Bergslagen

Bergslagen Bike Race – Hällefors, Sweden

• Date: 26 September 2026
• Location: Hällefors, Sweden
• Distances: 55 km, 120 km
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The Bergslagen gravel race offers a pure and focused riding experience through the quiet heart of a historic Swedish landscape. Taking place in late September, the event uses the forested terrain around Hällefors to create a memorable day on nearly car-free roads. The atmosphere is one of calm concentration, a chance to find a rhythm on rolling gravel and connect with the simple pleasure of riding. The region’s deep history, rooted in mining and forestry, provides a unique backdrop to the effort on the bike.

Two distinct routes are available, both starting and finishing at Hurtigtorpet in Hällefors. The longer 120 km course presents a significant challenge, while the 55 km option provides a more condensed but equally rewarding tour of the area. Both routes in this Bergslagen gravel race are designed to showcase the region's finest dirt roads, winding through a typically Scandinavian canvas of deep forests, quiet lakes, and rolling hills. The focus is purely on the quality of the gravel, with minimal paved sections to interrupt the flow.

As the sixth edition of the event and the final of the SWE-CUP, the race carries a special significance. It represents both a culmination of the national racing calendar and a welcoming cycling party for all participants. The day is structured to be a celebration of the discipline, bringing together competitive racers and riders simply looking to enjoy the pristine gravel routes. This blend of competition and community is a core part of the event’s identity, making for a compelling atmosphere at the start and finish line.

The riding itself is defined by the character of the terrain. The gravel roads of Bergslagen are often hard-packed and fast-rolling, allowing for a steady tempo. The landscape undulates without presenting overly severe climbs, asking riders to maintain their pace and power over the long haul. The feeling is one of immersion in nature, with the sound of tyres on gravel and the clean northern air as constant companions. It’s a landscape that rewards a steady, rhythmic effort from the saddle.

Hällefors provides a classic Swedish setting for the race, a small town nestled within the vast forests it once served. The area is part of a larger region known for its excellent riding, and those looking to explore further can find inspiration for other gravel events in Sweden. The accessibility of the start and finish venue at Hurtigtorpet ensures a smooth and straightforward race-day experience for all cyclists, from registration through to the post-ride festivities.

The Bergslagen gravel race is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It strips cycling back to its essentials: a well-marked course, a beautiful landscape, and the shared experience of the ride. As a key fixture in the Swedish gravel calendar, it offers a perfect way to close out the racing season, surrounded by the stunning autumnal colours of the forest. More information on the routes and registration can be found on the official event website.