This is GravelBirken 200

GravelBirken has quickly established itself as one of Scandinavia’s largest gravel races measured by number of participants. As part of SykkelBirken, GravelBirken 200 offers a demanding and varied distance for those who enjoy long rides, changing surfaces and a more independent race experience.

05.07.2026 Text: Birken Photo: Justas Juozaitis

GravelBirken 200 is Birken’s most demanding gravel distance. Here, around 200 kilometres of gravel roads, mountains, trails, technical sections, GPS navigation and more than 3,000 metres of elevation gain await.

Who is GravelBirken 200 for?
This race is for those who enjoy long days on the bike, varied surfaces and a route that requires endurance, focus and good preparation.

This is the distance for those who thrive on a long day in the saddle, where endurance, pacing and the ability to stay focused along the way are all important. It is not just about speed, but also about handling the surface, navigating correctly and finding flow through a highly varied route.

A varied route with gravel roads, trails and mountains

The route offers hard-packed and rough gravel, cart tracks, asphalt and trails. Along the way, riders will encounter rough gravel roads, technical sections, stream crossings and some sections where they will need to get off the bike.

The route starts at Birkebeinerstadion in Lillehammer and passes places such as Natrudstilen, Sjusjøen Husky, Bleka, Grimstilen, Hamarsæterhøgda, Kvarstad, Rosinbakken, Snultra, Pellestova, Mosetertoppen, Hornsjø and Elgåsen, before following the Birken routes over Sjusjøen and down towards the finish in Lillehammer.

This makes for a highly varied route, with long gravel sections, mountain areas, viewpoints, technical elements and sections where you really get to test both your legs and your head.

Hafjelltoppen and Mosetertoppen
One of this year’s new features is that the route goes over Hafjelltoppen. Here, participants will experience spectacular views and a real mountain feel during the race.

At Mosetertoppen, an extraordinary food and drink station awaits, offering both energy and extra atmosphere at an important part of the route. The combination of Hafjelltoppen and Mosetertoppen gives GravelBirken 200 an even greater nature experience – and one of the most memorable sections of the route.

Elite classes and prize money
This year, GravelBirken 200 has separate elite classes for women and men. The top three in Men Elite and Women Elite will be awarded in Håkons Hall after the race.

The prize money is distributed as follows:

1st prize: NOK 10,000
2nd prize: NOK 5,000
3rd prize: NOK 2,500

All participants in the elite classes must have a valid licence for active classes, issued by a national cycling federation affiliated with the UCI. The licence must be presented at registration.

The elite classes raise the competitive aspect, while the broad participation remains strong. GravelBirken 200 is still open to riders who want a demanding gravel challenge – whether the goal is a podium place, a personal best or completing a proper long day on the bike.

Key facts about GravelBirken 200

GravelBirken 200 is part of SykkelBirken.
The distance is approximately 200 kilometres, with more than 3,000 metres of elevation gain.
The surface consists of hard-packed and rough gravel, cart tracks, asphalt and trails.
Recommended tyre width is 45 mm or wider.
There are six food and drink stations along the route.
All participants must download and follow the official GPS track.

Participants will ride together with other Birkebeinere during the race. Show consideration, communicate well on the course and help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Choose a medal or donation
When registering, you can choose whether you would like a finisher medal, or whether you would rather donate the value of the medal to charitable work through Right To Play.

As part of our efforts to reduce unnecessary consumption, this gives you the opportunity to make a small choice that can both reduce resource use and contribute to something bigger.