All waves start at real time, except Men and Women Elite.
Start grid opens 10 minutes before your starting time.
Birkebeinerrennet
54 km, 15.03.25
The legendary ski race
The legendary Birkebeinerrennet takes place March 15th 2025
Birkebeinerrennet is a cross-country race starting at Rena and finishing in Lillehammer. The 54 km, classic technique, race crosses two mountains, and the track takes you through breathtaking sceneries.
It was in this landscape that the king's son was brought to safety in the 13th century. Birkebeinerrennet was introduced in 1932 to honor the fraction Birkebeinerne, who saved the heir by escaping their enemy by skiing across the mountains.
Since then, the trip over the mountains has challenged hundreds of thousands of Norwegians.
Competitors must be 16 years old by 31.12.25.
All participants must carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg throughout the race.
Birkebeinerrennet is a part of Birkebeinertrippelen
Race info
Birkebeinerrennet 54 km
-
Track
Start at Tingstadjordet, 3km west of Rena, and finish at Birkebeineren ski stadium (490 metres above sea level), in Lillehammer.
Track data Birkebeinerrennet 2025:
- Length: 53,3 km
- total height meters: 1121 m
-
Food- and drink stations
Place Km from start Serving Start Refill Maxim sports drink and water Skramstadsetra 9 Maxim sports drink, lemonad and water Dambua 15 Maxim sports drink, lemonade, water, bananas and pastry Kvarstad 28 Maxim sports drink, lemonade, water, pastry, bananas and dry cured Ham from Gilde Midtfjellet 35 Maxim, lemonade, water, pastry and banana Sjusjøen 40 Maxim sports drink, Pepsi Cola, A.Nordquist Coffee, lemonade, water, bananas and pastry Finish 54 Red Bull, Water, root beer, Maarud Potetgull® (crisps), bananas, Gilde sausages Keep Birken clean
Littering along the route is not allowed, and will be punished with 15 minutes added to your time. Please bring your litter it to the nearest food station, or use the drop zones along the course. -
Starting times and classes
Preliminary Starting times 2025 Preliminary Wave 07.45 Men Elite 08.00 Women Elite 08.00 101: W65+, M70+ and Para 08.20 1: W/M seeded 08.25 2: W/M seeded 08.30 3: W/M seeded 08.35 4: W/M seeded 08.45 5: W/M Seeded 08.50 6: W/M seeded 08:55 7: W/M seeded 09.00 8: W/M seeded 09.10 9: W/M seeded 09.15 10: W/M seeded 09.20 11: W/M seeded 09.25 12: W/M seeded 09.35 13: W/M seeded/unseeded 09.40 14: W/M unseeded 09.45 15: W/M unseeded 09.50 16: W/M unseeded Classes
Birkebeinerrennet has age classes for both female and male contestants (F/M 16-17 yrs, F/M 18-19 yrs, F/M 20-24 yrs, F/M 25-29 yrs, F/M 30-34 yrs etc.), elite classes and disabled (FHM og FHK). To participate in the FH-classes you must provide a classification certificate from the Norwegian Handicap Association (NAD).
All participants must be 16 years of age by 31.12.2025 to participate in the Birkebeinerrennet.
Note that there are spesific rules to participate in the elite classes.
Assistance
Participants assisting in the Para FH classes, which do not wish to have their results registered - does not pay for their participation. Assistants without timing chip, may participate without complying to the back pack-weight limits, they must, however, bring extra clothes, foods, drink, tools and repair outfit.
For more information about assistance please contact info@birkebeiner.no -
Seeding
Information 2025
Seeded wave start in Birkebeinerrennet.
All participants are seeded into waves based on their previous results in Birkebeinerrennet 2019 -2024, HalvBirken ski 2019-2024, TurBirken ski 54 2019-2024, SkøyteBirken 2019-2024.
A number of spesially selected seeding races for 2025 also applies.
See Preliminay seeding table 2025 below
Final seeding table (waves and starting times) will be set 1-2 weeks prior the race. You will then find final information at your starting card (download from My Page).
For reseeding, please send your result March 10. at the latest to seeding@birkebeiner.no
Group start
If two or more competitors wants to start together in the same wave, we can offer that in one of the unseeded waves if free spaces.
If all the competitors in the group have results sanctioned for seeding, we can place the group in the wave of the slowest skier.
Please contact us at seeding@birkebeiner.no - remember to state name and Birken ID's for the competitors in the group. -
Elite classes
All paricipants that meet the qualifications, and are 16 years old or older by 31.12.25, may enter the elite classes.
