Birkebeinerrittet

View on map
Sports & AdventureRena/Lillehammer
DatesDates TBA · Usually AugustCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceBirkebeinerrittet's defining feature is its
Language["no"]Currency: NOK
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Birkebeinerrittet in Rena/Lillehammer

Birkebeinerrittet is an 84-88 kilometre mountain bike race from Rena sports ground in Innlandet to Håkons Hall in Lillehammer, held annually since 1993 in mid-August. Riders climb nearly 2,000 metres over forestry roads, paved stretches and single- and double-track trails. Part of the wider Birken family alongside the older ski and running races, it is widely described as the world's largest mountain bike race by number of entrants.

Birkebeinerrittet's central ritual reaches back to a story from Norway's civil war era.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Birkebeinerrittet's defining feature is its mandatory backpack, weighing at least 3

02

The mystery stays covered

5 kilograms, which every rider must carry from start to finish

03

The city starts moving

The requirement recalls the Birkebeiner loyalists who in 1206, during Norway's civil war era, carried the infant heir to the throne to safety, a story shared with the older ski race, Birkebeinerrennet

04

The water draws everyone in

Scale is the other hallmark: more than 17,000 riders have registered for a single edition and over 15,000 have finished, making it the largest mountain bike race in the world by participation

05

The old stones answer

The route itself, running from Rena to Håkons Hall in Lillehammer, mixes forestry and fire roads with paved sections and technical single- and double-track riding, testing endurance as much as handling skill

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The defining tradition is the mandatory minimum-weight backpack carried by every rider from Rena to Lillehammer

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a direct link to the Birkebeiner loyalists who carried the infant heir to the Norwegian throne to safety in 1206 during the civil war era

The sacred route

Living ritual

The same symbolic backpack is shared with the older ski race

The local code

Living ritual

tying the mountain bike event to a shared Birken heritage rather than standing as an isolated sporting competition

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually August

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Rena/Lillehammer; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Technical cycling kit suited to variable Innlandet weather: a moisture-wicking base layer, a light insulating mid-layer, and a packable waterproof and windproof cycling jacket, since...

Safety

Birkebeinerrittet is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Rena/Lillehammer you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["no"] · NOK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map59.91 N, 10.75 EOpen in Google Maps

Rena/Lillehammer, Innlandet, Norway

Nearest airportSCR — Scandinavian Mountains
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Rena/Lillehammer; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Rena/Lillehammer you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Rena/Lillehammer via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Rena/Lillehammer, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearTechnical cycling kit suited to variable Innlandet weather: a moisture-wicking base layer, a light insulating mid-layer, and a packable waterproof and windproof cycling jacket, since mid-August temperatures on forested climbs can swing from mild to cold and wet within hours. Full-finger gloves and eye protection are advisable for the forestry-road descents.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Norway and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Birkebeinerrittet?

Birkebeinerrittet is listed for August · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Birkebeinerrittet take place?

The festival is listed in Rena/Lillehammer, Norway. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Rena/Lillehammer, Innlandet, Norway

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually August
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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