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Olavsgruva Mine

4.7
·758 reviews·, Norway

Step back in time at Olavsgruva Mine, a historic copper mine offering fascinating guided tours into the earth's depths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday & Saturday tours

Limited off-season availability

CrowdMedium
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Parkeringen vid gruvan med kyrkan i bakgrunden.

Olavsgruva Mine

Best Time

Thursday & Saturday tours

Limited off-season availability

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Olavsgruva Mine, a historic copper mine offering fascinating guided tours into the earth's depths.

4.7
(758 reviews)

"Fantastic visit! Advised to buy tickets upfront. Recommended to first visit the mine, then the melter museum."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Wear Warm Layers

It's chilly underground! Bring a jacket and wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for safety.

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Tours can fill up, especially on weekends. Secure your spot early!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underground Mine Tour

The Underground Mine Tour

Olavsgruva Mine

Descend into the earth for a fascinating 90-minute guided tour, revealing the history and geology of copper mining.

Worker History Exhibits

Worker History Exhibits

Entrance building

Learn about the lives of the miners, their struggles, and historical strikes through vivid displays and a small museum shop.

Geological Wonders

Geological Wonders

Within the mine

Witness the impressive scale of the diggings and discover the geological forces that shaped the rocks and minerals underground.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

Tours can fill up, especially on weekends and during peak season. Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check the operating days as tours are limited in the off-season.Reddit

Dress for the Underground

Mines are naturally cool, even in summer. Wear warm layers and sturdy, non-slip shoes. The terrain can be uneven with some stairs, so comfortable footwear is key for a safe and enjoyable exploration.Reddit

Best Times

When
Thursday & Saturday tours
Why
Limited off-season availability
Crowd
Medium
When
English tours
Why
Available alongside Norwegian
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

LØYPE LØYPE, elg på farten i gågata på Røros!!
@kariberge
563.2K likes • 15.1M views

🧥 Wear Warm Layers

It's chilly underground! Bring a jacket and wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for safety. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Tours can fill up, especially on weekends. Secure your spot early! Reddit

#røros #rørosmartnan #tradisjon #winter #goodvibes #norway🇳🇴 #weekendtrip @Frank Mørup Hansen
@trinehansen02
55 likes • 2.1K views

🚗 Transport Options

If you don't have a car, inquire about transport at the Røros Tourist Office or Bergstaden Museum. Reddit

➡️ Follow the Ore Flow

Consider visiting the mine first, then the Melter Museum in town for a complete experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Wear Warm Layers

It's chilly underground! Bring a jacket and wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for safety. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance

Tours can fill up, especially on weekends. Secure your spot early! Reddit

🚗 Transport Options

If you don't have a car, inquire about transport at the Røros Tourist Office or Bergstaden Museum. Reddit

➡️ Follow the Ore Flow

Consider visiting the mine first, then the Melter Museum in town for a complete experience. Reddit

🙋 Ask Your Guide

Guides are knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask questions! Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(758 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Olavsgruva Mine for its fascinating guided tours, highlighting the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the history and geology to life. The underground experience is described as impressive, offering a real glimpse into the miners' working conditions. Some visitors noted the limited tour days in the off-season and the need for warm clothing and appropriate footwear.

"After having spent a large part of the day in the museums in Røros we unfortunately missed out on the visit to the mine coming here in the end of a Saturday afternoon. The history of the workers and their strikes are vividly described in the building leading into the mine and you can purchase souvenirs in the little museum shop. We will come back for touring the mine next year."

Sebastian Reiz

"Fantastic visit Advised to buy tickets upfront Recommended to first visit the mine, then visit the melter museum in the city (Follow the flow of ore ) The visit to the mine was fantastic Happy to see that the staff takes safety very serious Good instructions before entering the mine at various points in the mine Thank you staff There is an English and Norwegian tour We had a great English tour guide, she gave very clearly explained the mine and answered our questions Compliments Recommended"

Wim de rooij

"A must do visit when in Røros. 13 km from town. If not own car ask at tourist office or Bergstaden museum about transport. Approx 90 min guiding in Norwegian and English. Take warm clothes and have shoes with not slippery soles. Some stairs, but not very difficult. Our guide Oliver did a very good and interesting performance."

Per Urdahl

What People Like

Engaging guided tours
Knowledgeable guides
Impressive underground scale

What People Dislike

Limited tour days (off-season)
Need for warm clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Olavsgruva Mine is located about 13 km from Røros. If you don't have your own car, it's recommended to ask at the Røros Tourist Office or Bergstaden Museum about available transport options. Reddit

While specific details on parking aren't widely mentioned, it's generally expected that there will be parking facilities available for visitors arriving by car. It's always a good idea to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Walking is possible but it's a significant distance (13 km). It would likely take several hours, so it's more practical to arrange transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Pricing details are not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, but it's advisable to check the official Olavsgruva Mine website or contact them directly for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.

Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits or during peak season, as tours can fill up quickly. Reddit

In the off-season, tours are limited to two days a week, typically Thursday and Saturdays. It's best to check the official schedule for specific operating days and times. Reddit

Yes, Olavsgruva Mine offers guided tours in both Norwegian and English. Reddit+1

The guided tours typically last about 1.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the mine and learn about its history. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's essential to wear warm clothing as the mine is cool year-round. Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles are also crucial due to potentially uneven surfaces and stairs. Reddit

The tour involves some stairs, but it's generally not considered very difficult. Comfortable footwear is key. Reddit

Inside, you'll see the impressive scale of the diggings, various rock formations, and learn about the historical working environment. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the visitor center or entrance area of attractions like Olavsgruva Mine. It's advisable to use them before the tour begins.

Photography is generally allowed in tourist mines, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions with your guide. The underground environment can be dimly lit, so a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities is helpful.

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

While the mine has a small museum shop, dedicated dining facilities are not prominently mentioned in reviews. Visitors often combine their mine visit with dining in Røros town. Reddit

It's generally acceptable to bring snacks and water, especially for a longer tour. However, consuming food inside the mine itself might be discouraged to preserve the environment. Check with staff upon arrival.

The town of Røros offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. Popular choices often include traditional Norwegian cuisine and local specialties. It's recommended to explore dining options in Røros after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic scale of the underground excavations and unique rock formations offer excellent photographic opportunities. The entrance area with historical displays also provides good shots. Reddit

Yes, the underground environment is naturally dimly lit. Using a camera or smartphone with good low-light performance, or a tripod if permitted, can help capture better images. Reddit

While not explicitly forbidden in reviews, it's best to ask your guide if flash photography is permitted. Sometimes, it can disturb the atmosphere or damage sensitive areas. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is ideal. If you plan to take more professional shots, consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the mine and a sturdy tripod for stability in low light. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Olavsgruva Mine offers an exciting and educational adventure for families. The underground tour provides a unique opportunity for children to experience a different environment and learn about history in a hands-on way. The worker history exhibits are engaging and can spark conversations about past lives and industries. Remember to dress the kids in warm layers and ensure they have comfortable, non-slip shoes for navigating the mine safely. The 1.5-hour tour duration is generally manageable for most children, but keeping them engaged with the guide's stories will make the experience even better. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

While specific pricing isn't detailed, Olavsgruva Mine offers a substantial experience for the cost of a ticket, especially considering the 1.5-hour guided tour. The historical exhibits and the unique underground environment provide significant value. To save on transport, consider checking for group tour options or carpooling if traveling with others. Packing your own snacks and water can also help manage expenses, as dining options directly at the mine are limited. Reddit+1

🤓 History Buffs & Geology Enthusiasts

Olavsgruva Mine is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by industrial history and geology. The detailed guided tours offer deep insights into the mining techniques, the lives of the workers, and the geological processes that formed the ore bodies. The historical accounts of worker strikes and the mine's role in Røros's development are particularly compelling. The opportunity to see rock formations and excavation scale up close provides a tangible connection to the past and the earth's natural wonders. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Olavsgruva

Olavsgruva, meaning 'Olav's Mine,' is a historic copper mine that played a significant role in the development of Røros. For centuries, this mine was the lifeblood of the community, providing employment and resources. The Bergstaden Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage site, owes much of its existence to the rich copper deposits extracted from mines like Olavsgruva. The history here isn't just about mining; it's about the resilience and hard work of the generations of miners who toiled underground.

Visitors can get a glimpse into this past through the exhibits at the mine's entrance, which vividly describe the lives of the workers, including accounts of their struggles and significant strikes. This historical context adds a profound layer to the underground tour, allowing visitors to appreciate the human element behind the geological marvels. The small museum shop also offers a chance to take a piece of this history home with you.

The experience of touring the mine itself is a journey back in time. You'll learn about the geological formations and the sheer scale of the excavation efforts. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts about the mine's operation and the forces of nature at play deep within the earth. Reddit+1

Navigating the Underground Experience

The guided tour at Olavsgruva Mine is designed to be both educational and accessible. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and is conducted in both Norwegian and English, ensuring a broad audience can engage with the history and geology. Guides are praised for their clear explanations and passion for the subject matter, making the experience engaging and informative. Reddit+1

Safety is a priority, with staff providing good instructions before entering the mine and at various points within. Visitors are advised to wear warm clothing as the underground temperature remains consistently cool. Crucially, sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential, as the mine floor can be uneven and there are some stairs to navigate. While not overly strenuous, comfortable shoes will significantly enhance your experience and safety. Reddit

Following the flow of ore, as suggested by some visitors, means starting with the mine tour and then visiting the Melter Museum in Røros town. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire copper extraction and processing journey, from the earth to the finished product. Reddit

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