Qualification for the Elite classes
All participants must have an active FIS code, less than 100 FIS points total from the 6th cross-country list February 2025 at fis-ski.com or meet the qualifications from Birkebeinerrennet 2022-2024, or other pre approved seeding races.
Seeding informationElite information
Retrieve your BIB at previously chosen BIB pick up-place. All information is printed on your start card. Download this from your personal My Page the last Wednesday before the race.
Preliminary starting time Saturday March 16th:
Men Elite: 07.45 - start grid opens 07.35
Women Elite: 08.00 - start grid opens 07.50
Please read the race rules thoroughly
Bib and timing chip
The start number vest must be visible throughout the competition. If your backpack covers the start number in front, the start number vest MUST be worn on the outside of the backpack.
The competitors in the elite classes also need to wear a BIB on the right leg - fastened right above your ancle. I addition two timing chips - one for each ancle.
Backpack
All participants must carry a backpack weighing at least 3,5 kg throughout the race. (bum bag is not allowed) 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 not abiding by these rules, may be disqualified or given penalty time.
Please read the Race Rules thoroughly.For more questions about the elite classes, please contact us at seeding@birkebeiner.no
-
Birkebeiner Medal (merket)
Birkebeiner Medal (merket) /max time
To recieve the Birkebeiner Medal (merket) there is a time limit based on the average time of the top 5 competitors plus 25% in the specific class.
These competitors does not affect the Birkebeiner Medal time limit in their age classes:- Men starting in wave 1 + M60 and M65 starting in wave 2
- Women starting in waves 1-4
-
Prizes
All participants finishing the race receives a participation pin just after the finish line. A diploma stating your time is also available at your My Page or inside Håkons Hall at the race day. 25% of participants starting in each class receives a prize.
Ceremony
Flower ceremony for the elite classes at Birkebeineren ski stadium at 11.00 a.m.
The top three in each age class recieve their prizes from the stage in Håkons Hall. Retrieve your other prizes, pins and diplomas at the prize desk inside Håkons Hall.
Participated 10, 20, 30 and 40 times
Participants that have reached the milestones of entering 10, 20, 30 and 40 times in total from Birkebeinerrennet, VinterBirken QR, SkøyteBirken and/or TurBirken ski 54km receive a plate from Birken's prize collection. Get your plate in the race office in Håkons Hall after finishing the race.Prizes Birkebeiner Medal:
1. merke: SMK (Silver pin)
5. merke: GMK (Golden pin)
10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50 + merke
No medals are given at the 2nd, 3th, 4th, 6th, 7th an so on.
Prizes and Diplomas must be picked up inside Håkons Hall on race day. -
Luggage
Transportation of luggage from start at Tingstadjordet, Rena to Håkons Hall, Lillehammer is included in the entry fee.
It is your responsibility to tag your luggage and hand it in to the truck marked with your wave number. The trucks are at the starting area on Tingstadjordet. Tags are included in your race packet. The organizers accept no liability for loss of baggage.
You will receive your luggage at Håkons Hall, Lillehammer, untill 20.00 on race day.
Important phone-numbers
Race office +47 41 77 29 00
Lost luggage: +47 41 77 29 00 -
Cut-off times
Participants which has not reached the following destinations by the listet hour, will not be allowed to finish the race due to safety reasons
Skramstadsetra by 12.15
Kvarstad by 15.30
Sjusjøen by 17.30
All participants are expected to cross the finish line by 19.00
Free shuttles are provided for participants that must abandon the race.
Skramstadsetra to Lillehammer at 11.00 and 13.00Start area to Lillehammer 11:15, 13:15
Kvarstad to Lillehammer 11.00 - 15.30 when needed
Sjusjøen to Lillehammer 14.30, 16.30 and 18.30
Note: Participants must expect some waiting.
Information all races SkiBirken
Need to know in advance
-
Deadlines
March 2.
- Start together in unseedet waves
- Change of pick up place Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54
March 11.
- 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 13. 20.00
- Registration SkøyteBirken, StafettBirken, TurBirken ski 54.
- Ordering bus for SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km
March 14. 20.00
- Registration Birkebeinerrennet and HalvBirken ski
- Ordering bus for Birkebeinerrennet and HalvBirken ski
March 15. 19.00
- Registratrion UngdomsBirken ski
-
Bus
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 , until 20.00 the day before your departure. There is no refund for unused tickets.Train
Transportation by train from Oslo Airport, Gardermoen; vy.no -
Travel and accommodation
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
- Book bus for the race day from Hamar to Rena
- On race day: Pick up your Bib at the starting area, 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.
