Steilstrecke Nordschleife, Racing track section at Nürburgring, Germany
The Steilstrecke Nordschleife is a section of the Nürburgring racing track in the Eifel region featuring a 450-meter stretch with a 27 percent downhill slope. The surface is covered with special grooved concrete plates designed to keep tires gripped to the pavement even in wet conditions.
Built in 1926 as the circuit was being developed, this section was added as a testing ground for German car manufacturers to evaluate vehicle capabilities. The extreme slope was intentionally designed to push the limits of automotive engineering.
The name comes from the word for steep slope, and drivers and engineers speak of this section with respect as a special proving ground for their vehicles. The section became known throughout the industry as a symbol of pushing engineering and performance limits.
Wear sturdy shoes on your visit, as the steep surface can be slippery, especially after rain or during wet weather. Access to this section is available during public track days, and walking down from the top gives you a good sense of the slope's challenge.
During winter 1928, this section was briefly converted into a bobsled and luge track, taking advantage of the steep gradient for recreational racing events. The temporary setup attracted spectators from across the region and showed an imaginative use of the facility beyond motorsport.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
