The liars’ bench

The Liar’s Bench was once one of Røros’ most important meeting places. Fishermen, elderly villagers and passers-by gathered here to rest for a while, talk about the weather and their catches – and perhaps tell a tall tale or two. The name comes from the friendly tradition of “telling a little white lie”, where stories tended to grow in line with the laughter. And just like the stories, the bench itself has ‘grown and grown’ over the years, built on, repaired and extended as people needed a place to sit down. Even today, it stands as a symbol of community on the island, a place where conversations can take time and where stories continue to live on between generations.