Olavsgruva

About the museum

Olavsgruva is located in the Storwartz area about 13 km north-east of Røros town centre and is operated as a visitor mine by Rørosmuseet. Storwartz was one of the most important mining areas for Røros Kobberverk (Røros Copper Works), and the area is today part of the World Heritage site Røros bergstad og Circumferensen (Røros Mining Town and the Circumference).

The Nyberget mine was worked in the periods 1650–1717 and 1870–1890, while mining at Olavsgruva began in 1936 and continued until the summer of 1972. The two mines are connected today. The mine is preserved as it was when operations stopped, with damp air and a temperature of around 5 degrees all year round.

On the tour, visitors first go through the exhibitions “Gruvedrift i Circumferensen” (“Mining in the Circumference”) and an exhibition on the geology of the Røros area in the museum building. The route then goes 50 metres down and 500 metres in through the mountain, via Nyberget and Olavsgruva. The tour ends in the large Bergmannshallen, which is often used for concerts and other events.

Highlights

• Tour through the Nyberget mine (from 1650) and Olavsgruva (1936–1972)
• Bergmannshallen, used for concerts and events
• The exhibitions “Gruvedrift i Circumferensen” and the geology of the Røros area
• Part of the World Heritage site Røros bergstad og Circumferensen
• Museum shop and café

Permanent exhibitions

• Gruvedrift i Circumferensen – Short presentation of how the mines were worked in different periods and of the miners' work and living conditions.
• Geologien i Rørostraktene – Maps and examples of the rock types and ores that formed the basis of mining in the area.

Operated by

Rørosmuseet (Museene i Sør-Trøndelag)

Admission & discounts

The prices apply to the mine tour and are taken from the museum's ticket page (prices 2025). If you buy tickets for Olavsgruva, Bergstadvandring and Smelthytta (the smelting works) at the same time, you get 10% off when buying in the shop.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The mine has several staircases and is not accessible by wheelchair or pushchair.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Children can join the tour without problems; children under 16 enter free when accompanied by an adult. Pushchairs cannot be taken into the mine.

Getting there & parking

Olavsgruva is about 13 km north-east of Røros town centre. Drive along Riksvei 31 towards Funäsdalen for about 6 km, turn left and follow the signs. A taxi can be booked from Røros Taxi.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Reception, kiosk, museum shop and café at Olavsgruva.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit