7 March

• Change bib pick-up location for Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken, and TurBirken if you are already registered.

8 March

• Regular registration deadline for UngdomsBirken ski for allocation to start group 1.
  Late registration until March 20th – all late registrations are automatically placed in start group 2 for boys/girls aged 13–16

16 March

• Reseeding – submission of seeding results for Birkebeinerrennet
• After this date, bibs must be collected in Rena when registering for Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken, and TurBirken.
• Advance booking of mattress accommodation for Birkebeinerrennet in Rena: NOK 495Late booking upon arrival in Rena the evening before: NOK 650
• Change of start group for SkøyteBirken.

18 March, 8:00 PM

• Registration/re-registration for Right To Play StafettBirken, SkøyteBirken, and TurBirken.
• Bus booking for SkøyteBirken and TurBirken.

19 March, 8:00 PM

• Registration/re-registration for Birkebeinerrennet and SkiBirken 28km.
• For Birkebeinerrennet: If you register after 10 March, bib pick-up will be in Rena. Previous results will be registered as seeding at the time of registration until registration closes.
• Advance registration for BarneBirken ski. (Late registration at the race office Thursday–Saturday and at the start on Sunday)
• Bus booking for Birkebeinerrennet and SkiBirken 28km.

20 March, 7:00 PM

• Late registration/re-registration for UngdomsBirken ski.

For safety reasons, we kindly ask that skis and poles are bundled together, preferably in a ski bag, as they are stored in the bus luggage compartment.

Bus transport for participants
Booking will open i January 2027
You will then find updated information about dates, times and departures for 2027.
You pre-order your bus transport through My Page 

• The latest and the deadline for booking is at 20.00 the day before your departure.
• There is no refund for unused tickets.
• All buses to Rena Friday and Saturday morning will drive directly to the Start Arena at Tingstadjordet. 

Hamar – Rena – Lillehammer – Hamar
Free parking at the Viking Ship arena in Hamar. By parking in Hamar, you can save up to 2 hours of driving time!

Shuttle buses – Rena
There are shuttle buses to the start area at Tingstadjordet from both Rena town centre and the mattress accommodation locations on race day. Free of charge, no advance booking available.

Shuttle buses – Lillehammer
There are shuttle buses between the finish area at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium and Håkons Hall on both Friday and Saturday. Free of charge, no advance booking available.

Team buses – Start at Tingstadjordet
Team buses (minimum 15 seats) may drive up to the start area at Tingstadjordet and park there. Buses must remain parked until 9:30 AM.

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
• Bus to Rena Start Arena Tingstadjordet om race day departs from Vikingskipet, Hamar. Free parking.
• Return buses will take you back to Vikingskipet, Hamar from Lillehammer after the finish.
• 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 Ski. The races in Birken ski festival are all nordic classic, free technique is only allowed in SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 53 km.

• All participants are obliged to stop and provide assistance in the event of an accident. Time may be deducted for assistance in connection with injuries, where the matter can be documented against an injury log or similar.
• You may not start using another person's entry/bib or in an earlier wave than assigned.
• For your safety it is not allowd to use any form of audio during the race.
• The organizers reserve the right to stop late racers from completing the race.

Participants not following these rules, may be disqualified or given penalty time.

The use of fluorinated products is prohibited under penalty of disqualification.Random testing of skis are done after the finish by the Norwegian Ski Association. More information at FIS web page     

Bib/Starting number
The BIB (starting number) 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 2 kg 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.

If any of the contents listed above must be used on the way over the mountain during the race, this will be included during the check-weighing of the bag after the finish.

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 on and along the route may result in a time penalty.

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

For our skiing events the ski-license (insurance) issued from the Norwegian Ski Federation is mandatory for all participants from age 13-80 that is a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - paying taxes to Norway.

NOTE: All participants that is not a member of the Norwegian National Insurance - (paying taxes to Norway) will need 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).

