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.

Travelling time
Lillehammer - Rena: Appr. 2,15 hours
Nordseter - Rena: Appr. 2 hours and 45 minutes
Sjusjøen - Rena: Appr. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Brumunddal - Rena: Appr. 1 hour and 30 minutes
Hamar  - Rena: Appr. 1 hour
Oslo - Rena: Appr. 3 hours

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

March 3.

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

March 7.

• Change of wave Ingalåmi

March 8. 22.00

• Registrartion Ingalåmi
  
  

March 9., 18.00

• Registratrion UngdomsBirken
• Ordering bus UngdomsBirken

March 12.

• Ordering matress accommodation in Rena
  Ordering mattress accommodation on site Tingstadjordet, Rena at the start arena is available for NOK 600,- Thursday March 14th and Friday March 15th

March 13.

• Change of wave SkøyteBirken, TurBirken 54 km and TurBirken 27 km.

March 14., 21.00

• Registration SkøyteBirken, TurBirken 54 km, TurBirken 27 km and StafettBirken
• Ordering bus for SkøyteBirken and TurBirken 54 km

March 15., 22.00

• Registration Birkebeinerrennet
• Ordering bus for Birkebeinerrennet

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 - nsb.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 at the start arena at Tingstadjordet, Rena
• After the race, you can either choose to go back to Rena by bus or stay in Lillehammer.
• Accommodation Rena and Elverum

Stay in Hamar (save 2 hours travelling time)

• You can travel to Hamar from Oslo and Oslo Airport by train - nsb.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.

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 399,-

Booking on site:
Birkebeinerrennet / SkøyteBirken / TurBirken ski 54 km:
March 14th/ March 15th: NOK 600,-

Groups (more than 15):
Please contact Arve at arve66@online.no
Deadline:

Birkebeinerrennet / SkøyteBirken / TurBirken ski 54 km 2019: February 25th

Accomodation sites:

Åmot Ungdomsskole (Ungdomsskolen)
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 skole (Barneskolen)
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
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
The building "Eidsiva" is an old office building, about 600 meters north west of Rena center. Breakfast will be served closeby at Åmot Ungdomsskole.
Parking available.

Høgskolen in the center of Rena - Not available
Breakfast is served in the Universety cantina. Parking availble.

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, TurBirken ski 54 km and TurBirken ski 27 km.

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

There is no refund for any reason. If you are unable to participate, you may sell your spot using our re-registration form.

Participants not abiding by these rules, may be disqualified.

• Information about use of gliding products contaning fluor for competitors up to 16 years old
• Maximum pole length - Please find information regarding the new rule about maximum pole length at 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 Ingalåmi or 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 for sign an Athletes Declaration form when picking up their BIB.

Preliminary information

March 7.
Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 15.00-21.00 Sport 1 market

March 8.
Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 10.00-22.00 Sport 1 market
• 09.00-18.00 Stores in the center of Lillehammer open
• 09.00-21.00 Strandtorget mall open
• 10.00-22.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs forIngalåmi, UngdomsBirken and BarneBirken

March 9.
Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 07.00-18.00 Race office, distribution of Bibs Ingalåmi and registration and distribution of bibs for UngdomsBirken og BarneBirken
• 08.00-18.00 Sport 1 market

Birkebeineren Skistadion

• 09.00 Start Ingalåmi 30 km
• 10.30 First participant in Ingalåmi 30 km expectet to the finish.
• 11.30 Prize ceremony for the three best in each class Ingalåmi 30 km.
• 11.00 Start Ingalåmi 15 km
• 11.40 First participant in Ingalåmi 15 km expectet to the finish.
• 12.30 Prize ceremony for the three best in each class Ingalåmi 15 km.
• 12.00 After Ski in Ingas vertshus
• 12.00 Start Ingalåmi 5 km

Center of Lillehammer

• 09.00-18.00 Stores in the center of Lillehammer and Strandtoget mall are open
• 14.00-18.00 After Ski at Nikkers

March 10.
Rena Skramstadsetra

• 10.30 Registration and distribution of Bibs BarneBirken ski Rena
• 12.00-12.45 Start BarneBirken ski Rena

Sjusjøen langrennsarena

• 08.00-12.30 Distribution of Bibs UngdomsBirken ski
• 10.00-11.30 Start UngdomsBirken ski

Lillehammer Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 10.30 First participant UngdomsBirken expected to the finish
• Prize ceremony for the three best in the classes boys/girls 13-16 years old in UngdomsBirken
• 11.00-13.00 Registration and distribution of bibs BarneBirken ski
• 13.00-13.50 Start BarneBirken ski Lillehammer

Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 10.00-15.00 Race Office
• 10.00-15.00 diploma and prizes UngdomsBirken ski
• 10.00-15.00 Sport 1 market

March 14.

