It is one of Europe’s largest motorcycle gatherings – and it culminates in an emotional parade around the Nordschleife: “Anlassen” at the Nürburgring. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Eifel region will once again become the epicenter of the motorcycle scene as thousands of riders come together to welcome the new season. The event combines talk of gasoline and horsepower in the paddock with moments of reflection, while traditionally showing great support for social projects – and all with free admission for all visitors.
Whereas team trucks usually dominate the scene at motorsport events or visitors celebrate at Rock am Ring, the Nürburgring’s Grand Prix paddock looks completely different during “Anlassen.” Thousands of motorcyclists from Germany and abroad gather here on that Sunday. Last year, 42,000 attended and transformed the paddock and large sections of the Grand Prix circuit into an impressive sea of motorcycles. It is this unique blend of the smell of gasoline, the anticipation of the first corners of the year, and the deep sense of camaraderie within the community that immerses the Nürburgring in a world of its own on this day.
Action in the paddock: From trial acrobatics to safety demos
The gates to the paddock open as early as 8:00 a.m., before the official supporting program kicks off at 10:00 a.m. This year, fans can look forward to a premiere: AAC Bad Neuenahr is presenting a spectacular trial show for the first time, in which the riders seem to defy the laws of gravity.
POLO Motorrad is once again a strong partner supporting the riders. In addition to the popular performance test bench and a helmet cleaning campaign, the company, together with the motorcycle squad of the Koblenz Police Headquarters, is providing important insights on the topic of safety. Safety demonstrations will provide practical insights into what matters most at the start of the season. Those who want to hone their own sense of the ideal line can stop by the Doc Scholl rider training and the ADAC booths or sign up directly for the “ADAC Road Racing Academy” (participation fee: 50 euros; for children ages 6 to 14). For younger fans—or those young at heart—the POLO Pit Bike Course awaits on the helipad. Renowned exhibitors such as Öhlins will be on site to present their latest products and are available for technical discussions.
Your Own Driving Fun: Guided Tours of the Grand Prix Circuit
For everyone who doesn’t just want to watch but also wants to drive themselves, the Dortmund Motorsport Club (DMC) offers guided tours on the sprint circuit. A diverse street food court will provide refreshments on the day, accompanied by music from the band “der nächste bitte.” Away from the action, the Nürburgring Medical Center opens its doors for a behind-the-scenes look at emergency medicine at a racetrack. At the same time, the DRK blood donation mobile and the Stefan Morsch Foundation’s tissue typing mobile invite visitors to become lifesavers.
The emotional highlights mark the end of the day: At 2:30 p.m., the ecumenical service with Pastor Klaus Kohnz and Andrea Thon-Stein takes place—a moment of reflection to pray for an accident-free season. At 3:30 p.m. sharp, the program item that never fails to give you goosebumps follows: The parade along the 20.832-kilometer Nordschleife. At a leisurely pace, visitors to “Anlassen” take a lap through the Green Hell—creating an impressive spectacle.
Outlook: More Two-Wheel Highlights at the Nürburgring
Those who’ve gotten a taste for it after “Anlassen” can look forward to a summer of two-wheeled action at the Ring. As early as May 9, 2026, Bike Force promises plenty of action as part of the Low Scty PS Arena, Europe’s largest stunt bike competition. Shortly thereafter, from May 21 to 24, the ADAC / DMC Reinoldus Race Weekend will be all about grassroots racing on the track. A special highlight for nostalgia fans awaits at the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix (August 7–9): Nordschleife record holder Helmut Dähne is expected as a guest, and he will also present his victorious BMW R90S from the legendary 1976 TT season. The Cologne circuit will also pick up the historical thread on August 22 and 23, before the EURO MOTO—previously known as the IDM—rounds out the motorcycle season at the Nürburgring with a major race weekend from September 4 to 6.