Image 1/25

@ Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Sammie begins his tour of "Norway". Wrap up warm!
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
This old farm homestead, typical of many found in Oslo, Norway countrysides is one of 160 buildings on display at one of the world's oldest and largest open-air museums, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This open-air museum focuses on the time period from 1500 until the present time but also has a stave church from 1200. Indoor exhibits feature Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art, toys, and Sami culture.

Image 2/25

@ Mosfjell, Birkeland, Norway
"So, moo moo, what is unique about the restaurant at Båly in Lindesnes? That's as far south as you can get in Norway."
Seeing moo moo's blank look, Sammie said, "I'll give you a clue—its name is "Under"!"
"It's underwater!" squeaked moo moo.
"That's correct! It's the largest underwater restaurant in the world. It looks lovely in these pictures, doesn't it?"
Mosfjell, Birkeland, Norway
A scenic sunset brings a day of adventuring through Mosfjell, Birkeland, Norway to a close. Rest up because there will be more spectacular places to see tomorrow!

Image 3/25

@ Rural Norwegian Landscape
" 'Norway is the name of the country in English,'" read out Sammie. " 'In Norwegian, the country is called Norge. In the lesser-used nynorsk variety of Norwegian, the spelling is Noreg. In fact, the full name of the country is the Kingdom of Norway. In Norwegian, this is written as Kongeriket Norge, or Kongeriket Noreg in nynorsk. Meanwhile, the Norwegian language is known in Norway as norsk.' Got that, Millicent?"
"Got it, Sammie!" replied Millicent. "When I used to collect stamps when I was young, I remember the Norwegian ones had 'Norge' printed on them."
Rural Norwegian Landscape
Time to bundle up! The horses are hitched to the sleigh and pets will get to experience a real sleigh ride through the wintry Norwegian rural landscape.

Image 4/25

@ Colorful Shops, Bergen, Norway
"Did you see in our tour guide that the world's most remote island is in Norwegian territory but it's actually on the other side of the world in the South Atlantic Ocean!" said Sammie.
"I guess that means we won't be visiting it!" remarked Bunnibuns.
"Correct! Because of Bouvet's remoteness and the lack of an airport, visiting the island is impossible unless you're on a funded scientific research expedition."
Colorful Shops, Bergen, Norway
Colorful wooden shops beckon travelers to stop by and see what goodies they can't live without. The bright yellow one is a souvenir shop. Every pet needs to visit that one.

Image 5/25

@ Ice Sculptures, Kirkenes, Norway
"Today's quiz question, Daisy!" announced Sammie. "How many times has Norway hosted the Winter Olympics?"
Daisy pondered. "Well, I would say more than once, at any rate!"
"Correct, Daisy! The answer is twice: in 1952 in Oslo, and in 1994 in Lillehammer."
Ice Sculptures, Kirkenes, Norway
The famous Snow Hotel in Kirkenes is built with fresh snow every winter and is a popular tourist attraction. How do you stay warm in there? You are just going to have to do a little research to find out the answer to that question and any others you may have.

Image 6/25

@ Frozen Fjord, Norway
"Tell me some more Viking words, Sammie!" invited Bubblegum.
Nothing loth, Sammie 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."
Bubblegum sucked in a sharp breath. "Ooh! I'm assuming it means to search a house somewhat enthusiastically, Sammie?"
"I think that's a safe assumption, Bubblegum."
Frozen Fjord, Norway
The ice is beginning to break up signifying that the winter's grip on the land is loosening. The ice and snow will soon melt, giving way to the many fjord cruises that immerse travelers in the spectacular beauty that is Norway's famous fjords.

Image 7/25

@ Lofoten Fishing Village
"'Tromsø has The Arctic University, which is the northernmost university in the world, with 16,000 students,'" read out Getaway from the brochure.
"They also have the Northern Lights Observatory in Tromsø, don't they, Sammie?" remarked Getaway. "That must be a cool place to work!"
Lofoten Fishing Village
Many rugged fishing villages can be found among the picturesque Lofoten Islands of Norway. They are a popular destination for both professional and recreational fishermen.

Image 8/25

@ Soaring Sunset
Flitter started chuckling. "Norway is home to Hell, Sammie! It's the name of a small village here!"
"Goodness! Do we go near it on our tour?"
"Mmm, not sure. It's near Trondheim Airport, according to this. It also says a short distance from the station there's a forest trial where you can find some crude rock carvings of reindeer, believed to be around 5000 years old."
Soaring Sunset
Two large aquatic birds soar serenely in the sunset in Bergen, Norway.

Image 9/25

@ Foggy Fjord, Norway
Sammie and Sylvantra stopped at a confectioner's to buy Norwegian chocolate for pets back home. "This one looks lovely, Sylvantra," remarked Sammie. "Freia Melkesjokolade Firkløver—hakkede hasselnøte. So we know it's milk chocolate, and taking the pictures and text together, it's called Four Leaf Clover with hacked hazelnuts!"
"I think "chopped" hazelnuts would be more accurate, Sammie!"
"Yes, that's what I meant!"
Foggy Fjord, Norway
This idyllic little fog-enshrouded village welcomes a boat into the fjord. I'm sure the travelers will receive a warm nordic welcome.

