Höljesbanan
Location
Höljes, Finnskogen, Värmland, Sweden
Current Local Time
Track Info
Höljesbanan - Höljes, Sweden
Fast mixed-surface circuit deep in the forests of Värmland - widely regarded as the spiritual home of rallycross
When was the track built?
A local group originally planned to create a karting facility near Höljes. When that project proved too expensive, they turned an abandoned gravel pit into a rallycross track instead.
Finnskoga Motor Club was formed in 1975, and the first competition took place in February 1976. The small forest venue gradually developed into one of rallycross's most famous circuits.
When did international racing begin?
Höljes first hosted the FIA European Rallycross Championship in 1991. It became a regular European venue during the following decade and joined the new World Rallycross Championship in its inaugural 2014 season.
The international meeting became known as the Magic Weekend because racing is combined with camping, entertainment and a festival atmosphere throughout the surrounding village.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Höljes allows drivers to carry more speed than many tight rallycross circuits, making rhythm and confidence especially important.
- Banked Velodrome: Cars become light over a crest before entering a wide, banked asphalt hairpin where different lines can be used.
- Loose downhill sections: Gravel corners produce slides, dust and changing grip as the surface is disturbed by each race.
- Famous jump: Cars can travel a considerable distance through the air before landing near the final part of the lap.
How does rallycross work?
- Short races: Several cars start together and complete only a few laps, making every corner important.
- Mixed surfaces: Drivers must quickly adapt their braking and steering when moving between asphalt and gravel.
- Joker Lap: Each driver must take a longer alternative route once during the race. Choosing the right lap is an important strategic decision.
- Close competition: Contact can occur, but deliberately forcing another car off the track may result in a penalty.
What races here?
- European Rallycross: The leading Euro RX categories bring powerful four-wheel-drive cars and smaller production-based machines.
- World Rallycross: Höljes has regularly welcomed the sport's highest international category.
- Swedish championships: National rallycross, Supernational and junior divisions support the main international programme.
- Folkrace and Cross Car: More affordable racing categories provide opportunities for amateur and developing drivers.
Why go?
Höljes combines dramatic racing with one of motorsport's most unusual event atmospheres. Large temporary camps form around a village that normally has only a small population, filling the surrounding forest with supporters from across Scandinavia and Europe.
The natural slopes also make the action easy to follow. From a good position, spectators can see several corners, the Joker Lap and cars jumping through the final sector.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Velodrome: Best for banked cornering, different racing lines and overtaking attempts.
- Downhill gravel section: Good for high-speed slides, dust and cars fighting for grip.
- Jump and final corner: The most spectacular area for airborne cars and close finishes.
- Elevated spectator banks: Best for newcomers who want to understand how the entire lap fits together.
Höljes is in a remote part of northern Värmland near the Norwegian border. Public transport and nearby accommodation are limited, so many visitors drive and camp at or near the circuit. Check current traffic, camping and entrance information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Höljesbanan (Sweden)
Höljesbanan is deep in the forests of Värmland in western Sweden, close to the Norwegian border. Driving is by far the easiest way to visit because the circuit is a long distance from major railway stations and airports.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest way to reach Höljesbanan. The circuit is beside the Klarälven valley in a sparsely populated part of Sweden.
- From Karlstad: travel north through Värmland towards Sysslebäck and Höljes, mainly following Route 62.
- From Norway: Höljes is close to the border, making Oslo Airport a practical starting point for visitors with a rental car.
- Final approach: follow temporary circuit signs as you enter Höljes during major events.
- Navigation: search for “Höljesbanan” or “Höljes Motorstadion”.
The official circuit coordinates are 60.91644, 12.55892.
Train & bus
Public transport is possible, but this is one of the more difficult European circuits to visit without a car.
- Torsby: the nearest railway station listed by the circuit is around 100 km away.
- Karlstad: a larger transport hub approximately 200 km south of Höljes.
- Regional buses: services run through the Klarälven valley and Höljes area, but journeys can involve changes and limited departures.
- Major events: check for any special spectator transport before relying on normal public services.
For most international visitors, flying to a nearby airport and renting a car is considerably easier than completing the journey by public transport.
Flying in
The closest airports are still a considerable distance from Höljes, so expect to drive for the final part of your journey.
- Torsby Airport: approximately 120 km away, but flight options are limited.
- Oslo Gardermoen: approximately 200 km away and offers a much wider range of international flights.
- Karlstad Airport: also around 200 km from the circuit.
- Rental car: strongly recommended whichever airport you use.
Parking & camping
Camping is a major part of the Höljes experience, especially during the famous summer rallycross weekend when thousands of spectators stay around the circuit.
- Event camping: several camping areas are available around the venue.
- Electricity: selected bookable areas offer electrical connections, while others are non-electric.
- Facilities: drinking water and toilets are provided in the official camping areas.
- Parking: follow event signs and marshals, as vehicle and camping areas can change between meetings.
