Drive it Yourself: Norway’s East Side (Rv2 & Rv3)
Explore Norway’s eastern side on this scenic road-trip
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 Old Town is a UNESCO-listed wooden mining town and one of Norway’s most atmospheric historic destinations. Its colourful timber houses, narrow streets and preserved courtyards date back to the copper mining era. Today, the town feels alive with cafés, galleries, craft shops and local homes still filling the historic buildings. It is especially magical in winter when snow covers the streets.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Røros
Røros Museum Smelthytta tells the story of the copper industry that shaped the town for more than 300 years. The museum is located on the site of the old smelting works and includes models, tools and exhibitions about mining life. Visitors can learn how copper was extracted, transported and processed in harsh mountain conditions. It is the best place to understand why Røros became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Røros Church, known locally as Bergstadens Ziir, is one of Norway’s most striking churches. Completed in 1784, it reflects the wealth and importance of the copper mining community. The church’s tall tower dominates the skyline and can be seen from much of the town. Inside, visitors can admire its elegant interior and learn about its role in local life.
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 was founded in 1644 after copper was discovered in the surrounding mountains. The copper works transformed a remote mountain area into one of Norway’s most important industrial communities. For more than 300 years, mining shaped the town’s economy, architecture and daily life.
The town was rebuilt largely in timber after being damaged by Swedish forces in the late 17th century. The result is the distinctive wooden townscape that survives today, with workers’ houses, mining buildings, courtyards and narrow streets still forming the heart of Røros. The surrounding landscape also bears traces of mining, including slag heaps, transport routes and former industrial sites.
Mining continued until 1977, after which preservation and tourism became increasingly important. In 1980, Røros was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exceptional mining heritage and well-preserved historic environment.
Modern Røros is a small mountain town where heritage, craftsmanship and tourism are deeply connected. Many people still live and work inside the historic centre, which gives the town an authentic everyday atmosphere rather than feeling like a museum. Local food, wool products, ceramics, glasswork and traditional crafts remain important parts of the town’s identity.
Tourism is important year-round, with winter being especially popular due to snow-covered streets, markets and cosy historic buildings. Summer brings hiking, cycling, fishing and trips into Femundsmarka National Park. Despite its international reputation, Røros remains peaceful, community-focused and strongly rooted in local traditions.
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.
Kaffestuggu – Kaffestuggu is a beloved local café and restaurant set inside a historic building. It is known for traditional Norwegian dishes, waffles, cakes and a cosy atmosphere. The setting makes it a great stop while exploring the old town.
Restaurants
Skanckebua Bar & Restaurant – Skanckebua is located in one of Røros’ historic buildings and focuses on hearty regional food. The menu often reflects mountain ingredients and Norwegian traditions. Its warm interior makes it especially appealing in winter.
Peder Hiort Mathus – Peder Hiort Mathus serves Norwegian cuisine inspired by local ingredients and regional food culture. It is centrally located and works well for lunch or dinner after sightseeing. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere suitable for both couples and groups.
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.
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.