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@ Saltstraumen Bridge, Norway
Nova begins her tour of "Norway". Wrap up warm!
Saltstraumen Bridge, Norway
The Saltstraumen Bridge has been in use since 1978 and is one of four bridges built in the 70s to connect the islands to each other.

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@ Lysefjord, Norway
Nova unwrapped the Freia chocolate bar, offered a few squares to Vinny the collector, then thoughtfully munched a couple of squares herself. "This is delicious, Vinny the collector! Now on the wrapper, it says: Et lite stykke Norge. I wonder what that means?"
Another pet leaned over the back of her coach seat. "It means: A little piece of Norway, Nova!"
Lysefjord, Norway
Our airborne pets would like to show us the view of Norway they see every day, all day. You can be certain they never get tired of gazing down at the spectacular Lyesfjord. Not to leave the land-dwelling pets out of a breath-taking experience, this area offers a hike to the top of Flørli via 4,444 wooden steps that just happen to be the world's longest wooden staircase!

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@ Sætre, Asker, Norway
"Today's quiz question, Bluey~*!" announced Nova. "How many times has Norway hosted the Winter Olympics?"
Bluey~* pondered. "Well, I would say more than once, at any rate!"
"Correct, Bluey~*! The answer is twice: in 1952 in Oslo, and in 1994 in Lillehammer."
Sætre, Asker, Norway
The name Sætre is derived from the Norse word which literally means 'place to sit' or can be understood to mean 'place of residence,' However, only 3796 Norwegians have decided to do that. Sætre is also home to the Sætreelva (Sætre River) which is an important breeding ground for sea trout and many species of seabirds.

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@ Kirkenes, Norway
"What Norwegian Christmas tradition centres around Bjørnøya, or Bear Island, Majestic?" asked Nova.
"I don't know, Nova!"
"Every Christmas the nine staff at its meteorological station, Herwighamna, undertake a broadcast on the radio, as one of the many far out places in Norway. It says here that amateur radio enthusiasts occasionally conduct DXpeditions on the island during the summer months."
Kirkenes, Norway
This small group of cabins in Kirkenes featuring large windows is often used by travelers who hope to get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis while staying warm. Another fun attraction besides aurora viewing is the Kirkenes Snowhotel which is rebuilt from fresh snow every year. This small town is located in northeastern Norway, close to the borders of Finland and Russia.

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@ Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway
"Did you know that Oslo, the Norwegian capital, has been the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony almost every year since 1901, princess ♥ sparkles?" queried Nova. "The other Nobel prizes in science and literature are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden."
princess ♥ sparkles grinned. "Yup—well, I know the physics prize ceremony is in Stockholm. The last episode of the Big Bang Theory was unforgettable!"

Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway
Saint Olav’s holy shrine in the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim has been an important pilgrimage site ever since the former Viking king Olaf II was canonised in 1031, and it is still a treasured destination for pilgrims from all over the world. Before you enter as a pilgrim, you should perform the old ritual of walking around the cathedral three times."

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@ Snowy Evergreen Forest, Norway
"'Tromsø has The Arctic University, which is the northernmost university in the world, with 16,000 students,'" read out Queenie from the brochure.
"They also have the Northern Lights Observatory in Tromsø, don't they, Nova?" remarked Queenie. "That must be a cool place to work!"
Snowy Evergreen Forest, Norway
Time to go on another winter adventure. This time it's an exhilarating snowshoe or cross-country ski trek through the pristine evergreen forest. The air is fresh and crisp and the fresh;y-fallen snow on the branches of the evergreen trees offers a beautiful image of peace and serenity.

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@ Whale Watching, Norway
"Today's quiz question, Lady Jane!" announced Nova. "How many times has Norway hosted the Winter Olympics?"
Lady Jane pondered. "Well, I would say more than once, at any rate!"
"Correct, Lady Jane! The answer is twice: in 1952 in Oslo, and in 1994 in Lillehammer."
Whale Watching, Norway
The Norwegian Sea is a perfect place for whale watching all year long. Sperm whales are the most common whale spotted in the summer months. In the winter months, orcas and humpbacks can be spotted in the fjords. If you are lucky, you may also see pilot whales, minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, and killer whales.

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@ Norwegian Sea Coastline
"Talking of Norway's coastline," remarked Mikey Black, "I always remember that bit in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy where Norway's creator reveals he won an award for its design, and dwells fondly on its 'lovely crinkly edges'."
"Yes!" exclaimed Nova, and she and Mikey Black chuckled together at the memory.
Norwegian Sea Coastline
One can easily get lost in their thoughts while gazing out onto the waters of the Norwegian Sea. It's easy to picture Viking ships sailing throughout and wonder what it would be like to be aboard one of them.