Thursday 18 March

Rena, Åmot Kulturhus 3:00–9:00 PM

• Race office, registration and bib distribution
• Open café
• Birken market at Sport 1 Rena

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall 3:00–9:00 PM

• Race office, registration and bib distribution
• Sport 1 market, café and stands

Friday 19 March

Rena, Tingstadjordet (Start arena) 06:30–09:30 AM

• Waxing guidance from Rode
• Sport 1 emergency shop
• Kiosk
• 08:30–09:15 Start SkøyteBirken
• 09:30 Start TurBirken

Rena, Åmot Kulturhuset 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

• Race office and bib distribution for Birkebeinerrennet
• Waxing service from Rode
• Birken market at Sport 1 Rena
• Official opening of Birken’s new office at 5:30 PM
• “The Night Before” at 6:30 PM at Åmot Kulturhus = Ceremonial bib handout (colored bibs) for athletes wearing the various leader jerseys in Ski Classics. Interviews with the athletes and final waxing tips from Rode ahead of race day.

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

• Race office and bib distribution
• Sport 1 market, café and stands
• Diploma and prize ceremonies for SkøyteBirken, TurBirken, and Right To Play StafettBirken
• Approx. 2:30 PM Prize ceremony for SkøyteBirken
• Waxing service from Rode – skis must be handed in for preparation no later than 7:00 PM
• Changing rooms/showers

Birkebeineren Ski Stadium

• 09:00–16:30 Lodge open
• 11:00 Start Right To Play StafettBirken Para
• 11:30–11:35 Start Right To Play StafettBirken Mixed, Women, and Men
• Approx. 11:45 Flower and prize ceremony for elite women and men in SkøyteBirken
• Approx. 12:00 First team in Right To Play StafettBirken expected to finish
• 10:35 First SkøyteBirken participant expected to finish
• 12:00–16:00 After Ski with music and great atmosphere
• 13:30–16:30 Try and test the new SkateX system when Rottefella, Madshus and Alpina host a demo
• 12:15 First TurBirken participant expected to finish
• Approx. 2:00 PM Prize ceremony for Right To Play StafettBirken once results are final

Saturday 20 March

07:30–11:00 Live broadcast of Birkebeinerrennet on NRK. The broadcast is shown in approximately 75 countries.

Rena, Tingstadjordet (Start) 6:00–10:00 AM

• Race office and bib distribution
• Waxing guidance from Rode
• Kiosk
• From 7:00 AM: Sport 1 emergency shop
• 07:45–10:00 Start Birkebeinerrennet

Sjusjøen Cross-Country Arena

• 09:35 First participant in Birkebeinerrennet passes
• 12:00 Start SkiBirken 28km

At Sjusjøen, spectators gather in the “Tour de France Hill,” with a Red Bull car and DJ creating the atmosphere, and coffee from Kaffebryggeriet.

Birkebeineren Ski Stadium

• 09:30–5:00 PM Lodge open
• 10:05 First Birkebeinerrennet participant expected to finish
• 11:00 Prize ceremony for elite women and men in Birkebeinerrennet, including presentation of Ski Classics leader jerseys
• 12:00 After Ski with music and great atmosphere
• 13:05 First SkiBirken 28km participant expected to finish

Håkons Hall 9:00 AM–7:00 PM

• Race office, bib distribution (from 8:00 AM), diploma and prize ceremonies
  Sport 1 market, café and stands
• 12:00–6:00 PM Changing rooms/showers
• From 1:00 PM Prize ceremony for Birkebeinerrennet (top 3 in each class)
• From approx. 3:30 PM Prize ceremony for SkiBirken 28km (top 3 in each class)

Sunday 21 March

Sjusjøen Cross-Country Arena

• 08:00–11:30 Bib distribution for UngdomsBirken ski and Birken ski UH 15 km
• 10:00 Start UngdomsBirken
• 11:40 Start Birken ski UH 15 km

Birkebeineren Ski Stadium

• 09:30 Lodge open
• 13:00–13:50 BarneBirken ski Lillehammer

Håkons Hall

• 10:00–3:00 PM Race office, diploma distribution
• 10:00–3:00 PM Sport 1 market, café
• 10:00–3:00 PM Lost and found
• 10:00–3:00 PM Changing rooms/showers
• 12:00 Ceremonies for UngdomsBirken ski and Birken ski UH

Rena, Tingstadjordet

• From 12:30 PM: Bib distribution and registration for BarneBirken ski Rena
• 13:30–14:00 Start BarneBirken ski Rena

Your start card is available on My Page. When collecting your bib number, you must show the QR code or the start number from your start card, so please have this ready on your phone beforehand.

