17.1 Introduction
Røros offers a completely different side of Norway.
While the country's most famous destinations are often associated with fjords, dramatic coastlines and high mountains, Røros is a story of copper mining, wooden architecture, harsh winters, traditional farming and life on a remote mountain plateau.
The historic mining town was established around the copper industry in the seventeenth century and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. In 2010, the World Heritage property was extended to include the wider Circumference, incorporating important mining and cultural landscapes, Femundshytta and the historic Winter Transport Route.
Beyond the town, the surrounding region leads into vast mountain and wilderness areas, including Femundsmarka National Park, making Røros an excellent combination of culture and nature.
17.2 Røros at a Glance
Region: Trøndelag/Central Norway. Main attraction: Røros Mining Town. UNESCO status: World Heritage since 1980. Mining history: copper mining from the 1600s to 1977. Main museum: Røros Museum Smelthytta. Historic mine: Olav's Mine. Major nature area: Femundsmarka National Park. Major lake: Femunden. Nearby wilderness: Femundsmarka, Forollhogna and surrounding mountain areas. Famous event: Rørosmartnan. Best for: history, architecture, winter, hiking, food and wilderness.
17.3 Røros Mining Town
Røros began developing as a mining community after copper ore was discovered in the surrounding mountains in the seventeenth century.
The first smelting works were established in 1646, and the mining industry shaped almost every aspect of life in the region. The town grew around the copper works, with homes, workshops, barns and agricultural areas developing alongside the industrial landscape.
Today, Røros is one of Europe's remarkable historic wooden towns.
Its significance is not simply that old buildings survive. The town demonstrates how an entire community adapted to: a cold mountain climate, limited agricultural resources, copper mining, long-distance transportation, winter conditions, traditional farming, industrial production.
UNESCO describes the wider World Heritage property as an exceptional example of how mining, transport and settlement developed in response to a remote and demanding natural environment.
17.4 Walking Through the Old Town
The best introduction to Røros is simply to walk.
The historic streets contain wooden houses, workshops, small businesses, cafés and restaurants.
Unlike an open-air museum where buildings have been preserved only for visitors, Røros remains a living town. People continue to live and work in many of the historic buildings.
Look for: traditional wooden houses, old farm buildings, narrow streets, workshops, historic courtyards, small shops, traditional cafés, Røros Church, mining-related buildings, views towards the surrounding plateau.
Suggested walking route: Røros Station → Town Centre → Røros Church → Sleggveien → Smelthytta → Malmplassen → Old Mining Area.
Allow approximately half a day if you want time for photographs, museums and cafés.
17.5 Røros Church
One of the most recognisable landmarks in the town is Røros Church, which dominates the historic centre.
The church is closely connected with the mining community and provides an important cultural contrast to the surrounding wooden houses.
A guided Røros town tour includes the church as part of the historical experience. Røros Museum offers guided tours in Norwegian and English on a seasonal schedule.
Tip: check opening times before visiting, particularly outside the main summer season.
17.6 Røros Museum — Smelthytta
Smelthytta is one of the most important places for understanding Røros.
The museum's main building stands on the site of the town's last smelting works, which burned in 1975. Its exhibitions explain the history of Røros Copper Works, mining, smelting, local clothing and the World Heritage site.
Key exhibitions: the Copper Works, mining technology, smelting methods, historical clothing, Røros cultural history, UNESCO World Heritage information.
Audioguides are available in several languages, including English.
For a first-time visitor, Smelthytta is one of the most useful stops because it provides historical context before you explore the wider town and mining landscape.
17.7 Olav's Mine
For a deeper look at the mining story, travel approximately 13 km east of Røros to Olav's Mine.
The mine is one of the Røros Museum's visitor sites and offers guided experiences focused on the mining history of the region.
A visit to Olav's Mine helps explain what the mining industry looked like beyond the attractive streets of the town.
Combine: Røros Old Town + Smelthytta + Olav's Mine. This creates a much more complete understanding of the World Heritage story.
17.8 The Circumference
The World Heritage designation extends beyond the historic town.
The Circumference refers to the historic area granted to the Røros Copper Works by the Danish-Norwegian Crown in 1646.
It contains: the mining town, mining landscapes, agricultural landscapes, industrial remains, Femundshytta, historic transportation routes.
The World Heritage property covers a large cultural landscape rather than just a collection of buildings in the town centre.
