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 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 5.

• 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 Rena is available for NOK 600,- Thursday March 14th and Friday March 16th

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

• 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 Rena for race day.

Accommodation in Lillehammer

Stay at Scandic Lillehammer Hotel

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
• 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 in 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.

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.

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.

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 (pro Chip) must be fastened on your left ankle. The timing chip must be delivered to the organizer after the race ( also if you do not start, or do not fnish the race). Not doing so will give an extra fee of NOK 300,-

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 symolizes 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. 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 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
• 10.00-20.00 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
• 12.00-14.00 Registration and distribution of bibs BarneBirken ski
• 14.00-14.50 Start BarneBirken ski Lillehammer

Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 10.00-16.00 Race Office
• 10.00-16.00 diploma and prizes UngdomsBirken ski
• 10.00-16.00 Sport 1 market

March 14.

Rena Åmot kulturhus

• 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 Åmot kulturhus

• 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
• 17.00-18.30 Pasta Party for Worldloppets Master
• 16.30 Team captains meeting
• Center of Rena - Stores are open

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

• 09.00-22.00 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 Åmot kulturhus

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

Tingstadjordet

• 07.45-10.30 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.
10.00-14.00Lost and found in Håkons Hall

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

Tingstadjordet, start
07.45 - 10.30: The start of the legendary Birkebeinerrennet. Get the Birken feeling.

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.

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 Rena Torg ( center of Rena) 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 Rena Torg ( center of Rena) 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 09.00 Friday March 15. and is for participants in Birkebeinerrennet only. Skies must be handed in by 21.00 Friday night.

For HalvBirken and UngdomsBirken Ski you will find wax information at www.swix.no from Thursday March 8.  Information for Birkebeinerrennet is available at the same site form Wednesday March 14.

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 Birkenhallen. 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: Thursday and Friday
SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken ski 54 km: Thursday

• Thursday March 14. 15.00 - 21.00
• Friday March 15. 09.00-22.00
• Saturday March 16. 10.00-19.00 - only Race office

Rena, Åmot kulturhs in the center of Rena
Distribution of bibs
Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken ski 54 km.

• Thursday March 14. 05.00-22.00
• 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 at Rena, Åmot kulturhus,  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 the 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.

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

Rena
March 15. and March 16: Åsbygsveien from the junction by RV 215: No stopping when the races are on going.
Driving, for instance, to and from Skramstadsetra must be done before 07.30 and after 09.30

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. It is the easiest access to the parking areas at Rena.

There will be shuttle buses from the center of Rena to the start at Tingstadjordet.

We advise all participants to arrive early, about 2 hours prior to their start. Please use public transport if possible.

Parking for campers
There are parking available for campers next to Rena Motell. Parking without electricity costs NOK 120,- for one night, if you need electricity the cost are NOK 200,-  No reservation of spots are available.

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 Lillehammer
Parking is available at Birkebeiner Ski stadium and at Håkons Hall. Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards. Tickets for parking on costs NOK 75,- and may be bought both online or on site.

Parking for campers
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.