Image 10/25

@ Røldal, Norway
"So, Doctor Hoo, what is unique about the restaurant at Båly in Lindesnes? That's as far south as you can get in Norway."
Seeing Doctor Hoo's blank look, Sammie said, "I'll give you a clue—its name is "Under"!"
"It's underwater!" squeaked Doctor Hoo.
"That's correct! It's the largest underwater restaurant in the world. It looks lovely in these pictures, doesn't it?"
Røldal, Norway
No matter what your idea of fun is, Røldal offers something for you to do. Attractions include skiing, hiking, and sightseeing. If you are a history buff, there are plenty of interesting places to explore.

Image 11/25

@ Jotunheimen Mountains, Norway
"'Tromsø has The Arctic University, which is the northernmost university in the world, with 16,000 students,'" read out Princess from the brochure.
"They also have the Northern Lights Observatory in Tromsø, don't they, Sammie?" remarked Princess. "That must be a cool place to work!"
Jotunheimen Mountains, Norway
Once upon a time, according to Norse mythology, Jotunheimen was the place where the Jötunn – the trolls – lived. These were feared as superhuman, similar in power to gods but more chaotic in nature and best avoided. “Giant” or "Troll" are common synonyms for Jötunn. It is also used in Scandinavian folklore and popular culture. The word is related to modern Scandinavian words for magic or sorcery. Prepare yourself to be spellbound as soon as you set foot here.

Image 12/25

@ Norwegian Fjord Rainbow
"English as spoken today is full of linguistic leftovers from a time when elaborately-decorated helmets were the dernier cri," read out Sammie from the brochure. "That means the Vikings, Choose a name!"
"I know. So what words do we owe to the Vikings, Sammie?"
Sammie frowned at the list. "Well, for a start, víking meant an expedition overseas, and a vikingr was someone who went on one of these expeditions."
Norwegian Fjord Rainbow
They say treasure is to be found at the end of the rainbow. That is definitely true here in Norway where they have an abundance of some of the most spectacular scenic fjord views. Norway truly is a treasure for the eyes.

Image 13/25

@ Trolltunga, Norway
"It says in our brochure that not only was skiing invented in Norway, but a development in Norwegian skis in the 1890s – the Telemark – directly led to the modern skis we use today," remarked Lyla.
"Our guide was saying this morning that the words 'ski' and 'slalom' originated right here in Norway," responded Sammie.
Trolltunga, Norway
Trolltunga (Troll Tongue) is a very popular tourist attraction, rapidly increasing in popularity since 2010 with more than 80,000 hikers completing the very challenging 27 kilometer (17 mile) hike, which takes more than ten hours, over rough terrain, to complete.

Image 14/25

@ Piggy Bank
"Quiz time, The Tort Meister! 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 The Tort Meister.
"It was actually the cheese slice!" replied Sammie. "It was invented way back in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund."
Piggy Bank
Piggy banks are usually associated with good luck. Perhaps this sweet little piggy bank painted with the Norwegian Flag will help the owner save.

Image 15/25

@ The Trolls Road
Oh look ... you won a pet!
The Trolls Road
The Trollstigen or Trolls Road is a very windy road that travels up steep mountainsides in Rauma, a municipality in Norway. The road was opened on 31st July 1936 by the then King of Norway Haakon VII. Each of the bends has its own name, most are named after the foreman who led the work crews for that section.

Image 16/25

@ Village On Fjord, Norway
"Look at this in our tour brochure, Sammie! 'Andøya Space is a rocket launch site, rocket range and spaceport on Andøya island.'"
"Wow, sounds exciting, Hoppy!"
Village On Fjord, Norway
Norway has over 1,700 named fjords, and there are many small villages with colourful houses dotted along many of the fjords. Norway is the second-largest exporter of fish and seafood so people want to live as close to the water as possible.

Image 17/25

@ Sognefjord, Norway
"English as spoken today is full of linguistic leftovers from a time when elaborately-decorated helmets were the dernier cri," read out Sammie from the brochure. "That means the Vikings, Nicole!"
"I know. So what words do we owe to the Vikings, Sammie?"
Sammie frowned at the list. "Well, for a start, víking meant an expedition overseas, and a vikingr was someone who went on one of these expeditions."
Sognefjord, Norway
In the Sognefjord area of Norway you will enjoy many picturesque vistas. The Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, According to UNESCO, the landscape around the fjord is among the most scenically outstanding in the world, which is why it has a place on the World Heritage List.

