Nova Paka
Location
Štikov, Nová Paka, Hradec Králové Region, Czech Republic
Current Local Time
Track Info
Nová Paka Autocross Circuit - Nová Paka, Czech Republic
Historic clay-and-sand autocross circuit in the Štikovská Ravine - short, hilly and famous for giving spectators a view over almost the entire track
When was the track built?
Motorsport in the Štikovská Ravine began with motocross in 1958. Cars joined the action in 1971, beginning the autocross tradition that continues at Nová Paka today.
The circuit has changed several times since those early races. Safety barriers, spectator fencing and other facilities have been added, while one of the biggest modern changes was the introduction of an asphalt starting area.
When was its first race?
The first autocross competition at Nová Paka was held in 1971. Seven years later, on 18 June 1978, the venue held its first international autocross and welcomed drivers from countries across Europe.
That event helped establish Nová Paka internationally, and the circuit joined the European Autocross Cup in 1979. It has since become one of the best-known venues in European autocross.
What's the circuit like?
- Constant elevation changes: The circuit climbs and falls through a natural ravine, making it feel much more dramatic than its 930-metre length suggests.
- Loose and changing grip: The clay-and-sand surface develops during a race weekend. Drivers must deal with dust, bumps, ruts and changing racing lines.
- Wide enough for racing: The track varies from around 10 to 20 metres wide, giving drivers room to attack different lines and fight side by side.
- Very quick laps: The fastest Super Buggies can complete a lap in little more than 36 seconds, so there is rarely a quiet moment during a race.
Records and competition
- Track record: 36.208 - Jakub Kubíček, Super Buggy, 2018.
- Super Buggy: The fastest cars at Nová Paka, with powerful engines and four-wheel drive producing spectacular acceleration on the loose surface.
- Buggy1600: Lighter buggies with smaller engines, where carrying momentum and finding grip are especially important.
- Junior Buggy: A category for younger competitors beginning their route through international autocross.
- Cross Car: Small single-seat machines that suit Nová Paka's short lap and rapid changes of direction.
Why go?
Nová Paka is particularly good for first-time autocross spectators because the natural shape of the Štikovská Ravine allows almost the entire circuit to be seen from the spectator areas. Instead of waiting for cars to disappear and return, you can follow battles through most of the lap.
Major European meetings also attract large grids, so the weekend is filled with qualifying heats, semi-finals and finals rather than a single long race.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Higher spectator banks: The best choice for an overview of the circuit, taking advantage of the ravine to follow cars through most of the lap.
- Start area: Ideal for the most intense moments as several cars launch together from the wide asphalt grid and fight for position.
- Hillside sections: Good for watching the buggies deal with elevation changes and searching for grip on the loose surface.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Nová Paka Autocross Circuit (Czech Republic)
Nová Paka is in the Hradec Králové Region, around 110 km northeast of Prague. Driving is the easiest option, but the town also has rail and bus connections; from there, arrange a short local transfer to the circuit at Štikovská rokle.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Nová Paka. The circuit is in the Štikovská rokle valley on the edge of town rather than beside a major city transport hub.
If you are travelling without a car, Nová Paka has both railway and bus connections. Once you arrive in town, a taxi or pre-arranged lift is the simplest way to reach the circuit.
Tip: Search for “Autocross Nová Paka” or use Štikov 122, 509 01 Nová Paka in your navigation app.
Driving & parking
- From Prague: allow around 1 hour 20 minutes for the roughly 107 km journey in clear traffic.
- From Hradec Králové: Nová Paka is around 47 km away by road.
- Main road: the I/16 road passes through Nová Paka and provides the main approach from Jičín and Trutnov.
- Final approach: follow signs towards Štikov and the autocross complex once you reach Nová Paka.
- Parking: use the visitor parking area designated for your event rather than parking on local access roads.
For the 2026 Czech Championship meeting, official visitor parking was charged separately, so always check the latest event information.
Train & bus
Public transport can get you into Nová Paka itself, but there is no railway station directly at the circuit.
- Nová Paka station: serves the town and is part of the regional Czech Railways network.
- Nová Paka město: another useful station, on the Chlumec nad Cidlinou–Trutnov route.
- From Prague: bus or rail journeys are possible, although they take considerably longer than driving.
- Town → circuit: arrange a taxi, local transfer or pickup for the final journey to Štikov.
Check your return train or bus before the racing begins, especially for Sunday evening departures.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Nová Paka: a taxi is useful if you arrive by train or bus and do not want to walk along rural roads.
- From Prague: a private transfer is possible, but hiring a car is normally more convenient for a full race weekend.
