Preliminary information 2023

March 5.

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

March 14.

• Ordering matress accommodation online Rena
  Ordering mattress accommodation on site Rena will be available for NOK 600,- Thursday and Friday.

March 14.

• Change of wave SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 online.
  (Can be done at the Race Office March 16th).
• Ordering Mattress accommodation in Rena online. Late booking on site March 17.: NOK 600,-

March 16. 20.00

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

March 17. 21.00

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

March 18. 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 the day before or at the start arena on the race day.
• 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 the start arena at Tingstadjordet, Rena
• 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.

Preliminary information 2023
Bus booking
Booking is availble from approximately three weeks prior to the race.
Bus transport is available from Lillehammer and Oslo to the start at Rena in the morning and return after the race. You must pre-order bus transport, through My Page before 20.00 the day before you depart. There is no refund for unused tickets.

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

Mattress accommodation
Accommodation in Rena is available in schools and other suitable buildings for Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km.
The mattress is provided, but you must bring your own sleeping bag, and sheet. In the evening, you can purchase food at, or close by, the facility.
If you wish to stay in the same facility as a friend, or you team, make sure you all choose the same site.

Breakfast is included in the fee.

Booking is available when entering or through your My Page.

Price:
Booking in advance until Tuesday in race week: NOK 445,-

Booking on site:
Birkebeinerrennet / SkøyteBirken / TurBirken ski 54 km:
March 16th/ March 17th: NOK 600,-

Groups (more than 15):
Please contact Arve at arve.lund66@gmail.com
Deadline:

Birkebeinerrennet / SkøyteBirken / TurBirken ski 54 km 2020: March 1st

Accomodation sites:

Åmot Ungdomsskole (Ungdomsskolen)  - available
800 meters north west of the center of Rena. You can walk or bike. Parking available. Breakfast is served on site and you can buy a warm evening meal if you wish.

Rena Syd - not available in 2023
Is located at Rena South, ii the centre of Rena. Adrress: Tollef Kildes gate 2A, oppgang A. Breakfast is served on site. Shuttle to the start.

Rena skole (Barneskolen) - not available in 2023
1 km north west of the center of Rena. You can walk or bike. Parking available. Breakfast is served on site and you can buy a warm evening meal if you wish.

Berget Arena -ikke tilgjengelig i 2023
Berget Arena is a new gymnastic building, and close to Rena skole. You can walk or bike. NOTE: It is not allowed to use outdoor shoes inside. Parking available. Breakfast is served on site and you can buy a warm evening meal if you wish.

Eidsiva - ikke tilgjengelig i 2023
700 meters from the center of Rena, walking distance. Breakfast is served on site and you can buy a warm evening meal if you wish.

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 prohibited any products containing C8 fluorocarbons/PFOA at all FIS events from season 2021/2022 onwards, in line with the EU Regulation 2019/1021 (“POP-regulation”) and EC Regulation 1907/2006 („REACH“-regulation), which regulate the handling of fluorinated waxes (FIS, 2021).
• 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 300,- 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: 30 minuts after crossing the finish line.
2. Protest against results: 30 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

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

The participants that the license do not apply for, will need to sign an Athletes Declaration form when picking up their BIB.

Thursday March 16.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start) 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

Friday March 17.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start), 06.30-22.00

• Race office, registration and distribution of bibs
• Sport 1 market
• Cafeteria open
• 08.30 Start SkøyteBirken
• 09.00 Start TurBirken ski 54 km

Stores and restaurants are open in Rena center

Håkons Hall, 09.00-22.00

• Race office and distribution of bibs
• Sport 1 market
• Diploma

Lillehammer Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 11.30 Start StafettBirken ski
• 10.45 First competitor in SkøyteBirken expected to the finish.
• 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 for StafettBirken and SkøyteBirken

Saturday March 18.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (start), 06.00-10.30

• Race office and distribution of bibs
• Sport 1 market
• Cafeteria open
• 07.45 - 09.55 Start Birkebeinerrennet

Sjusjøen Sjusjøen ski stadium

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

Lillehammer Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 10.20 First participant Birkebeinerrennet expected to the finish.
• 11.00 Price ceremony for the three best women and men in Birkebeinerrennet

Håkons Hall, 10.00-19.00

• Race office, distribution of Bibs, diplomas and prizes
• Sport 1 market
• Lost and found
• Fra kl. 13.00 Prize ceremony for the three best in each class in Birkebeienrrennet

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
• 10.00 Start UngdomsBirken ski (youth)

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall

• 10.00-15.00 Race office and Sport 1 Market
• 10.00-15.00 Lost and found

Lillehammer, Birkebeineren Skistadium

• 13.00-14-00 BarneBirken ski (childrens race)

Rena

• 12.00-13.00 BarneBirken ski

• Thursday March 16. 15.00-21.00

Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski

• Friday March 17. 09.00-22.00

UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski

• Saturday March 19. 10.00-19.00

Rena, Åmot kulturhus ( center of Rena)

SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54

• Thursday March 16. 15.00-21.00
• Friday March 17. 06.30-12.00

Birkebeinerrennet

• Thursday March 16. 15.00-21.00
• Friday March 17. 06.30-22.00
• Saturday from 06.00

Sjusjøen ski stadium
UngdomsBirken ski

• Sunday March 19. 08.00-11.30

Note: Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km

Pick up place
Your race packet must be collected at your preordered pick up place (Rena or Lillehammer). Race packets that have not been retrieved the night before race day, must be picked up in Rena, Tingstadjordet start area, race day morning.
Note: if you enter the race after March 14th you will have to pick up your bib in Rena.

Bib pick up on race day
On race day, race packets must be collected at least 1 hour before your starting time. Allow for some extra time as traffic may be heavy.
Please bring your starting card (available at My Page 1-2 weeks before the race) to testify paid entry fee, and bib 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 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:
Wave 1: Start shot
All other waves: Real time

StafettBirken:
All waves: Start shot

TurBirken ski 54 and HalvBirken ski:
All waves: Real time

UngdomsBirken ski
All waves: Start shot

Wax tips in the start area
Bring your own wax,  we provide the information you need to choose the right wax for your kick zone.
You can also buy wax at start.

Birken and Rode facilitates waxing iron and waxing table for free use.
Wax service is also available at Skramstadsetra, Dambua, Kvarstad and Midtfjellet.

All participants should bring skis that are already prepeared, unless you are planning to use the wax service at Tingstadjordet, Rena or outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer thursday and friday evening.
Remember to bring extra wax in your backpack throughout the race.

Rode wax service Tingstadjordet, Rena and Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
We offer wax service for a fee of minimum NOK 250,- depending on the type of service you need. They open at 15.00 thursday March 17th and at 09.00 Friday March 18th. Skies must be handed in by 20.00 Thursday and 21.00 Friday night.

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

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

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.

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.

Rena
Everyone can drive directly to the start area at Tingstadjordet, Rena.

If you are travelling with one of our buses on race day, the bus will drive directly to the start area where you also will find BIB handout and Race office.

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
There are two possible routes from Elverum to Rena:
RV 3 from Elverum to Rena. Lorries and busses are recommended to choose this road. Due to roadwork currently being done on this road, it might take longer then the usuall 30 minutes.
FV 535 on the east side of the river Glomma. Passenger cars are recommended to use this road.

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 Birken ski festival
Parking during Birken ski festival costs NOK 75,- and are valid at all Birken arenas at both Lillehammer and Rena.

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

Parking Lillehammer
Parking is available at Birkebeiner Ski stadium and at 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
For camper options, please visit these sites; Lillehammer Turistsenter and Lillehammer Camping.

Preliminary information 2023:

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.