Anderstorp Raceway
Location
Anderstorp, Jönköping County, Sweden
Current Local Time
Track Info
Anderstorp Raceway - Anderstorp, Sweden
Historic Swedish circuit combining banked corners, an aircraft runway and an unusual pit lane located away from the start line
When was the track built?
The idea began in 1965 when local racing drivers Sven “Smokey” Åsberg, Bertil Sanell and Åke Bengtsson discussed building a short practice track. Their plan quickly grew into an international circuit more than four kilometres long.
Construction started in 1967 on marshland near Anderstorp. Engineer Holger Eriksson designed the layout, with advice from Swedish Formula One driver Joakim Bonnier. Local club members, businesses and volunteers helped complete the project.
The design included a roughly 1,000-metre aircraft runway. This gave local companies a faster connection to Stockholm while also creating the circuit's long, high-speed Flight Straight.
When was its first race?
A private test event was held in May 1968 so officials and marshals could practise. The official opening followed on 16 June 1968 with an international one-hour sports-car race.
Joakim Bonnier won in a Lola T70, finishing ahead of Paul Hawkins in a Ford GT40. The meeting also included Formula 3 and touring-car races.
What's the circuit like?
- Flight Straight: The longest section doubles as an aircraft runway when the circuit is not being used for motorsport.
- Long banked corners: Several bends continue for longer than drivers initially expect, placing sustained pressure on the tyres.
- Setup compromise: Cars need low aerodynamic drag for the runway but enough grip and stability for the curved infield sections.
- Unusual pit lane: The pits are situated partway around the lap rather than beside the traditional start and finish line.
Anderstorp is mostly flat, but it is not simple. Drivers must be patient through its long corners and prepare overtaking attempts before the heavy braking areas.
Lap records and benchmarks
- EuroBOSS Formula One: 1:21.525 - Marijn van Kalmthout, Benetton B197-Judd, 2009.
- Sports Prototype: 1:24.920 - Emmanuel Collard, Ferrari 333 SP, 1998.
- International Formula Master: 1:26.094 - Kasper Andersen, Tatuus N.T07, 2007.
- Formula 4: 1:31.449 - Richard Verschoor, Tatuus F4-T014, 2016.
- Porsche Carrera Cup: 1:32.604 - Lukas Sundahl, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 2022.
- Historic Formula 1 layout: 1:24.836 - Niki Lauda, Brabham BT46B, 1978.
The Formula One time was recorded on a slightly longer 4.031 km configuration. Race records should not be confused with qualifying or private testing laps.
Why is it famous?
Anderstorp hosted the Swedish Formula One Grand Prix six times between 1973 and 1978. Ronnie Peterson nearly won the first race, but a late puncture allowed Denny Hulme to pass him.
The circuit later produced two unique Formula One victories. Jody Scheckter won in the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 in 1976, while Niki Lauda won the 1978 race in Brabham's controversial BT46B “fan car”. Neither design won another Formula One race.
The Swedish Grand Prix disappeared after the deaths of Peterson and fellow Swedish driver Gunnar Nilsson in 1978 reduced public and commercial support.
What races are held here?
In addition to Formula One, Anderstorp has hosted the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship, World Superbike, European and World Touring Cars, FIA GT racing and international sports prototypes.
Modern meetings focus mainly on Scandinavian competition, including Porsche one-make racing, Formula Nordic, national motorcycle events, historic racing and club championships. Track days and driver-training sessions are also held throughout the season.
Why go?
Anderstorp offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore a former Formula One venue that still retains much of its original character. The runway, separated pit lane and banked corners give it an appearance unlike most modern circuits.
The venue is located in the countryside of southern Sweden. Pit garages, cabins and camping facilities are available for selected events, making it possible to stay close to the circuit during a race weekend.
Where's the best place to watch?
- End of Flight Straight: The best area for high speeds, heavy braking and possible overtaking attempts.
- Karusell section: Watch competitors manage a long, banked corner where balance and tyre grip are important.
- Pit straight: Good for seeing the teams, garages and pit-stop activity, although it is separate from the traditional starting area.
- Final corner: Drivers must carry enough speed onto the following straight without running wide.
Public entrances, grandstands and paddock access vary between events. Check the organiser's spectator information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Anderstorp Raceway (Sweden)
Anderstorp Raceway, officially Scandinavian Raceway, is outside the town of Anderstorp in southern Sweden. Driving is the easiest way to visit, but regional buses connect Anderstorp with Gislaved and Gnosjö, where you can connect with the wider public transport network.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest option because Scandinavian Raceway is outside the town and surrounded by rural roads.
- From Jönköping: travel south-west towards Gislaved using Road 26, then continue towards Anderstorp.
- From Gothenburg: travel towards Borås before continuing on Road 27 towards Gislaved and Anderstorp.
- Final approach: follow signs for Scandinavian Raceway or Anderstorp Motorbana.
- Navigation: search for “Scandinavian Raceway”.
Save the official visiting address as Nennesmovägen 20, 334 91 Anderstorp, Sweden.
Train & bus
Anderstorp does not have a passenger railway station, so reaching the circuit without a car normally requires a combination of train, bus and a final taxi or lift.
- Take the train to Gnosjö using the regional rail network.
- Continue by JLT bus towards Anderstorp and Gislaved.
- From central Anderstorp: arrange a taxi or lift for the final few kilometres to the circuit.
JLT operates a reduced summer timetable until mid-August, so always check the journey planner for your exact race weekend and return journey.
Flying in
Jönköping Airport is geographically closest, but international visitors will often find Gothenburg Landvetter Airport more useful.
