Přerov
Location
Přerov, Olomouc Region, Czech Republic
Current Local Time
Track Info
CROSS Arena Přerov - Přerov, Czech Republic
Fast and hilly clay autocross circuit in the Přerovská rokle - famous for its huge elevation changes and spectacular Mamut jump
When was the track built?
Motorsport in the Přerovská rokle began long before autocross arrived. Motorcycle racing was already taking place here in 1950, and the venue later became important enough to host international motocross.
Autocross arrived at the end of the 1960s. The circuit developed over the following decades as national car racing became more popular, eventually becoming the modern CROSS Arena Přerov used today.
When was its first race?
The first autocross event in the Přerov area was held on 26 October 1969 and is recognised as the first official autocross competition in what was then Czechoslovakia. By 1972, Přerov was already hosting Czech championship autocross.
The circuit took another major step in 1998, when it hosted its first round of the FIA European Autocross Championship. Přerov has since become one of the championship's established Czech venues.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Přerov is wider than many autocross circuits, allowing drivers to carry significant speed and try different lines when fighting for position.
- Huge elevation changes: The circuit rises and falls by around 42 metres, giving drivers steep climbs, downhill sections and changing braking points.
- The Mamut jump: Přerov's signature feature launches the fastest buggies into the air and requires commitment to attack properly.
- Weather matters: The hard clay can provide plenty of grip when conditions are good, but rain can turn it into an extremely slippery and difficult surface.
Major events and competition
- FIA European Autocross: Přerov first joined the European Championship in 1998 and regularly attracts leading drivers from across the continent.
- SuperBuggy: The fastest category, with powerful purpose-built machines particularly impressive over the Mamut jump.
- Buggy1600: Lightweight buggies with smaller engines, producing close racing where carrying speed through the corners is crucial.
- JuniorBuggy: A category for younger drivers developing their skills before moving into the faster buggy classes.
- Cross Car: Compact single-seaters that make full use of Přerov's wide corners, steep terrain and loose surface.
Why go?
Přerov is one of the easiest circuits for a newcomer to understand why European autocross is so spectacular. Several cars race side by side, the surface provides constant sliding, and the steep terrain makes the buggies look incredibly fast even from a distance.
The Mamut jump gives the circuit something especially memorable. During the fastest races, cars can arrive at high speed and become completely airborne before immediately preparing for the next part of the lap.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Mamut jump: The circuit's signature viewing area and the obvious choice if you want to see the fastest cars become airborne.
- Start area: Best for watching the full field launch together before drivers begin fighting for space on the opening lap.
- Higher spectator areas: A good choice for appreciating Přerov's unusual terrain and following battles across several sections of the circuit.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Přerov Autocross Circuit (Czech Republic)
Cross Arena Přerov is on the northern edge of Přerov in the Czech Republic. Driving is easiest, but Přerov is also a major railway hub, making a train followed by a short taxi journey a practical alternative.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Cross Arena Přerov. The circuit is just outside the main built-up area, so you avoid the long rural journey required at many other autocross venues.
If you are travelling across the Czech Republic without a car, Přerov's excellent railway connections make train + taxi a particularly practical alternative.
Tip: Search for “Cross Arena Přerov” or “Přerovská rokle” rather than simply entering Přerov into your navigation app.
Driving & parking
- From central Přerov: head north towards Předmostí and follow signs towards Čekyně and the autocross venue.
- From Olomouc: approach Přerov from the north and follow navigation towards Předmostí.
- Final approach: event signs normally direct spectators separately from teams and paddock traffic.
- Parking: dedicated spectator parking is provided for major meetings, but its location can change from year to year.
Do not rely on an old parking map. Organisers changed the spectator parking location for the June 2026 Czech Championship.
Train & public transport
Přerov is one of the better autocross venues to reach by train. Its railway station is a major regional interchange with connections in several directions.
- From Prague: direct trains reach Přerov in roughly 2½ hours.
- From Olomouc: the rail journey is very short, making Olomouc another useful accommodation base.
- Station → circuit: a taxi is the simplest final connection for first-time visitors.
- Return journey: check your train time before the finals, especially if travelling home on Sunday evening.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Přerov Station: a taxi provides a simple short transfer directly to the circuit.
- Destination: ask for Cross Arena Přerov in Předmostí or Přerovská rokle.
