Drive it Yourself: Norway’s East Side (Rv2 & Rv3)
Explore Norway’s eastern side on this scenic road-trip
North European travel guide
Røros is one of the most fascinating towns in Norway, and it is also seriously underrated. Located close to the Swedish border, Røros is a well-preserved historic town with charming wooden houses and an important industrial past. If you can, add Røros to your trip!
Latitude: 62.3 degrees north
Population: 5,500
Røros Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Røros
This is a traditional market that happens every February and lasts for five days.
Røros itself is one of the most unique places in Norway. The village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of how well-preserved it is.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Røros
The main museum for Røros is the Smeltehytta museum. Here you can learn all about the industrial heritage of Røros.
Røros Church is the historic church in the town centre. The church is one of the only ones in Norway to display the logo of the company who funded it!
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
The Norwegian kicksled (“spark”) is commonly used in Røros in winter because it’s an easy way to get around on the snow. They are used to carry groceries, or just get from A to B quickly!
Røros Rein is a Sami-run company where you can meet the reindeer and go for reindeer sleigh rides in the winter season. You’ll also get to check out their handicraft products for sale and learn about the South Sami and their lifestyle.
Here you can try a husky safari with 4-6 dogs eagerly pulling you through the snowy landscapes.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Røros
Take this scenic route from Trondheim to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Røros.
The eastern side of Norway alongside the Swedish border is known for its large forests, remote settlements, and moose population. Not many tourists make it this far east, but for those that do, they are rewarded with charming historic and industrial settlements as well as beautiful stretches of highway through dense pine and oak forests.
Røros is best explored on foot, and on this self-guided walking tour you’ll get to see the most beautiful and well-preserved buildings in the town.
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Røros
Røros has such a fascinating history, so I’ve written all about it in a separate article.
Mining does not take place today. Instead, tourism is important the municipality. Today food and textiles are important industries. The Røros region is highly regarded for its food production, and the Røros brand of foods can be found in Norwegian supermarkets.
Fly: Røros has a small airport with flights to Oslo.
Drive: Fv30 connects Røros to the south and towards Trondheim.
Train: Røros is a station on the Rørosbanen that runs from Trondheim.
Ferry: No ferry access.
You’ll need a car to get around to all the major sites.
Røros Tweed has been producing high quality Norwegian wool products since 1940 and is best known for making beautiful and warm blankets. Røros Tweed does not have its own storefront, but at Husfliden you can find a selection of the blankets.
Lysgaard Keramikk – ceramic plates, cups, candleholders, vases and ornaments in an unexpectedly large shop.
Cafes & Bakeries
Trygstad Bakeri is a historic bakery with delicious breads, pastries and lunch dishes.
Quick Bites
Kaffestugu has easy dishes such as sandwiches and soups.
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Verftshuset is an elegant restaurant serving locally sourced produce such as reindeer.
Grillhuset is a former butcher shop with a seasonal three course menu.
Peder Hiort Mathus is where you can try Nordic and international dishes.
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Chains & Mid-Range
Vertshuset Røros is a nice hotel right in the centre of town.
Click here to view rates & book
Røros Hotell has nice rooms, a swimming pool and and a playground.
High End & Unique Properties
Erzscheidergården is a 17th century hotel that is beautiful to stay in.
Sunrise: 9:25am
Sunset: 3:22pm
Average Temperature: -9.6C (14.7F)
Sunrise: 8:03am
Sunset: 4:54pm
Average Temperature: -8.8C (16.2F)
Sunrise: 6:33am
Sunset: 6:14pm
Average Temperature: -4.8C (23.4F)
Sunrise: 5:50am
Sunset: 8:40pm
Average Temperature: 0.3C (32.5F)
Sunrise: 4:16am
Sunset: 10:06pm
Average Temperature: 5.8C (42.4F)
Sunrise: 3:15am
Sunset: 11:14pm
Average Temperature: 9.9C (49.8F)
Sunrise: 3:49am
Sunset: 10:49pm
Average Temperature: 12.7C (54.9F)
Sunrise: 5:14am
Sunset: 9:21pm
Average Temperature: 11.4C (52.5F)
Sunrise: 6:38am
Sunset: 7:39pm
Average Temperature: 7.1C (44.8F)
Sunrise: 7:59am
Sunset: 6pm
Average Temperature: 1.7C (35.1F)
Sunrise: 8:29am
Sunset: 3:28pm
Average Temperature: -4.5C (23.9F)
Sunrise: 9:39am
Sunset: 2:39pm
Average Temperature: -9.4C (15.1F)
Explore Norway’s eastern side on this scenic road-trip
Enjoy this short but scenic drive from Trondheim to Røros on the Fv30!
Drive through historic mining towns on your way to UNESCO Heritage-listed Røros.
Explore this incredibly scenic UNESCO World Heritage-listed mining town in central Norway.
The museum in Røros provides an excellent introduction to the mining heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Learn about Røros before you go: This is a summarised version of the fascinating and unique mining heritage of the area.