Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Norway, Røros is a hidden gem that beckons travellers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm, welcoming community. As a female solo traveller returning to this UNESCO World Heritage town – my first visit inspired by the heartwarming Netflix series Home for Christmas and the second because I fell in love with its romantic lifestyle – I can guarantee that Røros is the quintessential winter retreat.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of two days in this charming mining town, focusing on the unforgettable dog sledging experience with Arne at Kennel Dølanvollen Dogsledding Røros.
Getting to Røros: your journey to Norway’s winter gem
Røros is accessible by train and air, offering scenic journeys that set the tone for your adventure.
First visit: a day trip from Trondheim
As mentioned in a previous post detailing my 47-day itinerary in Norway, I embarked on a day trip by train from Trondheim on my first visit. The journey was delightful, with panoramic views of snow-covered landscapes and picturesque villages unfolding outside the window. The Rørosbanen railway provides a comfortable and efficient way to reach Røros, allowing you to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Norway en route.
Second visit: a journey from Oslo
This time, I travelled by train from Oslo, the capital city. The trip promised to be equally scenic, winding through Norway’s diverse terrains. However, Mother Nature had other plans. A sudden slide caused the first train to be delayed, and upon reaching Hamar, I missed my connection to Røros. Thankfully, the service team was exceptional. They swiftly arranged for a taxi to transport all affected travellers to Røros (more than a 3-hour drive), ensuring that our journey continued smoothly despite the hiccup. The seamless transition and attentive assistance highlighted the fantastic service standards in Norway’s transport system.
Upon arrival in Røros at Midnight, I started relaxing as the town is easily accessible and peaceful, making it a stress-free destination for solo travellers.
After a memorable stay, I flew back to Oslo from one of the tiniest airports ever, within walking distance from the city centre, reflecting on the seamless blend of adventure and comfort that Røros offers.
Day 1: immersing in Røros’ heritage and culture
Morning: exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Røros is not just a town; it’s a living museum where every corner tells a story. Start your day with a visit to the Røros Museum, the official World Heritage Visitor Centre. Here, you can delve into 333 years of mining history that have shaped the town’s unique character. The meticulously preserved buildings and exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of miners and their families.
Midday: strolling through the historic streets
Røros Mining Town was meticulously planned in 1646 by the founders of the Røros Copper Works. Inspired by European ideals, the grid-like layout remains largely intact, making it a delight to explore on foot. Wander along the snow-covered cobbled streets, admire the traditional colourful wooden houses, and visit local artisan shops where craftsmen and craftswomen preserve age-old techniques.
You’ll notice local life’s slow and easy rhythm as you stroll. Residents often move around on traditional sledges or skis, and it’s so cool. This gentle pace fosters a sense of tranquillity, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the serene winter atmosphere. Seeing locals gracefully gliding through the snow on skis or pulling sledges laden with goods adds to the town’s timeless charm.
For lunch, indulge in local delicacies at Røros Bryggeri, where you can savour hearty Norwegian fare paired with locally brewed beer. The cosy atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a morning of exploration. Another tremendous and welcoming option is the Skanckebua, which offers yummy food, the best local IPA beer, and the best view of locals skiing down the main street. I loved it!
Afternoon: discovering the smelters and industrial heritage
No visit to Røros is complete without understanding its industrial roots. Head to the remnants of the old smelters, where copper ore was once transformed into valuable metal. The towering chimney, a monument left standing after the smelter burned down in 1975, serves as a poignant reminder of the town’s industrial past. Learn about the challenging conditions miners faced, as recounted by Ole Sorken, a local who worked at the smelter from 1927 until his passing in 2014.
Evening: embracing local traditions
As evening descends, experience the warmth of Røros’ community spirit. Visit a traditional rørosko workshop to see how these iconic Norwegian shoes are made. Alternatively, attend a local concert or theatre performance at Røros Kunstforening, where you can enjoy performances that reflect the town’s cultural heritage.
Dine at Bakgårdsbua, a historic restaurant that blends traditional and modern Norwegian cuisine. The cosy interiors and friendly staff make it an ideal spot to reflect on your day.
I stayed at the Bergsten Hotel, right at the entrance of the historical area, and enjoyed their gym, spa and pool before bed. The hotel has beautiful common areas, but it is quite old and has simple rooms, but it was perfect for me. Plus, breakfast is excellent!
Day 2: adventure and natural beauty
Morning: dog sledging with Arne at Kennel Dølanvollen
No trip to Røros is complete without experiencing the exhilarating thrill of dog sledging. I had the pleasure of embarking on a two-hour tour with Arne at Kennel Dølanvollen Dogsledding Røros, and it was an unforgettable adventure. Arne, a passionate musher, primarily works with mixed-breed Alaskan Huskies, whose boundless energy and friendly demeanour make the journey both safe and enjoyable.
As you glide through the pristine snowy landscapes, the silent beauty of the Norwegian wilderness envelops you. With their strong yet gentle spirit, the Huskies lead the way, their eyes sparkling with excitement. The tour offers a thrilling ride and provides insight into the traditional sledging practices that have been part of Norwegian culture for centuries.
