March 3.

• Start together in unseedet waves
• Change of pick up place Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54

March 12.

• Ordering matress accommodation Rena online
  Ordering mattress accommodation on site Rena will be available for NOK 650,- Friday.
• Change of wave SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 online.

March 14. 20.00

• Registration SkøyteBirken, StafettBirken, TurBirken ski 54.
• Ordering bus for SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km

March 15. 21.00

• Registration Birkebeinerrennet and HalvBirken ski
• Ordering bus for Birkebeinerrennet and HalvBirken ski

March 16. 19.00

• Registratrion UngdomsBirken ski
• Ordering bus UngdomsBirken ski

Logistics, hotels and cabins

Birkebeinerrennet has start and finish in two different arenas. Rena and Lillehammer. 
We recommend that you can stay in Lillehammer, Hamar or Rena:

Stay in Lillehammer region

• Book bus or train - VY.no to Lillehammer
• Order pick up place for your Bib in Lilllehammer, pick up your Bib in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer the day before race day.
• Book bus from Lillehammer to the start arena at Rena for race day.
• Accommodation in Lillehammer

Stay in Rena

• Birken offers mattress accommodation in Rena. You order when register for the race, or after at your My Page. 
• Book bus to Rena the day before race day , or train - nsb.no
• Pick up your Bib in Rena center (Åmot kulturhus)
• After the race, you can either choose to go back to Rena by bus or stay in Lillehammer.
• Accommodation Rena
• Accommodation Elverum

Stay in Hamar (save 2 hours travelling time)

• You can travel to Hamar from Oslo and Oslo Airport by train - vy.no
• Book bus for the race day from Hamar to Rena
• Pick up your Bib at Åmot kulturhus in the center of Rena and take a shuttel bus to the start arena at Tingstadjordet.
• Book bus from Lillehammer to Hamar after the race.
• Accommodation Hamar

Luggage transport from Rena to Lillehammer on race day is included in the entry fee.

Race rules
The Norwegian Ski Federations rules and regulations for cross-country competitions apply throughout Birken Skifestival. The races in Birken ski festival are all nordic classic, free technique is only allowed in the classes M/F free technique in SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km. 

For your safety it is not allowd to use any form of audio during the race.

Participants not abiding by these rules, may be disqualified.

• FIS has banned all wax products containing fluor for all international and national ski races.
  More information at FIS web page
  
  
• Maximum pole length - Please find information regarding the new rule about maximum pole length:
  Download pdf-file  fis-ski.com              

Bib
The BIB must be visible at all times during the race. It is forbidden to wear another participants BIB. Identification must be provided in case of random control.

Backpack (not mandatory for StafettBirken)
All participants must carry a backpack weighing at least 3,5 kg (7.7 lbs) throughout the race (bum bag is not allowed).
The backpack symbolizes the little prince Haakon Haakonsen - read the history. The backpack must be carried on your back during the entire race. Random controls of weight and content in the backpack, will be performed. Participants must make sure the backpack has the required weight when crossing the finish line.

For safety reasons the backpack must contain:

• Wind proofed jacket and pants (long sleeved)
• Dry and warm underwear
• Headwear/hat
• Buff/headover/balaclava
• Gloves/mittens.

We strongly recommend that all skiers also bring food, drink and ski wax. Sun cream and blister plasters is also recommended. Please check the weather forecast, and take necessary safety precautions.

Participants will be disqualified, or given penalty time:
- if they do not carry a backpack
- if the backpack is to light crossing the finish line
- if the backpack is not properly equipped.
- if the bib is not visible at all times during the race

Environment
Littering along the course is not allowed. Please bring your own litter to the nearest food station or use the drop zones along the course. Littering can be penalized with 15 minutes added to your time.

Protest
Any protest must be in writing, and a fee of Norwegian kroner 250,- must be paid when handing in the protest. Deliver the protest directly in the race office in Håkons Hall.
The protest must be handed in immediately:
1. Protest against conditions during the race: 15 minuts after crossing the finish line.
2. Protest against results: 15 minuts after results being published.

Weather conditions
If the jury decides that the weather conditions makes the race too dangerous to attend, Birken holds the right to cancel or postpone the event at short notice.

Please also read the entry conditions

All participants that is not a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - paying taxes to Norway (paying taxes to Norway) will need to approve (sign) the Athletes Declaration at your My Page for the race that you are registered for.

If you have not approved the Athletes Declaration form in advance you will need to sign it when picking up your race packet.

- For our skiing events the license issued from the Norwegian Ski Federation is mandatory for participants from age 13-69 that is a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - paying taxes to Norway.

Changings may occur

Thursday March 14.

Rena center, Åmot kulturhus 15.00-21.00

• Race office, registration and distribution of bibs
• Cafeteria will be open
• Sport 1 market

Lillehammer,Håkons Hall 15.00-21.00

• Race office, registration and distribution of bibs
• Sport 1 market, cafe

Friday March 15.

