Røros, Norway Travel Guide

Discover Røros, Norway's historic mining town, where heritage, nature, and culinary delights create an unforgettable travel experience.

Nestled in the heart of Norway, Røros is a UNESCO World Heritage site that exudes old-world charm. Known for its well-preserved wooden buildings, this quaint town offers a glimpse into 17th-century mining life. Wander through narrow streets lined with colorful houses, each telling its own story of the town's rich history. The iconic Røros Church, also known as Bergstadens Ziir, stands as a testament to the town's prosperous past. Its towering spire and intricate interior make it a must-visit landmark. Røros is not just about history; it’s also a haven for nature lovers. Surrounded by vast wilderness, the town offers numerous outdoor activities. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and dog sledding, while summer visitors can explore the scenic hiking trails. The nearby Femundsmarka National Park is perfect for those who love to fish, canoe, or simply soak in the serene beauty of untouched landscapes. Culinary delights await you in Røros as well. The town is famous for its local produce and traditional Norwegian dishes. Don’t miss the chance to try Røros butter and cheese, which are renowned for their quality and taste. The annual Rørosmartnan, a traditional winter market, is a vibrant event where you can experience local culture, music, and crafts.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Røros.

Visit during Rørosmartnan in February to experience the town's traditional winter market.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the town's cobblestone streets can be uneven.
Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Try local dishes like Røros butter and cheese for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore nearby Femundsmarka National Park for outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.

Explore Røros: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Røros

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Rørosmuseet Smelthytta

Discover the rich mining heritage of Røros at the Rørosmuseet Smelthytta, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Norway's historical charm.

4.5

Rørosmuseet Olavsgruva

Explore Norway's mining legacy at Rørosmuseet Olavsgruva, a historical museum in Glåmos showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

4.6

Rørosmartnan

Discover the vibrant Rørosmartnan festival in Røros, Norway, a celebration of culture, crafts, and culinary delights amidst historic charm.

4.6

Kongens Gruve

Explore Kongens Gruve, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Røros, showcasing Norway's rich mining history and captivating museum exhibits.

4.2

Best landmarks in Røros

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Rørosmuseet Smelthytta

Explore the rich history of copper mining at Rørosmuseet Smelthytta, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Norway's cultural heritage.

4.5

Røros kirke

Discover the beauty and history of Røros Kirke, a stunning wooden church in Norway, celebrated for its architecture and serene atmosphere.

4.6

Rørosmartnan

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rørosmartnan, a historic market festival celebrating local crafts, culture, and cuisine in beautiful Røros, Norway.

4.6

Kvitsanden landskapsvernområde

Discover the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Kvitsanden Landscape Reserve, a must-visit national park in Røros, Norway.

4.7

Best restaurants in Røros

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Røros Hotell

Experience luxury and heritage at Røros Hotell - your gateway to Norway's scenic beauty and rich culture.

4.2

Kaffestuggu

Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Kaffestuggu in Røros - where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.

4.2

Bergstadens Hotel

Discover the charm of Røros at Bergstadens Hotel - where comfort meets cultural heritage amidst breathtaking landscapes.

4.0

Trygstad bakery and confectionery

Experience authentic Norwegian pastries at Trygstad Bakery & Confectionery in historic Røros – a treat for every traveler!

4.6

Best bars in Røros

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Røros Hotell

Experience the perfect blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and local flavors at Røros Hotell, a serene retreat in Norway's historic town.

4.2

Kaffestuggu

Discover the flavors of Norway at Kaffestuggu, Røros' charming restaurant known for its local ingredients and cozy atmosphere.

4.2

Bergstadens Hotel

Discover the charm of Røros at Bergstadens Hotel, where traditional Norwegian cuisine meets cozy accommodations.

4.0

Trollkroa

Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine in a cozy setting at Trollkroa, a must-visit restaurant in Østerdalen for every traveler.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Røros

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Røros Hotell

Experience the charm of Røros at Røros Hotell, where comfort meets nature in a historic setting.

4.2

Bergstadens Hotel

Experience the charm of Røros at Bergstadens Hotel, a perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort in a UNESCO-listed town.

4.0

Trygstad bakery and confectionery

Discover the sweet essence of Røros at Trygstad Bakery, where traditional Norwegian pastries and cakes await every visitor.

4.6

Peder Hiort Mathus

Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Peder Hiort Mathus, a cozy restaurant in Røros, perfect for tourists seeking local flavors.

3.7

Best shops in Røros

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Domus Shopping Roros

Explore the heart of Røros shopping at Domus Shopping Mall, where local charm meets modern retail in a delightful atmosphere.

4.0

KIWI Røros

Discover the local flavors of Røros at KIWI Røros, your go-to grocery store for fresh produce and Norwegian specialties.

4.2

G-Sport Røros - Røros Sport

Explore the great outdoors of Røros with quality gear from G-Sport Røros, your trusted sporting goods destination in Norway.