Rena, starting area Tingstadjordet

• 15.00-22.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs for SkøyteBirken, TurBirken ski 54 km and Birkebeinerrennet.
• 15.00-22.00  Cafeteria open
• 15.00-22.00 Sport 1 market

Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 15.00-21.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs for TurBirken ski 54 km, TurBirken ski 27 km, SkøyteBirken, StafettBirken and Birkebeinerrennet
• 15.00-21.00 Sport 1 market

March 15.
Rena, starting area Tingstadjordet

• 07.00-22.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs for TurBirken ski 54 km, SkøyteBirken and Birkebeinerrennet
• 07.00-22.00 Cafeteria open
• 07.00-22.00 Sport 1 market
• 15.00 -15.30 Press conference Visma Ski Classics

Center of Rena - Stores and restaurants are open

Åmot kulturhus

• 16.30 Team captains meeting
• 17.00-18.30 Pasta Party for Worldloppets Master

Rena Tingstadjordet

• 08.30 Start SkøyteBirken
• 09.00 Start TurBirken ski 54 km

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 ski expected to the finish.
• 12.00-16.00 After Ski
• 14.00 Prize ceremony for StafettBirken ski

Håkons Hall

• 08.30-22.00 Race office and distribution of bibs for StafettBirken, TurBirken ski 27 km and Birkebeinerrennet
• 09.00-22.00 Sport 1 market
• 12.00-22.00 Diploma and prizes for SkøyteBirken, TurBirken ski 54 km, TurBirken ski 27 km and StafettBirken ski
• 14.00 Prize ceremony for SkøyteBirken

March 16.
Rena, starting area Tingstadjordet

• 06.00-11.00 Race office and distribution of bibs for Birkebeinerrennet
• 06.00-11.00 Sport 1 market

• 07.45-10.05 Start Birkebeinerrennet

Sjusjøen Sjusjøen ski stadium

• 09.50 First participant in Birkebeinerrennet will pass.

Lillehammer Birkebeineren Ski stadium

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

Håkons Hall

• 10.00-19.00 Race office, diplomas and prizes
• 10.00-19.00 Sport 1 market
• 10.00-19.00 Lost and found
• Fra kl. 13.00 Prize ceremony for the three best in each class in Birkebeienrrennet

Center of Lillehammer

• 09.00-16.00 Stores are open

March 17.
10.00-14.00 Lost and found in Håkons Hall

The center of Rena
Cafeterias and stores are open in the small and cosy village of Rena.

Tingstadjordet, start
Race office, Sport1 market and activites from Thursday march 14th
Saturday March 16th: 07.45 - 10.00: The start of the legendary Birkebeinerrennet. Get the Birken feeling.

Skramstadsetra March 16th
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 March 16th
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 March 16th
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 March 16th
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 March 16th
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.

Wax tips from Swix

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.

Swix is facilitating waxing iron and waxing table for free use.
They are also available for wax service 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 ( start area) thursday and friday evening.
Remember to bring extra wax in your backpack throughout the race.

We recommend that inexperienced skiers take a look at  Swix online wax school.

Wax service at Tingstadjordet, Rena (start area) and Håkons Hall
Swix  offers wax service for a fee of minimum NOK 250,- depending on the type of service you need. They open at 15.00 thursday March 14th and at 09.00 Friday March 15th. Skies must be handed in by 20.00 thursday and 21.00 friday night.

For UngdomsBirken Ski you will find wax information at www.swix.no from Thursday March 7.  Information for Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and Tur Birken is available at the same site form Wednesday March 13.

Pole service
Swix and Birken are providing 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.

Storage for skies and poles
Skies and poles are not allowed inside Håkons Hall or the market tent at Tingstadjordet. Storage with guards are avaialble on both sites.

Distribution of bibs and Race office opening hours 2019

1. WEEKEND

Lillehammer Håkons Hall
Distribution of bibs Ingalåmi (Saturday until 10.30) and UngdomsBirken ski

• Friday March 8. 10.00 - 22.00
• Saturday March 9. 07.00-18.00
• Sunday March 10. 10.00-15.00 - only Race office

Sjusjøen Ski stadium
Distribution of bibs UngdomsBirken ski

• Sunday March 10. 08.00-11.30

2. WEEKEND

Lillehammer Håkons Hall
Distribution of bibs
Birkebeinerrennet. StafettBirken and TurBirken ski 27 km
SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken ski 54 km: Only thursday

• Thursday March 14. 15.00 - 21.00
• Friday March 15. 08.30-22.00
  
  
• Saturday March 16. 10.00-19.00 - only Race office

Rena, Tingstadjordet start area (NEW in 2019)
Distribution of bibs
Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken ski 54 km.

• Thursday March 14. 15.00-22.00
• Friday March 15. 07.00-22.00
• Saturday March 16. from 06.00
  
  

Note: Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km
Race packets that have not been retrieved in Lillehammer the night before race day, must be picked up in Rena, Tingstadjordet start area, race day morning.
Please use the included luggage tags for all luggage that you deliver for  transportation to Lillehammer on race day morning.

On race day
On race day race packets must be collected at least 1 hour before starting time. Allow for some extra time as traffic will be heavy.
Please bring your start card (on paper or on your smart phone) to testify paid entry fee, and bib number.

Your bib, which must be visible throughout the race.
The personal timing chip, and velcro,  must be fastened around your left ankle. You will find further instructions on the race packet envelope.

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

Rena
News 2019: Everyone can drive directly to the start area at Tingstadjordet, Rena.

If you are travelling with one of our buses, the bus will drive directly to the start area where you also will find BIB handout, Race office and Sport1 market.
There will also be shuttle buses between the start area, Rena center and the mattress accommodation sites Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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
Campers that are only parking for the duration of the event may park at Lurhaugen, close to Håkons Hall, in Lillehammer. Remember to buy parking ticket from one of the machines at Lurhaugen.
For other options, please visit these sites; Lillehammer Turistsenter and Lillehammer Camping.

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 and wave 1: Start shot
All other waves: Real time
StafettBirken:
Start shot
UngdomsBirken:
Start shot
Ingalåmi
Wave 1 in Ingalåmi 30 km and wave 1 in Ingalåmi 15 km: Start shot.
All other waves: Real time
SkøyteBirken:
Wave 1: Start shot.
All other waves: Real time.
TurBirken 54 og 27:
Real time.

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,-