Birkebeinerrennet has connected Rena and Lillehammer since 1932, carrying more than 90 years of Norwegian history across its mountainous course. Beyond the event itself, the route links a quiet Østerdalen village to one of Norway’s most celebrated Olympic towns.
Rena-Lillehammer Event Facts
- Active years: Birkebeinerrennet was first held in 1932, with a unique history spanning more than 90 years, combining sporting tradition with the legendary Birkebeiner story from 1206.
- Record number of participants: The record stands at 17,161 registered participants, set in 2014.
- Other event distances: The SkiBirken weekend also includes FredagsBirken Ski (Friday race), HalvBirken (Half Birken), UngdomsBirken (Youth Birken), StafettBirken (Relay), and SkøyteBirken (Skate Birken).
Rena-Lillehammer Travel Guide
- Family and spectator info: One of the highlights of Birkebeinerrennet is the atmosphere at Sjusjøen, where thousands of spectators gather along the course with music, entertainment and a party atmosphere. The finish area at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium in Lillehammer also offers a great atmosphere, while Lillehammer provides a wide range of activities for families and non-skiers, including Maihaugen and the Olympic venues.
- Top 3 things to do:
- Lysgårdsbakken Ski Jumping Arena, Lillehammer: the iconic Olympic ski jumping arena, with panoramic views over Lillehammer and the surrounding landscape.
- Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: one of Norway’s largest open-air museums, offering insight into Norwegian history, culture, and traditional architecture.
- Sjusjøen and the Birkebeiner mountain landscape: one of Norway’s best-known cross-country skiing destinations, with an extensive network of prepared trails.
- How to travel: The nearest major airport is Oslo Airport, approximately two hours from Lillehammer by train. The most sustainable option is to travel by train from Oslo Airport to Lillehammer, then use Birken’s organized transport services to the event, with transport to the start at Rena available from Lillehammer, Hafjell, Hamar, Elverum and Sjusjøen.
- Where to stay:
- Lillehammer offers the finish-area atmosphere, restaurants and city center.
- Sjusjøen offers a genuine mountain experience with skiing directly outside the door and organized Birken transport to the start.
- Hafjell, Hamar and Elverum also offer accommodation with Birken transport to Rena, while simple mattress accommodation is available at Rena itself for those wanting to stay close to the start. Accommodation assistance: Visit Lillehammer and Visit Røros and Østerdalen
- Local specialty dish: Rømmegrøt, a traditional Norwegian sour-cream porridge served with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Cured meats and other local specialties can also be found at restaurants in Lillehammer and the surrounding mountain areas.
- Best-kept secret: Pellestova Hotel, a hidden gem in the mountains above Lillehammer, with its own gourmet restaurant and outstanding cross-country skiing terrain, offering high-quality accommodation and a spectacular mountain experience away from the crowds.
More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found at birken.no
Follow the action
Instagram: @birken_no
Facebook: facebook.com/Birkebeinere
Also Read: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII
Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027)
• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
Bad Gastein Tour (Events 1–4 of Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII)
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská 50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Top Photo: Ski Classics
