Fagernes International Autumn 2026 runs from October 3-11, 2026, in Fagernes, Norway. This is a chess tournament in Fagernes, Norway, in 2026.
The event offers two long-time-control groups: a GM Swiss group and an Open Swiss group. Both groups use a FIDE-rated classical chess tournament format with 10 rounds across 9 days.
The tournament suits titled players, norm candidates, club players, ambitious amateurs, coaches, and visitors. In addition, Scandic Valdres gives players a hotel-based tournament setting with accommodation, meals, and playing facilities in one place.
♟️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Tournament | Fagernes International Autumn 2026 |
| 📅 Dates | October 3-11, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Fagernes, Norway |
| 🏨 Venue | Scandic Valdres, Jernbanevegen 26, 2900 Fagernes, Norway |
| ♟️ Format | Classical Swiss tournament with GM Swiss and Open Swiss groups |
| 🌍 Rating | FIDE-rated |
| 🔢 Rounds | 10 |
| 🧩 Pairing system | Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time control | 100 minutes for 40 moves + 40 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 🎯 Norm opportunities | GM Swiss group offers title norm opportunities |
| ⏳ Default time | 60 minutes after the scheduled start of each round |
| 👥 Sections | GM Swiss group; Open Swiss group |
| 🏆 Prize fund | €8,000 in confirmed cash prizes, approximately US$9,250 |
| 🎥 Live games | All GM group games and at least 10 Open group games |
| 🧑⚖️ Chief arbiter | IA IO Hans Olav Lahlum |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Hans Olav Lahlum in cooperation with Sotra Sjakklubb |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
GM Swiss Group
The GM Swiss group uses a classical time control of 100 minutes for the first 40 moves. After that, each player receives 40 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, a 30-second increment applies from move 1.
The group has 10 Swiss-system rounds. It welcomes FIDE title holders with GM, IM, FM, WGM, WIM, or WFM titles. Also, players with a FIDE rating of at least 2000 qualify, while female players qualify from a FIDE rating of at least 1900.
Open Swiss Group
The Open Swiss group uses the same classical time control and also has 10 Swiss-system rounds. It welcomes tournament players regardless of Elo.
Both groups count for FIDE rating. In addition, players may request two half-point walk-over draws in rounds 1 to 8, but they need approval before round 1.
🏆 Prize Fund
The tournament has €8,000 in confirmed cash prizes, approximately US$9,250. The prize fund covers the GM Swiss group and the Open Swiss group.
| Prize Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| GM Swiss – 1st place | €2,400 |
| GM Swiss – 2nd place | €1,600 |
| GM Swiss – 3rd place | €800 |
| GM Swiss – 4th place | €500 |
| GM Swiss – 5th place | €300 |
| GM Swiss – 6th place | €200 |
| GM Swiss – 7th place | €150 |
| GM Swiss – 8th place | €100 |
| GM Swiss – best female player | €250 |
| GM Swiss – second best female player | €150 |
| GM Swiss – highest female rating performance | €100 |
| GM Swiss – best player born in 1976 or earlier | €150 |
| GM Swiss – highest rating performance by a player born in 1976 or earlier | €100 |
| Open Swiss – 1st place | €500 |
| Open Swiss – 2nd place | €300 |
| Open Swiss – 3rd place | €200 |
| Open Swiss – best female player | €100 |
| Open Swiss – best player born in 1976 or earlier | €100 |
The organizer guarantees the listed prizes. Moreover, the prize list may grow if the tournament economy allows it. Players on equal points share prizes.
👥 Sections / Groups
GM Swiss Group
The GM Swiss group gives title-oriented players a 10-round Swiss tournament. It welcomes FIDE title holders, players rated at least 2000, female players rated at least 1900, and the top three players from the Open sections in the last two Fagernes tournaments.
Open Swiss Group
The Open Swiss group gives all tournament players a 10-round FIDE-rated Swiss event. Therefore, club players and ambitious amateurs can play a full classical tournament in the same venue and period.
