- What to Expect: This area sees a lot of action due to its technical complexity. Cars often lose traction here, making it common to see drivers fighting to stay on the track. For fans of technical racing, Adenauer Forst offers a close look at how drivers handle high-stress situations.
- Access and Tips: You can reach Adenauer Forst by parking in the nearby town of Adenau and walking to the viewing point. The area has a few viewing platforms, but they can fill up quickly on busy days. Consider bringing binoculars to get an even better view of the twists and turns.
3. Hohe Acht: The Highest Point of the Track
Hohe Acht is the highest point on the Nürburgring and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding track and landscape. The elevation here adds to the spectacle as cars navigate the incline.
- What to Expect: The view from Hohe Acht is stunning, with a sweeping panorama that lets you see cars coming up from Kesselchen and heading towards Wippermann. The terrain makes this section challenging, so you’ll see some impressive driving as racers handle the steep gradients and sharp corners.
- Access and Tips: Hohe Acht is a bit of a hike to reach, but the views are well worth it. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as it can be colder at this elevation. Arrive early to secure a good spot and bring a camera for landscape shots, as this spot offers some of the best photo opportunities around the Nürburgring.
4. Karussell: The Famous Banked Corner
The Karussell is one of the Nürburgring’s most famous features. This unique, steeply banked hairpin corner is thrilling to watch as cars descend into and navigate the banking before accelerating out.
- What to Expect: Karussell is a favorite among both drivers and fans. Watching cars navigate this steep, concrete-lined curve is truly exhilarating, as it’s a demanding section that puts both drivers and vehicles to the test. It’s one of the best places to see cars up close and in action.
- Access and Tips: Karussell can be accessed by parking in a nearby area and walking to the viewing point. This spot can become very busy, so arrive early and bring a chair if you plan to stay for a while. If you’re visiting during a major event, expect crowds; the atmosphere, however, is electric and adds to the experience.
5. Pflanzgarten: Known for Its Jumps
Pflanzgarten is a favorite among adrenaline-seeking spectators due to its dramatic jumps and dips. Cars approaching this area often lift off the ground, making it one of the most exciting sections of the Nürburgring to watch.
- What to Expect: Watching cars get airborne at Pflanzgarten is a thrill, as this section demands both speed and precision. Drivers must carefully manage their speed and timing to avoid losing control on landing. Pflanzgarten gives you a close view of this intense racing action.
- Access and Tips: Pflanzgarten is a bit harder to reach than some other spots, requiring a short hike. Bring comfortable shoes and something to sit on if you plan to stay a while. If you enjoy taking dynamic photos, Pflanzgarten’s jumps make for some fantastic shots.
6. Schwedenkreuz: High-Speed Action
Schwedenkreuz is one of the fastest sections of the Nürburgring, making it an ideal spot for fans who want to witness high-speed action. The combination of speed and elevation change tests drivers’ skill and courage.
- What to Expect: Watching cars fly through Schwedenkreuz is exhilarating, as it’s a high-speed, downhill section where drivers must maintain precise control. It’s a great place to appreciate the skill needed to race the Nürburgring at speed, and you can often hear the roar of engines as cars approach.
- Access and Tips: Schwedenkreuz is accessible by car, with parking options nearby. The high-speed action makes this section a favorite among photographers, so be sure to bring a camera to capture cars at full throttle.
7. Wippermann: A Rollercoaster of Turns
Wippermann is a section with a series of tight, twisting turns that make it look like a rollercoaster ride. It’s a great place to watch cars handle multiple direction changes in quick succession.
- What to Expect: This section allows you to see a variety of racing lines as drivers attempt to maintain their speed while navigating the turns. The constant changes in direction make Wippermann an exciting spot, as you can see cars handling the corners from different angles.
- Access and Tips: Wippermann is accessible by walking from the nearby Brünnchen area. It’s less crowded than other popular spots, so it can be a good choice if you want an excellent view with fewer people around.
8. Tiergarten: The Final Stretch
Tiergarten is located near the finish line and is the last high-speed section before the straight. It’s where you can see drivers push hard in the final moments of their lap.
- What to Expect: Tiergarten is known for its high-speed approach and sudden hard braking as drivers prepare to enter the final stretch. It’s thrilling to watch cars decelerate rapidly, and there’s often drama here, especially in racing events where drivers go all-out before the finish.
- Access and Tips: Tiergarten is close to the main facilities, making it a convenient viewing point. Parking is nearby, and there are plenty of food and restroom facilities, making it a comfortable spot for spectators.
Conclusion
The Nürburgring Nordschleife offers diverse viewing points that showcase different aspects of the track. Each spot has its unique character, from the high-speed action of Schwedenkreuz to the iconic turns at Karussell. For a well-rounded experience, consider visiting multiple spots throughout the day. Whether you’re there to photograph the action, soak in the atmosphere, or witness expert driving techniques, each viewing point around the Nürburgring promises a thrilling motorsport experience.