Bjerke Travbane is Norway's main harness racing track, located in the Bjerke borough in the eastern part of Oslo. The track opened in 1928 and has a 1,000-metre course. It is owned by the Norwegian Trotting Association and is the busiest trotting track in the country, with races typically held on Wednesday evenings and Thursday afternoons. The big annual events are the Oslo Grand Prix in June and the Trotting Derby in September.
Harness racing, or travløp, is more popular in Norway than many visitors expect. The sport has deep roots in Scandinavian culture, and race days at Bjerke draw a loyal local crowd. Betting is handled through Norsk Rikstoto, the state-owned trotting monopoly.
Beyond the horses, Bjerke has become an increasingly popular outdoor concert venue, especially during summer. The large open area inside the track can accommodate big festival-style events. If you happen to be in Oslo during a race day or concert, it is worth checking the schedule.
Harness racing, or travløp, is more popular in Norway than many visitors expect. The sport has deep roots in Scandinavian culture, and race days at Bjerke draw a loyal local crowd. Betting is handled through Norsk Rikstoto, the state-owned trotting monopoly.
Beyond the horses, Bjerke has become an increasingly popular outdoor concert venue, especially during summer. The large open area inside the track can accommodate big festival-style events. If you happen to be in Oslo during a race day or concert, it is worth checking the schedule.