-
Mattress accommodation Rena
Mattress accommodation in Rena
Accommodation in Rena is available in schools and other suitable buildings for Birkebeinerrennet (Friday -Saturday) and for SkøyteBirken /TurBirken ski (Thursday-Friday).
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.
Booking is available when signing up or through your My Page.
Price:
Booking in advance - deadline March 11th: NOK 495,-
Breakfast is included in the fee.Booking on site Rena: NOK 650,-
Groups (more than 15):
Please contact Arve at arve.lund66@gmail.com
Deadline:Birkebeinerrennet 2025: March 1st
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 Leir Sports Hall
Approx. 3.6 km northeast of the center of Rena. Parking possibilities. Breakfast is served on site. It will also be possible to buy evening meals. There will be an offer for a bus from the center of Rena to the Rena Leir Sports Hall, as well as from the Rena Leir Sports Hall to the start area on race day.
There is also a walkway from the center of Rena to the Rena Leir Sports HallRena 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. -
Race rules
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.
Please also read the sign up terms and conditions - 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
-
Ski license
For our skiing events the license issued from the Norwegian Ski Federation is mandatory for all participants from age 13-69 that is a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - paying taxes to Norway.
All participants that is not a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - (paying taxes to Norway) will need to approve the Athletes Declaration.
We recommend you 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).
Information all races SkiBirken
On race day
-
What happens when ?
Prelimary information 2025
Thursday March 13.
Rena center, Åmot kulturhus 15.00-21.00
- Race office, registration and distribution of bibs
- Cafeteria will be open
- Sport 1 market
- Rena center: https://www.amot.info/rena
Lillehammer,Håkons Hall 15.00-21.00
- Race office, registration and distribution of bibs
- Sport 1 market, cafe
Friday March 14.
Rena, Tingstadjordet (start) 07.00-09.00
- Race office and distribution of bibs 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 bibs Birkebeinerrennet
- Sport 1 market
- Cafeteria open
- 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 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
- 10.45 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 15.
Rena, Tingstadjordet (start) 06.00-10.00
- Race office and distribution of bibs
- Wax tips from Rode
- Cafè
- 07.00 Sport 1 last minute shop
- 07.45 - 10.30 start Birkebeinerrennet
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 15.30 Prize ceremony HalvBirken
- Shower facilities
Sunday March 16.
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, 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
- 13.00-13.50 BarneBirken ski
-
Distribution of Bib's
Preliminary information 2025
Lillehammer, Håkons Hall
Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken ski, HalvBirken ski,
SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken ski 54- Thursday March 13. 15.00-21.00
Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski
- Friday March 14. 09.00-21.00
UngdomsBirken ski and HalvBirken ski
- Saturday March 15. 09.00-19.00
Rena, Åmot kulturhus ( center of Rena)
Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54- Thursday March 13. 15.00-21.00
Birkebeinerrennet
- Friday March 14. 10.00-21.00
Rena, Start Area Tingstadjordet
SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54
- Friday March 14th 07.00 until last start
Birkebeinerrennet
- Saturday March 15th 06.00 until last start
Sjusjøen Ski Stadium
UngdomsBirken ski and Birken Ski UH- Sunday March 16. 08.00-11.30
Bib 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 Bib.
NOTE: The timing chip must be delivered immidiatly after the race. Failure to return the chip entail a fee of NOK 300,-. -
Timing
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 timeHalvBirken ski:
Start shot
UngdomsBirken ski
All waves: Start shot -
Stadium maps
-
Wax tips and service
Rode ski wax takes the fluor ban very seriously. The ski wax service by Rode offers only fluor free products. If you deliver your skis for waxing and gliding and have followed FIS guidelines for cleaing your skis and equipment, they guarantee fluor free skis.
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 recommandationsPole 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
If you have problems with your skies during the race (for instance breaking your ski), Salomon will have a very limited number of skis 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 skis, but all poles and skis retrieved after the race will be brought to Rena with the lost and found items.
Storage for skis and poles
Skis and poles are not allowed inside Håkons Hall or in Race Office at Rena. Storage is available on both sites. -
Traffic and parking
No private cars to start, Tingstadjordet
Wet areas in the parking areas at the start means that all private cars MUST park in the center of Rena. There will be free shuttle buses from the city centre. There will be some reduced bus capacity, we encourage those who can to drive together with others.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.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 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.