4.4

Lysgaard Ceramics

Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Lysgaard Ceramics in Røros, where tradition meets artistry in stunning handmade pottery.

4.6

Explore Røros on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Røros, mapped for you.

Røros Essentials

Røros is located in the Trøndelag region of Norway. The nearest international airport is Trondheim Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Trondheim, you can take a train directly to Røros, which takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Trondheim to Røros, which takes around 2 hours. There are also bus services available from various parts of Norway.
Røros is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Biking is also popular and bikes can be rented locally. For longer trips, local taxis are available. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby areas. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding countryside.
The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Røros for your convenience.
Røros is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Røros.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Røros. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress warmly, especially during winter, as temperatures can be very cold. Layering is key. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Although Norway is largely secular, showing respect in religious and historic sites is appreciated. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hei' (Hi) or 'God dag' (Good day). A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like Røros butter and flatbread. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Røros like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Norwegian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Røros Church and the Olavsgruva mine for a glimpse into the area's mining history. For a unique experience, attend the Rørosmartnan, an annual market event held in February.

When is the best time to visit Røros?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Røros

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Røros. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHei
  [hay]
- GoodbyeHa det bra
  [ha deh bra]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNei
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVær så snill
  [ver so snill]
- Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [oon-skyld]
- How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har doo deh]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [bra oh doo]
- Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [snah-ker doo eng-elsk]
- I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yay for-stor eek-keh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, takk
  [yay veal year-neh seh men-yen tahk]
- I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [yay spee-ser eek-keh shyoot]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, takk
  [yay veal year-neh beh-tah-leh tahk]
- Help!Hjelp!
  [yelp]
- Go away!Gå bort!
  [goh bohrt]
- Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [ring poh-lee-tee-eh]
- Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [ring en lay-geh]
- I'm lostJeg er mistet
  [yay air mees-tet]
- I'm illJeg er syk
  [yay air seek]
- I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...
  [yay veal shoop-eh]
- I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [yay bah-reh sair]
- How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [vor myeh kost-er deh]
- That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh air for deert]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [kahn doo sen-keh prees-en]
- What time is it?Hva er klokka?
  [vah air klok-ah]
- It's one o'clockKlokken er ett
  [klok-ken air eht]
- Half past (10)Halv ti
  [halv tee]
- MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
- AfternoonEttermiddag
  [et-ter-mee-dag]
- EveningKveld
  [kveld]
- YesterdayI går
  [ee gor]
- TodayI dag
  [ee dahg]
- TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mohr-gen]
- 1En
  [en]
- 2To
  [too]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Fire
  [feer-eh]
- 5Fem
  [fem]
- 6Seks
  [seks]
- 7Syv
  [siv]
- 8Åtte
  [oh-teh]
- 9Ni
  [nee]
- 10Ti
  [tee]
- Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...?
  [vor air en/et]
- What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [vah air ah-dress-en]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [kahn doo vee-seh may (poh kart-et)]
- When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [norr gor nest-eh (booss)]
- A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)
  [en bee-let (teel)]

History of Røros

Røros was established as a mining town in 1644 following the discovery of copper ore by a farmer named Hans Aasen. The town quickly grew around the mining industry, which became the backbone of the local economy.
In 1678, a devastating fire swept through Røros, destroying almost the entire town. The residents rebuilt Røros, and the new buildings were designed with fire prevention in mind, using more stone and brick instead of wood.
In 1980, Røros was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved wooden buildings and its unique cultural landscape shaped by centuries of mining activities. The town is an outstanding example of how the community adapted to harsh climatic conditions to create a thriving mining settlement.
Rørosmartnan, an annual winter fair held in Røros since 1854, attracts thousands of visitors every February. The fair showcases traditional Sami culture, local crafts, and regional food, preserving and promoting the town's rich cultural heritage.
The Røros Mining Museum offers a deep dive into the history of mining in the region, featuring exhibits on the techniques and tools used over the centuries. Visitors can also tour Olavsgruva, a historic mine where they can experience the conditions miners worked in and see the impressive underground chambers.
Røros is renowned for its traditional wooden architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Efforts to preserve these structures have maintained the town's historic charm, making it a living museum of Norwegian heritage.
The indigenous Sami people have played a crucial role in the history of Røros, particularly in reindeer herding and trade. Their presence is still felt today, with many cultural events and festivals celebrating Sami traditions and contributions to the region.
Røros Church, also known as the Stone Church, was completed in 1784 and is one of the largest wooden churches in Norway. Its striking architecture and historical significance make it a key landmark in the town's cultural landscape.
During World War II, Røros was occupied by German forces. The town served as a strategic location due to its railway connections, which were crucial for transporting resources. The war left its mark on the town, with several memorials commemorating those who suffered and resisted during the occupation.