- Jönköping Airport: approximately 80 km from Anderstorp by road.
- Gothenburg Landvetter: approximately 110 km away with a much broader international network.
- Rental car: strongly recommended from either airport.
- Without a car: travel into the regional rail network and continue towards Gnosjö or Gislaved.
For most overseas visitors, flying to Gothenburg and hiring a car is the simplest overall journey.
Parking & camping
The raceway has a large paddock and vehicle areas, but spectator parking arrangements depend on the individual event.
- Parking: follow the temporary signs and marshals used for your meeting.
- Motorhomes & caravans: around 20 spaces are available during race weekends, with considerably more capacity at non-public events.
- Electricity: connections are available near the motorhome and caravan area.
- Tents: tent camping is possible by arrangement with the circuit.
- Facilities: toilets, showers and a washing room are located in the paddock.
Camping arrangements should be confirmed with the circuit or event organiser before travelling.
Where to stay
Anderstorp itself is the most convenient base, while nearby Gislaved provides additional accommodation and services.
- Anderstorp: closest to the circuit and best for keeping the race-day journey short.
- Gislaved: only a short drive away with more shops, restaurants and accommodation.
- At the circuit: Scandinavian Raceway has 12 simple camping cabins, although they are normally reserved for marshals during official race weekends.
Accommodation in the immediate area is limited compared with a major city, so booking early is worthwhile for popular meetings.
Understanding the circuit
Scandinavian Raceway is one of Sweden's most historically important circuits and was the country's Formula 1 venue during the 1970s.
- Opened: 1968.
- Length: approximately 4.025 km.
- Turns: 8.
- Direction: clockwise.
- Swedish Grand Prix: hosted Formula 1 six times from 1973 to 1978.
- Flight Straight: the exceptionally long straight also forms part of Anderstorp's airfield runway.
The unusual runway straight and pit complex give Anderstorp a layout unlike almost any other European racing circuit.
Race-day tips
- Drive if possible: it removes the difficulty of the final public-transport connection.
- Check event access: the 2026 calendar includes public races as well as private and club activities.
- Arrive early: the final roads are relatively small and can become busy before major meetings.
- Prepare for Swedish weather: bring waterproof clothing as well as sun protection.
- Bring insect repellent: the circuit is surrounded by forest and wetland.
- Save the address: Nennesmovägen 20, 334 91 Anderstorp, Sweden.
For a first visit, staying in Anderstorp or Gislaved and driving to the circuit is the easiest plan. Without a car, travel through Gnosjö and Anderstorp and arrange the final transfer before race day.
Parking, camping, spectator admission and paddock access can change between events. Regional bus timetables also change seasonally, so check the official Scandinavian Raceway event information and current Jönköpings Länstrafik journey planner before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Anderstorp Raceway (Anderstorp, Sweden)
Whether you’re here for car racing, motorcycle action or a track day, Anderstorp Raceway puts you in the heart of Småland - a region of forests, lakes, outdoor adventures, family attractions and classic Swedish food.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- High Chaparral: A Wild West theme park with stunt shows, cowboys, train rides and gold panning. It is particularly good for families with younger children.
- Isaberg Mountain Resort: A year-round outdoor centre with mountain biking, climbing, adventure golf, hiking and other activities. Winter brings skiing when conditions allow.
- Store Mosse National Park: Explore wooden boardwalks through huge wetlands and forests. Short routes make it accessible even if your family is not used to hiking.
- Gislaved Industrial Museum: A small local museum explaining the area's manufacturing history - an easy stop when you only have an hour or two.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Gislaved Industrial Museum: Located in an old factory building, the museum tells the story of local industries and the products that helped shape the region.
- Vandalorum: This art and design museum in Värnamo combines changing exhibitions with a design shop, restaurant and creative spaces.
- Swedish fika: A wet afternoon is a good excuse to stop at a local café for coffee and something sweet rather than trying to fill the entire day with sightseeing.
Eat & drink like a local
- Gislaved: The easiest nearby choice for dinner after a full day at the circuit, with cafés, restaurants and everyday shopping close together.
- Swedish fika: Take a traditional coffee break with a cinnamon bun, cake or pastry - one of the simplest Swedish customs for first-time visitors to try.
- Småland specialities: Look for isterband sausage and regional ostkaka, a soft baked cheesecake usually served with jam and cream.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Store Mosse National Park: More than 40 km of trails range from short family walks to longer hikes across one of southern Sweden's largest wetland landscapes.
- Isaberg: Choose mountain biking and hiking for a relaxed visit or climbing and the bike park if you still want an adrenaline hit after leaving the circuit.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Värnamo: Combine Vandalorum with lunch, shopping and a walk around town for an easy cultural day away from motorsport.
- High Chaparral: Allow most of a day if you want to watch the shows and properly explore the Wild West areas rather than rushing through.
- Store Mosse: Pair the Naturum visitor centre with a longer walk and wildlife watching for a full nature-focused outing.
- Isaberg: Easily fills a day if you book several activities, especially during the main summer and winter seasons.
Good to know when visiting Anderstorp
- Check the circuit calendar: Not every track activity is a traditional public race meeting, so confirm spectator access before making a special journey.
- A car is useful: Attractions are spread across the Småland countryside and driving makes combining the circuit with sightseeing much easier.
- Pack for changing weather: Even summer days can move between sunshine, wind and rain, so bring a waterproof layer as well as sunscreen.
- Remember the circuit's history: The long Flight Straight is also associated with the site's airfield, giving Anderstorp a layout unlike most modern race circuits.
Circuit access, events, seasonal attractions and opening hours can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.