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@ Northern Norway Flora
"Today's quiz question, Pyron Toothless!" announced Nova. "How many times has Norway hosted the Winter Olympics?"
Pyron Toothless pondered. "Well, I would say more than once, at any rate!"
"Correct, Pyron Toothless! The answer is twice: in 1952 in Oslo, and in 1994 in Lillehammer."
Northern Norway Flora
The cloudberry is a fruit native to cold climates. These are just beginning to flower and will develop into a delicious amber-colored berry, similar to a blackberry.

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@ Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
"Next quiz question, Azure!" announced Nova. "What is unusual about the Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard?"
"I don't know, Nova. Is he very young to have been appointed, or something?"
"Ooh, you're almost there! He's actually a Scottish penguin!" responded Nova. "Brigadier Sir Nils Olav has held the title since 2005, but the involvement goes back to 1972 when the regiment adopted a penguin from Edinburgh Zoo."

Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of Norway's most visited and photographed locations. It towers 604 meters above the Lysefjord.

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@ How Far From Norway?
"Today's quiz question, Finn!" announced Nova. "How many times has Norway hosted the Winter Olympics?"
Finn pondered. "Well, I would say more than once, at any rate!"
"Correct, Finn! The answer is twice: in 1952 in Oslo, and in 1994 in Lillehammer."
How Far From Norway?
These signs are always fun for the traveler to see no matter where they wander. World travelers can reminisce about their recent vacation to a place on a signpost or daydream about a place they hope to visit in the future.

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@ Idyllic Norwegian Fjord
"Quiz time, Pixie! What invention did Norway give the world that has remained practically unchanged in almost a hundred years?"
"Goodness! Er ... something to do with skiing? Skating? Swimming?" ventured Pixie.
"It was actually the cheese slice!" replied Nova. "It was invented way back in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund."
Idyllic Norwegian Fjord
Fjord cruises are very abundant and an excellent way to immerse oneself in the spectacular beauty of the fjords of Norway.

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@ Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Hardanger, Norway
"It says in our tour guide that no-one knows exactly how long Norway's coastline is! They just know it's very long!"
"Well, it depends what size, you know, ruler they use, doesn't it, Nova?" observed Bellat.
Nova sniffed disdainfully. "They don't crawl all round the coast with a six-inch ruler, do they? I expect it's all done electronically." Sensing argument, she quickly offered Bellat a square of delicious Freia Melkesjokolade.
Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Hardanger, Norway
Vøringsfossen Waterfall has a fall of 182 meters and cascades down from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau down into the Måbødalen valley. This waterfall is considered to be one of the most beautiful and is a popular place to visit in the Hardangerfjord region.

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@ Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
"Hey, Nova, when we're in Oslo we're going with a tour guide on a Jo Nesbø Detective Hole walk! I've been reading The Bat and it's unputdownable!"
Charlie was excited. "I bought The Snowman when we arrived here. It's really awfully good!"
"Well, a lot of places in his books are real-life locations. This will be a great tour!"
Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
The historic harbour area of Bergen, and one of Northern Europe’s oldest port cities. In 1350 the Hanseatic League established a “Hanseatic Office” in Bergen. These German merchants lived and worked in these long narrow rows of houses that face the harbour. The rows of houses are separated by narrow wooden passages that run parallel to the dock.

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@ Andoya, Vesteralen, Norway
Oh look ... you won a pet!
Andoya, Vesteralen, Norway
Andøya is as far north as you can get in Nordland and Vesterålen and is the 10th largest island in Norway. Andøya sits on the edge of the very deep ocean, no other place in Norway can make this claim. Just south of Andenes, the administrative center is Andøya Space Center, where they launch rockets and satellites.

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@ Ålesund Harbour, Norway.
"Hey, Nova, did you know Norway has a volcano?" queried Poppy. "It's called the Beerenberg—oh, Nova, do come out from under your coach seat! It's not on the mainland but on the way to Greenland. It's 7,306 feet (2,227 m) high."
Ålesund Harbour, Norway.
Ålesund is a lovely small port in Norway. The city is known for its art in Nouveau Architecture. Ålesund is the 13th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 66,258.

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@ Suitor Waterfall, Geirangerfjord, Norway
"More trivia, Nova!" announced Choco. "What gift does Norway make to Britain every single year?"
"Ooh, I know this!" responded Nova. "It's a Christmas tree!"
"Correct!" said Choco. "It's a 65 feet (20 m) tall Norwegian spruce from an Oslo forest, usually about 50 to 60 years old. The cutting ceremony is attended by the British Ambassador and the Mayor of Oslo and after shipping to England is placed prominently in Trafalgar Square. The tree, decorated in a typical Norwegian style with white lights, provides a focal point for the carol-singing festivities that take place on the square throughout the Christmas period. After Twelfth Night the tree is converted into compost."

Suitor Waterfall, Geirangerfjord, Norway
Are you ready for an exhilarating excursion? Then this kayak trip with an experienced guide will be perfect. You will paddle the Geirangerfjord until you reach the place where there are not one, but two, majestic waterfalls, one of which is the Suitor Waterfall, On the opposite side of the fjord is the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the amazing beauty of the Geirangerfjord.