Side Events
The program also includes Teamtalkingchess on October 7, Fagernes Slow Blitz on October 8, and Fagernes Blitz on October 9. In addition, the slow blitz and blitz events count toward the Norwegian Grand Prix cycle.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | — | Main registration deadline |
| October 3, 2026 | 13:00–15:30 | Registration |
| October 3, 2026 | 17:00–23:00 | Round 1 |
| October 4, 2026 | 17:00–23:00 | Round 2 |
| October 5, 2026 | 14:00–20:00 | Round 3 |
| October 6, 2026 | 10:00–16:00 | Round 4 |
| October 6, 2026 | 17:30–23:30 | Round 5 |
| October 7, 2026 | 14:00–20:00 | Round 6 |
| October 7, 2026 | 20:30–22:30 | Teamtalkingchess |
| October 8, 2026 | 14:00–20:00 | Round 7 |
| October 8, 2026 | 20:30–23:00 | Fagernes Slow Blitz |
| October 9, 2026 | 14:00–20:00 | Round 8 |
| October 9, 2026 | 20:30–23:00 | Fagernes Blitz |
| October 10, 2026 | 14:00–20:00 | Round 9 |
| October 11, 2026 | 09:00–15:00 | Round 10 |
| October 11, 2026 | 14:30, if possible | Prize giving |
📝 Registration
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration method | Register through the tournament organizer |
| Main registration deadline | September 19, 2026 |
| GM Swiss entry fee | GMs and players rated 2400+: free; 2300–2399: €70; 2200–2299: €100; 2150–2199: €140; below 2150: €180 |
| Open Swiss entry fee | Players rated 2000+: free; 1800–1999: €80; below 1800 or unrated: €100 |
| Rating list for fees | October 2026 FIDE rating list |
| Family discount | Chess-playing families with at least 3 participants receive a discount |
| Byes | Players may request two half-point walk-over draws in rounds 1 to 8 |
| Accommodation recommendation | Book accommodation by August 22, 2026 |
🏛️ Organizer
Organizer: Hans Olav Lahlum in cooperation with Sotra Sjakklubb
Hans Olav Lahlum organizes Fagernes International Autumn 2026 in cooperation with Sotra Sjakklubb. The event continues the Fagernes tradition of international classical chess and gives players two FIDE-rated Swiss groups with a full 10-round schedule.
Email: hansolahlum@gmail.com
Phone: +47 95 75 82 86
📍 Venue
Scandic Valdres, Jernbanevegen 26, 2900 Fagernes, Norway
The tournament takes place at Scandic Valdres in Fagernes. The hotel offers playing facilities, accommodation, meals, free wireless internet, and a central location for participants. Also, players receive free water and coffee during the rounds.
🏨 Accommodation
Scandic Valdres offers special chess rates for the tournament period from October 3–11, 2026. Players need to book these rates through the tournament organizer.
| Accommodation Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Scandic Valdres |
| Booking method | Book accommodation through the tournament organizer |
| Breakfast rate, single room | NOK 1,290 per person per night |
| Breakfast rate, double room | NOK 795 per person per night |
| Breakfast rate, triple room | NOK 597 per person per night |
| Breakfast rate, quadruple room | NOK 497 per person per night |
| Full-board rate, single room | NOK 1,650 per person per night |
| Full-board rate, double room | NOK 1,300 per person per night |
| Full-board rate, triple room | NOK 1,185 per person per night |
| Full-board rate, quadruple room | NOK 1,125 per person per night |
🚆 How to Get There
Scandic Valdres sits in Fagernes, about 187 km north of Oslo. Players can use the full hotel address for map navigation. In addition, the organizer offers bus or taxi transport between Oslo Airport Gardermoen and Fagernes for €60 one way or €100 both ways.
ℹ️ Other Practical Information
The organizer will broadcast all games from the GM Swiss group and at least 10 games from the Open Swiss group. Therefore, spectators can follow many games from the tournament program.
Players may not bring mobile phones, computers, or other electronic devices into the playing venue without prior arbiter permission. Also, the organizer does not allow alcohol in the playing venue during playing sessions.
After each game, players must sign both scoresheets and return the pieces to the starting position. Finally, they should leave the scoresheet copy next to the board.
Overall, this event gives players a strong opportunity to compete in Fagernes during a serious 10-round international chess tournament.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $9,250
Organizer
Hans Olav Lahlum is a Norwegian chess organizer and international chess official based in Gjøvik, Norway. He is best known as an experienced tournament organizer for high-level over-the-board events. Moreover, his work is strongly associated with consistent tournament administration and clear event operations.
In addition, he serves as the chief organizer of Fagernes Chess International in Fagernes, Norway. The festival typically includes a top GM section, an open chess tournament group, and side events such as blitz chess. Furthermore, the main competition is a FIDE-rated tournament focused on classical chess with professional pairing and arbiter support.
Furthermore, Lahlum emphasizes clear regulations, punctual round starts, and good playing-hall conditions. As a result, participants can expect reliable communication and practical logistics throughout the event week.
Venue on the Map
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