Røros

Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
05/09/2025
From Røros - Kjerkgata
Randi Hausken from Bærum, Norway, Wikimedia Commons

Røros presents a journey into Norway's rich copper mining past, preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its distinctive wooden houses and a vibrant local culture. Beyond its historical charm, the surrounding nature provides ample opportunities for diverse outdoor activities throughout the year.

While Røros is not a hub for bustling nightlife or a dedicated backpacker district, the town's charming center offers cozy eateries and local shops where visitors can engage with the local culture and other travelers. Community events, particularly the annual Christmas market and winter festivals, also provide natural gathering points.

Top 6 Things to do in Røros

Røros offers a unique blend of historical immersion, cultural exploration through its local food scene, and invigorating outdoor pursuits in its surrounding natural landscapes.

1. Stroll Through the Historic UNESCO Town

Walking through Røros feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved wooden houses and narrow streets. I find myself enchanted by the unique architecture, which whispers stories of its copper mining past. Taking time to wander reveals charming courtyards and local artisan shops. QR codes placed on many historical buildings offer fascinating insights into their origins and the town's heritage, allowing for an enriching self-guided exploration. Alternatively, guided walking tours provide deeper narratives from local experts.

Cost: Free for self-guided exploration. Guided walking tours are available, with prices varying based on the provider and duration. Rørosmuseet offers guided town tours, and prices for these are typically available upon request, often starting from approximately NOK 100-150 per person for a shorter tour, or as part of a package.

Transport: The town center is compact and easily explored on foot. All major historical sites and shops are within comfortable walking distance.

2. Descend into Olav's Mine

Embarking on a guided tour into Olav's Mine offers a truly immersive journey into Røros's 300-year mining history. I experienced the shift from the 17th-century Nyberget mine to the 20th-century Olav's Mine, descending 50 meters below ground and venturing 500 meters into the mountain. Sound and light effects bring the miners' challenging daily life vividly to light, culminating in the impressive Bergmannshallen. It's essential to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the mine maintains a cool 5 degrees Celsius year-round.

Cost: Adult tickets are approximately NOK 220 (2025 prices). Children under 16 are granted free access when accompanied by an adult, excluding group bookings. For groups, a minimum price of NOK 2,500 applies.

Transport: Olav's Mine is located about 13 km northeast of Røros center. There is no commercial public transport directly to the mine, so visitors must arrange their own transportation. Taxis are an option, with Røros Taxi offering a fixed-rate fare.

3. Visit Røros Church (Bergstadens Ziir)

Standing majestically over the town's wooden houses, Røros Church, also known as 'Bergstadens Ziir' (The Pride of the Mining Town), is an impressive stone structure completed in 1784. Its sheer size, with seating for 1,600, speaks to the prosperity of the copper works during its golden age. Exploring its grand interior, I learned about its unique architectural features and its pivotal role in the community. Guided tours offer a deeper appreciation of its history and cultural significance.

Cost: A guided tour typically costs from NOK 100 for adults. While visitors can enter independently during opening hours, the guided tour enhances the experience significantly. Check local schedules as church services take precedence.

Transport: The church is conveniently located within Røros town center, a short 5-10 minute walk from the main square along Kjerkgata.

4. Savor Local Cuisine on a Food Safari

Røros is celebrated as a hub for locally produced food in Norway, and I truly enjoyed discovering its culinary treasures. The local food safari offers an excellent way to experience this, guiding me through the charming streets and providing insights into the region's unique culinary history. I tasted traditional specialties such as `pjalt` (a type of flat pastry), `lemse` cakes, organic dairy products, and dishes featuring local game like reindeer. These flavors reflect the barren landscape and cool mountain temperatures that allow food to develop a distinctive taste.

Cost: Prices for a guided local food safari are available upon request from providers like Røroshotellene. Dining in Røros's many cozy restaurants offers varying costs depending on the establishment and choice of dishes.

Transport: Most eateries and meeting points for food safaris are centrally located within the walkable town center.

5. Experience Dog Sledding

Driving a team of huskies through Røros's pristine winter landscape is an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure. I felt the powerful connection with the dogs as they eagerly pulled the sled, gliding silently across snow-covered plains. Even outside of winter, some operators offer cart tours, allowing for a similar husky experience. Various tour durations are available, from short coffee tours to longer expeditions, often including a stop for a warm drink or lunch by a bonfire in the wilderness.

Cost: Prices vary depending on the tour length and provider. For a 1-2 hour sled tour, expect to pay approximately NOK 1,500 - 2,500 per person. Longer tours (3-4 hours) can range from NOK 3,000. Summer cart tours are around NOK 1,200 for 1 hour.

Transport: Dog sledding kennels are typically located a short drive from Røros center. Providers like Kennel Dølanvollen are about a 10-minute drive, and Røros Taxi offers fixed rates. Some operators, such as Husky Point Røros, offer pickup services for an additional fee (e.g., NOK 300 per person).

6. Cross-Country Skiing or Hiking

Røros's natural surroundings offer abundant opportunities for outdoor activity throughout the year. In winter, I enjoyed the extensive network of well-groomed cross-country ski trails, suitable for all skill levels, that stretch across the beautiful, snow-covered mountain plateaus. During the warmer months, the landscape transforms, inviting exploration through hiking. I've traversed trails in Femundsmarka National Park, discovering lush forests, serene lakes, and stunning viewpoints. Shorter, family-friendly trails closer to town, such as those around Slegghaugan, also provide rewarding experiences.

Cost: Self-guided skiing or hiking is free if you have your own equipment. Cross-country ski rentals are available from Røros Guide, typically including skis, boots, and poles (prices vary, inquire locally). Guided hiking tours are also available from various operators, with a 6-hour guided hike costing approximately $83 (around NOK 900) per person.

Transport: Many cross-country ski trails are accessible directly from the edge of Røros, and equipment rental services like Røros Guide are centrally located. Hiking trails vary; some are within walking distance of the town, while others, particularly those in national parks, require a short drive.

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