Røros

Today we took the train to Røros, an old copper mining town up in the mountains about two and a half hours south east of Trondheim.  It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sam and Isaac on the train

One of the stations on the way to Røros 

Walking to downtown Røros from the train station 

Super cute town.  The only bummer was that they allow cars on the two main streets, so it wasn't unfettered pedestrian joy. 

Other than the cars, the main mode of transportation in Røros is the spark, which consists of two metal skids for gliding on ice or snow, topped with a wooden seat and handle.

The church

Sam does his best spark impression.

We found this great snow fort. 

We had homemade soup for lunch at the soup station.  I had onion soup, Dave had skogsuppe (forest soup - with moose meat) and the kids had minestrone.  Good stuff, but Isaac was a real troublemaker while we were there - kind of ruined it. 

Walking to the old copper mine.  It is no longer in use, but the slag pile remains.  We went there hoping to find some good sledding opportunities. 

The smeltery

An old wooden snowplow

In front of the slag pile 

Houses built right at the base of the slag.

Katie was mad because she thought we weren't going to let her sled.  We just wanted to make sure they picked a side of the hill that didn't drop off a cliff or end up in an icy river.  

The Enforcer makes sure everyone stays safe.

While we were out on the slag heap, a huge cold wind blew through.  We hustled down off the hill, and the kids cuddled up in this phone booth to get warm.

Anybody have suggestions about how to lovingly break the strong will of a cantankerous almost-three year old?

Building a snowman with Isaac

Enjoying a slush in the Røros train station as we wait for the return train to Trondheim

Grace and Isaac ran off some energy in the hallway.

Hot chocolate and a smile 

Peace at last