The original ski classic: Norwegian Birkebeiner

The Worldloppet events continue this weekend with the Norwegian Birkebeiner, better known to Norwegians simply as the “Birken.” The original ski marathon follows the route of the route of Birkebeiners Skjervald Skrukka and Torstein Skjevla who, around the New Year in 1206, rescued the baby prince Haakon Haakonssen from the Baglers, skiing from Rena over the mountains to Lillehammer.

The first Birkebeinerrennet ski race was held in January 1932 to honor the original route.

Today, the Birken continues as one of the world’s most popular ski marathons, with over 10,000 starters. All participants must carry an 8 pound backpack, symbolizing carrying the baby prince. Fortunately, the race is now held in late-March, when the sun shines high in Norway and lots of snow covers the tracks over the mountains. The main event is a 54 km classic-style ski marathon, but additional events during the week include a 54 km skate marathon and 28 km Tur-Birken tour.

The events have not happened for the past two winters, as Covid forced a late cancellation in 2020. This year, the race is back on with lots of excitement to cruise the course again.

Here are a few impressions from the first few days of the Lumi Experiences Norway Birken Trip. We started the trip with several days of skiing around the Holmenkollen venue overlooking Oslo, and exploring several of the hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails in the Nordmarka region.

Interested in joining? Space is still available on the 2023 Norway Birken trip. Already skied in Norway? How about discovering one of the other European Worldloppet ski events next winter? 

Sign up before March 31, 2022 and save $300 on all Lumi Experiences trips!  …reach out soon – several trips are on track to fill before March 31.

See you on the trail,
Garrott Kuzzy