Testgelände Ehra-Lessien, Automotive test track in Ehra-Lessien, Germany
Testgelände Ehra-Lessien is a private automotive testing facility with various road surface types, from cobblestones to salt water sections. It includes a long straight section for high-performance testing and other specialized areas for comprehensive vehicle assessment.
The Volkswagen Group built this testing facility during the Cold War near the East German border, situated in a designated no-fly zone. This location shaped the facility's development and its role as a strategic site for vehicle testing within the corporation.
The site represents authentic car testing methods you can observe, where manufacturers tune their vehicles before market release. It reflects how seriously German automakers approach quality and performance validation.
The facility requires advance permission and booking since it is private industrial property not open to casual visitors. Contact the operator beforehand to inquire about access possibilities and any available tours.
The long straight section actually curves slightly due to Earth's natural curvature, preventing you from seeing from one end to the other. This physical detail underscores the massive scale of the testing operation.
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