This distinction is important for travellers: Røros is not only a town to photograph — it is a landscape shaped by centuries of mining and transport.
17.9 Femundshytta
Femundshytta is part of the wider Røros World Heritage property.
It represents the remains of a historic smelting and industrial landscape associated with the copper works.
UNESCO identifies Femundshytta as one of the components of the World Heritage property, alongside the mining town and Winter Transport Route.
The site demonstrates how copper production depended not only on mines but also on forests, water, transportation and settlements.
17.10 The Winter Transport Route
Before modern roads and railways, winter was not simply an obstacle in this region — it could actually make transportation possible.
Frozen lakes, rivers and snow-covered landscapes were used as part of the historic transport system associated with the mining industry.
UNESCO describes the Winter Transport Route as a network of lakes, rivers and waterways used between approximately November and May.
This is a fascinating part of the Røros story because it shows how people adapted transportation to the climate.
17.11 Rørosmartnan
One of the most famous events in Røros is Rørosmartnan, the traditional market festival.
The event has roots going back to 1854 and remains a major winter gathering.
Rørosmartnan 2027 is scheduled for 16–20 February 2027 (Tuesday to Saturday), with market activity across central Røros.
The organisers describe the event as attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
What to expect, depending on the programme: traditional market stalls, local food, crafts, clothing, cultural performances, horse-drawn transport, winter atmosphere, traditional Norwegian products, restaurants and cafés, outdoor activities.
Travel tip: accommodation can sell out during Rørosmartnan, so book accommodation and transport well in advance.
17.12 Winter in Røros
Røros is particularly distinctive in winter.
Snow-covered wooden buildings, frozen landscapes and very cold mountain air create an atmosphere unlike coastal Norway.
Winter activities in the wider region include: cross-country skiing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, winter hiking, stargazing, photography, local food experiences.
The region promotes winter activities ranging from skiing to dog sledding and horse-and-sleigh experiences.
Winter packing: thermal base layers, insulated jacket, warm trousers, wool socks, gloves, hat, winter boots, neck warmer, hand warmers, camera batteries kept warm.
Røros can be substantially colder than many coastal Norwegian destinations.
17.13 Stargazing
The combination of low light pollution, open landscapes and winter darkness can make the Røros region attractive for stargazing.
Local tourism information specifically promotes stargazing experiences around the region.
Unlike northern Norway, Røros should not be marketed as a guaranteed Northern Lights destination. However, during periods of darkness and suitable solar and weather conditions, aurora may occasionally be visible.
Røros can offer dark skies and occasional Northern Lights, but sightings are never guaranteed.
17.14 Femundsmarka National Park
From Røros, the landscape gradually changes from historic mining country to extensive wilderness.
Femundsmarka National Park is one of Southern Scandinavia's major continuous wilderness areas.
The landscape contains: pine forests, boulders, lakes, rivers, mountain plateaus, fishing waters, hiking routes, canoeing opportunities, wildlife habitat.
The park is particularly known for hiking, fishing and canoeing.
17.15 Lake Femunden
Femunden is one of Norway's largest lakes and forms the geographical heart of the region.
For visitors, the lake provides access to: boat trips, fishing, canoeing, hiking, photography, wilderness travel.
Current tourism information identifies Femund II as one of the ways to access the area by boat, with connections including the northern end of Femunden at Synnervika.
Schedules are seasonal, so check the current timetable before planning a boat-based itinerary.
17.16 Canoeing in Femundsmarka
Femundsmarka is especially attractive to travellers who enjoy multi-day canoe trips.
An interconnected system of lakes and waterways allows experienced paddlers to travel deeper into the wilderness.
The area around Røa, Reva, Revsjøen, Styggsjøen offers opportunities for paddling.
Who is it for? Canoeing is best suited to travellers who are comfortable with remote areas, variable weather, carrying equipment, navigation, self-sufficient camping.
For beginners, a shorter guided or organised experience is more appropriate.
17.17 Fishing in Femundsmarka
The lakes and rivers contain several fish species, including: trout, perch, grayling, whitefish, pike, burbot.
Fishing is an important part of the region's outdoor culture.
Before fishing, visitors should check current rules regarding: fishing licences, protected waters, seasonal restrictions, minimum sizes, equipment, local regulations.
Never assume that a fishing licence from another Norwegian region is valid everywhere.