Arne uses very light competition sledges and after my Husky safari in Lapland, this was really fun and easy.
Midday: lunch by the mountains
After your sledging adventure, warm up with a hearty meal at Søren Søndres Leirhus, a charming café nestled in the mountains. Enjoy traditional Norwegian dishes (if you eat meat, they recommend lapskaus – a hearty stew – or reindeer stew) perfectly paired with a hot beverage to recharge for the afternoon.
Afternoon: exploring the surrounding wilderness
The natural beauty surrounding Røros is breathtaking, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Consider a guided snowshoe hike through the scenic trails, where you can marvel at snow-covered pine forests and frozen lakes. Alternatively, visit the Røros Alpinsenter for some downhill skiing or snowboarding, catering to all skill levels.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, visiting the Røros Cathedral is a must. This striking wooden church, built in 1784, is a testament to the town’s enduring faith and community spirit. The serene interior, adorned with intricate wood carvings, provides a peaceful retreat from the winter chill.
As you explore, please take a moment to observe how the locals seamlessly integrate traditional methods of transport into their daily lives. Whether it’s using skis to navigate snowy pathways or sledges to carry essentials, these practices highlight the harmonious relationship between the people and their natural environment.
Evening: Northern Lights
As night falls, Røros offers some of the best opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Head to a designated viewing spot, such as the Røros Public Library’s roof terrace, or venture slightly outside town to escape light pollution. The dancing auroras, shimmering in hues of green and purple, create a magical end to your two-day adventure.
Conclude your visit with a farewell dinner at Kulturens Hus, where you can enjoy gourmet Norwegian cuisine in an elegant setting.
The rich history and cultural heritage of Røros
A mountain mining town
Røros’ origins date back to 1646 when the Røros Copper Works established the first smelter, transforming the area into a bustling mining town. Settlers constructed village farms with farmhouses and outbuildings clustered around the smelter, creating a tightly-knit community. The town’s layout, based on right-angled streets, facilitated both practical living and the collective farming practices necessary for survival in this remote region.
Farming was not merely a livelihood but a lifeline. Each farm managed multiple small patches of land, known as haga’a, to grow winter fodder for their animals. During the summer, residents moved to outlying grazing lands, maintaining a delicate balance between the mining operations and agricultural needs.
The smelters: the heartbeat of the mining industry
Copper ore from Røros’ mines was transported to the smelters, refining it into usable metal. The smelters, strategically placed beside rivers to harness hydropower for operating bellows and furnaces, were the industrial backbone of the town. However, the relentless demand for wood and charcoal for smelting led to the rapid depletion of surrounding forests, necessitating the construction of additional smelters in forested areas within and outside the Circumference.
At its peak, Røros Copper Works operated twelve smelters. The smelter in Røros itself, however, was plagued by environmental challenges. The pervasive dust and sulphuric smoke from the smelter created significant health hazards for the inhabitants. In response, the Copper Works built a dust chamber and a towering 35-metre chimney in 1901, which helped mitigate pollution by directing smoke over the town’s rooftops. Today, the remnants of this chimney stand as a solemn monument to the town’s industrious past.
UNESCO World Heritage: preserving a cultural legacy
In 1980, Røros was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognising its unique contribution to mankind’s cultural heritage. The designation was expanded in 2010 to include both the Røros Mining Town and the Røros Copper Works’ Circumference. This prestigious status underscores the town’s architectural and historical significance, highlighting the harmonious blend of industrial and agricultural practices that defined Røros.
Preserving this heritage is a collective responsibility. Norway, alongside local owners, craftsmen, and cultural organisations, diligently works to maintain Røros for future generations. The Røros Museum, as a World Heritage Visitor Centre, plays a pivotal role in educating visitors and fostering appreciation for the town’s enduring legacy.
Embracing the slow and peaceful lifestyle
One of the most enchanting aspects of Røros is its embodiment of a slow and peaceful lifestyle. The town moves gently, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings fully. In the winter, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland, where the hush of falling snow and the crisp, cold air create a sense of calm and introspection.
Local traditions play a significant role in daily life. Residents often use traditional sledges or skis to navigate the snowy streets, preserving practices that have been handed down through generations. This connection to the past fosters a deep sense of community and continuity, making Røros not just a place to visit but a place to experience a way of life that is both timeless and harmonious with nature.
The stunning natural scenery further enhances the peaceful atmosphere. From the snow-draped rooftops to the quiet forests and frozen lakes, every vista invites you to pause and soak in the moment. Whether you’re sipping a hot drink by the fireplace in a cosy café or taking a leisurely walk through the historic streets, the slow rhythm of Røros allows you to unwind and connect with the peaceful winter landscape.
For those inspired by television shows like Home for Christmas (available on Netflix), Røros provides a real-life backdrop where you can create your own heartwarming stories. As I reflect on my second visit, the town’s enduring charm and the warmth of its people reaffirm why Røros remains a treasured jewel in Norway’s crown.
So pack your bags, embrace the winter magic, and discover the timeless allure of Røros – a place where every visit feels like coming home.
