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Wondering what to do in Roros, Norway? Well, this UNESCO World Heritage site not only guarantees scenic views and a trip down memory lane as an old copper mining town founded in 1644, but you’ll also find a wide variety of interesting things to do in Roros.
So, if you’re curious to see what awaits you in this historical little Norwegian town, read on as we dive into some of the most famous tourist attractions in Roros, as well as a few hidden local gems. These are:
1. Visit Olav’s Mine (a Roros Museum)
Olav’s Mine is one of the most real Roros Museums you’ll ever visit, as you’re basically transported back to Roros’s mining heydays and experiencing what most locals experienced on a daily basis “at work.”
Olav’s mine, situated in Roros’s main mining area of Storwartz, played a significant role in the 20th century, and now you can visit, learn all about its history, and, yes, actually go down into the mine! But, as you can imagine, exploring the mine can only be done via a guided tour due to safety reasons.
So, if you’d like to go 50 meters below ground and 500 meters into the Miner’s Hall, you’ll have to book a spot on the daily tour (hot tip: book well in advance when visiting during our busy summer season!).
2. Go on a Roros Food Safari
Did you know that Roros is referred to as the “food capital of Norway”? This means that you simply can’t say no to a culinary experience in this town.
If you combine learning about Roros and its history while stuffing your face with incredible local delicacies, you’ll get a Roros Food Safari. Once again, this is a guided tour, and you’ll need to book your spot beforehand.
3. Go On a Roros Walking Tour
This guided tour is basically a Roros Food Safari without all the calories. So, if you’d just like to take a stroll through the town and learn about it from an expert – a Guided Roros Walking Tour is the activity for you!
4. Visit Huset Aukrust
The name (loosely translating to House Aukrust) really doesn’t do the place much justice. The house is a museum celebrating the life and art of Kjell Aukrust, whose illustrations are probably the closest you’ll get to a Norwegian Walt Disney – and it is reflected in the museum.
Huset Aukrust is one art exhibition and museum you can bring the kids along to, as they will love the strange architecture and wonderful characters not just hanging on the walls, but also walking around.
5. Check Out Smelthytta
This is another Roros Museum, remembering the town’s mining days. Smelthytta is where you’ll learn more about Roros mining heydays as well as take an experiential look into what happened at the copper smelter.
However, this isn’t the actual smelter; that burnt down in 1975. Instead, it’s a replica built on the exact same site and ruins as the original.
6. Take a MS Fæmun II Boat Tour
The MS Fæmun II is docked at Roros and offers visitors the boat tour of a lifetime. Not only does the boat cruise Norway’s second-largest lake, but it also has a rich history as a shipping company in the region and allows you to explore the beautiful and rugged nature of the Femunden area (even though the boat allows for exploration on water, it also makes multiple stops along the way).
You also don’t need to worry about food or drinks – you’ll find it all onboard (although you’ll need to pay extra; these are not included in your ticket price). The MS Fæmun II offers one tour a day and only runs tours during our warmer months (spring, summer, and fall), so booking is essential, especially during our peak summertime.
7. Check Out Hyttklokka
Hyttklokka (aka shift clock) is a historic bell that can be found in Morkstugata, Roros. This bell was used in the 1700s to indicate to workers at the Smelthytta when their shift starts and ends (*cue Closing Time by Semisonic).
8. Check Out the Timber Canals and Chutes
The Timber Canals and Chutes are pretty impressive innovations of the 18th century. These were built by the mining company to float logs from the Femund region through the Hadal Valley to Roros.
These canals and chutes have been renovated, and you can now even have the ultimate immersive experience as a “log” yourself by kayaking down these channels and chutes!
9. Bike to the North Mine Field like Johan Falkberget
Johan Falkberget is a famous Norwegian author who actually used to work in the North Mine Field.
His personal experiences can also be found scattered throughout his literary work. So, you can walk in the footsteps of Falkberget (or is it ride in the tracks of Falkberget in this case?), rent a bike in Roros, and bike to the North Mine Fields.
10. Go Cross-Country Skiing
As an area that can guarantee at least 7 months of snow every year and boasts more than 500 kilometers of groomed tracks, Roros and its surroundings are a go-to for cross-country skiing.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or if you’re just starting out – you’ll find a track here that will suit you. You also don’t need to bring anything as you can rent skiing equipment and gear from Roros Guide.
