Nürburgring Nordschleife

Nicknamed "The Green Hell" by Sir Jackie Stewart, the Nürburgring Nordschleife ("North Loop") is widely considered the most difficult and dangerous permanent racetrack in the world. Opened in 1927, the 20.832 km (12.944-mile) circuit carves a path through Germany's Eifel mountains, featuring over 150 corners, dramatic elevation changes of nearly 1,000 feet, blind crests, and punishing curbs. It hosted the Formula 1 German Grand Prix until Niki Lauda's fiery crash in 1976 deemed it too unsafe for modern F1 cars. Today, it is the proving ground for automotive manufacturers testing their high-performance vehicles and is open to the public for "Touristenfahrten" (tourist drives). It remains the ultimate test of car and driver, with a fast lap being a benchmark of performance and skill.