GravelBirken
Gravel, mountains, and pure pedal power
Experience the true joy of cycling with Birken on majestic mountain roads! Embark on a new adventure where gravel paths, rugged terrain, and the thrill of achievement take center stage. Choose between 100 km or 200 km of breathtaking scenery, challenging climbs, and thrilling descents. Both start and finish in Lillehammer.
Join us for a spectacular journey where winding gravel roads lead you through forested valleys, historic mountain farms, and up to stunning viewpoints. With elevation gains that burn in your legs and descents that send your adrenaline soaring, this course will test your endurance and skills alike. Tough yet rewarding, the route offers a powerful sense of accomplishment — perfect for both beginners and experienced gravel riders.
- Included in the Birkebeiner Triple (Unranked result lists)
- Open to anyone aged 17 or older by December 31, 2025.
- Limited spots available for 2025
GravelBirken
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Track and distances
You can choose GravelBirken 200 km or GravelBirken 100 km. Both start at Birkebeineren ski Stadium and finish outside Haakons Hall. Track details will be published summer 2025. Dowload GPX-files here!
GravelBirken 100 km – Course Description
GravelBirken100 is a new concept we're developing specifically for gravel cycling. This distance is a “beginner-friendly” version of the GravelBirken200. The route offers a variety of surfaces, including hard-packed gravel on wide roads, as well as narrower paths and coarser gravel. The course also includes a trail section that follows the same path as the traditional Birkebeinerrittet between Bjørnåsen and Nysætra. GravelBirken100 is a less technical course than the GravelBirken200. With around 1800 meters of elevation gain and only a few kilometers of asphalt, this will be a true gravel experience showcasing the beautiful terrain around Lillehammer, Ringsaker, and Sjusjøen.
The race starts at the Birkebeiner Stadium and immediately heads out onto Sjøsetervegen.
NOTE: The first few kilometers are a neutral start, meaning a lead car or motorcycle will keep the field grouped together until the official race start.
The course continues on gravel roads up to Natrudstilen and past the ski resort. It then descends toward Bleka, continues across to Grimstilen, and climbs again toward Hamarsæterhøgda. From there, the route leads to Bringbu and follows the classic Birkebeinerrittet trail all the way to the finish at Håkons Hall.
GravelBirken 200 km – Course Description
GravelBirken200 is a new concept we're developing specifically for gravel cycling – a race and a route inspired by some of the most renowned gravel events in the world. We are designing the course to meet international standards, meaning a long race with over 3000 meters of climbing, varied terrain, hike-a-bike sections, and above all, a unique natural experience. While the course could be compared to a black ski run in terms of difficulty, it features breathtaking scenery with mountain farms, winding gravel roads through forests and mountains, and stunning views. It’s a technical course with several challenging segments, including rough gravel roads, trails, and stream crossings. There are also parts where you'll need to dismount and carry your bike – which is all part of classic gravel riding.
The route starts at the Birkebeiner Stadium with a loop before heading to Natrudstilen. From there, it continues to Bleka, then loops south before heading to Grimstilen. Next, the course descends to Åstdalsvegen and climbs up to Hamarsæterhøgda, then on to Bringbu and follows the trail to Kvarstad. From Kvarstad, we follow the Åsta river up to Øvra Åstbrua, before climbing the legendary Rosinbakken. At the top, a trail leads to Snultra – a fun section with boardwalks, stream crossings, and a hike-a-bike portion.
From Snultra, the route heads toward Pellestova and then to Hita. At the Sjøseterkrysset junction, we turn left and eventually take a detour toward Rognhaugen, featuring a narrower and more playful gravel section. From Rognhaugen, the route winds through several scenic mountain farm areas like Gullbringen, Brennlia, and Augsætra. Next comes Hornsjø and some tough climbs. We then return to Reinavegen, which we were on after the Snultra trail, continue toward Mellsjøen, and finally reach Elgåsen before following the traditional Birkebeinerrittet trail to the finish at Håkons Hall.
On race day
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Traffic / parking
Parking at Rena and Lillehammer at Birken Cycle
Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.
Tickets for parking costs NOK 95,- and may be bought both online or on site.