There is also regular camping approximately 5 km from the circuit, while Sysslebäck is around 30 km away.
Understanding the circuit
Höljesbanan is one of the world's best-known rallycross circuits. The track combines fast asphalt sections with loose gravel and sits naturally within the surrounding forest.
- Track length: approximately 1.21 km.
- Surface: roughly 60% asphalt and 40% gravel.
- Rallycross: the circuit includes jumps, elevation changes and a separate Joker Lap.
- Magic Weekend: the major international rallycross meeting traditionally takes place in early July.
Spectators watch from grandstands and natural banks around the circuit, so expect hills and uneven ground.
Race-day tips
- Arrive with fuel: services are limited compared with a city-based circuit.
- Bring supplies: plan ahead for food, clothing and anything you need for camping.
- Wear suitable shoes: expect gravel, grass, hills and potentially muddy ground.
- Prepare for changing weather: warm sunshine and heavy rain are both possible during a summer weekend.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children and spectators close to the circuit.
- Save the coordinates: 60.91644, 12.55892.
For a first visit, the easiest plan is to arrive by car and stay either in the official event camping areas or elsewhere in the Höljes and Sysslebäck region. Without a car, the journey requires considerably more planning.
Parking areas, camping rules, public transport and event-day access can change between race meetings. Check the official Höljes RX information for your individual event before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Höljesbanan (Höljes, Sweden)
Höljesbanan is one of rallycross's most famous venues, hidden among the forests of northern Värmland close to the Norwegian border. Its annual “Magic Weekend” turns the tiny village of Höljes into a major motorsport destination - while the Klarälven River, hiking trails, mountain resorts and local history provide plenty to explore away from the track.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Branäs: Better known as a ski resort, Branäs also opens for summer activities including cycling, hiking, play areas and other family-friendly outdoor activities.
- Klarälven River: The river runs through northern Värmland and is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and relaxed stops beside the water.
- Skans 179 Höljes: Explore a well-preserved Second World War defensive position with trenches, shelters and anti-tank structures only a short distance from the village.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Utmarksmuseet, Ransby: A small museum explaining the nature, hunting, fishing and rural culture of northern Värmland. It is an easy stop when travelling through Sysslebäck.
- Pilgrim Tapestry: Displayed beside Utmarksmuseet, this 40-metre embroidered work tells stories connected with the historic pilgrimage route toward Nidaros in Norway.
- Torsby Ski Tunnel: If you are extending your stay farther south, you can try cross-country skiing indoors even in summer, with the tunnel kept below freezing throughout the year.
Eat & drink around Höljes
- Sysslebäck: The nearest useful centre for supermarkets, cafés and a wider choice of restaurants before or after a race day.
- Branäs: The resort area has additional places to eat during its main summer and winter seasons.
- Try Värmland specialities: Look for dishes such as kolbulle, a simple fried batter traditionally eaten by forestry workers, often served with pork and lingonberries.
- Pack supplies: Höljes is a small village, so buying food, drinks and everyday essentials before reaching the circuit is sensible during busy race weekends.
Get outdoors in northern Värmland
- Klarälven: Rent a canoe or kayak around Sysslebäck and enjoy the slow-moving river, sandy banks and surrounding forest.
- Nordvärmlandsleden: This long-distance hiking route connects Ransby, Sysslebäck, Långberget and Höljes through forests and high ground.
- Långberget & Granberget: Head into the hills for walking routes and viewpoints, including Granberget - the highest point in Värmland at around 700 metres.
Mosquitoes and other insects can be noticeable around forests and water in summer, so insect repellent is useful alongside waterproof clothing.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Branäs: An easy half-day or full-day option for mountain biking, walking and family activities around the ski resort.
- Torsby: Allow a longer drive south for the ski tunnel, shops, museums and a larger choice of restaurants.
- Finnskogen: Explore the forest region along the Swedish-Norwegian border, known for settlements established by Finnish migrants during the 1600s.
- Norway: Höljes is close enough to the border that a longer stay can easily include a drive into southeastern Norway - remember to check any rental-car and travel requirements first.
Good to know during race weekends
- The Magic Weekend is much bigger than the village: Thousands of fans arrive for the main rallycross meeting, completely changing the normally quiet area for several days.
- Camping is part of the experience: Official event camping areas operate around the main meeting, while Höljes and Sysslebäck also have regular campsites.
- Do not rely on public transport: The circuit lists Torsby railway station around 100 km away, making a car or organised transport the practical option.
- Prepare for every kind of weather: Summer can bring sunshine, rain and cool evenings on the same weekend. Waterproof footwear and an extra layer are useful.
- Bring hearing protection: Rallycross cars are extremely loud at close range, particularly around starts and jumps. Proper ear protection is important for children.
Race schedules, camping arrangements, spectator access, attraction opening hours and outdoor conditions can change - check current information before travelling.