- Destination: give the driver “Štikov 122, Nová Paka” or “Autocross Nová Paka”.
- Return journey: arrange your pickup in advance because taxis are unlikely to be waiting outside the circuit.
Prague airport
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): the most useful major international airport for overseas visitors.
- Airport → Nová Paka: the road distance is roughly 120 km.
- Easiest option: hire a car and drive directly to Nová Paka or your accommodation.
- Without a car: travel into Prague and continue towards Nová Paka by bus or train.
About Nová Paka
Nová Paka is one of Europe's best-known autocross venues, built into the natural slopes of Štikovská rokle.
- Length: 930 m.
- Surface: clay, loam and sand, with an asphalt starting area.
- Width: approximately 10–20 m.
- Elevation: around 37 m of height difference around the lap.
Event-day tips
- Wear suitable shoes: spectator areas are built into grassy and uneven hillsides.
- Expect dust or mud: the loose racing surface means conditions can change quickly with the weather.
- Arrive early: major FIA events attract large international crowds.
- Camping: camping is available at some major events, with toilets and showers, but facilities and prices vary.
- Check parking: visitor parking is event-specific and may require an additional fee.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking or assistance at Nová Paka, contact the organiser before travelling. The circuit is built into a steep natural valley with grassed spectator areas, so some viewing locations may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Train and bus services, parking charges, camping and spectator access arrangements can change. Check the official Auto klub Nová Paka information for your specific event shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Nová Paka Autocross Track (Czech Republic)
Nová Paka combines one of Europe’s distinctive loose-surface autocross circuits with a small Czech town, castles, caves and the sandstone landscapes of Bohemian Paradise. Whether you are here for European autocross, Cross Car or a national event, there is plenty to explore away from the racing.
Family-friendly highlights
- Treasury of Gem Stones: Nová Paka is known for minerals and fossils found around the region. The town museum’s collection includes colourful quartz, gemstones and displays explaining the area’s geology.
- Pecka Castle: A compact historic castle in the countryside with furnished rooms, a Renaissance kitchen, deep well and extensive views towards the Krkonoše Mountains.
- Jičín: An attractive historic town and one of the gateways to Bohemian Paradise. Families can explore the main square, Valdická Gate and the interactive Regional Museum.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Sucharda’s House: Part of the Nová Paka Municipal Museum, covering local history and the artistic Sucharda family.
- Treasury of Gem Stones: One of the easiest wet-weather options close to the circuit, with displays covering geology, minerals, fossils and the region’s long tradition of stone collecting.
- Nová Paka town centre: Take a relaxed walk around the central streets and square, including the Church of Saint Nicholas and other historic buildings.
Eat & drink away from the circuit
- Nová Paka centre: Head into town for cafés, bakeries and Czech restaurants. It is the simplest choice when you want a proper sit-down meal between race sessions.
- Jičín: The historic centre offers a wider choice of cafés and restaurants and works well with an afternoon or evening sightseeing trip.
- Try something Czech: Look for dishes such as goulash, roast meats and dumplings, followed by a local cake or pastry if you still have room.
Get outdoors in Bohemian Paradise
- Prachov Rocks: One of the best-known landscapes in Bohemian Paradise, with marked walking routes weaving between towering sandstone formations, narrow passages and viewpoints.
- Short or long walks: Prachov offers different routes, so you do not need to be an experienced hiker. The shorter circuit is a good introduction if you only have part of a day available.
Some routes include steps, narrow passages and uneven ground, so comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Jičín + Prachov Rocks: Combine a morning among the sandstone formations with lunch and an afternoon around Jičín’s historic centre for an easy full day.
- Bozkov Dolomite Caves: Explore an underground landscape of passages and rock formations. Tours operate to set opening schedules, so check times before travelling.
- Pecka Castle: Easy to combine with Nová Paka and a good choice when you want history and countryside without committing to a full-day excursion.
- Bohemian Paradise: If you are extending your stay, the wider region contains sandstone rock towns, castles, viewpoints and marked hiking routes worth giving a full day.
Good to know during race weekends
- Expect dust or mud: Autocross runs on a loose clay-and-sand surface. Conditions around spectator areas can change quickly with the weather, so wear footwear you do not mind getting dirty.
- Bring hearing protection: Motorsport is loud, particularly for children. Ear defenders are a sensible addition to your race-day bag.
- Allow extra arrival time: The circuit is outside the town centre and local roads become busier around major meetings. Follow event signs and organiser instructions for parking and access.
- Check the programme: Race dates, support categories, spectator access and timetables can change from year to year.
Opening hours, race schedules and visitor arrangements can change - check the circuit and attraction websites before travelling.