Image 18/25

@ Troll Tongue
"It says in our brochure that not only was skiing invented in Norway, but a development in Norwegian skis in the 1890s – the Telemark – directly led to the modern skis we use today," remarked milo.
"Our guide was saying this morning that the words 'ski' and 'slalom' originated right here in Norway," responded Sammie.
Troll Tongue
Trolltunga, Troll Tongue is a rock formation situated in Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland County, Norway. The cliff juts out horizontally about 700 metres (2,300 ft) above Ringedalsvatnet lake. This has become a very popular hiking area in recent years.

Image 19/25

@ Old Town, Bergen
"Today's quick trivia question, Asparagus? What is the highest mountain in Norway?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, Sammie!"
"It's Galdhøpiggen, 2469m or 8100 feet. 'Gald' means 'steep mountain road', 'hø' means 'big, rounded mountain', and 'piggen' means 'the peak'. It's in the county of Innlandet, and is also the highest mountain in the whole of Scandinavia."
Old Town, Bergen
Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway and was the first capital city, in 1299 Oslo became the capital. Bergen was founded by King Olave Kyrre in 1070 and became a major trading and seafaring port. The very first buildings in Bergen were situated at Bryggen (the dock).

Image 20/25

@ Snowy Road, Norway
"What Norwegian Christmas tradition centres around Bjørnøya, or Bear Island, Drozan?" asked Sammie.
"I don't know, Sammie!"
"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."
Snowy Road, Norway
The snowplows have just been through so the roads are clear... for now. The well-prepared pet knows to make sure they have emergency supplies in their vehicle anytime they leave home in the winter as the weather can change quickly.

Image 21/25

@ Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
"Next quiz question, MooBerry!" announced Sammie. "What is unusual about the Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard?"
"I don't know, Sammie. Is he very young to have been appointed, or something?"
"Ooh, you're almost there! He's actually a Scottish penguin!" responded Sammie. "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."

Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
The Storseisundet Bridge is a cantilever bridge and the longest of the eight bridges that make up the Atlanterhavsveien or the Atlantic Ocean Road. The bridge is 260 metres (850 ft) long and with a maximum clearance to the sea of 23 metres (75 ft). It was opened on 7 July 1989.

Image 22/25

@ Houses in Winter, Norway
"Today's quick trivia question, Violet Flame? What is the highest mountain in Norway?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, Sammie!"
"It's Galdhøpiggen, 2469m or 8100 feet. 'Gald' means 'steep mountain road', 'hø' means 'big, rounded mountain', and 'piggen' means 'the peak'. It's in the county of Innlandet, and is also the highest mountain in the whole of Scandinavia."
Houses in Winter, Norway
The owners of these little row houses are making sure that even in winter there are vibrant colors to contrast the predominant winter hues of whites and grays.

Image 23/25

@ Norwegian Autumn
"It says here that Norway’s capital wasn’t always called Oslo. When it was founded in 1040, its name was originally spelt Ânslo or Áslo. However, in 1624, after a great fire destroyed large parts of the city, it was moved and rebuilt. So the capital city's name was changed to Christiania after the ruling monarch, King Christian IV."
"When did it become Oslo?" queried Joe.
"Well, first the name changed to start with a K instead of C-H, adopted at the end of the 19th century. Then in 1925 the city expanded to include the original 11th century village and was renamed Oslo. Phew! Today it ranks number one of all European cities in terms of quality of life."
Norwegian Autumn
The sounds of gently trickling water are the only sounds heard during a moment of no traffic on the quaint stone bridge. Take this peaceful moment to feast on the autumnal beauty of Norway as well.

Image 24/25

@ Snowy Trek
"It says here that Norway’s capital wasn’t always called Oslo. When it was founded in 1040, its name was originally spelt Ânslo or Áslo. However, in 1624, after a great fire destroyed large parts of the city, it was moved and rebuilt. So the capital city's name was changed to Christiania after the ruling monarch, King Christian IV."
"When did it become Oslo?" queried Moondancer.
"Well, first the name changed to start with a K instead of C-H, adopted at the end of the 19th century. Then in 1925 the city expanded to include the original 11th century village and was renamed Oslo. Phew! Today it ranks number one of all European cities in terms of quality of life."
Snowy Trek
If you love hiking through the snow you will find it aplenty here in Norway. Some pets have already struck out on their winter adventure and have left a trail to follow.

Image 25/25

@ Flåmsbana, Norway
As Sammie's tour of "Norway" comes to an end, he receives a seasonally appropriate gift!
Sleeping Winter Grass
I am tired after a long year of growing and putting forth vibrant green colours and making seeds. Now is my time to rest and gain back strength for when spring comes again. Even in this form, I add texture to the landscape and a touch of subdued yet warm colour.
Flåmsbana, Norway
Even though the population is around 400, the tiny town of Flåmsbana receives over 450,000 visitors every year! The main attraction to the area is the Flam Line, a railway route between Flåmsbana and Myrdal which is not only one of the steepest railway routes but is also undeniably one of the most magnificent train journeys in the world. The town harbor also offers approximately 160 cruises every year, taking passengers through the spectacular fjords and the encircling waterfalls.
Sammie has completed his tour of "Norway"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour Scandinavia!