Mining safari in the footsteps of the people who lived here

The landscape in the Røros region is full of the exciting cultural remains of a mining industry that lasted for 333 years. Traces of the life and work of the people who lived here are literally lying around waiting for you to discover them.

You may come across foundations and ruins of old buildings, cable transportation systems, work tools and ore as your wander across the moor. The extraction and transport of the valuable ore have left distinctive marks on the cultural and natural landscape. Although the mines shut down in the seventies, the land is still rich in minerals, and a stroll here will provide an exciting, colourful and different walking experience.

Røros was not the only place in the region to gain a place on Unesco’s World Heritage List due to its history of mining. Across the region, some 40 copper mines and over 200 chrome mines and exploratory excavations have left their mark. When extraction of the much sought-after natural resources began, Røros Copper Works quickly became Norway’s market leader. No other company provided the state with such a high export income until 1814. 

The mining area a little north of Røros, known as Nordgruvene, was one of the most important. Very many exciting remains of the old mining industry are to be found here. At Kongens (‘The King’s Mine’), a whole community arose, and as many as 400-500 people lived on the mountain at one time. They built everything one would expect to find in a small village – family housing, shops, post office and a school

KONGENS GRUVE (‘THE KING’S MINE’)  

You can drive all the way to Kongens gruve and, from the parking area, a pleasant stroll northward in the lovely countryside along the mountain tracks will take you to Christianus Sextus, one of the most important mines belonging to Røros Copper Works. Activity began here as early as 1723. You may be surprised at how well the old log buildings are preserved. Weather-beaten timber constructions, the remains of mechanical equipment, and spectacular colours are all treasures waiting for you to discover – and moreover, make great photo images.

MUGGRUVA 

From Christianus Sextus, the track follows further along Orvsjøen and rises to higher ground. From the mast at the top of Storkletten, some 900 MASL, you can enjoy a wonderful view that is unrestricted in every direction. Take yourself a well-deserved break here! The path then heads down into a valley before it starts to rise again, towards Litlkletten. A fine tour from here, all on high ground, leads to Muggruva, the northernmost mine. In fine weather, the mountain pools take on a magical, clear and intense green colour. The workers built an electric railway 1200 metres into the mountain for carrying the ore out. It was then transported by a cable system to a smelting shed at Dragås, the remains of which can be seen today at Eidet Bridge on the county road, Fylkesvei 30.

MEET THE PEOPLES’ POET

Your mining safari is not complete without a visit to Ratvolden, the artist home of author Johan Falkberget. Ratvolden, idyllically situated on the west side of Ruglsjøen lake, a half hour walk from Muggruva is today a museum. Falkberget was truly the miners’ poet. He experienced the harsh reality of mining first-hand, since he worked in the mines himself as a young lad. The cultural history of the mining community lives on through his books, and the works‘ bell from Muggruva mine stands today in the grounds at Ratvolden. Falkberget was eager to preserve a record of the mining heritage, both through his keen local political engagement and as a writer, and he made sure to procure the bell after the mines were shut down.

Nordgruvefeltet is situated directly north of Røros. Follow the county road, fylkesvei 31, to Orvos and look out for signposts from here to the mining area. This is a toll road and costs kr 50,-.