March 1.

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

March 2.

• Registration UngdomsBirken ski. 
  late registration until March 14. - all late registrations will get start in wave 2 for the classes 13-16 years old.

March 10.

• Ordering matress accommodation Rena online NOK 495,-
  Ordering mattress accommodation on site Rena will be available for NOK 650,- Friday.
• Change of wave SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 online.

March 12. 20.00

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

March 13. 20.00

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

March 14. 19.00

• Late registratrion UngdomsBirken ski

 

 

Bus transport
Bus transport for participants
You will then find information about dates, times and departures.
You pre-order your bus transport through My Page 
Booking will open in January 2026 at the latest and the deadline for booking is at 20.00 the day before your departure. There is no refund for unused tickets.
All buses to Rena Friday and Saturday morning will drive directly to the start area at Tingstadjordet. 

Train
Transportation by train from Oslo Airport, Gardermoen; vy.no

Free shuttle buses
Rena on race day: Centre of Rena / mattress accommodation places to the start area at Tingstadjordet.
Lillehammer on race day: Between the finish area at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium and Haakons Hall (prizes, diplomas, showers, Sport1 market).

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
• Before race day: Pick up your Bib in Rena center (Åmot kulturhus)
• On race day: Pick up your Bib at start, Tingstadjordet
• 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
• Due to the Speed Skating World Championships in Hamar, parking for SkiBirken 2025 will be in Brumunddal.
• You can also take a bus from Midtstranda, eastbound, in Hamar (no parking, only pick-up and drop-off).
• Take a bus to Rena, directly to the start at Tingstadjordet on race day.
• Return buses will take you back to Brumunddal and Midtstranda (Hamar) from Lillehammer after the finish.
• 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 Ski. 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. Random testing of skis are done after the finish by the Norwegian Ski Association. More information at FIS web page
  
• Maximum pole length - Please find information regarding the 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 NOK 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.

The organizer reserves the right to stop participants from completing the race.
Participants who are stopped/taken out of the race either by cut-off time, interruption/cancellation or other reasons will not have the opportunity to continue as part of the race/event

Please also read the sign up terms and conditions

For our skiing events the ski-license (insurance) issued from the Norwegian Ski Federation is mandatory for all participants from age 13-79 that is a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - paying taxes to Norway.

NOTE: All participants that is not a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - (paying taxes to Norway) will need to approve the Athletes Declaration at your My Page for the race that you are signed up for in advance to save time when picking up your race packet (Bib).

Prelimary information 2026

Thursday March 12.

Rena center, Åmot kulturhus 15.00-21.00

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

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall 15.00-21.00

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

Friday March 13.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start) 07.00-09.00

• Race office and distribution of start number's for TurBirken og SkøyteBirken
• Wax-tips from Rode
• Sport 1 last minute shop
• Cafè
• 08.30 Start SkøyteBirken
• 09.00 Start TurBirken ski 54 km

Rena center, Åmot kulturhus 10.00-21.00 

• Race office, registration and distribution of start number's for Birkebeinerrennet
• Sport 1 market
• Open café serving pasta dinner for 95 nok. 
• Join us for "The Night Before the Big Day"! 18:00 Thor Gotaas will share inspiring stories, followed by an exciting panel discussion from Birken with participants and wax technicians 19:00. The evening concludes with the Åmot Cultural Award ceremony 19:30.
• Stores and restaurants are open in Rena center
• Wax-service from Rode

Cafes and stores Rena: https://www.amot.info/rena 

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall 09.00-21.00

• Race office and distribution of start number's
• 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
• 10.35 First competitor in SkøyteBirken expected to the finish.
• 11:45 Prize ceremony for men and women elite SkøyteBirken
• 12.00 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 14.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start) 06.00-10.00

• Race office and distribution of start number's
• Wax tips from Rode
• Cafè
• 07.00 Sport 1 last minute shop
• 07.45 - 10.30 start Birkebeinerrennet

Sjusjøen ski stadium

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

Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 10.05 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 women and men elite in Birkebeinerrennet

Håkons Hall, 09.00-19.00

• Race office, distribution of start number's, diplomas and prizes
• Sport 1 market, cafeteria and stands
• Lost and found
• from 13.00 Prize ceremony Birkebeinerrennet
• from 15.30 Prize ceremony HalvBirken 
• Shower facilities

Sunday March 15.

