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@ Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Granny Violet McKillop begins her 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.

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@ Mosfjell, Birkeland, Norway
"'Arguably the best way to enjoy the Norwegian coastline – if you don't have your own boat that is – is by taking the full Hurtigruten voyage on the Coastal Steamer from Bergen to Kirkenes and back again. On the 12-day voyage you'll get up close to some of the country's most iconic scenery with 34 ports of call northbound and 33 on southbound sailings'," read out Granny Violet McKillop from the tour brochure.
Cadbury pondered. "It's been fabulous touring the parts we've managed to do by boat, Granny Violet McKillop. I vote we come back another time when we can afford our own private boat!"
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!

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@ Rural Norwegian Landscape
Granny Violet McKillop put down her copy of Speak Norwegian with Nonchalance looking flummoxed. "It says in here there are two versions of the Norwegian language, or rather, two written variants."
Roxas glanced up from his study of Norwegian Without Nerves! and nodded. "Yes, my book says Bokmål is used by the vast majority of the country, while Nynorsk is more popular in rural areas. Never mind, Granny Violet McKillop, we can still learn the basics and some phrases—I'm sure we don't need to worry!"
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.

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

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.

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@ Ice Sculptures, Kirkenes, Norway
"Wow! Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives here, MooDonna! The herd roam in Europe's biggest mountain plateau. The number of wild reindeer in winter totals around 25,000, of which up to 7000 are found on Hardangervidda."
"Wow indeed, Granny Violet McKillop!"

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.

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@ Frozen Fjord, Norway
"Hey, Granny Violet McKillop, did you know Norway has a volcano?" queried Frost. "It's called the Beerenberg—oh, Granny Violet McKillop, 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."
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.

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@ Lofoten Fishing Village
Granny Violet McKillop and Granville very long name indeed indeed stopped at a confectioner's to buy Norwegian chocolate for pets back home. "This one looks lovely, Granville very long name indeed indeed," remarked Granny Violet McKillop. "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, Granny Violet McKillop!"
"Yes, that's what I meant!"
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.

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@ Soaring Sunset
"Wow! Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives here, George! The herd roam in Europe's biggest mountain plateau. The number of wild reindeer in winter totals around 25,000, of which up to 7000 are found on Hardangervidda."
"Wow indeed, Granny Violet McKillop!"

Soaring Sunset
Two large aquatic birds soar serenely in the sunset in Bergen, Norway.

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@ Foggy Fjord, Norway
"Look at this in our tour brochure, Granny Violet McKillop! 'Andøya Space is a rocket launch site, rocket range and spaceport on Andøya island.'"
"Wow, sounds exciting, Alexandra!"
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.

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@ Røldal, Norway
milo was carefully studying the map of Norway. "Well, fancy that, Granny Violet McKillop! Kirkenes is farther east than all of Finland! It's just 9 miles (15 km) from the Russian border. It says in our tour guide that the Russian influence makes it a very interesting and bilingual place."
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.

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@ Jotunheimen Mountains, Norway
Granny Violet McKillop and Abby stopped at a confectioner's to buy Norwegian chocolate for pets back home. "This one looks lovely, Abby," remarked Granny Violet McKillop. "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, Granny Violet McKillop!"
"Yes, that's what I meant!"
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.

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

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.

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@ Trolltunga, Norway
"Hey, Granny Violet McKillop, did you know Norway has a volcano?" queried Midnight Bleu. "It's called the Beerenberg—oh, Granny Violet McKillop, 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."
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.

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@ Piggy Bank
"Look at this in our tour brochure, Granny Violet McKillop! 'Andøya Space is a rocket launch site, rocket range and spaceport on Andøya island.'"
"Wow, sounds exciting, Freyja!"
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.

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@ 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.

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@ Village On Fjord, Norway
"Would you like to share my elevenses, Heidi?" invited Granny Violet McKillop, when she encountered her friend in the park. "It's called Kvikk Lunsj—it means Quick Lunch!" Unwrapping the chocolate wafer bar, she broke it in half, and offered it to Heidi.
"Thank you, Granny Violet McKillop!" said Heidi, taking the proffered sample. "Mmm, that's very nice indeed!"
"Apparently it's customary when you go skiing here in Norway to take a Kvikk Lunsj along with a thermos of hot chocolate and an orange!"
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.

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@ Sognefjord, Norway
"Hey, seema, have you seen what the hotel has included in our packed lunch today? It's these packets of Freia Melkehjerte—adorable leaf-thin milk chocolate hearts!"
"I'm looking forward to lunch already, Granny Violet McKillop!" responded seema.
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.

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@ Troll Tongue
"'Norway is the world's most successful nation at the Winter Olympic Games'," read out Granny Violet McKillop from the itinerary. "'Despite having only around 5 million residents, Norway has won more medals than any other country in Olympic history'."
"And there's me tumbling head over paws on that icy path this morning!" remarked Bonny.
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.

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@ Old Town, Bergen
"More trivia, Granny Violet McKillop!" announced Isabella. "What gift does Norway make to Britain every single year?"
"Ooh, I know this!" responded Granny Violet McKillop. "It's a Christmas tree!"
"Correct!" said Isabella. "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."

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).

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@ Snowy Road, Norway
Moo was carefully studying the map of Norway. "Well, fancy that, Granny Violet McKillop! Kirkenes is farther east than all of Finland! It's just 9 miles (15 km) from the Russian border. It says in our tour guide that the Russian influence makes it a very interesting and bilingual place."
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.

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@ Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
"You know the author Roald Dahl, DaiDai?" remarked Granny Violet McKillop. "He was born in Wales, but his parents were Norwegian."
"I didn't know that, Granny Violet McKillop!" said DaiDai. "I always enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
"Well, it says in our tour guide that he may have taken inspiration for the book from the Norwegian Freia chocolate factory. However, the BBC have claimed he was inspired by Cadbury running tasting tests at his school in Derbyshire. Who knows?"
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.

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@ Houses in Winter, Norway
"Hey, Fidelis, it says here, 'Norway's oil and gas industry has powered the economy, but it doesn't power the nation's homes. Around 98% of Norway's domestic power usage is drawn from hydroelectric power plants.'"
"That's good going, isn't it, Granny Violet McKillop?"
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.

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@ Norwegian Autumn
Granny Violet McKillop and Turbo stopped at a confectioner's to buy Norwegian chocolate for pets back home. "This one looks lovely, Turbo," remarked Granny Violet McKillop. "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, Granny Violet McKillop!"
"Yes, that's what I meant!"
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.

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@ Snowy Trek
Olivia Anna settled back in her coach seat and turned to her neighbour. "Would you like a potato crisp, Granny Violet McKillop?" she asked, opening the bright blue packet.
"Mmm, yes, please!" responded Granny Violet McKillop, and helped herself. Some happy crunching by both pets ensued.
"These are really delicious!" enthused Granny Violet McKillop. "So what does Potetgull on the packet mean?"
"I asked our tour guide earlier. It means "gold potatoes". The maker is Maarud, who make most of the crisps in Norway."
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.

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@ Flåmsbana, Norway
As Granny Violet McKillop's tour of "Norway" comes to an end, she 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.
Granny Violet McKillop has completed her tour of "Norway"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour Scandinavia!