Vålerbanen
Location
Braskereidfoss, Våler, Innlandet, Norway
Current Local Time
Track Info
Vålerbanen - Braskereidfoss, Norway
Compact Norwegian circuit and driver-training centre - known for fast laps, close racing and several possible overtaking points
When was the track built?
Vålerbanen opened in 1993 as part of a larger centre for motorsport and driver education. Its original course was only 1.416 km long and followed a simple, compact route.
The circuit was extended to 2.350 km in 1997. The longer section added faster corners and improved overtaking opportunities, creating the main layout used for modern car racing.
The surrounding complex later expanded with additional training roads, skid-control areas, an off-road course and a karting track.
When was its first race?
Racing began after the original circuit opened in 1993, although surviving public histories do not clearly identify one inaugural race or winner.
National car and motorcycle events soon became regular features. The 1997 extension allowed Vålerbanen to attract larger championships and more powerful vehicles.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and fast: Powerful cars can complete a lap in less than one minute, so competitors have little time to recover from a mistake.
- Good for overtaking: Several straights lead into clear braking areas where drivers and riders can attempt a move.
- Flowing corners: Maintaining momentum is important because unnecessary braking can cost significant time.
- Modest elevation: The circuit is not extremely hilly, but small rises can still affect visibility and braking.
Vålerbanen is easier to understand than many longer circuits, making it suitable for new spectators. Its simple appearance is deceptive, however, because a quick lap requires accurate braking and consistent corner exits.
Lap records and benchmarks
- DTM-based GT car: 0:52.745 - Joakim Ottersen, Opel Vectra DTM, 2019.
- Porsche Carrera Cup: 0:55.291 - David Björk, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 2008.
- Super 2000 Touring Car: 0:56.192 - Robert Dahlgren, Volvo C30, 2008.
- Super Touring: 0:56.629 - Jarle Gåsland, Vauxhall Vectra, 2002.
Times from shortened motorcycle layouts cannot be compared directly with records from the full 2.350 km circuit.
Why is it famous?
Vålerbanen gained wider attention through the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Its 2007 meeting was affected by heavy rain, while Norwegian driver Tommy Rustad won both races here in 2009 on his way to the championship title.
The circuit was also recreated for the racing game STCC: The Game, introducing its layout to players outside Scandinavia.
What races are held here?
The venue hosts rounds of Norway's national car-racing championship, including GT, historic and entry-level categories. Motorcycle meetings feature classes ranging from small junior machines to Superbikes.
Vålerbanen is also used for Gatebil gatherings, classic-car events, club meetings, track days and professional driver training throughout the year.
Why go?
The short lap keeps the action moving and makes races easy to follow. Visitors can see frequent overtaking attempts without walking around an enormous venue.
The complex includes an 800 m kart circuit, a 2 km off-road course, skid-control areas, a cafeteria and an on-site hotel. It is approximately 90 minutes by road from Oslo Airport Gardermoen.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for starts, finishes, slipstreaming and activity around the pit area.
- First braking zone: A useful location for overtaking attempts, especially during the opening laps.
- Final section: Watch competitors prepare their exit onto the straight and defend their position.
- Grandstand area: A convenient option for following several sections without moving around the venue.
Layouts, grandstand access and paddock rules vary between car races, motorcycle events and private driving days. Check the organiser's information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Vålerbanen (Braskereidfoss)
Vålerbanen is in rural eastern Norway, so driving is the easiest way to reach the circuit. Public transport is possible, but expect a bus connection or taxi for the final part of the journey.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Oslo Airport: Vålerbanen is about 90 minutes from Gardermoen by car. Car-hire companies are available at the airport.
- From Oslo: allow roughly 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic and your route.
- Navigation: enter Damvegen 90, 2435 Braskereidfoss rather than simply searching for Våler, as this helps avoid being directed to the wrong part of the municipality.
- Event parking: follow the organiser's signs when you arrive. Large events can use dedicated parking, camping and vehicle areas with their own access rules.
Tip: Allow some extra time on busy event mornings. The roads near the circuit are rural and traffic can build quickly close to the entrance.
Train & bus
You can reach Vålerbanen without a car, but it needs more planning than most city circuits.
- Do not plan around Braskereidfoss railway station: the station is currently closed to passenger trains.
- Via Elverum: Elverum is the most useful nearby public-transport hub. Rail services connect Elverum with the wider Norwegian network, including journeys from Oslo via Hamar.
- Elverum → Braskereidfoss: Innlandstrafikk buses serve the corridor, including route 105. Check the journey planner for your exact event date because timetables vary.
- Final walk: local bus stops are not directly at the circuit entrance, so be prepared for a walk or arrange a taxi for the last part of the journey.
Oslo Airport transfers
- Hire car: the simplest option. Pick up your car at Oslo Airport and drive directly to Vålerbanen.
