Røros is one of those places that make you travel back in time, a historical Norwegian mining town full of impeccable wooden buildings that for over 3 centuries was the center of copper mining in the country, before finally ceasing activity in 1977. It’s one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe, founded back in 1644, and a very picturesque destination to visit in Norway.
Since the mines closed, the town turned to tourism in a sustainable way without losing its authenticity and feeling, with people still working and living there. Due to its importance and current state of conservation, the town has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We visited Røros on a day trip from Trondheim, where we were staying for a few days, and had a really good time despite the cold weather and the fact it was winter season and the 1st of May, a national holiday. Due to the celebrations, the town wasn’t busy and a few things were even closed, yet this didn’t ruin our experience.
1st of May
The streets of Røros
Visiting Røros is like being in an open-air museum and the best and only way to experience the town and its history is to walk the few streets that make up its compact center. Everything is within walking distance and easy to visit, including many of the beautiful wooden buildings.
We didn’t have a pre-defined route so we just started on the main street and wandered around all day exploring the different parts of town, including the other side of the river and passing by the same places multiple times because we weren’t in a rush. And this is what we recommend doing.
Realistically, if you’re in a hurry you can get a good overview of the town in just a couple of hours.
Wooden house
Main street
Among the many and diverse wooden buildings in Røros, the main attractions are the former copper smelter (Smelthytta), which is now a museum, and the church. Rørosmuseet manages the sites related to the town’s historical past.
The church is probably the most imposing building in Røros and often named the pride of the town. Finished in 1784, this church is quite big for such a small town and worth a visit. Free entry.
We had to wait a bit before going in because there was a concert happening there that was being broadcasted on the Norwegian television.
Church
Interior of the church
Cemetery
Residential area
For the best views in Røros and its wooden buildings, there’s no better place than across the river just opposite to the museum, where there are a few mounds that can easily be climbed. This is where you can admire the town and get a good picture of it.
Very close to this is Sleggveien street and some traditional houses that are also part of the museum and can be visited.
River
Old street
Røros
Exploring
There was still time to stop by a farm and say hi to the horses.
Farm
Horse
Outside the town, there is an interesting place to visit that is also part of Røros history – Olav’s Mine, an actual copper mine that is now open for guided tours. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited, but it must be a good way to find out more about copper mining.
Practical information
Getting to Røros from Trondheim
Røros is perfect for a day trip from Trondheim because it’s not too far away, only 150km. Getting there takes about the same time by car or train, 2h30m, and it’s a very scenic journey.
There is also a daily bus available.
Getting to Røros from Oslo
Røros is quite far from Oslo and not suitable for a day trip. The 400 km that separate the two take 5h both by train or car. The quickest way is to fly and it takes just under 1h.
Trains in Norway are a great way to travel as they are very comfortable and have free wifi, but they tend to be expensive. For all the train options and online tickets check NSB, the Norwegian train company.
28 Comments
What a neat small town. I have spent time in Oslo, which I loved, but have yet to make it further north. There is so much to see up north too, that next time I think I would fly into Bergen and explore more of the fjords and natural beauty of Norway. It would be nice too to see some of the smaller traditional Norwegian villages like Røros. Thanks for sharing!
Norway is huge and we’ve only seen a bit. The fjords are also high on our list!
Roros looks REALLY charming. I love the interior of the church and the quirky houses.
Indeed 🙂
It just looks so cute! I think what you did is probably the right way to do it – visiting there as a day trip from another town? I’d really like to put together a Norway trip and this seems like a great town to add to the mix. Is a day or two enough, or should we stay there?
One day is more than enough and can be done as part of a road trip in Norway. If you want to stay for the night, there’s probably more interesting stuff to explore nearby.
I can definitely see from your photos the Norwegian influence in Iceland. The architecture, and even the horses in Røros remind me so much of our visit to Iceland last summer. Norway is still on my bucket list, but I will make it there some day!
Yes, Iceland was occupied by them. The Icelandic language is also similar to old Norwegian.
Norway is in my plans but not in the near future. So interesting to know the mines have now been converted to tourist site. How many stories they must be holding. I liked the old look of the little houses there.
Cool!
Oh no! Røros seriously looks like a place I’d have loved to visit when I went to Norway back in mid-90s. I did travel up north at the time to Trondheim and further up to Bodo (which now I don’t really remember why except for maybe just to cross the Arctic Circle, haha!) Unfortunately, there wasn’t much information available on the internet at the time so Røros never really crossed my mind. Otherwise I’d have made the detour and used my Scandinavian railpass to get there. Looking at your photos, I know I’d have fallen in love with the place.
There’s still not much about Røros online, maybe because it’s a bit remote and far from the amazing Norwegian fjords. Crossing the arctic circle is important! 🙂
When you said mining town I wasn’t expecting much, but this looks beautiful. I suppose that so many wooden buildings through Europe burned down so no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s lovely that they’ve turned to sustainability.
They have done a great job keeping as it is. Much better than your average old mining town.
It looks like a very cute town for a mining town. So the thing to do here is walk around? Is there a good place to get lunch there if you’re visiting as a day trip?
Yes, that’s the best thing you can do as there’s history all around the place.
All these photos bring back such fond memories of my time in Norway. Although I haven’t been to Roros, the town looks very similar to the others I visited in the country. Glad you had a great time!
Norway is a lovely country. We need to explore more as well!
It’s on my list when I get to Trondheim this week. ‘any recommendations for coffee and lunch (preferably veggie-based)?
Thanks for your article as it tipped the scale in favor of making the trek.
Nothing in particular. We just had a quick lunch at one of the places on the main street. There are not that many options in town. Just enough.
Looks so charming place! A perfect destination to set up vacation together with your family. I think I need to explore a little wider in Norway. Thanks for sharing.
Indeed!
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Thanks so much for posting this! My husband and I are planning our 3-week May road trip around Norway (Gardermoen airport – Trondheim – Alesund – Bergen – Oslo) and Røros is definitely on our list of places to pause and explore. 🙂
enjoy!