Sjusjøen ski stadium

• 08.00- 11.30 Distribution of start number's 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, diplomas and prizes
• 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
• 12.00 Seremonies UngdomsBirken ski and Birken ski UH
• 13.00-13.50 BarneBirken ski

 

Lillehammer:

Håkons Hall
Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken ski, HalvBirken ski,
SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken ski 54

• Thursday March 12. 15.00-21.00

Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski

• Friday March 13. 09.00-21.00

UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski

• Saturday March 14. 09.00-19.00

Rena:

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

• Thursday March 12. 15.00-21.00

Birkebeinerrennet

• Friday March 13. 10.00-21.00

Start Area Tingstadjordet

SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54

• Friday March 13. 07.00 until last start

Birkebeinerrennet

• Saturday March 14. 06.00 until last start

Sjusjøen Ski Stadium
UngdomsBirken ski and Birken Ski UH

• Sunday March 15. 08.00-11.30

Start number pick up on race day Rena
On race day, race packets must be collected in Rena 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 start number.

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 500,-

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:
Wave 1: Start shot
Wave 2: Real time

StafettBirken:
All waves: Start shot

TurBirken ski 54: 
All waves: Real time

HalvBirken ski:
Start shot

UngdomsBirken ski
All waves: Start shot

Fluor-Free with Rode Ski Wax
Rode Ski Wax, Birken’s official glide and waxing service, takes the fluor ban very seriously. If you submit your skis for waxing and have followed NSF's cleaning guidelines, they guarantee fluor-free skis. 

Glide & Waxing Service
Rode offers waxing services both in Rena and Lillehammer. IMPORTANT: All skis must be cleaned according to NSF procedures before submission.

Waxing Guidance at the Start
Rode provides waxing guidance at the starting area. You are responsible for your own grip waxing. You can also purchase the recommended grip wax of the day at the start. There will be designated areas for different start groups, ensuring you receive the waxing advice suited for your start time.

We recommend everyone to start with freshly prepared skis. If you wish to use the waxing service at Rena Torg or outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer on Thursday and Friday evening, it is essential to bring pre-cleaned skis.

Bring your own wax in your backpack. Waxing products will be available for purchase both at Håkons Hall and Rena Torg.

Rode Waxing Service at Håkons Hall
Opening hours:
Thursday: 15:00 – 21:00
Friday: 09:00 – 21:00

The final deadline for ski drop-off is Friday at 19:00. All skis must be collected outside the waxing truck by 23:00 on Friday. No skis will be transported to Rena from Håkons Hall. We recommend submitting skis as early as possible. If the capacity is full to meet the 23:00 deadline, further drop-offs will not be accepted.

All skis must be pre-cleaned, and we recommend checking if your skis need grinding well in advance of the race at your local sports retailer. If your ski base is dry, gray, or scratched, even the best racing prep won’t help much.

How to proceed:
Deliver your skis at the tent outside Håkons Hall next to the waxing truck. You will receive a pickup ticket with the estimated completion time. Payment will also be processed here.

Rode Waxing Service at Rena Torg
Opening hours:
Thursday: 15:00 – 21:00
Friday: 07:00 – 22:00

The final deadline for ski drop-off is Friday at 19:00. Skis must be collected by 23:00 on Friday.

The waxing service truck will be located at the entrance to the Culture House/start number pickup area. Contact the staff at the truck and specify the service you require (see options below).

After payment, you submit your skis and will be informed of the estimated pickup time.

Waxing Service Prices:

• Ski cleaning: NOK 300,-
• Grip wax (daily recommendation): NOK 300,-
• Top glide prep: NOK 1000,-
• Top glide prep + grip waxing: NOK 1200,-

Waxing Service on the Course
Waxing service will be available at Skramstadsætra, Dambua, Kvarstad, Sjusjøen (Half-Birken only), and Midtfjellet. On Friday, waxing service will be available at the start, Skramstad, and Kvarstad.

Rode Waxing Service at Sjusjøen
Waxing service will be available at Sjusjøen for the HalvBirken on Saturday and the UngdomsBirken on Sunday. We will assist with the recommended wax of the day, and waxing products will also be available for purchase.

Pole Service
KV+ will provide pole service after the start, at all aid stations, and at the Sjøsetervegen crossing.

Loaned poles must be returned immediately after finishing. If you borrow a pole, remember to return it.

Ski Service
Salomon will provide a limited number of skin skis at the start and at all aid stations. Loaned skis must be returned after finishing.

The organizers are not responsible for any poles, skis, or equipment handed in along the course.

Ski Waxing & Storage
It is not permitted to wax or bring skis and poles into the start number pickup area in Rena or Håkons Hall in Lillehammer.

Free ski storage is available at both locations.

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

All parking and drop-off take place in Rena sentrum before the start
All private vehicles must park in Rena sentrum – no driving to Tingstadjordet. Shuttle buses will transport participants to the start.

Parking
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. Follow instructions from our traffic wardens and posted signs to ensure the best possible traffic flow at the start area.

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 Birken 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 available in the center of Rena. 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: Parking for motorhomes is available at Rena Camping, where you have access to electricity and restrooms. Please contact Rena Camping directly for booking.

It is also possible to park your motorhome at Rena Camping, where you will have access to electricity and restrooms. Please contact Rena Camping directly for reservations.

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