11. Go Old-School Down-Hill Skiing
If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing, you can also opt for the old-school version and hit the slopes. Once again, skiing equipment can be rented, and you’ll find numerous downhill skiing slope options to choose from – some as close to home as the centre of Roros!
12. Visit Storstuggu Kulturhus
As the name suggests, Storstuggu Kulturhus is the regional arts and culture center of Roros and offers visitors the chance to see exceptional performances, shows, and other types of cultural events. Check out their calendar to see what’s happening whilst you’re visiting!
13. Explore Ratvolden Museum
Remember Johan Falkberget, the author we mentioned earlier? Well, welcome to what was his summer home! At Ratvolden Museum, you’ll get to see first-hand how the famous author spent his summer days.
You’ll also find plenty of walking trails on the estate, so this can turn into both an indoor and outdoor outing if you visit during our warmer months.
14. Check Out the Open Houses of Sleggveien
Sleggveien (Slag Road) is a street in Roros showcasing what a typical street would look like in Roros back in its mining heydays. Here, you are not just getting a peek behind the curtain of Roros as a mining town, but also as one with a diverse community.
For example, the five houses at the top of the road are where normal day labourers, craftsmen, and gypsies lived who didn’t have any permanent connections to the copper mining.
Checking out the open houses of Sleggveien promises to be a very insightful and historic outing. Just keep in mind that the insides of the houses are only open to the public during the summer months (June to August).
15. Go On a Magical Horse and Sleigh Ride
This is an activity that’s available all year round in Roros. However, it’s especially magical in our winter season when you’re gliding over a white blanket of snow with festive lights twinkling all around you.
It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime way of seeing the city. Horse and sleigh rides in Roros are a paid activity, so you’ll need to budget accordingly and book your spot.
16. Visit Doktortjonna Park
Doktortjonna Park is an absolute must if you’re a family traveling with kids during Norway’s summertime. This park absolutely transforms into a hub of activity. You’ll find trails, you can have picnics, you can hire canoes, and there’s even kids’ entertainment where they’re taught interesting things, such as how to build a birdhouse.
If you forgot your snacks at home, you’ll also be able to grab a lunch roll, a drink, and something sweet at the park. It’s definitely the place you want to be during those times you can really soak up the summer sun.
17. Cruise Through the Roros Streets with a Kick-Sled
For most locals, a kick-sled is just a method of transport during our winter season. For visitors, it’s a super fun way to explore Roros! So, rent your kick-sled in Roros and see what all the fuss is about!
18. Explore Solendet Nature Reserve
Solendet Nature Reserve is a must for any nature lover and avid birdwatcher. The park, established in 1974, is an astounding 757 acres and contains some of Norway's most famous and rarest fauna. However, as you can imagine, this is an activity best kept for our warmer months.
19. Relax at One of the Roros Beaches
Roros is one of the lucky places in Norway to boast white sandy beaches. While these may not be the same white sand beaches that stretch out as far as the eye can see, like in the Caribbean, they’re still popular among both locals and visitors on those sunny summer days.
However, the beaches are open all year round, so you’ll still be able to make a quick stop at the Roros Beaches and just check them out during our colder months.
20. See Elden, the Outdoor Musical
Seeing Elden, the outdoor musical in Roros, is a truly unique experience. The musical is performed outdoors and tells the story of the Great Northern War.
It’s a very immersive experience, but it has a 6-year-old age limit and is only performed during our summer and autumn seasons. And, as with any theatrical performance, you’ll also need to purchase tickets beforehand.
20 Reasons Why Roros Should Form Part of Your Norwegian Campervan Road Trip
You’ve already got 20 reasons why Roros should be on your campervan road trip itinerary. But what if we told you that, while these may be some of the best things to do in Roros, there are plenty of other things to see and do that are not mentioned in our guide?
Roros promises to be the experience of a lifetime with its historic mining background, experiential attractions, breathtaking nature, and active outdoor life. So, if you’d like to hit the road in Norway soon and would like to find out more about Roros, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Campervan Norway.