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@ Fiske, Norway
"It says in our tour guide that no-one knows exactly how long Norway's coastline is! They just know it's very long!"
"Well, it depends what size, you know, ruler they use, doesn't it, Nova?" observed Choose a name.
Nova sniffed disdainfully. "They don't crawl all round the coast with a six-inch ruler, do they? I expect it's all done electronically." Sensing argument, she quickly offered Choose a name a square of delicious Freia Melkesjokolade.
Fiske, Norway
Fiske is a locality in Rogaland, Norway, 33 miles south of Oslo. Fiske means, to fish, in Norwegian. Mist rises from one of the many waterways that dot the area.

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@ Spotted Nutcracker
"Look at this in our tour brochure, Nova! 'Andøya Space is a rocket launch site, rocket range and spaceport on Andøya island.'"
"Wow, sounds exciting, Zoe!"
Spotted Nutcracker
One of many birds you may spot around Norway. Pine seeds/nuts are the most important food source. Nutcracker couples stay together for life and both parents feed the babies and teach them how to store extra food.

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@ Kristiansand Container Port
"It says in our tour guide that no-one knows exactly how long Norway's coastline is! They just know it's very long!"
"Well, it depends what size, you know, ruler they use, doesn't it, Nova?" observed Angel.
Nova sniffed disdainfully. "They don't crawl all round the coast with a six-inch ruler, do they? I expect it's all done electronically." Sensing argument, she quickly offered Angel a square of delicious Freia Melkesjokolade.
Kristiansand Container Port
This colourful scene shows the Port of Kristiansand, one of Norway's largest and most important container terminals, located in the south of the country. The terminal is located in the very heart of the city centre of Kristiansand, and is open 24/7, 365 days a year, handling containers being transported to key European markets and worldwide. It is southern Norway`s most important transportation hub. In 2020 the port handled nearly 50,000 containers.

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@ Bjørnhollia, Rondane, Norway
"Tell me some more Viking words, Nova!" invited Dani.
Nothing loth, Nova summarised from the brochure. "Obviously they left a mark on the English language with several rather, um, violent words. For example, 'berserk' comes from berserkr, which was a 'bear-shirt'—a Viking warrior entered battle wearing no armour, just an animal skin. 'Club' from klubba, a blunt weapon. 'Gun' from the word for 'war'—gunn, 'scathe' from skaða, to injure, and 'slaughter' from slatra—to butcher. Then 'ransack' is from rannsaka—to search a house."
Dani sucked in a sharp breath. "Ooh! I'm assuming it means to search a house somewhat enthusiastically, Nova?"
"I think that's a safe assumption, Dani."
Bjørnhollia, Rondane, Norway
Bjørnhollia lies south in the Rondane range. The Rondane is the oldest national park in Norway and is an important habitat for wild reindeer. The Park has ten mountain peaks over 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) and is a very popular place for hikers to visit.

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@ Torghatten, Norway
"Quiz time, Rayla! What invention did Norway give the world that has remained practically unchanged in almost a hundred years?"
"Goodness! Er ... something to do with skiing? Skating? Swimming?" ventured Rayla.
"It was actually the cheese slice!" replied Nova. "It was invented way back in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund."
Torghatten, Norway
A stunning granite dome on the island of Torget in the municipality of Brønnøy. This dome has a natural tunnel that visitors can walk through. The tunnel is 160 metres (520 ft) long, 20 metres (66 ft) wide, and 35 metres (115 ft) high and was formed during the Scandinavian Ice Age.

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@ Panorama Of Lofoten, Norway
"Quiz time, Cuddles! What invention did Norway give the world that has remained practically unchanged in almost a hundred years?"
"Goodness! Er ... something to do with skiing? Skating? Swimming?" ventured Cuddles.
"It was actually the cheese slice!" replied Nova. "It was invented way back in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund."
Panorama Of Lofoten, Norway
Dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered bays, and untouched land make up this archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway. For more than 1,000 years the islands have been the centre for cod fisheries.

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@ Hadsel Bridge, Norway
"Why is there is statue of a tiger outside Olso Central Station, Inga?" queried Nova.
"It refers to its nickname, the City of Tigers, Nova!"
"Cool nickname!"

Hadsel Bridge, Norway
The Hadsel Bridge has been in use since 1978 and is one of four bridges built in the 70s to connect the islands to each other. It was initially a toll bridge but is now there is no charge to cross.

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@ Souvenir Viking Ship
As Nova's tour of "Norway" comes to an end, she receives a seasonally appropriate gift!
Winter Sky, Day
The blue and white sky of winter reminds us of the snow and shadows on the ground. A wonderful backdrop for any winter scene, or any season that calls for a delicate sky. You can fill it with birds and trees can stretch their branches outward. What wonderful scene will you create?
Souvenir Viking Ship
Don't forget to stop in the gift shop and pick up some souvenirs of your Norwegian travels. There are many to choose from, including this whimsical replica of a viking ship.
Nova has completed her tour of "Norway"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour Scandinavia!