Gelleråsen Arena
Location
Karlskoga, Örebro County, Sweden
Current Local Time
Track Info
Gelleråsen Arena - Karlskoga, Sweden
Sweden's oldest permanent motor-racing circuit - a compact, technical venue with a long history of cars, motorcycles and the famous Kanonloppet
When was the track built?
Gelleråsen was built in 1949 as a 1.55 km gravel circuit north of Karlskoga. It was Sweden's first permanent motor-racing venue, replacing the temporary public-road courses commonly used at the time.
The surface was later paved, and the route was gradually extended. Its best-known addition was the banked Velodromkurvan section, completed in 1958. Modern safety work eventually removed that section and shortened the circuit, while upgrades to the pits, asphalt and spectator facilities created today's Gelleråsen Arena.
When was its first race?
The first Kanonloppet was held on the gravel circuit on 4 June 1950. Around 15,000 spectators reportedly attended, although dust and loose stones caused several cars to suffer cooling problems.
The name means “Cannon Race” and refers to Karlskoga's historic connection with weapons and cannon manufacturing.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and busy: Laps take just over one minute in the quickest modern categories, leaving drivers little time to relax.
- Technical corner sequences: Several bends are connected, so the line through one corner affects the next.
- Hard braking areas: Tröskurvan and Hårnålen provide opportunities to attack under braking.
- Good visibility: The compact layout and open infield allow spectators to follow a large part of each lap.
The circuit rewards accurate positioning and a well-balanced vehicle. Carrying speed through Ejes Kurva is important, but drivers must still prepare the car for the slower corners that follow.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Porsche Carrera Cup: 1:03.470 - Lukas Sundahl, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 2024.
- Radical SR3: 1:03.514 - Philip Victorsson, 2023.
- Superbike: 1:03.723 - Christoffer Bergman, Yamaha YZF-R1, 2023.
- Porsche Sprint Challenge: 1:04.283 - Wilmer Wallenstam, 2024.
- Formula Nordic: 1:04.918 - Linus Granfors, 2023.
- STCC TCR: 1:06.781 - Rob Huff, Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, 2020.
These are official class records for the current circuit. Older layouts produced different lap times and should not be compared directly.
Why is it famous?
Gelleråsen became internationally known when the Kanonloppet adopted Formula One regulations between 1961 and 1963. Stirling Moss won the first of these non-championship races, while later meetings attracted drivers including Jim Clark, Jack Brabham and John Surtees.
The circuit also hosted the 1967 Swedish Grand Prix, won by Jackie Stewart, and the 1979 Swedish motorcycle Grand Prix, won by Barry Sheene. The modern arena continues to celebrate this history through the Kanonloppet and historic racing events.
What races are held here?
The annual Kanonloppet is the headline meeting. Recent programmes have included Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, Porsche Sprint Challenge, Legends, V8 Thunder Cars and Superbike racing.
Other events include national road racing, Formula Nordic, Radical competition, endurance races and the Velodromloppet Historic Grand Prix. The circuit is also regularly used for track days, driver training and motorcycle practice.
Why go?
Gelleråsen is easy for new spectators to understand because the circuit is compact and much of the action can be followed from one area. Race weekends combine close competition with access to food, grandstand seating and activities in or around the paddock.
The arena also has a restaurant, camping facilities, simple on-site cabins and a separate karting circuit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Tröskurvan: A useful place to watch braking, overtaking attempts and different corner-entry techniques.
- Ejes Kurva: See how confidently drivers carry speed through one of the circuit's quicker sections.
- Hårnålen: The slow hairpin highlights differences in braking control and acceleration.
- Main straight and Depåkurvan: Best for starts, finishes and activity around the pit lane.
Grandstand, paddock and camping access varies between meetings. Check the organiser's spectator information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Gelleråsen Arena (Sweden)
Gelleråsen Arena is just north of Karlskoga in central Sweden. Driving is the easiest way to visit, with good connections from the E18 and Road 26. Visitors without a car can travel through Karlskoga bus station and use a regional bus towards the Gelleråsen area, or take a taxi for the final journey.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is straightforward because Gelleråsen Arena is close to Karlskoga and the main east-west E18 route.
- From Örebro or Stockholm: follow the E18 west towards Karlskoga.
- From Karlstad or Norway: follow the E18 east towards Karlskoga.
- From Karlskoga: head north towards Gelleråsen and follow signs for the motorstadion or arena.
- Navigation: search for “Gelleråsen Arena”.
Save the official address as Gelleråsen 654, 691 91 Karlskoga, Sweden.
Train & bus
Karlskoga does not have a passenger railway station, so visitors arriving by train normally connect through nearby Degerfors.
- Take the train to Degerfors.
- Continue towards Karlskoga using regional Bus 502 or a taxi.
- From Karlskoga bus station: current timetable data shows Bus 403 serving Gelleråsen södra on its route towards Storfors.
- Alternatively: take a taxi directly from Karlskoga or Degerfors.
Bus 403 is a regional service rather than a dedicated race-day shuttle, so check the exact timetable and return journey before travelling.
Flying in
Örebro Airport (ORB) is the closest passenger airport to the Karlskoga area and is reached conveniently from the E18.
- Rental car: the simplest option for travelling directly to Gelleråsen.
- Örebro Airport: close geographically, but its 2026 passenger flights are mainly seasonal leisure services.
- Karlstad Airport: another regional option and currently has scheduled Copenhagen connections during 2026.
- For a wider flight network: Stockholm Arlanda or Gothenburg Landvetter may be more practical despite the longer drive.
Karlskoga also has its own airfield, but it does not operate normal scheduled passenger services.
