"Røros - A Norwegian Mining Town" Røros by gubbi1

It has been on the World Heritage List of the UNESCO that I came across the town of Røros. With a further investigations I found beautiful photos of this old mining town. So it was very clear that my roundtrip through the Southern Norway would lead me to this place. As it seemed that there is much to see, I decided to stay here for two nights, which later on prooved to be a good decision.

Now a little about the history of this scenic place. It is said that it was in the 17th century when Hans Olsen Aasen was out hunting. He saw a deer, which he shot. During the fight with death the deer scratched on the ground and a glittering appeared. The deer had uncovered copper. This was the beginning of Røros.
Well, people are not absolutly sure if it was really happening this way, as there might be traces of mining from a time before, but in town this is the official story. A monument in the town center commemorates the deer, which brought Røros into existance.
In the same year of the discovery of copper the mining industry started to grow. The first official mine opened (probably an illegal mine already operated). Just shortly after the next mine and a smeltery were set up. Røros prospered.
A economically well running town of course also draws the attention of the neighbors. During the 17th and 18th century Røros was destroyed several times by Swedish troops, but always rebuilt again.
The company which ran the mining industry, the Røros Kobberverk A/S, went into bankruptcy in 1977 after 333 years of mining operations. Two years later the Olav Mine was opened to the public and in 1980 the town of Røros was set on the list of the UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Olavsgruva, Røros, NO

Once you come here to Røros you will discover a real mining town. In the old part of Røros there are about 2000 wooden houses left around the large smeltery. Much of the mining industry is left in town, like the slag hills beside the smeltery from where you have great views over the old town.
Inside the smeltery you can find a very informative and very nice museum that will introduce you to the history of Røros, the technics of mining and the products that were fabricated from the copper. I was fascinated by the many models that were built up to explain the technical aspects of running a mine. The move and are partly really large. I have uploaded some videos of them here on VT.

The highlight of my stay was a visit to the Olavsgruva (Olav Mine), which is outside of town. It is the mine that was closed as the last of several mines around Røros. On a guided tour you will get to know the work of the miners, how large the mines are and also how the copper looks like. It is a fantastic experience!

Mining Facility, Røros, NO

More places around the town tell stories about the mining history. Lots of ruins can be found, but be careful as there are also mining shafts that you could break into!

Links:
Official page of Røros, first choice for your planning.
Røros on UNESCO World Heritage List.
Røros on Wikipedia.

• Pros:Fantastic Mining Town