The rally\u2019s hub is the service park at Norra F\u00e4ltet in Karlstad, with the HQ based at Scandic Klar\u00e4lven, both strategically located within walking distance from the city center.<\/p>\n
The event kicks off on Thursday with an opening ceremony and activities at Stora Torget in central Karlstad, where both the ERC and Swedish Championship (SM) fields will be presented to the public. Immediately after, the rally begins with the brand-new spectator stage SS Br\u00e5teb\u00e4cken, which finishes inside the spectacular LBC Arena \u2013 just minutes from the city center.<\/p>\n
Friday marks the debut of a new loop system, where the ERC drivers will complete two stages twice before returning to service. This means shorter waiting times for spectators in the forest \u2013 and right after the ERC field comes the SM field with up to 100 cars.<\/p>\n
The Friday morning route heads west from Karlstad, around Kil and V\u00e5lberg. The day starts with Gr\u00f6nlund, which features a new finish section compared to 2024. Next up is V\u00e4rmskog \u2013 a driver favorite \u2013 making its ERC debut. It\u2019s widely regarded as one of the best rally roads in western V\u00e4rmland.<\/p>\n
After the midday service, the route continues with the well-known G\u00e5rdsj\u00f6 near Sunne, now run in the opposite direction from last year, followed by the legendary Colin\u2019s Crest \u2013 home to the world\u2019s most famous rally jump, once again promising spectacular airborne action.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the rally heads east from Karlstad. \u00c4ngeb\u00e4ckstorp returns in a slightly shorter version, while Bjurerud is a brand-new stage for this year. After that comes Royal Forest \u2013 previously known as Lungsund \u2013 which will be run in the opposite direction in 2025.<\/p>\n
The final showdown takes place on SS \u00d6lme, this year\u2019s Power Stage. This popular spectator stage will be run in the opposite direction and promises an exciting conclusion to the rally.<\/p>\n
Once the stages are complete, the cars return to Stora Torget in Karlstad for the finish podium, prize-giving ceremony, and parc ferm\u00e9 \u2013 right in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n
Magnus S\u00e4fstr\u00f6m, Route Officer for BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, says:<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be exciting to test our new loop system, where fans can enjoy top-level rally action all day long. You\u2019ll be able to see the ERC field twice and most of the SM field in the morning, then switch to another stage and experience it all again in the afternoon \u2013 both on Friday and Saturday.\u201d<\/i><\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m also happy that we\u2019ve included V\u00e4rmskog this year \u2013 one of the very best rally roads in western V\u00e4rmland \u2013 and added Bjurerud, which is a great new stage. Gr\u00f6nlund now ends with several amazing spectator spots, including a big crest over open fields.\u201d<\/i><\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cAnd of course \u2013 Colin\u2019s Crest, our most iconic location, where the cars fly more than 40 meters in front of a roaring crowd. Royal Forest is being run in the opposite direction this year and offers just as strong of a challenge, with new clearings opening up even more great places to watch. The rally wraps up with the Power Stage in \u00d6lme, where fans can follow the action for more than two kilometers toward the finish.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n