Røros: UNESCO World Heritage and mining history

The UNESCO World Heritage property “Røros Mining Town and the Circumference” includes the town of Røros and its industrial-rural cultural landscapes, Femundshytta with its smelting hut and associated area, and the winter transport route. Røros Mining Town is built entirely of wood and is connected to a cultural landscape. The cultural heritage of Røros also includes South Sámi cultural history.

Culture and experiences in Røros

The Pressemuseet Fjeld-Ljom in the centre of Røros is a living museum: newspapers can still be produced there in the traditional way, using lead type, printing blocks and painstaking manual work. Another topic is 19th-century festive clothing from Røros, showcased in the “Ti finpussa” exhibition.

The guided town walk starts at Rørosmuseet Smelthytta and ends with a guided tour of Røros kirke. The church has 1,600 seats. The walk therefore connects two named cultural sites in a guided format.

You can also discover the regional food culture on foot: a guided walk through Røros introduces the history of regional food and presents products and traditional dishes from the region. At Ratvolden, the birthplace of Johan Falkberget, much of the interpretation of his literary work takes place.

Mining history and landscape

At Storwartz, many monuments are marked with QR codes. The codes provide information about buildings, structures and the history of the area; they also offer a walking tour through the cultural landscape. A guided tour of Nyberget gruve and Olavsgruva presents 300 years of mining history: Nyberget gruve was in operation in the 17th century, while Olavsgruva operated in the 20th century using more modern methods.

On paths and trails in Røros, you will often pass one or more cultural monuments whose history is connected with copper mining and the World Heritage property “Røros Mining Town and the Circumference”. From the summit of Slegghaugan, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bergstaden.

In Mølmannsdalen, you can cycle past lakes and glacial gravel ridges through terrain that is easy but varied. Parts of Mølmannsdalslia consist of old-growth forest and are protected as a nature reserve. A boat takes visitors to Femundsmarka National Park, where hikers, paddlers and anglers can explore; seasonal operations may change.

Getting there and planning your trip

There are regular train connections to Røros from Oslo and Trondheim. As timetables may change, check departures for your travel dates. A boat route runs from Elgå in Hedmark to Synnervika in the municipality of Røros. Synnervika is 30 kilometres from the town of Røros. This seasonal service may also change, so check the timetable and operating days before planning your trip.

The experiences vary considerably depending on your interests: the town walk connects Rørosmuseet Smelthytta and Røros kirke, the mine tour focuses on the development of mining, and QR codes at Storwartz help you explore the cultural landscape. This lets you make town history, mining or the landscape the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Røros, Glåmos, Brekkebygd, Tydal, Oppdal, Trondheim, Meldal, Skaun.

View the overview of the wider region: Sor-Trondelag.