- After racing: consider booking your return taxi in advance when a large European Championship crowd is expected.
Nearest airports
- Ostrava Airport (OSR): around 70 km by road and the nearest commercial airport.
- Brno Airport (BRQ): another option, roughly 80 km by road from Přerov.
- For more flight choices: international visitors may also arrive through Prague or Vienna and continue by train.
- Easiest direct transfer: hire a car or arrange a private transfer if flying into the region.
Event-day tips
- Wear suitable shoes: spectator areas include grass, dirt and slopes around the natural bowl.
- Prepare for dust or mud: autocross conditions change dramatically depending on the weather.
- Arrive early: European Championship weekends attract large crowds and racing starts early.
- Check parking: the spectator car park may move between events.
- Bring sun and rain protection: most viewing areas are outdoors and exposed.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking or assistance at Cross Arena Přerov, contact the organiser before travelling. The circuit sits in natural sloping terrain, so some spectator areas may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Train services, parking charges, spectator entrances and traffic arrangements can change between events. Check the official Auto Klub Přerov information for your specific race weekend shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around CROSS Arena Přerov (Czech Republic)
Přerov is home to one of Czechia’s best-known autocross venues, but there is much more to a race weekend than the action on track. Prehistoric sites, a Renaissance castle, riverside walks and one of Central Europe’s great medieval fortresses are all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights around Přerov
- Comenius Museum & Přerov Castle: The Renaissance castle in the historic centre contains displays covering local history, archaeology and education, including reconstructed classrooms from earlier centuries.
- Michalov Park: Přerov’s largest park offers plenty of space for a relaxed walk, a break with younger children or some quiet time after a noisy day at the circuit.
- Back to the Prehistory Trail: Předmostí is famous for discoveries linked to prehistoric mammoth hunters. A marked trail introduces the area and its archaeological importance in an easy-to-understand way.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Comenius Museum: The main indoor attraction in Přerov, with collections ranging from archaeology and natural history to historic classrooms and the story of educator John Amos Comenius.
- ORNIS: Přerov’s ornithological centre focuses on the birds of the Czech Republic and is a good option for families or anyone interested in local wildlife.
- Historic Přerov: Explore Horní náměstí around the castle before walking downhill towards the modern centre and the Bečva River.
Eat & drink away from the circuit
- Přerov city centre: The simplest option for restaurants, cafés and bakeries, with more choice than you will normally find close to the racing venue.
- Horní náměstí: Combine sightseeing around the castle with a coffee, lunch or an early evening meal in the historic part of town.
- Try Czech comfort food: Look for dishes such as goulash, schnitzel, roast meat and dumplings if you want a filling meal after a full day outdoors.
Get outdoors between race sessions
- Bečva River: Paths along the river provide an easy place to walk or cycle without travelling far from central Přerov.
- Michalov Park: More than 16 hectares of landscaped parkland make this one of the easiest places in town for a relaxed walk.
- Předmostí prehistoric trail: The full educational route is almost 9 km, but you can visit individual sections if you only have an hour or two available.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Helfštýn Castle: A huge medieval fortress overlooking the Moravian countryside and one of the strongest day-trip choices from Přerov. The castle is particularly known for its long association with artistic blacksmithing.
- Zbrašov Aragonite Caves: An unusual underground attraction at Teplice nad Bečvou, famous for mineral formations created by warm carbon-dioxide-rich water.
- Hranice Abyss: Combine the caves with a woodland walk to this exceptionally deep flooded abyss. The visible opening is only a small part of the enormous cave system below.
- Teplice nad Bečvou: The small spa area surrounding the caves is a good place for a slower afternoon if you want a break from motorsport and sightseeing.
Good to know during race weekends
- Prepare for dust: Přerov is a clay-surface autocross circuit, so dry racing can produce plenty of dust. Wet weekends can mean mud instead.
- Bring hearing protection: Autocross cars are loud, especially when several cars launch together. Ear defenders are strongly recommended for children.
- Wear practical shoes: Spectator areas around off-road circuits can involve grass, slopes and uneven ground, so comfortable footwear is more useful than smart shoes.
- Check the timetable: Practice, qualifying heats and finals can fill most of the day. Check the event schedule before planning museum visits or longer trips.
Race schedules, spectator arrangements and attraction opening hours can change - check official calendars before travelling.