Seelow
Location
Seelow, Brandenburg, Germany
Current Local Time
Track Info
Auf den Seelower Höhen - Seelow, Germany
Compact natural-terrain autocross circuit east of Berlin - a loose-surface classic with steep climbs, fast sections and excellent spectator views
When was the track built?
The circuit's story began in the early 1960s. MC Seelow was founded in 1961, and the course on the Seelow Heights was originally developed for motocross, opening for competition in 1963.
As autocross began growing in East Germany during the 1970s, the venue was adapted for cars. Its natural hills and loose surface proved well suited to the new discipline, and Seelow developed into one of the country's best-known autocross circuits.
When was its first race?
The first autocross competition at Seelow was held in 1976. The venue went on to stage national and international meetings, building a tradition that has continued for decades.
Its importance remains clear today. The 50th autocross meeting was celebrated in 2024, while the 2026 event was the 52nd running and opened that year's FIA European Autocross Championship.
What's the circuit like?
- A little of everything: Seelow combines slow corners, quicker sections, flat ground, climbs and descents within a very short lap.
- Steep hillside: One of the circuit's defining features is its steep section, where maintaining momentum on the loose surface is important.
- Technical chicane: Drivers have to change direction quickly while controlling a car that may already be sliding on sand and dirt.
- Changing grip: The surface can become dusty and polished when dry, while rain can quickly make the circuit much more slippery.
Records and competition
- Track record: 35.37 - Jaroslav Hošek, set in 2001.
- SuperBuggy: The fastest autocross category, using powerful purpose-built machines capable of rapid acceleration on the loose surface.
- Buggy1600: Smaller-engined buggies that often produce extremely close racing on Seelow's short lap.
- JuniorBuggy: A category designed to introduce younger drivers to international autocross competition.
- Cross Car: Lightweight single-seaters powered by motorcycle-style engines, combining relatively simple machinery with very close racing.
Why go?
Seelow is particularly good for newcomers because its compact layout makes the racing easy to follow. Depending on where you stand, between roughly 60% and 100% of the circuit can be visible, so battles rarely disappear from view for long.
The short lap also means the cars return quickly. With several competitors racing together, spectators get repeated starts, overtakes, slides and position changes rather than waiting minutes between appearances.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Higher spectator banks: The best option for getting a broad view over much of the compact circuit and following a battle from corner to corner.
- Steep hillside section: A good place to appreciate Seelow's elevation change and watch drivers fight for traction on the climb and descent.
- Chicane area: Ideal for seeing rapid direction changes, braking mistakes and drivers trying different lines on the loose surface.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Seelow Autocross Circuit (Germany)
The “Auf den Seelower Höhen” circuit is directly beside the town of Seelow, around 70 km east of Berlin. Driving is easy, but rail is also practical because Seelow has nearby regional train connections.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the simplest option, but Seelow is also unusually convenient by public transport. The circuit sits almost directly in the town rather than several kilometres into the countryside.
If you are staying in Berlin without a car, regional trains can take you towards Seelow and you can complete the final part of the journey locally.
Tip: The venue may appear as “Auf den Seelower Höhen”, “Autocross Seelow” or “Autocross Track Auf den Seelower Höhen”.
Driving & parking
- From Berlin: travel east towards Seelow; the road journey is around 70 km.
- Main roads: Seelow sits where the B1 and B167 meet, making the town straightforward to approach.
- Navigation: a useful event location is Straße der Jugend 40, 15306 Seelow.
- Parking: numerous spectator parking areas are provided around the town close to the circuit.
- Event day: follow temporary parking signs instead of trying to drive directly to the track entrance.
Because the circuit sits beside residential parts of Seelow, use official parking areas and avoid blocking local streets.
Train & public transport
Seelow is one of the easier autocross venues to visit without a car.
- Seelow (Mark): served hourly by the RB60 between Eberswalde and Frankfurt (Oder).
- From Berlin: another useful route is the RB26 towards Seelow-Gusow, followed by a local bus or taxi into Seelow.
- From Frankfurt (Oder): the RB60 provides the most straightforward rail connection.
- Check before travelling: engineering works can occasionally replace trains with buses, so check the VBB journey planner shortly before your trip.
Berlin airport
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): the main international airport for visitors travelling to Seelow.