Rena center, Åmot kulturhus 06.30-21.00

• Race office, registration and distribution of bibs
• Sport 1 market
• Cafeteria open
• Stores and restaurants are open in Rena center
• Wax-service from Rode, deadline at 21.00

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start)

• Wax-tips from Rode
• 08.30 Start SkøyteBirken
• 09.00 Start TurBirken ski 54 km

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall 09.00-21.00

• Race office and distribution of bibs
• Sport 1 market, cafeteria, stands
• Diplomas SkøyteBirken, TurBirken ski 54 and StafettBirken
• Ca 14.30 prize ceremony SkøyteBirken
• Wax service, deadline 21.00
• Shower facilities

Lillehammer, Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 11.30 Start StafettBirken ski
• 10.00-16.00 Cafetaria
• 11.45 First competitor in SkøyteBirken expected to the finish.
• 12.40 First competitor in TurBirken ski 54 km expected to the finish.
• 12.45 First team in StafettBirken expected to the finish.
• 12.00-16.00 After Ski
• 14.00 Prize ceremony StafettBirken

Saturday March 16.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start) 06.00-10.00

• Race office and distribution of bibs
• Wax tips from Rode
• 07.00 Sport 1 last minute shop
• 07.45 - 10.30 start Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken (Note)

Sjusjøen ski stadium

• 09.50 First participant in Birkebeinerrennet will pass.
• 12.00 Start HalvBirken ski

Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 10.20 First participant Birkebeinerrennet expected to the finish
• 13.05 First participant HalvBirken expected to the finish
• 09.30 - 17.00 Cafetaria
• 11.00 Price ceremony for the three best women and men in Birkebeinerrennet

Håkons Hall, 09.00-19.00

• Race office, distribution of Bibs, diplomas and prizes
• Sport 1 market, cafeteria and stands
• Lost and found
• from 13.00 Prize ceremony Birkebeinerrennet
• from 15.00 Prize ceremony HalvBirken 
• Shower facilities

Center of Lillehammer

• 10.00-18.00 Stores are open

Sunday March 19.

Sjusjøen ski stadium

• 08.00- 11.30 Distribution of bibs for UngdomsBirken ski and Birken ski UH 15 km
• 10.00 Start UngdomsBirken ski (youth)
• 11.40 Start Birken ski UH 15 km

Håkons Hall

• 10.00-15.00 Race office
• 10.00-15.00 Sport 1 Market, cafeteria
• 10.00-15.00 Lost and found
• Shower facilities

Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 09.30-14.00 Cafetaria
• From 11.00 Entry BarneBirken ski
• 11.30 Prize ceremony UngdomsBirken
• 13.00-13.50 start BarneBirken ski (childrens race)
• 13.00 Prize ceremony Birken ski UH 15 km

Rena, Tingstadjordet

• From 12.00 Entry BarneBirken ski
• 13.00-14.00 start BarneBirken ski (childrens race)

• Thursday March 14. 15.00-21.00

Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski

• Friday March 15. 09.00-21.00

UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski

• Saturday March 16. 09.00-19.00

Rena, Åmot kulturhus ( center of Rena)
SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54

• Thursday March 14. 15.00-21.00
• Friday March 15. 06.30-09.00

Birkebeinerrennet

• Thursday March 14. 15.00-21.00
• Friday March 15. 06.30-21.00

Rena, Start Area Tingstadjordet

Birkebeinerrennet

• Saturday March 16th 06.00 until last start

Sjusjøen Ski Stadium
UngdomsBirken ski and Birken Ski UH

• Sunday March 17. 08.00-11.30

Bib pick up on race day Rena
On race day, race packets must be collected in Rena: Friday in Åmot kulturhus and Saturday in the tent at the starting area, Tingstadjordet.
Allow for some extra time as traffic may be heavy.

Starting card
Available at My Page 1-2 weeks before the race. Please show your starting card when picking up your Bib.

NOTE: The timing chip must be delivered immidiatly after the race. Failure to return the chip entail a fee of NOK 300,-.

Timing chip
The timing chip will be handed out when you pick up your BIB and must be fastened on your left ankle.
NOTE: The timing chip must be delivered to the organizer after the race ( also if you do not start, or do not finish the race). Not doing so will give an extra fee of NOK 300,-

Timing
Real time: Timing starts when you pass the start line.
Start shot: Timing starts when the start shot is fired.

Birkebeinerrennet:
Elite classes: Start shot
All other waves: Real time

SkøyteBirken and HalvBirken ski:
Wave 1: Start shot
All other waves: Real time

StafettBirken:
All waves: Start shot

TurBirken ski 54: 
All waves: Real time

UngdomsBirken ski
All waves: Start shot

At Start Tingstadjordet
Birken and Rode facilitates waxing iron and waxing table for free use and Rode will provide tips and recommandations at the start.
We recommend that you bring your own wax, but you can also buy wax at the start area.

