Routes · Europe

Nairobi to central Norway: Trondheim and Røros

Nairobi → Trondheim → Røros

A medieval cathedral & a copper-mining town Best season (general guide): Jun–Aug, Dec–Mar

Central Norway is a land of fjords, forests and mountain plateaus. This route spends three nights in Trondheim and three in Røros. From Nairobi you'll connect through Europe to Trondheim. Trondheim was Norway's first capital. Nidaros Cathedral, built over the grave of St Olav, is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia and a pilgrim destination.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Trondheim: day one, Nidaros Cathedral; day two, Bakklandet and the Old Town Bridge; day three, fjord boat. Then spend days four to six in Røros: day four, train to Røros; day five, smelting works museum; day six, walk or ski in the hills.

Bakklandet, across the river, is a district of colourful wooden houses, cafés and cobbled streets. The Old Town Bridge leads to it, and a bike lift helps cyclists up a steep hill. Røros, inland near the Swedish border, was a copper-mining town for over three centuries. UNESCO lists the town and its surroundings. Its streets are lined with wooden houses and slag heaps from the mines. The old smelting works is now a museum.

Røros is one of the coldest places in Norway in winter, when it hosts a traditional market, and in summer it is a base for hiking. Summer is mild with long days, and winter is snowy.

Good to know: Trains link Trondheim and Røros through forest. Bring warm layers in any season.

Trondheim is a compact city where you can walk from the cathedral to the old wharves along the river in a few minutes. The train south to Røros takes a few hours through forest and upland, so it is a scenic part of the trip in itself. Røros is small and can be seen on foot, but stay overnight to enjoy it after day visitors leave. Pack warm clothes even in summer, as nights can be cold up here. In winter, snow makes the town especially atmospheric, but daylight is short, so plan sightseeing around the light.

Local food includes cured meats, cheese and fish.

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