- Airport → Seelow: around 72 km by road and roughly 1 hour 15 minutes in clear conditions.
- Easiest option: rental car or private transfer.
- Without a car: travel into the regional rail network and connect towards Seelow, allowing considerably more time.
About Seelow
The circuit is a traditional natural-terrain autocross track built into the Seelow Heights.
- Length: 810 m plus a separate starting area.
- Width: around 10–15 m.
- Surface: sand and earth.
- Elevation: approximately 27 m of height difference around the lap.
Event-day tips
- Wear suitable shoes: spectators watch from natural grass banks around the circuit.
- Prepare for dust or mud: the loose surface can make conditions very different depending on the weather.
- Arrive early: FIA European Championship weekends attract large international crowds.
- Check parking maps: spectator parking is spread around Seelow rather than one permanent car park.
- Bring weather protection: most spectator areas are outdoors and exposed.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking or assistance at Seelow, contact the organiser before travelling. The circuit uses natural slopes and grassed spectator areas, so the easiest viewing location may depend on your mobility needs and the weather.
Train services, parking areas, camping and spectator access can change between events. Check the official AX Seelow information for your specific race weekend shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Seelow Autocross Circuit (Germany)
Seelow’s “Auf den Seelower Höhen” circuit brings European autocross to the edge of a small Brandenburg town surrounded by open countryside. Away from the racing, you can explore parks, museums, castles and the distinctive Oderbruch landscape without needing to travel far.
Family-friendly highlights around Seelow
- Seelow City Park: A simple choice when younger visitors need some space after a noisy race day. Walk beneath mature trees, relax on the lawns or enjoy views towards the Oderbruch countryside.
- Baggersee Gusow: A popular summer swimming lake near Gusow-Platkow. It is a good warm-weather option if you want an easy afternoon away from motorsport.
- Neuhardenberg Castle Park: Spacious landscaped grounds surrounding the elegant castle and village church. The park is ideal for a gentle walk or picnic.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Seelow Heights Memorial and Museum: A museum explaining the Battle of the Seelow Heights in April 1945, one of the final major battles before the end of the Second World War in Europe. Allow time to explore both the indoor exhibition and outdoor memorial.
- Kunstspeicher Friedersdorf: A former grain store combining local history, art and displays about traditional grain and milling technology.
- Neuhardenberg Castle: A striking classical-style complex that now hosts exhibitions, concerts and cultural events. The surrounding landscape park can be visited separately.
Eat & drink away from the circuit
- Seelow centre: Head into town for cafés, bakeries and restaurants when you want a proper meal away from the event site.
- Kunstspeicher Friedersdorf: The old granary includes a rustic inn serving dishes made with regional ingredients, making it easy to combine lunch with a visit.
- Neuhardenberg: Pair a castle visit with coffee, lunch or dinner for a quieter end to a busy race day.
Explore the Oderbruch outdoors
- Oderbruch countryside: This wide, flat landscape beside the River Oder is particularly suited to relaxed cycling, with quiet villages, fields and long-distance views.
- Seelow viewpoints: The higher ground around Seelow gives you a good sense of how dramatically the landscape drops towards the low-lying Oderbruch.
- Märkische Schweiz: If you want a longer walk, head towards Buckow for wooded hills, valleys, lakes and marked hiking routes.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Neuhardenberg: Combine the castle, Schinkel-designed church and landscaped park for an easy half-day excursion.
- Oderbruch Museum Altranft: A hands-on introduction to rural life, farming, crafts and the unusual water-managed landscape of the Oderbruch. Children can also use the museum workshop.
- Buckow & Märkische Schweiz: Lakes, forests and hiking paths make this a good choice when you want a complete change from the noise and dust of autocross.
- Wider Oderbruch: Spend a day exploring small villages, river landscapes and cultural heritage sites across this unusual border region.
Good to know during race weekends
- Expect dust or mud: The circuit uses sand and earth, so conditions can become dusty in dry weather and muddy after rain.
- Bring hearing protection: Autocross cars are extremely loud. Ear defenders are especially important for children.
- Wear practical shoes: The circuit uses the natural hillside, so spectator areas can include grass, slopes and uneven ground.
- Check event information: Parking, camping, tickets and spectator access can change between meetings, so check the organiser’s information before travelling.
Race schedules, spectator arrangements and attraction opening hours can change - check official information before travelling.