The Church of Røros

Røros church, or “Bergstadens Ziir”, was built in the heyday of the Copperworks “to the glory of God and to adorn the town”. It deserves its name, and towers majestically over the wooden houses at the top of the town. Completed in 1784, the Directorate of Cultural Heritage considers it to be amongst the ten most important churches in Norway. It is the fourth largest in the country, with 1,600 seats. Falkberget baptised the baroque church “the mountain cathedral”. A guided tour describes the history of the church and its people.




Ever since Swedish soldiers torched all of Røros except the
church in 1679, the town has been spared the ravages of
fire. Yet the darkened wooden walls seem almost mediaeval.
In fact, the colourful outer panelling on some facades is a
19th century addition.
The white stone church that towers prominently above the
town was built in 1780–84 and financed by Røros Copperworks,
large enough for almost the entire population at the time. The
interior is beautifully decorated with sky-blue marble patterns.
Instead of saints, there are paintings of all directors of the mining
company, and your guide will add some fascinating stories.
Perhaps during your tour, the 250-year-old church organ will
come alive with exquisite baroque music…