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The sensorless control of electromagnetic actuators for variable valve train derives the information about the valve movement directly from the current and voltage of the operating coils, no further sensor used at the actuator. The movement of armature and valve is heavily influenced by the cylinder pressure, especially during opening of the exhaust valve. Between two consecutive opening events, this pressure can vary by up to 3 bars. An early detection of pressure variation is essential in order to adjust the proper catching energy of the active coil. At the beginning of the armature movement, a degradation of the magnetic flux through the coils occurs which is caused by eddy-currents and magnetic remanence and results into an induced voltage. The information about the required energy adjustment of the catching coil can be calculated from this voltage. The algorithm allows a safe and soft landing at pressure variations of up to 3 bars.