In 2024, locals got a first taste of the rally atmosphere when Swedish and Norwegian rally stars took on Färjestad’s women’s hockey team and city councillor Anders Tallgren (S) in a playful hockey showdown at the square. After that success, the rally is now stepping things up and making a full-scale return to the city centre in 2025.

Opening ceremony and official start at the square
On Thursday, May 29, BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia kicks off with a spectacular opening ceremony at Stora Torget in Karlstad. A purpose-built ramp will host the ceremonial start, where all crews from both the FIA European Rally Championship and the Swedish Rally Championship (SM) will be presented to the public and TV viewers around the world. Beginning at approximately 17:30, the event offers fans and locals a unique chance to get up close to the cars and drivers, with interviews, autograph sessions and an electric atmosphere setting the stage for the days ahead.

Grand finale and prize ceremony in the city centre
Saturday evening, May 31, will round off the rally weekend with a festive finale. After two intense days on Värmland’s legendary gravel roads, drivers, teams and fans will return to the square for prize-givings, press conferences and interviews. Karlstad’s city centre will come alive as the winners are crowned in front of the historic town hall.

During the Ascension Day weekend, May 29–31, BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia will leave its mark on central Karlstad like never before.

Frida Nilsson (Centre Party), Chair of the Growth Committee in Karlstad Municipality, says:
“We’re proud to welcome the rally festivities to Karlstad! Motorsport has a strong tradition in this region, and an international championship like this naturally draws many visitors to the city. It’s an exciting and fun event for locals, Värmland residents and tourists alike.”

Martin Säfström, Marketing Coordinator for BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, adds:
“In many ways, we’re following in the footsteps of Rally Sweden, and it feels fantastic to return to Stora Torget in Karlstad. Last year, we got things started with our Legends cars and a press event – this year, we’re going all in, with both ERC and SM teams lined up from Åhléns to the square. We know that combining the European and Swedish championships creates a true crowd magnet, both locally and nationally.”

“Our goal is for the whole of Karlstad to feel the rally spirit – from the grand opening on Thursday to the champagne-filled celebrations on Saturday. We hope to recreate the vibrant atmosphere of the legendary Persmäss days, where fans could get really close to the drivers, co-drivers and cars.”

A detailed schedule of the square activities will be released shortly.

Tickets for BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia are available now at www.ercroyalrally.com