Nürburgring

West of Mayen is the Nürburgring (constructed 1925-27), which ranks as the finest and most demanding car racing circuit in the world. The classic northern loop (20.8km/13mi) encircles the Nürburg over the hills and valleys of the Eifel. It is a tremendous challenge to both cars and drivers - among them such famous names as Rudolf Caracciola, Hans Stuck, Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss and Count Berghe von Trips. In recent years, however, the original track has been found to be inadequate for modern racing cars, and a completely new Grand Prix course was opened in 1984. This 4.542km/2.8mi long circuit is one of the most modern and safest in the world; it can be combined with the northern loop. On certain days visitors can drive their own cars on the Nürburgring (charge). There is a Car-Racing Museum.