How to get there

We took the Stena ferry from Harwich, Essex, to the Hook of Holland. We chose this crossing to reduce the riding time in the UK, but you can also go from Hull to Zeebrugge or Dover to Calais. At this time of year the high speed service costs £89 for a bike and rider return and the crossing takes around 3 and half hours. For further details, call: 08705 707070.

Once off the ferry take the A20 from the port to Rotterdam, then the A16 for one junction, before moving onto the A15 east towards Arnhem and the A2. Take the A2 south through Eindhoven and continue over the German border towards Aachen. At Aachen take the A44 for one junction and then the 258 towards Monschau and then Nurburg. The ride from Hook of Holland to the Nuburgring takes around 4 hours and is well worth it.

Once you’re there, bikes have to be road legal. We saw someone walking around with a noise meter later in the day, but didn’t hear of anyone get stopped despite the fact plenty were using race cans. Riders must wear protective clothing. It’s a public road, so your insurance should cover you, but if you’re in doubt check.

One lap costs DM25 (£8). A ticket for five laps in one day is DM100. An unlimited yearly pass is 1125DM, but it goes to half-price on August 1. If you’re going for a week this could be the best option. The Nordschleife is open between early March and late-November.

If you drop oil on the track from a blow-up or accident and it has to be closed for cleaning you are liable for lost revenue. This can be very expensive (we heard of a bill of over £800).

For up to date information check www.nuerburgring.de

For tourist information www.tour-i-center.de