Røros Norway

Last Updated on 26 August 2025 by Johan

Røros is a historic mining town situated in the highlands of Trøndelag County in central Norway, near the border with Sweden. The town lies at an elevation of approximately 628 meters above sea level, making it one of the coldest inhabited places in the country. The name “Røros” is believed to derive from the old farm name “Røraas,” which refers to the confluence of the Røa and Hitterelva rivers.

Historical Background

Copper ore was discovered in the Røros mountains in 1644, and by 1645 the first smelting furnace was built near a waterfall on the Hitterelva river. This marked the beginning of over 330 years of mining activity, during which more than 100,000 tons of copper and 525,000 tons of sulphur pyrite were extracted. The mining industry transformed the landscape and shaped the town’s development.

Røros became one of Norway’s most important mining communities. Workers arrived from across the country, and the town grew around the copper foundry. Despite the harsh climate, the community thrived, combining mining with traditional farming. The town’s layout, with its grid-like street pattern and enclosed courtyards, has remained largely unchanged since the 17th century.

In 1980, Røros was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List due to its well-preserved wooden architecture and cultural landscape.

Cultural and Architectural Heritage

Historic Town Center

The heart of Røros features timber houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of which retain their original façades and structures. Behind the main buildings are courtyards surrounded by stables, storage sheds, and open hearth houses. These buildings were initially unpainted and constructed with simple floor plans. From the mid-1700s, they began to take on the distinctive appearance associated with Røros architecture today.

Local tip: Visit the courtyards along Kjerkgata, the main street, to see traditional craftsmanship and small local shops selling handmade goods.

Røros Church

The original church was a modest timber structure built shortly after the furnace opened. In 1780, construction began on a new stone church, which was completed in 1784. The church seats 1,600 people and remains one of the largest in Norway. Its prominent location and elegant design make it a central landmark.

Local tip: Attend a concert or guided tour inside the church to experience its acoustics and historical significance.

Mining Sites and Industrial Heritage

Olavsgruva and Nyberget Mines

Located outside the town center, the Olavsgruva (opened in 1936) and Nyberget (opened in 1650) mines offer guided tours deep into the mountain. At Olavsgruva, visitors can explore the Bergmanns Hall, a large underground chamber used for concerts and events.

Local tip: Dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes—the temperature underground remains low year-round.

The Furnace Museum

The main building of the Røros Museum is a reconstruction of the 1888 furnace, showcasing mining technology and the history of the Røros Kobberverk company. Exhibits include tools, machinery, and multimedia presentations.

Local tip: Combine your museum visit with a walk along the Sleggja, the black slag heaps that dominate the landscape near the furnace.

Natural Environment and Climate

The mining industry had a profound impact on the local environment. Over 25 years, the surrounding forest was cleared to provide fuel for the smelting ovens. Today, the area is slowly regenerating, and conservation efforts are underway.

Røros is known for its extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -50.4°C. Despite this, the town remains vibrant year-round, with seasonal festivals and outdoor activities.

Local tip: Visit in winter for the Rørosmartnan, a traditional market held every February, featuring horse-drawn sleds, folk costumes, and regional food.

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