- Public transport: bus connections operate between Oslo Airport and Elverum. From Elverum, continue towards Braskereidfoss by local bus or pre-booked taxi.
- Travelling in a group: sharing a hire car or arranging a private transfer can be much easier than coordinating several rural bus connections.
Taxis
- Pre-book when possible: Vålerbanen is not in a large town, so do not assume a taxi will be waiting outside the circuit.
- From Elverum: a taxi can be useful if your bus connection does not match the event timetable or if you are carrying luggage.
- After an event: arrange your return journey before racing finishes, particularly for evening events.
Walking
Vålerbanen is not a circuit where most visitors walk from a town-centre railway station. If you arrive by local bus, expect a walk from the Braskereidfoss area to the venue.
If you have luggage, young children or limited mobility, arranging a taxi for the final part of the journey will usually be more comfortable.
Staying at the circuit
- Vålerbanen Hotell: the circuit has its own hotel at the venue, making it a particularly convenient choice for multi-day events.
- Facilities: the hotel has 26 rooms, a cafeteria and free outdoor parking.
- Major events: accommodation can become busy, so book well ahead if your visit coincides with a large race meeting or festival.
Accessibility
- Plan the final journey carefully: public transport does not deliver passengers directly to the circuit entrance.
- Contact the organiser before travelling: accessible parking, drop-off points and spectator arrangements can depend on the individual event.
- For limited mobility: travelling by car or pre-arranged taxi is generally the simplest option because it avoids the longer walk from local bus stops.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to Damvegen 90 and check your event's parking instructions before leaving.
- Flying? Oslo Airport is the main choice; hiring a car is the easiest onward journey.
- Using public transport? Aim for Elverum first, then continue towards Braskereidfoss by bus or taxi.
Always check your event organiser and Innlandstrafikk shortly before travelling, as bus timetables, entrances and parking arrangements can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Vålerbanen (Braskereidfoss, Norway)
Whether you’re here for car racing, a track day or a driving experience, Vålerbanen sits among the forests and rivers of eastern Norway - with museums, paddling, historic towns and Lake Mjøsa all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Norwegian Forest Museum: A large museum in Elverum covering forests, wildlife, fishing and hunting through both indoor and outdoor exhibitions. It is an easy introduction to the landscape surrounding the circuit.
- Glomdalsmuseet: One of Norway's largest open-air museums, with historic buildings plus indoor exhibitions explaining everyday life and culture in the region.
- Kynna: This gentle waterway through Finnskogen is suitable for beginner canoeing and kayaking, with quiet forest scenery and places to stop along the route.
- Vålerbanen karting: The venue has an 800 m outdoor kart track. Rental sessions are aimed at groups and currently have a minimum age of 15, so check requirements before planning a visit.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Norwegian Forest Museum: The indoor galleries are a particularly useful wet-weather option and explain why forestry has been so important to this part of Norway.
- Glomdalsmuseet: Permanent indoor exhibitions mean there is still plenty to see when poor weather makes exploring the outdoor museum less appealing.
- Elverum: Keep a spare afternoon simple with the museums, cafés and shops around town rather than travelling farther into the countryside.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Elverum town centre: The easiest area for dinner, with more choice than the smaller communities immediately around the circuit.
- Vålerbanen Hotel: The on-site hotel has its own cafeteria serving breakfast, lunch and dinner - useful when you do not want another drive after a long track day.
- Norwegian café stop: Try a warm waffle with jam or brown cheese alongside coffee for a simple taste of everyday Norwegian café culture.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Kynna: Around 24 km of gentle paddling water gives beginners and families plenty of choice without needing to tackle major rapids.
- Finnskogen: The huge forest region east of Våler has hiking and cycling routes, lakes and quiet places to explore if you want a complete change from motorsport.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Hamar & Lake Mjøsa: Around 50 minutes from Braskereidfoss, Hamar combines lakeside walks with Domkirkeodden and its striking glass-covered medieval cathedral ruins.
- Kongsvinger Fortress: Explore the hilltop fortress built to defend Norway's eastern border, then walk through the historic wooden neighbourhood below.
- Magnor Glassworks: Close to the Swedish border, this well-known glassworks lets visitors see Norwegian glassmaking and browse contemporary designs.
Good to know when visiting Vålerbanen
- Check spectator access: Vålerbanen is both a motorsport circuit and a driver-training centre, so many days are courses, tests or private activities rather than public race meetings.
- A car is strongly recommended: Braskereidfoss railway station no longer has passenger trains and attractions are spread across the surrounding countryside.
- You can stay at the circuit: Vålerbanen operates an on-site hotel with 26 rooms, which can be particularly convenient during multi-day events.
- Pack for changing weather: Bring a waterproof layer as well as sunscreen. Long outdoor days in inland Norway can change quickly between warm sunshine and cool, wet conditions.
Circuit access, driving experiences, karting, museum programs and seasonal activities can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.