While people elsewhere are hunting for chocolate bunnies in their gardens, motorsports fans traditionally find their highlights on the tarmac of the Nürburgring. The Ring’s calendar is far more packed in April than many an Easter basket: things kick off with the four-day Easter weekend (April 3–6), which, as usual, is dedicated to public driving sessions. This is followed by top-tier racing at the third race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (April 11) and the 24h Qualifiers just one week later (April 17–19). The latter will be enhanced this year for the first time by a round of the German Historic Endurance Championship. The emotional highlight for motorcycle enthusiasts comes at the end of the month with the “Anlassen” motorcycle service (April 26), which brings together thousands of bikers for their season opener.
Here are the Nürburgring highlights for April:
Tourist Drives at Easter:
Four days of driving pleasure in the spirit of mutual respect | April 3–6, 2026
For four days, from Good Friday to Easter Monday, both the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit will be open all day for the popular tourist runs. Those who want to experience the legendary asphalt for themselves pay 35 euros per lap. This year, the driving fun is complemented by a special theme: With a new campaign, the Nürburgring, together with local municipalities and the police, is promoting respectful coexistence throughout the region. At the heart of it is a clear message: “Your Home for a weekend. Our Home for a lifetime.” (translated: “Your home for a weekend. Our home for a lifetime.”) The goal is for all guests to combine their visit to the region with the necessary consideration for public road traffic and local residents.
Motorcycle Service “Anlassen”:
Between blessings, show performances, and social responsibility | April 26, 2026
Thousands of motorcycles together on the Nordschleife: The motorcycle community celebrates its traditional season opener at the Nürburgring on Sunday, April 26. The “Anlassen” motorcycle service is a massive gathering of like-minded people every year, featuring various program highlights that turn it into a true celebration of community. Entertainment will be provided by, among other things, a dealer mile, a new trial show by the AAC Bad Neuenahr, a Doc Scholl rider training session, and safety demonstrations by the Koblenz Police Motorcycle Unit. In addition to the ecumenical service (2:30 p.m.) with a blessing for a great year on two wheels and the subsequent parade around the Nordschleife, the focus is always on a good cause: A blood donation van from the German Red Cross (DRK) and a tissue-typing van from the Stefan Morsch Foundation will be on site. Admission is free as usual. The event starts at 10 a.m., with the paddock gates opening as early as 8 a.m.
Racing Marathon:
15 hours of racing action draw crowds to the Nordschleife | April 11 & April 17–19
Two weekends, four races, and a total of 15 hours of racing action in the Green Hell: April features two consecutive endurance racing weekends. The third race of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie kicks things off on April 11. Fans can look forward to a full field of competitors on the Nordschleife and enjoy insights into motorsport that are rarely experienced: access to the pit lane and the starting grid for the 4-hour race are included in the ticket. One weekend later (April 17–19) comes the big endurance test for the legendary 24-hour race: the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. In two races on Saturday and Sunday, the teams will fine-tune their preparations for the race of the year. A special treat is the four-hour evening race on Saturday, which has been a tradition for years. New in 2026: the German Historic Endurance Championship (DHLM) will hold a three-hour race as part of the supporting program. Here, the icons of days gone by return to the Green Hell. For both events, in addition to standard day tickets, there are also exclusive VIP packages. These turn the day into a unique experience with box seats, catering, and support from Nürburgring insiders.
Nürburgring Drift Cup:
Precision at the limit in the Müllenbachschleife | April 25–26
High-speed sideways drifts, action-packed duels, and an enthusiastic crowd in the stands of the Müllenbachschleife. April marks the kickoff of the 2026 Nürburgring Drift Cup. The European elite will battle for the judges’ favor during the first round from April 25 to 26. These spectacular door-to-door duels demand millimeter-precise control. In the elimination rounds held in tournament format, drivers will battle for victory in various classes through Sunday. Fans are in for a real treat: cars packing up to 1,000 horsepower make the Drift Cup a high-octane experience. Day tickets are available for 25 euros, and the entire weekend can be experienced for 40 euros.
Nürburgring highlights in April 2026:
• April 3–6: Tourist drives over the Easter weekend
• April 11: ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (Rennen 3)
• April 17–19: ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers
• April 25–26: Nürburgring Drift Cup (Round 1)
• April 25: RCN & GLP (Round 2)
• April 26: Motorcycle service “Anlassen”