Discover Røros: Mining History and Wooden Architecture

Røros combines a long mining history with wooden architecture that continues to shape the town today. When planning your stay, it is worth getting to know the different sides of this mining town: historic streets and museums, guided tours, insights into local food culture, and nature in the surrounding area. Train connections may also play a role in your journey.

Mining Town, Wooden Architecture and World Heritage

Founded in 1646, the mining town is built entirely of wood. Its street plan, laid out in the 17th century, and its well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries formed the basis for its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Røros is also part of a cultural landscape that illustrates how mining, transport and ways of life adapted to the high plateaus, cold climate, remote location without roads, and limited opportunities for forestry and agriculture.

A closer look at individual sites adds to this overview: the houses on Sleggveien were traditionally restored by craftspeople from the Røros Museum. Slegghaugan and the area around Malmplassen are jointly protected under Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act. From the summit of Slegghaugan, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mining town.

Experience Mining History Up Close

At Røros Museum Smelthytta, moving models illustrate the history of the Røros Copper Works and the workings of mines and smelters. The admission price includes an audio guide in Norwegian, English, German and French. This means you can also explore the museum with information in German.

In the area around Røros, a one-hour guided walk through Olavsgruva and Nyberget mine takes you into 300 years of mining history. Nyberget was in operation in the 17th century; more modern methods were used at Olavsgruva in the 20th century. The route descends 50 metres and continues 500 metres underground to the miners’ hall. The temperature there remains 4°C year-round—a useful detail when planning your time and preparing for the visit.

If you would like to explore the mining town on foot, consider the guided Bergstadvandring tour: it starts at Smelthytta on Malmplassen and ends with a guided tour of Røros Church. Groups can book the Bergstadvandring and historical walks year-round at a time that suits them.

Museums and Family Activities

The Fjell-Ljom Press Museum opens by request; group tours are available by advance booking through the Røros Museum. The museum houses Northern Europe’s only completely preserved letterpress printing works. Another way to discover the past through a guided experience is Røroshistorien for barn. The tour explains the history of Røros to children, including the work of the miners and copper production at the smelter. In summer, it takes place daily at Malmplassen, on Slegghaugen and in the Smelthytta exhibitions.

Local Food Culture and Products

The guided Lokalmatsafari focuses on the history of food in Røros and the origins of some well-known local products and dishes. It ends at Kaffestuggu with a tasting: the plate brings together older and modern food traditions. Kaffestuggu is one of the oldest inns in Røros. For a different perspective on production, visit Rørosmeieriet: on a tour, visitors can see, taste and hear how the products are made.

Nature Nearby and Getting Here

The Sølendet Nature Reserve in the surrounding area covers 3,064 daa and is one of Norway’s largest continuous areas of nutrient-rich calcareous fens. About 270 vascular plant species have been recorded there, including 12 orchid species and at least as many orchid hybrids. These figures offer a reason in their own right to include the surrounding natural landscape in your travel plans, alongside the cultural heritage.

Røros railway station is on the Røros Line, with train connections towards Trondheim S, Oslo S and Hamar. Check current departures separately when planning your journey. Discover more destinations: Brekkebygd, Glåmos.

Return to the main travel overview: Røros.