The foundation stone for the Nürburgring was laid 100 years ago. In the beech forest near what would later become the start and finish line, this moment on September 27, 1925 marked a milestone for the “First German Mountain Race and Test Track” – and at the same time a symbolic event for the sustainable development of an entire region. What began as an emergency measure against unemployment is now a versatile event, leisure, and business location, an international flagship, and a central economic factor for an entire region.

The foundation stone is still preserved near the historic paddock, 100 years after it was laid. Simple in design, featuring a racing car and the number 1925, it is considered the oldest relic of the Nürburgring and is also a symbol of the durability of the most demanding race track in the world. “The laying of the foundation stone was an important moment in a story that continues to this day. The Nürburgring is not only a crucial part of motorsport history and the development of the automobile, but also the heart and identity of the region,” explains Managing Director Christian Stephani. His fellow managing director, Ingo Böder, also sees the foundation stone as a message that extends into the present: “The fact that this stone has been preserved for 100 years is symbolic of the Nürburgring's enduring nature – despite all the challenges and changes that have affected this place over the course of a century.”

The way for the laying of the foundation stone was paved by personalities such as Hans Weidenbrück from Bonn, who founded the Adenau Automobile Club in early 1925, thus providing the initial impetus for a racetrack on the roads around the Nürburg. However, the decisive driving force was Adenau District Administrator Dr. Otto Creutz, who developed the idea of a closed, permanent racetrack at an early stage. He promoted the project in Berlin with great dedication and recognized both the tourist and economic opportunities it offered. The Adenau district council had already decided on the construction in the spring of 1925, Gustav Eichler's engineering office was commissioned, and work began in the summer – a development that turned vision into reality in a remarkably short time.

On the day the foundation stone was laid in 1925, more than 600 people were already working on the construction of the track, and by the end of the year there were around 2,000. Blasting, earthworks, and construction work dominated the scene, while politicians and sports officials set the course for a project that was to give the economically weak Eifel region a much-needed boost. The track did not yet have an official name at that time. It was not until October 30, 1925, that it was given the original name “Nürburg-Ring” – although the spelling without a hyphen was also found occasionally at that time, it was not until later that the common form “Nürburgring” became established.

Today, the Nürburgring is more than just a race track. With hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, major motorsport and sporting events, festivals, and tourism offerings, it contributes significantly to the region's economic strength. In addition, it is an important testing and development center for the automotive and supplier industry, offers companies a wide range of B2B opportunities – from conferences and trade fairs to major events – and has a variety of indoor locations. The foundation stone from 1925 is not only a historical monument, but also a visible sign of how a vision became a lasting engine for development and identity throughout the region.

Brief chronicle: From the idea to the Opening

• 1907 | First considerations for the construction of a race track after the Kaiserpreis race in the Taunus.
• 1922 | The first Eifel race is held near Nideggen. During one of the editions of the Eifelrundfahrt, the idea arises to also hold races in the Adenau district.
• January 31, 1925 | 31. The Adenau Automobile Club is founded by Hans Weidenbrück from Bonn, who proposes a racetrack on the roads around the Nürburg. District Administrator Dr. Otto Creutz develops the idea into a closed, permanent race track. The Adenau district council approves the construction, and Berlin recognizes the project as an emergency measure shortly thereafter.
• June 13, 1925 | The engineering firm Gustav Eichler from Ravensburg takes over construction management.
• July 1925 | Major construction work begins, with up to 2,300 workers employed at times.
• September 27, 1925 | Foundation stone laid by Dr. Johannes Fuchs, President of the Rhine Province.
• October 30, 1925 | Introduction of the name “Nürburgring” (originally “Nürburg-Ring”).
• June 18/19, 1927 | Official opening with the Eifel Race. Rudolf Caracciola wins in a Mercedes-Benz.

ℹ️ The Nürburgring was opened in 1927. As we approach our big anniversary year, we are looking back on various milestones in our long history with #Roadto100!