Bright sunshine, thousands of motorcycles and a unique atmosphere: the traditional motorcycle church service “Anlassen” at the Nürburgring set a new attendance record this year. A total of 46,000 bikers traveled to the Eifel region, once again turning the Nürburgring into a central meeting point for the European motorcycle community.
From the early morning hours, the Grand Prix paddock, the AMG Arena and other areas of the circuit gradually filled with motorcycles from across Germany and neighboring European countries. The tremendous response even surpassed the strong participation of previous years, creating an impressive overall picture of thousands of bikes, passionate petrol conversations and a true sense of community.
This year’s “Anlassen” once again offered a diverse program for motorcycle fans. In addition to established safety demonstrations in cooperation with partners such as POLO Motorrad and the motorcycle unit of the Koblenz Police Headquarters, highlights included the trial show by AAC Bad Neuenahr and guided rides on the Grand Prix circuit organized by the Dortmund Motorsport Club. Attractions such as the dynamometer, helmet cleaning service and the POLO pit bike course were just as popular as training sessions by Doc Scholl and the ADAC, as well as the “ADAC Road Racing Academy” for young riders. Visitors also took advantage of insights into the work of the Nürburgring Medical Center and engaged with exhibitors such as Öhlins. At the same time, many attendees participated in charitable initiatives, including blood donations and registration drives with the Stefan Morsch Foundation. Interactive activities and social engagement contributed to the consistently positive and communal atmosphere of the event.
Emotional highlights once again included the traditional program elements: during the ecumenical service in the afternoon, Pastor Klaus Kohnz and Andrea Thon-Stein gave their blessing for a safe and accident-free motorcycle season. Immediately afterwards, the joint parade set off onto the legendary Nordschleife. Tens of thousands of motorcycles moved together at a steady pace along the 20.832-kilometer “Green Hell” – a moment that vividly captured the unique spirit of “Anlassen.”
Nürburgring responds to high demand with additional space
“We were operationally very well prepared – especially in view of the weather forecast, which naturally plays a key role for a motorcycle event. Due to the high number of visitors, we opened additional areas and parking spaces outside the main event zone to relieve pressure on the Grand Prix paddock and the accessible parts of the circuit,” said Nürburgring Managing Director Ingo Böder. “The new attendance record clearly demonstrates the importance of ‘Anlassen’ for the motorcycle community. This combination of passion, community and mutual respect is what makes the event so special every year. It is impressive to see how the Nürburgring transforms into a meeting point for motorcycle fans from across Europe on this day.”
Outlook: More two-wheeled highlights at the Nürburgring
Following the successful season opener “Anlassen,” attention now turns to an eventful summer of motorcycle highlights at the Nürburgring. On May 9, the Bike Force event within the Low Scty PS Arena will deliver spectacular action as Europe’s largest stunt bike competition. From May 21 to 24, the ADAC / DMC Reinoldus Race Weekend will focus on grassroots motorsport. A special highlight for nostalgic fans will follow at the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix (August 7–9), where Nordschleife record holder Helmut Dähne is expected to appear with his legendary BMW R90S from the iconic 1976 TT season. The historic theme continues with the Kölner Kurs on August 22–23, before the EURO MOTO – formerly known as IDM – rounds off the motorcycle season with a major race weekend from September 4 to 6.