Photos: GM

Should you find yourself in Germany, in the area of Nürburg near the western border with France, with a rental car and some time to kill, a trip around the Nürburgring race track might be in order. This is the 154-turn, 13-mile race course that Sir Jackie Stewart called “The Green Hell.”

Of course, you won’t be turning in lap times like the three-time World Driving Champion, as hot laps require course closure, regardless of what you’re driving. Although there is no general speed limit on the one-way course, a few sections do post limits for noise or hazard reduction. German police patrol the route using helicopters.

Auto manufacturers regularly use the route for testing and to attempt lap record runs and major events, such as 1000 km and 24 hour races are held each year. Until the winter arrives and portions of the route may be closed for safety, the Nürburgring is open to the public. A single lap will cost you €24, up from €22 this year. In good old greenbacks, that’s $32 at the current exchange rate.

Multiple lap passes are available, so you can get the hang of one of the world’s most famous race tracks. Of course, there are some other costs that you should be aware of. Calling out the Armco repair truck is a flat fee of $200, removal and replacement of Armco barrier is about $55 per meter, plus another $60 per post needing replacement. Getting a tow truck to help out usually runs about $250 per hour and if the route has to be closed on your behalf, there will be a bill of about $1800 per hour.

Apparently, there are taxis available to take you around the route, so if the previous numbers make you a bit nervous, this could be a reasonable alternative. If you can’t get there any time soon, enjoy the video below.