Røros mining city

Røros has a lot to offer and the list of attractions, museums, and things to explore is long. Nevertheless, there are a few things that are a must in this unique copper mining city from the 17th century.

Røros is one of two Norwegian towns designed for mining. The Silver-town Kongsberg is the other.

Today’s inhabitants are still living and working in the historical buildings that remains from the 17th and 18th century. This is why the city and the surroundings ended up on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1980.

The copper mines were active for 333 years — until 1977. The UNESCO site comprises the Town and its industrial-rural cultural landscapes; Femundshytta (72 km from Røros), a smelter with its associated area; and the Winter Transport Route.
Completely rebuilt after its destruction by Swedish troops in 1679, Røros contains about 2000 wooden one- and two-storey houses and a smelting house. Many of these buildings have preserved their blackened wooden façades, giving the town a medieval appearance.

Røros town

Make sure to explore city centre and all the wooden buildings by foot. The centre is small, and you should admire it slowly. Visit the church and the best viewing point; Slegghaugan. They are difficult to miss and consists of remains from the copper refinement process.

240 mines and claims are found in the Røros area, but only a few of them are open to the public. If you are on a tour on the Trans Euro Trail section 2b (TET), you will pass two of them.
In the city centre, you’ll find the smeltery, which in turned into a museum. Read all about it — and the UNESCO listing here.

Røros is located in the south of Trøndelag (Mid-Norway) and historically used by the Sami’s for reindeer herding. To get a taste of this culture as well, make sure to visit Koia restaurant. Koia is a building made in the traditional Sami way, and they serve Sami dishes by the fire in the middle of the room.