Lillehammer - Håkons Hall

Thursday 18 March, 3:00–9:00 PM: Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken, TurBirken,SkiBirken 28km, UngdomsBirken ski, and Right To Play StafettBirken

Friday 19 March, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM: Birkebeinerrennet,SkiBirken 28km, UngdomsBirken ski, and Right To Play StafettBirken

Saturday 20 March, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM: UngdomsBirken ski,SkiBirken 28km, and BarneBirken ski

Rena - Åmot Kulturhuset

Thursday 18 March, 3:00–9:00 PM: Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken, and TurBirken

Friday 19 March, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM: Birkebeinerrennet

Startarena Tingstadjordet, on RACE DAY

You can collect your race bib at the start area at Tingstadjordet.
We recommend collecting your bib 1–1.5 hours before your start time.

• Friday 19 March: 06.30 AM until the last start
• Saturday 20 March: 6:00 AM until the last start

Have you selected Lillehammer as your bib pick-up location but were unable to collect it there? You may then collect your bib at the start area at Tingstadjordet on race day.

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:
Elite classes: Start shot
All other waves: Real time

StafettBirken:
All waves: Start shot

TurBirken ski 53: 
All waves: Real time

SkiBirken 28km:
Start shot

UngdomsBirken ski
All waves: Start shot

Fluor-Free with Rode Ski Wax
Rode Ski Wax, Birken’s official glide and waxing service, takes the fluor ban very seriously. If you submit your skis for waxing and have followed NSF's cleaning guidelines, they guarantee fluor-free skis. 

Glide & Waxing Service
Rode offers waxing services both in Rena and Lillehammer. IMPORTANT: All skis must be cleaned according to NSF procedures before submission.

Waxing Guidance at the Start
Rode provides waxing guidance at the starting area. You are responsible for your own grip waxing. You can also purchase the recommended grip wax of the day at the start. There will be designated areas for different start groups, ensuring you receive the waxing advice suited for your start time.

We recommend everyone to start with freshly prepared skis. If you wish to use the waxing service at Rena Torg or outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer on Thursday and Friday evening, it is essential to bring pre-cleaned skis.

Bring your own wax in your backpack. Waxing products will be available for purchase both at Håkons Hall and Rena Torg.

Rode Waxing Service at Håkons Hall
Opening hours (preliminary information):
Thursday: 15:00 – 21:00
Friday: 09:00 – 21:00

The final deadline for ski drop-off is Friday at 19:00. All skis must be collected outside the waxing truck by 23:00 on Friday. No skis will be transported to Rena from Håkons Hall. We recommend submitting skis as early as possible. If the capacity is full to meet the 23:00 deadline, further drop-offs will not be accepted.

All skis must be pre-cleaned, and we recommend checking if your skis need grinding well in advance of the race at your local sports retailer. If your ski base is dry, gray, or scratched, even the best racing prep won’t help much.

How to proceed:
Deliver your skis at the tent outside Håkons Hall next to the waxing truck. You will receive a pickup ticket with the estimated completion time. Payment will also be processed here.

Rode Waxing Service at Rena Torg
Opening hours (preliminary information):
Thursday: 15:00 – 21:00
Friday: 07:00 – 22:00

The final deadline for ski drop-off is Friday at 19:00. Skis must be collected by 23:00 on Friday.

The waxing service truck will be located at the entrance to the Culture House/start number pickup area. Contact the staff at the truck and specify the service you require (see options below).

