Family Adventure in the Historic Town of Røros

A Warm Welcome to Røros

After a scenic train ride from Oslo, our family finally arrived in Røros, a town that feels like stepping into a living museum. The journey itself was an adventure, watching the Norwegian landscape unfold outside our windows. Clara was especially thrilled, pointing out every grazing cow and quaint red farmhouse we passed. Now, as we settle into our cozy room at Vertshuset Røros, I'm eager to share our first impressions of this historic mining town.


Discover the charm of Vertshuset Røros, your perfect base for exploring the historic town of Røros, with cozy accommodations and local cuisine.
Our day began, of course, with breakfast at Vertshuset Røros. The spread was delightful, featuring local cheeses, freshly baked bread, and strong Norwegian coffee – just what Maximilian and I needed after our early start. Clara enjoyed her fill of waffles with jam, fueling up for a day of exploration.

Our first stop was the magnificent Røros kirke, also known as Bergstadens Ziir, which translates to The Ornament of the Mining Town. And what an ornament it is! This octagonal, whitewashed stone church dominates the Røros skyline, a testament to the town's rich history and the prosperity of the copper mines. Built in 1784, it's one of Norway's largest churches, capable of seating 1,600 people. As we approached, I was struck by its grandeur and the way it seemed to watch over the town, a silent guardian of Røros's heritage.


Discover the beauty and history of Røros Kirke, a stunning wooden church in Norway, celebrated for its architecture and serene atmosphere.
Inside, the church was even more impressive. The high ceilings and intricate woodwork spoke of a time when craftsmanship was celebrated, and attention to detail was paramount. The light streaming through the tall windows cast a warm glow on the altar, creating a serene and reverent atmosphere. Clara, usually a whirlwind of energy, was hushed by the sheer scale and beauty of the space. Maximilian, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the architectural details, pointing out the clever use of space and the structural ingenuity of the design.

Røros is a place where history isn't just remembered, it's lived and breathed in every stone and timber.

Next on our list was Hyttklokka, the old bell tower that once signaled the start and end of the workday for the miners. Located near the Røros kirke, it provided a picturesque scene, almost like a postcard. I could almost hear the echoes of the bell, calling the miners to their toil, a reminder of the hard work and dedication that built this town. Clara loved the bell and wanted to ring it. I had to explain that it was only rung once a year to signal the start of the local martnan market.


Discover Hyttklokka in Røros, a historical bell tower that showcases Norway's mining heritage amidst stunning traditional architecture.
After soaking in the historical sights, our stomachs began to rumble, leading us to Kaffestuggu for lunch. This charming restaurant is known for its traditional Norwegian fare, and we were eager to sample some local specialties. I opted for the reindeer stew, a hearty and flavorful dish that warmed me from the inside out. Maximilian chose the fish soup, declaring it the best he'd ever tasted. Clara, predictably, went for the waffles again, this time with a generous helping of cloudberry jam.


Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Kaffestuggu in Røros - where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.
The atmosphere at Kaffestuggu was cozy and inviting, with wooden tables, warm lighting, and friendly staff. It felt like stepping into someone's home, a place where you could relax and savor the simple pleasures of good food and good company. We lingered over our meal, enjoying the relaxed pace and the sense of connection to the town's history.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we ventured into Amneusgården Krambu, a delightful shop that felt like a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. From hand-knitted sweaters to wooden toys, there was something for everyone. I was particularly drawn to the intricate silver jewelry, each piece a unique work of art. Maximilian admired the handcrafted knives, while Clara was captivated by the colorful array of trolls and gnomes.


Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local artisan treasures at Amneusgården Krambu, a charming shop in the heart of Røros, Norway.
I ended up buying a beautiful Lopapeysa, an Icelandic sweater, as a reminder of my heritage. Maximilian found a beautifully crafted wooden toy for Clara, a small horse that she immediately named Hestur, Icelandic for horse of course, a nod to my Icelandic roots, which made my heart swell. The shop was filled with the scent of wool and wood, a comforting aroma that evoked a sense of nostalgia and warmth. We spent a happy hour browsing the shelves, discovering hidden gems and chatting with the friendly shopkeeper, who shared stories about the local artisans and their craft.

As the day drew to a close, we treated ourselves to dinner at Restaurant 1897, located in Bergstadens Hotel. This elegant restaurant is known for its refined cuisine and sophisticated ambiance. The menu featured a modern twist on traditional Norwegian dishes, showcasing the region's fresh, seasonal ingredients. I savored the Arctic char, a delicate fish with a subtle, smoky flavor. Maximilian indulged in the lamb shank, cooked to perfection and falling off the bone. Clara, feeling adventurous, tried the reindeer carpaccio, much to our surprise.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine in Røros at Restaurant 1897 - where local ingredients meet tradition.
The service at Restaurant 1897 was impeccable, attentive without being intrusive. The sommelier recommended a crisp white wine that paired perfectly with our meal, enhancing the flavors and elevating the dining experience. As we ate, we reflected on our first day in Røros, marveling at the town's beauty, history, and charm. It felt like we had stepped back in time, into a world where craftsmanship was valued, traditions were cherished, and the pace of life was a little slower.

As we walked back to Vertshuset Røros, the town was bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of wood smoke and wildflowers. The silence was broken only by the gentle murmur of the river and the distant chime of a church bell. I felt a sense of peace and contentment, a feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into Røros's mining history with a visit to the Rørosmuseet Olavsgruva and Smelthytta. I am excited to learn more about the industry that shaped this town and the people who dedicated their lives to it. We'll also explore some of the local shops, including Rørosrypan, in search of unique souvenirs and gifts. And of course, we'll sample more of Røros's delicious cuisine, with breakfast at Trygstad Coffee House, lunch at Peder Hiort Mathus, and dinner at Skanckebua Bar & Restaurant.

Røros has already captured our hearts, and I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow holds. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of an unforgettable family adventure.

I almost forgot to mention, before heading to bed, I checked online and found out that the Røros Folk Festival is coming up soon! It sounds like an amazing celebration of music and culture, and I am so bummed that we will be missing it. Maybe next time we can plan our visit around the festival so we can experience it too.

Until then, takk for i dag, and goodnight from Røros!