Discover Røros – Norway’s Fairytale Town of Wooden Houses and Winter Charm

As your personal travel guide, let me welcome you to one of Norway’s most atmospheric destinations—Røros. Nestled in the highlands of Trøndelag County, Røros is more than just a picturesque town—it’s a living museum, where cobblestone streets, timbered houses, and mining heritage meet artisanal culture and Arctic beauty.
 

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Røros is often referred to as “The City of Wooden Houses” and feels like something out of a Nordic fairy tale. Whether you’re visiting in summer for cultural festivals or winter for its magical snow-covered charm, Røros offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.

🗺️ Where Is Røros?

📍 Located in Trøndelag County, Central Norway

⛰️ Close to the Swedish border

🚆 About 2.5 hours by train from Trondheim

❄️ Elevation: ~628 meters above sea level (one of Europe’s oldest towns built in high-altitude regions)

🧭 Quick Facts About Røros

🌟 Top Attractions in Røros

1. 🏠 The Wooden Houses of Røros

Over 80 well-preserved wooden buildings line the town’s old streets

Many date back to the 1700s and 1800s

Wander through charming alleys like Kjerkgata, filled with artisan shops and cozy cafés

Admire colorful facades and turf-roofed homes

2. ⛏️ Røros Mining Town and Smeltery

The heart of Røros’ UNESCO designation

Visit the Røros Museum (Smelthytta) to explore copper mining history

See smelting ovens, tools, and exhibitions on the Røros Copper Works

Don’t miss the Mine Tour at Olavsgruva (20 minutes from town), where you can walk inside 300-year-old tunnels

3. ⛪ Røros Church ("Bergstadens Ziir")

Built in 1784 – one of Norway’s largest churches from the 1700s

Stunning baroque interior with a royal monogram and intricate woodwork

Nicknamed the “Cathedral of the Mountains”

Panoramic views of Røros from its hilltop location

4. ❄️ Winter in Røros – A Snowy Wonderland

Snow blankets the town from November to April

Cozy up in traditional timber houses with crackling fireplaces

Activities include:

Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Dog sledding and snowshoeing

Northern Lights spotting

Røros has even been featured in several Norwegian Christmas films

5. 🎭 Rørosmartnan – Norway’s Most Famous Winter Market

Held every February since 1854

Over 75,000 visitors attend annually

Features horse-drawn caravans, Sámi traders, local crafts, and festive food

A living blend of history, culture, and community

6. 🎨 Art and Handicrafts Scene

Visit Røros Tweed – iconic wool textiles made in town

Explore local pottery, glassware, woodwork, and galleries

Artisan shops are scattered throughout the center and perfect for unique souvenirs

7. 🐐 Røros Food Culture

Recognized as one of Norway’s top local food destinations

Try traditional rakfisk, reindeer meat, locally made cheeses, and bark bread

Visit Rørosmeieriet – Norway’s only organic dairy

Cafés like Trygstad Bakery or Vertshuset Røros serve local specialties

🥾 Outdoor Activities Around Røros

Summer:

🌿 Hiking trails in Femundsmarka National Park

🚣 Canoeing and fishing in nearby lakes and rivers

🚲 Cycling routes through scenic farmland and rolling hills

Winter:

❄️ Cross-country skiing on groomed trails

🛷 Dog sledding and snowmobiling experiences

🔭 Aurora Borealis spotting (ideal conditions due to minimal light pollution)

🏡 Where to Stay in Røros

🍽️ Where to Eat

Kaffestuggu – local flavors in a historic setting

Vertshuset Røros – upscale dining with reindeer and moose dishes

Peder Hiort Mathus – cozy inn with traditional fare

Røros Bakeri og Konditori – try cinnamon rolls and skillingsboller

🚗 How to Get to Røros

By Train:

🚆 Daily services from Trondheim (2.5 hours) and Hamar

Røros Station is central and easy to walk from

By Car:

🚗 From Trondheim: ~2.5–3 hours via E6

🚗 From Oslo: ~5.5 hours

Scenic drive with views of mountains and lakes

By Plane:

✈️ Røros Airport (RRS) has flights from Oslo Gardermoen

5-minute taxi ride into town

📅 Best Time to Visit

📸 Best Photo Spots in Røros

🏠 Kjerkgata – traditional wooden houses in a row

⛪ Røros Church at sunset

❄️ Røros during snowfall – like a winter postcard

⛏️ Olavsgruva mine entrance and interiors

🐴 Horse-drawn sleigh through snowy streets

🧳 What to Pack

🧥 Warm jacket (even in summer, evenings are cool)

🧤 Winter boots, gloves, thermal wear (if visiting Nov–Apr)

🎒 Daypack for hikes

📷 Camera for beautiful architecture and nature shots

🧭 Travel adapter and power bank

🧡 Why Visit Røros?

✅ UNESCO-listed heritage and well-preserved architecture

✅ Authentic Norwegian culture and Sámi influences

✅ Outdoor adventures in every season

✅ Unique shopping and artisan crafts

✅ Warm, welcoming locals and delicious traditional cuisine

✅ Easy to access, but off the typical tourist path

🎉 Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive in Røros

Explore the old town and Røros Church

Dinner at Vertshuset Røros

Day 2:

Morning tour of Røros Museum and Olavsgruva Mine

Afternoon shopping for crafts and textiles

Optional sleigh ride or dog sledding in winter

Day 3:

Day hike or ski trip in Femundsmarka or Rørosvidda

Enjoy a final coffee and treat at Trygstad Bakery

Depart by train or flight

🌍 Responsible Travel Tips

🚯 Respect heritage sites – no climbing or carving

🛒 Support local artisans and food producers

🥾 Stick to marked hiking trails

🐶 Use ethical animal tour providers (for sledding)

🌱 Recycle and minimize waste

Final Thoughts: Step Into a Norwegian Time Capsule

Røros isn’t just a town—it’s a journey back in time, a celebration of culture, and a showcase of sustainable living in harsh but beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s the creak of a wooden floorboard, the glow of a lantern in winter dusk, or the sparkle of snow under Arctic skies, Røros will capture your heart.