Known for its copper mines, it is one of Norway's two nationally significant mining towns with activity starting in the 17th century (the other one being the "silver-town" Kongsberg).

Røros and its people were made famous to Norwegians at the turn of the 20th century by author Johan Falkberget, who told the story of the mining community from the perspective of the hard-tested miners at the bottom of the social ladder.

The town is on the UNESCO World heritage list.

It was burned to the ground in 1678 and 1679 by the Swedish Army prior to the Great Northern War. In 1718, during the Great Northern War the town was once again visited by the Swedish Army, led by General De la Barré who then secured the copper to fuel the Swedish war effort.

Image:Roros church.jpg

When King Carl XII was killed near Fredriksten November 30, 1718, De la Barré ordered his army to flee back to Sweden. However, this ended in tragedy, when over 3,000 soldiers died in the cold mountains northwest of Røros. It is reported that it was close to -50°C with heavy wind that January of 1719. There is an outdoor musical theatre performance played in Røros to commemorate this tragedy. This show has been played since 1994 [1]

Because of various climatic factors, Røros is one of the coldest places in Norway, (notwithstanding its non-impressive latitude) with -50.4°C in early January 1914, and -50.1°C on January 1st, 2001. This is due to an elevation of more than 600 m and a continental climate (the mild coastal air is blocked by mountains).

During winter, a traditional market called "Rørosmartnan" is organized, that draws many tourists, an average of 60,000-70,000 visitors each year. The market begins on next to the last Tuesday in February and lasts five days. [2]

The town is served by the railway line Rørosbanen and Røros Airport has a scheduled service to Oslo.

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Fra Røros (Lillegaten), oil painting by Harald Sohlberg from 1902 (titled from Røros (side street)).

Storgaten Røros, painting by Harald Sohlberg from 1903 (titled Røros main street).

Efter snestorm, Lillegaten Røros, oil painting by Harald Sohlbeg from 1904 (titled After the snowstorm, Røros sidestreet).

Natt painting by Harald Sohlberg from 1904 (titled Night).

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