Your First Trip to the Nürburgring?
Planning a Nürburgring trip from the UK? Here’s everything you need to know: travel prep, what to pack, where to stay, and first-time driving tips for the Nordschleife.
Share This Post
A trip to the Nürburgring Nordschleife is a bucket-list experience for many car enthusiasts. With over 13 miles of punishing road set deep in Germany’s Eifel Mountains, it’s one of the most legendary circuits in the world. If you’re planning a road trip from the UK to the ring in your own car, there’s a lot to prepare for. We’ll cover everything you need to know before hitting the Green Hell for the first time.
Before You Leave the UK
Documents and Paperwork
- Valid passport
- Driving licence (UK & EU compliant)
- V5C/logbook
- Insurance documents (confirm you’re covered abroad)
- European breakdown cover
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC
Essential Travel Gear
- UK-to-EU power adapter
- High-vis vest (one per passenger)
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Headlamp beam deflectors
- GB/UK sticker or appropriate number plate
- Fresh oil and fluid check
- Tyre condition and pressures
- Brake pad life
- Coolant and hoses
- Insurance for track use (optional)
Hitting the Nürburgring For The First Tim
Track Etiquette and Rules
- The Nürburgring is a one-way toll road during Touristenfahrten (Tourist Driving) sessions, so regular German road rules apply,
- No overtaking on the right
- Always indicate right if you’re letting someone pass
- Keep an eye on your mirrors constantly as fat traffic will be coming.
- Respect the marshalls and flags.
- Helmets are not required but are recommended
Where to Get a Lap Tickets
Tickets can be bought at the Ring’s ticket machines, ED Tankstelle Döttinger Höhe (the famous petrol station near the ring) or via the official app. Prices typically range from €25–€35 per lap.
Fuel and Maintenance
There are petrol stations nearby, but it’s smart to fill up before heading into the Eifel region. Also, tyre pressures and brake pads will get a serious workout—monitor them between laps.
Where to Stay & What to Do Around the Ring
Accommodation
- Hotel am Tiergarten (owned by Sabine Schmitz’s family)
- Dorint Hotel (trackside views)
- Numerous B&Bs and Airbnbs in nearby villages like Nurburg and Adenau
Food & Drink
- Pistenklause: legendary restaurant with a petrolhead vibe
- Devils Diner: casual spot next to the entrance
- Ice Cream from Adenau: a great post-lap treat
Activities Off-Track
- Visit the Nürburgring Museum
- Watch track action from Brünnchen or Pflanzgarten
- Drive nearby scenic roads like the Mosel Valley
- Visit the Nürburgring GP circuit for events
Final Tips
- Don’t chase lap times on your first visit—focus on learning the track
- Respect the locals and fellow enthusiasts
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes
- Watch out for track closures or crashes
- Always drive within your limits
Ready to Take on the Green Hell?
A trip to the Nürburgring from the UK is more than just a track day, it’s a pilgrimage. With the right prep and mindset, your first visit can be unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Stay safe, have fun, and make memories.
If you have any questions then feel free to drop us an email at sales@modcentraluk.com or message us directly on Instagram.