17.18 Hiking
Femundsmarka offers hiking opportunities ranging from short walks to multi-day wilderness journeys.
The landscape is not dominated by dramatic vertical peaks. Instead, its character comes from forest + lakes + rocks + open mountain terrain + silence.
This makes it a useful contrast with destinations such as Trolltunga, Besseggen and Preikestolen.
Hiking essentials: map, navigation device, water, food, waterproof layer, warm clothing, first-aid supplies, charged phone, power bank.
In remote terrain, mobile coverage cannot be assumed everywhere.
17.19 Mountain Peaks Around Femundsmarka
Although the region is known more for wilderness than extreme summits, several mountains provide excellent viewpoints.
Important peaks include: Storvigelen — 1,561 m, Store Svuku — 1,415 m, Grøthogna — 1,401 m, Elgåhogna — 1,460 m.
Storvigelen is the highest mountain in the national park area.
These mountains provide broad views across the lake and forest landscape.
17.20 Elgå and the Southern Entrance
Elgå is an important gateway to the southern side of Femundsmarka.
It provides access to: Femunden, hiking, fishing, wilderness excursions, Southern Sami cultural experiences.
The area is also connected to the history and cultural landscape surrounding the lake and national park.
For travellers wanting to spend several days in nature rather than simply visiting Røros, Elgå can be a useful base.
17.21 Southern Sami Heritage
The Røros region also has a strong Southern Sami cultural history.
The landscape has long been used for reindeer herding and traditional livelihoods.
The Røros Museum has professional responsibility for Southern Sami cultural history as part of its wider heritage work.
Visitors should approach Sami culture respectfully and avoid treating cultural traditions simply as entertainment.
Where possible, choose experiences presented by Sami people or organisations with genuine local connections.
17.22 Local Food
Røros has developed a strong reputation for local food.
Traditional mountain agriculture and the region's distinctive climate have influenced local cuisine.
Look for: local dairy products, cheese, traditional cured meats, lamb, reindeer products, breads, berries, cloudberries, traditional Norwegian desserts, seasonal vegetables.
Femundsmarka is also associated with cloudberries, known locally as a valuable "mountain gold" of the autumn season.
17.23 Røros as a Family Destination
Røros works particularly well for families because the trip does not depend entirely on demanding hiking.
Family-friendly options include: walking the historic town, Røros Museum, Doktortjønna during its seasonal opening, winter sledding, horse and sleigh experiences, dog sledding, short nature walks, cafés and local food, easy cycling.
The Røros Museum identifies Doktortjønna, a short walk from the town centre, as a family-friendly outdoor area during its summer season.
17.24 2-Day Røros Itinerary
Day 1 — UNESCO Røros: Morning — arrive in Røros, walk through historic centre, Røros Church, traditional wooden streets. Afternoon — visit Smelthytta, World Heritage exhibitions. Evening — enjoy a local dinner and photograph the old town around sunset.
Day 2 — Mining & Nature: Morning — visit Olav's Mine. Afternoon — choose one: short hiking route, local food experience, Femundsmarka excursion, cultural activity. Evening — depart by train or stay another night.
17.25 3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Røros historic centre + Røros Church + Smelthytta.
- Day 2: Olav's Mine + surrounding mining landscape + local food.
- Day 3: Femunden/Femundsmarka excursion.
This is a good balance between history + culture + nature.
17.26 5-Day Røros & Femundsmarka Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Røros.
- Day 2: Historic town + Smelthytta + guided walking tour.
- Day 3: Olav's Mine + mining landscape.
- Day 4: Femunden + canoeing or boat excursion.
- Day 5: Hiking in Femundsmarka or continue towards Trondheim/Østerdalen.
For travellers who prefer wilderness, reduce the town sightseeing and spend additional nights around Femunden.
17.27 Oslo to Røros
Røros is approximately 400 km from Oslo by road, according to the Rørosmartnan organisation.
A road trip can be planned through: Oslo → Elverum → Tynset → Røros.
The railway provides another option for travellers who prefer not to drive.
Road trip tip: the route can be combined with other destinations in eastern and central Norway, making Røros particularly suitable for a multi-region itinerary.
17.28 Trondheim to Røros
Røros is approximately 160 km from Trondheim by road, according to the Rørosmartnan organisation.
This makes it possible to combine Trondheim + Røros within a relatively compact itinerary.