Wax service is also available at Skramstadsetra, Dambua, Kvarstad, Sjusjøen and Midtfjellet.

At start Sjusjøen for HalvBirken 
Rode will give tips and recommandations

All participants should bring skis that are already prepeared, unless you are planning to use the wax service at Rena (center of Rena) or outside Håkons Hall before the race.

Rode wax service Haakons Hall, Lillehammer
Opening hours (tent outside Haakons Hall):
Thursday March 16th: 15.00-21.00
Friday March 17th: 09.00-21.00

Deadlines
Deliver skies:19.00
Pick up at 23.00 outside the wax wagon.

Rode wax service Rena (center of Rena)
Opening hours (order at the Sport1 market) :
Thursday March 16th: 15.00-21.00
Friday March 17th: 07.00-22.00

Deadlines
Deliver skies:19.00
Pick up at 23.00 outside the wax wagon.

Prices:

• Cleaning skies: NOK 300,-
• Kick zone: NOK 300,-
• Basic race prepp: NOK 600,-
• Advanced racing prepp:  NOK 1000,-
• Advanced racing prepp included kick zone: NOK 1200,-

Pole service
KV+ provides pole service in the start area, and at all foood stations. Please return borrowed poles in the finish area when you return your timing chip.

Ski service
Salomon will have a limited number of skies available at start and at the feeding stations. If you need to barrow skies from Salomon, please deliver them back after finish.

Note: Birken is not liable for your poles or skies, but all poles and skies retrieved after the race will be brought to Rena with the lost and found items.

Storage for skies and poles
Skies and poles are not allowed inside Håkons Hall or in Race Office at Rena. Storage is available on both sites.

Parking Birken ski festival
Parking during Birken ski festival costs NOK 95,- and are valid at all Birken arenas at both Lillehammer and Rena. Book in advance: parking ticket


Rena

We advise all participants to arrive early, as traffic might be heavy. Please use public transport if possible.

If you are dropping off competitors at the start: Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards. You might not be able to leave the area until 08.45.

Travelling by car to Rena
We recommend RV 3 from Elverum to Rena.

Travelling by car to Lillehammer
If you arrive to Lillehammer by E6 take the northern exit. The exit is marked with a sign for Birkebeinerrittet from E6, and all the way up to the parking area.

Sigrid Undsetsveg (the road below Håkons Hall) is closed for traffic between the roundabout by Kiwi, Nordsetervegen, and the junction Bankgata/Sigrid Undsetsveg. Nordsetervegen is a one way street from Håkons Hall to Kringsjåvegen.

Parking Rena
Parking will be availble both in the center of Rena and at the start area. Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.

Parking Lillehammer
Parking is available at Birkebeiner Ski stadium and at the parking area behind Håkons Hall. Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.

Parking for campers

Rena
At marked places at the start area at Tingstadjordet, Rena. No electicity available
At Rena Camping in the center of Rena. Please contact Rena Camping for booking and prices.

Lillehammer
At Birkebeineren ski stadium. No electicity available.
For other camper options, please visit these sites; Lillehammer Turistsenter and Lillehammer Camping.

Preliminary information 2024:

The center of Rena
Cafeterias and stores are open in the small and cosy village of Rena.
Open church with mini concerts etc. friday from 14.00-22.00

Tingstadjordet, start
Race office, Sport1 market and activites from Thursday

Skramstadsetra 
The first competitor will pass around 08.10 and the last around 12.15. You can also ski from Skramstadsetra to Dølfjellet or Dambua. Please use the tracks marked for spectators.
If you want to go to Skramstadsetra, we recommend to go before the first start (07.45).

Kvarstad
The first competitor will pass around 09.05 and the last around 15.00.
You can get there by car from Brumunddal. It is around 23 km from Brumunddal to Kvarstad (toll road).

Midtfjellet 
The highest point in the track, 910 meters above sea level.
The first competitor will pass around 09.25 and the last around 17.00.
You can park at Sjusjøen and ski 7 km from Sjusjøen to Midtfjellet.

Sjusjøen
At the food and drink station in Sjusjøen there are always a lot of spectators.
The first competitor will pass around 9.50 and the last around 17.30. You get there by car from Lillehammer.

Birkebeiner ski stadium / finish
First competitor is expected to the finish around 10.25 and the last around 19.30.
You get there by car from Lillehammer and Sjusjøen.

Håkons Hall
All competitors retrieves their diplomas and prizes. Cafeteria and Sport 1 Market.
Prize ceremonys from stage.

Center of Lillehammer
A lot of nice stores, cafetrias, restaurants and more.