HalvBirken sykkel
41 km mountain bike race in true Birken terrain
On Saturday 29 August 2026, HalvBirken Cycle takes place. A race that combines cycling joy, challenge and a sense of achievement in true Birken terrain. You ride through varied mountain terrain on gravel roads and trails before finishing at Håkons Hall.
The race is open to elite riders, recreational cyclists and touring participants. You can choose to ride with or without timing.
As in all Birken races, participants carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg. All participants aged 17 and older as of 31.12.2026 can take part.
HalvBirken cycle
-
Track
The course is 41 km long, starting at the Pellestova parking lot (about 20 km north of Lillehammer), 970 meters above sea level, in the beautiful Øyerfjellet mountains right next to Hafjell Alpine Center. [Download the GPX file here]
Pellestova (start) – Elgåsen
The first 6 km take you along the northern side of Lake Reinsvannet, right beneath Mount Reinsfjellet, on smooth gravel roads. At Ytre Reina you get a stunning view across the lakes Mellsjøen and Kroksjøen, and all the way towards Sjusjøen in the distance.
From Ytre Reina, the course descends on asphalt to the outlet of Lake Mellsjøen. From there to Elgåsen you ride on gently rolling gravel roads along the lakeshore – one of the most scenic parts of the entire course. Just before reaching Elgåsen and joining the Birkebeinerrittet track, you’ll face the steepest and longest climb of the route. It’s tough, but absolutely manageable!
Elgåsen – Storåsen
From the food station at Elgåsen to Storåsen the track undulates on gravel roads. At Storåsen you are back at the same altitude as at the start, 970 meters above sea level. From here, the course continues with a fast asphalt descent past Sjusjøen – stay alert and keep to the right side of the road.
Storåsen – Håkons Hall (finish)
From the Sjusjøen cross-country skiing arena you follow the Birkebeiner race course through the underpass, upgraded to cart road standard. The track crosses marshland and rolls gently downhill towards Nybu. Here you’ll find a one-kilometer stretch where speed will be high – please show consideration for fellow riders.
The course continues into Svartbekkvegen for about 700 meters before joining the old track. After about 3 km there is a steep descent leading into a sharp 180-degree turn at Avskåkålia, taking you out onto Sjøsetervegen. This asphalt section towards the ski stadium is fast, but beware: the road surface is poor with holes and bumps that may appear suddenly.
The course enters Birkebeineren Ski Stadium and continues on gravel roads to Kroken, followed by a steep paved descent with sharp turns leading to the top of Ballettbakken. Here you face a long and steep gravel descent before the route circles around the ski jumps and takes the trail down Gamle Nordseterveg to the finish line at Håkons Hall (290 m.a.s.l.).
41 km completed – you have conquered HalvBirken Cycle!
On Race day
-
Traffic / parking
Parking at Rena and Lillehammer at Birken Cycle
Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.
Tickets for parking costs NOK 110,- and may be bought both online or on site.