After payment, you submit your skis and will be informed of the estimated pickup time.

Waxing Service Prices - will be updated for 2027:

• Ski cleaning: 
• Grip wax (daily recommendation): 
• Top glide prep: 
• Top glide prep + grip waxing: 

Waxing Service on the Course
Waxing service will be available at Skramstadsætra, Dambua, Kvarstad, Sjusjøen (Half-Birken only), and Midtfjellet. On Friday, waxing service will be available at the start, Skramstad, and Kvarstad.

Rode Waxing Service at Sjusjøen
Waxing service will be available at Sjusjøen for SkiBirken 28km on Saturday and the UngdomsBirken on Sunday. We will assist with the recommended wax of the day, and waxing products will also be available for purchase.

Pole Service
KV+ will provide pole service after the start, at all aid stations, and at the Sjøsetervegen crossing.

Loaned poles must be returned immediately after finishing. If you borrow a pole, remember to return it.

Ski Service
Madshus will provide a limited number of skin skis at the start and at all aid stations. Loaned skis must be returned after finishing.

The organizers are not responsible for any poles, skis, or equipment handed in along the course.

Ski Waxing & Storage
It is not permitted to wax or bring skis and poles into the start number pickup area in Rena or Håkons Hall in Lillehammer.

Free ski storage is available at both locations.

We recommend that all participants arrive early, as traffic congestion may occur. If possible, please use public transport.

All parking before the start takes place in Rena town centre
All parking for private cars is located in Rena town centre. It is not possible to drive private cars to the start at Tingstadjordet.
Shuttle buses will transport participants to the start area at Tingstadjordet.

Team buses – Start at Tingstadjordet
Team buses (minimum 15 seats) may drive up to the start area at Tingstadjordet and park there. Buses must remain parked until 9:30 AM.

Parking
Paid parking applies during SkiBirken. The parking fee is NOK 110 and is valid at all arenas (Lillehammer and Rena). You can purchase a parking ticket in advance here: parking ticket or via Vipps. Vipps code: 14453 Birken. Please follow instructions from traffic marshals and posted signage to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Motorhomes
Rena: Motorhome parking is available at Rena Camping, with access to electricity and toilets. Please contact Rena Camping directly to make a reservation.

Lillehammer: Motorhomes park at Lillehammer Camping. No electricity is available. Please contact Lillehammer Camping directly to make a reservation.

Lillehammer
Signage and traffic marshals will guide you to parking areas. Parking is available in the field behind Håkons Hall from Friday to Sunday, with a short walk to the shuttle buses. Please do not park around the halls or along Sigrid Undset Road overnight, as vehicles will be towed.

Team buses – parking in Lillehammer
In Lillehammer, team buses must park in designated parking areas near the ski jump facilities. See traffic map for details.

For the best traffic flow, we recommend using the northbound exit when arriving in Lillehammer.

Return from Lillehammer: If you have parked in the field behind Håkons Hall, you may exit both northbound and southbound (follow signs to Moelv).

Closed roads in Lillehammer
Sigrid Undset Road is closed in both directions on the stretch between Bankgata and Nordseterveien for the entire day, until the event concludes. Birkebeinervegen, from Sigrid Undset Road to Birkebeineren Ski Stadium, is open only to shuttle buses.

• Friday
  The road between Ljøsheim and Kvarstad is closed at Grunna from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
  The road towards Øvre Åsta Bridge and Øyungen is closed from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
  Sjøseterveien is closed to through traffic from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Saturday
  The road between Ljøsheim and Kvarstad is closed at Grunna from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  The road towards Øvre Åsta Bridge and Øyungen is closed from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  Sjøseterveien is closed to through traffic from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
  
  
• Sunday
  Sjøseterveien is closed to through traffic from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Traffic to BarneBirken will be signposted via Kantvegen to reduce congestion on Nordseterveien.

*Driving from Sjusjøen to Birkebeineren Ski Stadium is fastest via Nordseterveien.