Parking
Gelleråsen has substantial spectator parking, although the exact areas and prices depend on the event.
- Major race weekends: follow signs marked “P Publik” and instructions from parking marshals.
- Kanonloppet 2026: spectator parking is included with the admission ticket.
- Swedish Roadracing Championship: 2026 admission also included parking and grandstand access.
- Accessible parking: selected events provide spaces inside the main gate for visitors requiring easier access.
Arrive early for Kanonloppet and other major meetings because traffic can build around the spectator entrance.
Camping & accommodation
Gelleråsen offers both event camping and permanent accommodation directly at the arena.
- Camping: motorhome and caravan pitches are offered at selected race weekends.
- Electricity: availability depends on the event; some meetings offer powered pitches while others provide camping without electricity only.
- Camping cabins: the arena has nine three-bed cabins with electricity.
- New for 2026: a renovated cottage beside the paddock provides additional onsite accommodation.
Camping prices, arrival times and electricity arrangements are event-specific, so book through the relevant race page.
Where to stay
Karlskoga is the easiest base for most visitors because the town centre is only a short drive from the circuit.
- Karlskoga: best for hotels, restaurants, shops and bus connections.
- At Gelleråsen: useful for track-day participants or visitors able to book one of the circuit's cabins or the onsite cottage.
For major race weekends, book accommodation early because Gelleråsen attracts visitors from across Sweden and neighbouring countries.
Understanding the circuit
Gelleråsen is one of the most historically important circuits in Scandinavian motorsport and is officially Sweden's first permanent motor-racing track.
- Built: 1949.
- First Kanonloppet: 1950 on a 1.55 km gravel course.
- Current main circuit: 2.350 km.
- Track width: 10 metres.
- Shorttrack: a separate shortened configuration is available for sprint racing and smaller categories.
- Historic significance: Gelleråsen hosted Sweden's first Formula 1 race in 1961, won by Stirling Moss.
The circuit is used for car racing, motorcycle racing, track days, testing and driver training, while the complex also includes a large karting facility.
Race-day tips
- Drive if possible: it remains the easiest option, particularly for early starts or late finishes.
- Check your ticket: several major 2026 events use advance ticketing rather than relying on sales at the gate.
- Follow parking signs: spectator and paddock traffic use different areas.
- Prepare for changing weather: central Swedish summer weather can change quickly, so bring waterproof clothing as well as sun protection.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children and motorcycle events.
- Save the address: Gelleråsen 654, 691 91 Karlskoga, Sweden.
For a first visit, stay in Karlskoga and drive or take a taxi to the circuit. Without a car, use Degerfors for the train connection and plan the regional bus or taxi journey before race day.
Parking, camping, spectator entrances, ticketing and bus services can change between events. Check the official Gelleråsen Arena event information and current regional journey planner before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Gelleråsen Arena (Karlskoga, Sweden)
Whether you’re here for car racing, motorcycle action, a track day or karting, Gelleråsen Arena puts you close to Karlskoga - a lakeside town with Alfred Nobel history, family activities, forests and easy trips into central Sweden.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Boda Borg Karlskoga: Teams work together through physical and mental challenges called Quests. You do not need to be especially sporty, making it a good option for mixed-age groups.
- Alfred Nobel's Björkborn: Visit the inventor's final Swedish home and learn how the man behind dynamite became connected with the Nobel Prize.
- Strandparken: A lakeside bathing area on Lake Möckeln close to central Karlskoga, with swimming plus seasonal mini golf and a kiosk.
- Gelleråsen karting: The arena has rental karting as well as a modern competition kart circuit. Check public sessions and age restrictions before visiting.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Alfred Nobel's Björkborn: Guided visits explore Nobel's manor house, laboratory and life in Karlskoga. It is the area's essential stop for first-time visitors.
- Boda Borg: Most of the Quest experience is indoors, making it particularly useful when Swedish weather turns wet.
- Karlskoga town centre: Keep things simple with cafés, shops and a traditional Swedish fika if you only have a couple of hours away from the circuit.
Eat & drink like a local
- Central Karlskoga: The easiest choice after a long track day, with restaurants and cafés concentrated around the town centre.
- Lake Möckeln: Look for lakeside cafés and restaurants if you want a quieter meal with a view during the warmer months.
- Swedish fika: Stop for coffee with a cinnamon bun, pastry or cake - one of the easiest Swedish traditions for visitors to enjoy.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Rävåsen Nature Reserve: This easily reached reserve sits in central Karlskoga and has walking and cycling trails through an Ice Age landscape.
- Lake Möckeln: Spend a warm afternoon swimming, walking beside the water or simply relaxing at one of the recreation areas around the lake.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Loka Brunn: A historic spa destination around 26 km from the circuit - ideal if you want a quiet recovery day after a busy race weekend.
- Grythyttan: A small historic village known for food and hospitality. The famous Grythyttans Gästgivaregård is around 39 km from Gelleråsen.
- Örebro: Explore the city-centre castle, riverside streets and restaurants. Families can also make a day of the attractions around Gustavsvik.
Good to know when visiting Gelleråsen
- Check the event calendar: Gelleråsen hosts everything from major race weekends to private tests and track days, so public access varies.
- The normal season is April - October: Most circuit activity takes place between early spring and late autumn.
- Facilities are on site: The arena includes grandstands, a café, toilets, showers, karting and some accommodation, although availability depends on the event.
- Pack for changing weather: Bring sunscreen and a waterproof layer. Even summer race weekends can switch quickly between warm sunshine and rain.
Circuit access, karting sessions, museum tours, seasonal attractions and opening hours can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.