Possible sequence: Trondheim → Røros → Femundsmarka, or Oslo → Lillehammer → Dovrefjell → Trondheim → Røros.
17.29 Røros by Train
Røros has railway connections that make it possible to visit without a car.
This is particularly useful because the town itself is compact and many central attractions can be reached on foot.
Check current rail schedules and ticket prices (vy.no, entur.no) before departure.
17.30 Best Seasons
Winter — best for: snow-covered Røros, Rørosmartnan, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, stargazing, winter photography.
Spring — a quieter transition season, but mountain conditions can remain wintry.
Summer — best for: hiking, canoeing, fishing, cycling, mining attractions, long days.
Autumn — excellent for: autumn colours, hiking, photography, cloudberries, quiet wilderness experiences.
17.31 Photography Guide
- Historic town — photograph: wooden façades, church, narrow streets, old barns, chimneys, snow-covered rooftops.
- Nature — photograph: Femunden, pine forests, mountain reflections, autumn colours, winter landscapes, fog, sunset.
- Winter: keep spare batteries warm because cold temperatures can reduce battery performance.
17.32 Accommodation Strategy
For culture — stay in central Røros. This allows you to walk to many attractions.
For wilderness — stay closer to Femunden/Elgå. This reduces travel time for hiking, fishing and canoeing.
For a road trip, consider Røros → Femundsmarka → Østerdalen as a multi-stop route rather than returning to the same accommodation every night.
17.33 Budget Planning
Budget Traveller — train/bus, simple accommodation, walking tour, self-guided outdoor activities, supermarket meals.
Mid-Range Traveller — central hotel, museum visits, restaurant meals, guided mine or town tour, outdoor excursion.
Premium Traveller — historic or boutique accommodation, private guide, guided wilderness experience, specialised food experiences, multi-day canoe or nature expedition.
Museum and activity prices change, so check current booking information before you go.
17.35 Suggested Routes
- Main route: Trondheim → Røros → Femunden → Elgå.
- Second route: Oslo → Elverum → Tynset → Røros.
- Key places: the Røros UNESCO World Heritage area, Olav's Mine, Femundsmarka National Park, Femunden and Elgå.
17.37 Responsible Travel
Røros and Femundsmarka contain both cultural and natural heritage that requires care.
Visitors should: respect historic buildings, avoid entering private property, follow marked routes where appropriate, leave no rubbish, avoid damaging vegetation, respect wildlife, follow fishing regulations, avoid unnecessary noise, keep dogs controlled where required, follow national park regulations.
Femundsmarka specifically asks visitors to treat the area as guests of nature and to avoid damaging old trees, which are important habitats.
17.38 Accessibility
The compact historic centre makes it possible to experience some of Røros without long-distance travel.
However, historic streets, snow and uneven surfaces can create challenges.
Travellers with accessibility requirements should check: accommodation access, museum access, winter street conditions, transport arrangements, guided-tour accessibility before booking.
17.39 Check Before You Go
Check: Røros Museum opening hours, Olav's Mine tour schedule, Røros Church opening times, railway timetable, road conditions, Rørosmartnan dates, accommodation availability, Femund II boat timetable, fishing licences, national park regulations, hiking conditions, weather forecast, winter activity availability, and current museum and tour prices.
Confirmed event: Rørosmartnan is scheduled for 16–20 February 2027.
17.40 Quick Reference
Destination: Røros. Region: Central Norway. UNESCO: Røros Mining Town and the Circumference. UNESCO inscription: 1980. Mining history: copper industry from the 1600s until 1977. Main museum: Smelthytta. Historic mine: Olav's Mine. Major nature area: Femundsmarka National Park. Main lake: Femunden. Major winter event: Rørosmartnan. Best for: history, architecture, food, winter, hiking and wilderness. Ideal stay: 2–5 days.
17.41 Final Takeaway
Røros demonstrates that Norway's travel story is much bigger than fjords and famous mountain viewpoints.
Here, the landscape tells the story of people who built a community around copper mining, adapted to extreme winters and developed transportation systems across a remote mountain region.
A few kilometres beyond the historic wooden streets, the landscape changes again into forests, lakes and wilderness.
That combination makes Røros and Femundsmarka particularly valuable in a Norway itinerary: UNESCO heritage + mining history + traditional culture + winter landscapes + wilderness.
For travellers moving between Oslo and Trondheim, Røros can become much more than a stopover. It can be a dedicated cultural and nature destination.