Birken Cycling – Useful Info for Participants in August
Whether it’s your first Birken or you’ve taken part before, here’s what you need to know.
Book your bus
Birken offers buses to and from Rena from Lillehammer, Hamar, and Sjusjøen.
Coming from the south? Park for free in Hamar and save two hours of driving.
See the bus timetable and book your bus on My Page.
Bicycle transport is included in the bus ticket. Bikes are transported on separate trucks that travel together with the bus. Please note that buses may arrive in Rena slightly earlier than the bike transport, as buses can travel at 100 km/h and trucks at a maximum of 90 km/h.
Bus – GravelBirken and YouthBirken Cycle
For participants in GravelBirken or YouthBirken Cycle: The start is at Birkebeiner Stadium and the finish is at Håkons Hall. There are no return buses to Birkebeiner Stadium. We therefore recommend parking at Håkons Hall and taking the bus to the start. Book your bus on My Page.
Bus – HalfBirken and UltraBirken
For participants in HalfBirken or UltraBirken: Please note there are no return buses to Pellestova. We recommend parking at Håkons Hall and taking the bus to the start. Book your bus on My Page.
Need accommodation?
Birken offers dormitory accommodation including breakfast at schools and similar facilities in Rena the night before race day. Pre-book in advance on My Page for a lower price. On-site booking the day before race day will have a higher price. Evening meals can be purchased at the accommodation site.
-
Rena: Trudvang Hotell – call 948 05 555 for available rooms (online booking may be closed)
-
Lillehammer: Scandic Victoria – available rooms from the day before to the day after race day
-
Other accommodation: see Travel and Stay
Where to collect your start number
Check on My Page where you have chosen to collect your start number – Lillehammer or Rena.
Opening hours – the day before race day
-
Lillehammer, Håkons Hall: 10:00–21:00
-
Rena, Åmot kulturhus: 11:00–21:00
Opening hours – race day
-
Rena, Åmot kulturhus: from 07:00 until the last start
-
Pellestova: from 06:30 until the last start (HalfBirken Cycle)
-
Birkebeiner Stadium: from 05:00 until the last start
NB: On race day, start numbers can only be collected at the start location. Start numbers not collected by 21:00 the day before at Håkons Hall, Lillehammer, can be collected at the start on race day. We recommend collecting your start number about one hour before your assigned start time.
Start card
The start card shows your start time and wave, and will be available on My Page approximately two weeks before the event. Show your start card when collecting your start number.
License
All participants must have a license. Do you have an annual license or do you need a one-day license? Order your license on My Page.
Parking
There is a parking fee (NOK 95) in both Rena and Lillehammer during Birken Cycling. Pay via Vipps to 14453 Birken or book parking here.
Traffic
Read more about closed roads and traffic.
What’s on and when?
During Birken Cycling there’s plenty of energy and activity in both Rena and Lillehammer – from the day before race day to the finish line and beyond.
Friday in Rena offers activities, YouthBirken, food and drink service, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the Birken atmosphere before the start.
Saturday, when you cross the finish line at Håkons Hall, the experience is far from over. Outside the hall, the AfterBike continues – a lively and social area for both cyclists and supporters. Expect barbecue food, music, prize ceremonies from the stage, and perhaps a celebratory drink.
In the finish area you will also find numerous exhibitors and partners with exciting products and activities.
Inside Håkons Hall you’ll find the Sport 1 Market – 1500 m² packed with sports clothing, shoes, and equipment at great prices, for both participants and spectators. Here you can change, shower, and collect your diploma – all in one place.
YouthBirken – the day before race day
Bring the whole family and enjoy the Birken atmosphere the day before the race! YouthBirken Cycle takes place in both Rena and Lillehammer. All children between 0–12 years old can participate.
-
Activities for all ages
-
No timing – just fun in easy terrain
-
Diploma and medal for all finishers
-
Helmets are mandatory for all children
Race rules and backpack 3,5 kg
Please read the race rules thoroughly
All participants in Birkebeinerrittet and HalvBirken, regardless of class, must carry a 3,5 kilo backpack during the entire race, until crossing the finish line. The backpack must be visible and can not be worn underneath clothing or bib.
For safety reasons the pack must contain
- wind-/water resistant jacket and pants
- Gloves
- Hat or buff headwear
- Extra food
- Tools and hose kit
- We recommend that you bring dry underwear and socks
Note:
Food- and drink stations
At the start: Refill Maxim sports drink and water.
Find information for each race here:
Cycle service Birkebeinerrittet
At Bringbusætra and Kvarstad we offer simple service such as changing of hose, chain, brake pads, as well as adjusting the gears and brakes before start and at the service stations along the track.
Sport 1 market
You will find the Sport 1 market both in Rena Torg and in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer.
Luggage
Transportation of luggage from start to finish is included in the entry fee. Information about transportation of luggage
Do not litter
It is not allowed to throw anything along the tracks. Use the waste zones or bring your waste to the finish. We need you to take responsibility for the nature!
Birken-TV
On race day, you can watch the competitors during the race at Birken-TV
Prizes and diplomas
All participants in Birkebeinerrittet, HalvBirken cycle and UltraBirken cycle receives a finisher pin at the finish line. Participations in UngdomsBirken cycle recieves a finisher medal at the finish line.
A diploma stating your time can be picked up inside Haakons Hall at race day or downloaded from your My Page
More information about prizes
Shower
You can use the showers in Håkons Hall after the race.
