Rørosmartnan

A Living Winter Heritage Market in a UNESCO Town

2023/02/08 - 2023/02/17

Every February, the UNESCO World Heritage mining town of Røros transforms into a winter wonderland for Rørosmartnan, the town’s legendary winter market. The cobbled streets ring with the sound of sleigh bells, the aroma of freshly baked bread and wood smoke fills the air, and colorful folk costumes brighten the snowy landscape. Locals and visitors alike wander among more than 200 stalls, sampling traditional crafts and foods, and experiencing the warmth of community and the magic of winter amidst centuries-old wooden houses.

Rørosmartnan is perfect for families, food lovers, craft enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic Norwegian winter. Whether you’re riding through town on a horse-drawn sleigh or simply soaking up the lively market atmosphere, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the unique charm of Røros in winter.

Main Attractions

Traditional Market and Local Crafts & Food

The festival’s heart is the sprawling market, with over 200 stalls offering hand-knitted woolens, woodwork, silver jewelry, and regional delicacies. The scent of fresh bread, smoked meats, and sweet pastries drifts through the crisp air. Artisans demonstrate their skills, and every purchase comes with a story.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

One of the most popular experiences is touring the historic streets of Røros by horse-drawn sleigh. The sound of bells, the swish of runners on snow, and the warmth of woolen blankets create a fairytale-like atmosphere—this is the essence of Rørosmartnan’s winter magic.

Costumes and Decorations

Many participants wear the Norwegian bunad, a traditional folk costume with elaborate embroidery and silver clasps. Colorful banners, lanterns, and evergreen garlands decorate the town, and the feel of wool and silver, along with snow-dusted costumes, evoke a timeless sense of tradition.

Traditional Food & Drink

Warm up with local specialties like smoked meats, aged cheeses, and fresh pastries. Hot gløgg (mulled wine), hot chocolate, freshly baked bread, and smoked fish are all favorites. The hearty, rustic flavors are perfect for the cold winter air.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of Rørosmartnan dates back to 1854. At that time, Røros was a thriving copper mining town, but deep winter snow made the transport of goods difficult. To support the community, a royal decree established an annual winter market, held every February. Traders from across Norway and Sweden would travel for days by horse and sleigh, bringing livestock, farm products, handicrafts, and supplies to Røros, transforming the town into a bustling hub of commerce and social life.

The market quickly became a vital lifeline, connecting people and regions even in the harshest climate. It wasn’t just about trading goods—Rørosmartnan was a place for exchanging news, socializing, matchmaking, and strengthening the bonds that sustained winter life in the mountains.

Even after modern roads and transport made winter travel easier, Rørosmartnan has preserved its traditions. Today, it is celebrated as a “living cultural heritage,” supporting local artisans, preserving the town’s wooden architecture, and strengthening community pride. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the history, culture, and winter magic of Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with all five senses.

Participant Voices

I visited Rørosmartnan and was amazed by the lively market, the scent of handmade crafts and fresh pastries. Riding through the snowy town by sleigh felt like a dream. Even in the cold, the atmosphere was warm, and I could truly feel the pride and tradition of Røros.

Fun Facts

Rørosmartnan is one of Norway’s oldest winter markets, with a history of over 170 years.
Horse-drawn sleighs are still used for transporting goods and visitors during the festival.
Røros is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the festival highlights its wooden architecture and mining history.