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@ Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Hope 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
"Today's quick trivia question, Sly? What is the highest mountain in Norway?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, Hope!"
"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."
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
"Gosh, Tullius, look at this snippet from our brochure! 'Income and wealth of all residents is on public record.' I'm not sure I'd want everypet knowing how wealthy or otherwise I was!"
"It must make it awfully difficult to fiddle one's tax return, Hope! Not that one would ever dream of doing so, of course!"
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
"English as spoken today is full of linguistic leftovers from a time when elaborately-decorated helmets were the dernier cri," read out Hope from the brochure. "That means the Vikings, Faylene!"
"I know. So what words do we owe to the Vikings, Hope?"
Hope 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."
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
"Why is there is statue of a tiger outside Olso Central Station, Minerva?" queried Hope.
"It refers to its nickname, the City of Tigers, Hope!"
"Cool nickname!"

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, Hope, did you know Norway has a volcano?" queried Uni. "It's called the Beerenberg—oh, Hope, 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
"Hey, lily monet, 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, Hope?"
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
"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 Hope.
"I guess that means we won't be visiting it!" remarked Choose a name Thisisme.
"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."
Soaring Sunset
Two large aquatic birds soar serenely in the sunset in Bergen, Norway.

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

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
"Hey, Henry, 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, Hope!" responded Henry.
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
"English as spoken today is full of linguistic leftovers from a time when elaborately-decorated helmets were the dernier cri," read out Hope from the brochure. "That means the Vikings, Mulrey!"
"I know. So what words do we owe to the Vikings, Hope?"
Hope 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."
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
"'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 Hope from the tour brochure.
Splat pondered. "It's been fabulous touring the parts we've managed to do by boat, Hope. I vote we come back another time when we can afford our own private boat!"
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
"Next quiz question, Chompers!" announced Hope. "What is unusual about the Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard?"
"I don't know, Hope. Is he very young to have been appointed, or something?"
"Ooh, you're almost there! He's actually a Scottish penguin!" responded Hope. "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."

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
Hope 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."
Starlight glanced up from her 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, Hope, we can still learn the basics and some phrases—I'm sure we don't need to worry!"
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
"Hey, Hope, did you know Norway has a volcano?" queried Slushie. "It's called the Beerenberg—oh, Hope, 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."
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
"It explains here that Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist who bequeathed his wealth to create the Nobel awards," remarked Hope.
"So why did he choose Norway to be the Peace Prize venue?"
"No one knows, Cuddles!" said Hope.
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
"Hey, Choose a name, 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, Hope?"
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
"Hey, Milk, 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, Hope!" responded Milk.
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
"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 Nanuk.
"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 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
Clarice started chuckling. "Norway is home to Hell, Hope! 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."
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
"Wow! Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives here, Polly! 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, Hope!"

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
"Talking of Norway's coastline," remarked ~smiggle~, "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 Hope, and she and ~smiggle~ chuckled together at the memory.
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
"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, Hope?" observed Corgalicious.
Hope 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 Corgalicious a square of delicious Freia Melkesjokolade.
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 Hope'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.
Hope has completed her tour of "Norway"! Your Scandinavian tour is now over, but PnF will hold a new event again soon!