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@ Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Penji 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.

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

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

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
"Hey, Getaway, 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, Penji?"
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
"Did you know that Norway has a 120-mile land border with Russia, Mulrey?"
Mulrey pondered. "I didn't know that, Penji! Aren't Sweden and Finland sort of in the way?"
"Look at the map here. It's at Kirkenes. It says here that it's very common for Norwegians to cross over into Russia to buy cheaper fuel for their cars, while Russians cross over to Norway to buy better quality goods in Kirkenes."
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
Lúthien settled back in her coach seat and turned to her neighbour. "Would you like a potato crisp, Penji?" she asked, opening the bright blue packet.
"Mmm, yes, please!" responded Penji, and helped himself. Some happy crunching by both pets ensued.
"These are really delicious!" enthused Penji. "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."
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
"Look at this in our tour brochure, Penji! 'Andøya Space is a rocket launch site, rocket range and spaceport on Andøya island.'"
"Wow, sounds exciting, Mae!"
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
"So, Garth, what is unique about the restaurant at Båly in Lindesnes? That's as far south as you can get in Norway."
Seeing Garth's blank look, Penji said, "I'll give you a clue—its name is "Under"!"
"It's underwater!" squeaked Garth.
"That's correct! It's the largest underwater restaurant in the world. It looks lovely in these pictures, doesn't it?"
Soaring Sunset
Two large aquatic birds soar serenely in the sunset in Bergen, Norway.

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@ Foggy Fjord, Norway
"Wow!" exclaimed Rosco. "Hey, Penji, did you know it was Norway that introduced salmon sushi to Japan? It says here that while sushi is of course a Japanese thing, they did not use salmon in their sushi until it was suggested by a Norwegian delegation in 1980s. Seafood is now one of Norway's biggest industries."

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
"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 Penji.
"I guess that means we won't be visiting it!" remarked Sif.
"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."
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
"Did you know that Norway has a 120-mile land border with Russia, jimkitty?"
jimkitty pondered. "I didn't know that, Penji! Aren't Sweden and Finland sort of in the way?"
"Look at the map here. It's at Kirkenes. It says here that it's very common for Norwegians to cross over into Russia to buy cheaper fuel for their cars, while Russians cross over to Norway to buy better quality goods in Kirkenes."
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
"So, Sparkles, what is unique about the restaurant at Båly in Lindesnes? That's as far south as you can get in Norway."
Seeing Sparkles's blank look, Penji said, "I'll give you a clue—its name is "Under"!"
"It's underwater!" squeaked Sparkles.
"That's correct! It's the largest underwater restaurant in the world. It looks lovely in these pictures, doesn't it?"
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
"'Norway is the world's most successful nation at the Winter Olympic Games'," read out Penji 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 Fino.
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, Nirvana!" remarked Penji. "It says in our itinerary that the world's longest road tunnel is in Norway. The Lærdal Tunnel is 15 miles (24.5 km) long and connects the small communities of Lærdal and Aurland. It cost 1 billion Norwegian kroner (about US$110 million) to build."
"That's amazing, Penji!"
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
"Did you know that Norway has a 120-mile land border with Russia, sammy?"
sammy pondered. "I didn't know that, Penji! Aren't Sweden and Finland sort of in the way?"
"Look at the map here. It's at Kirkenes. It says here that it's very common for Norwegians to cross over into Russia to buy cheaper fuel for their cars, while Russians cross over to Norway to buy better quality goods in Kirkenes."
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
"Wow!" exclaimed Bubblegum. "Hey, Penji, did you know it was Norway that introduced salmon sushi to Japan? It says here that while sushi is of course a Japanese thing, they did not use salmon in their sushi until it was suggested by a Norwegian delegation in 1980s. Seafood is now one of Norway's biggest industries."

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
"What Norwegian Christmas tradition centres around Bjørnøya, or Bear Island, Thinair?" asked Penji.
"I don't know, Penji!"
"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."
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
"Look at this, dragolia!" remarked Penji. "It says in our itinerary that the world's longest road tunnel is in Norway. The Lærdal Tunnel is 15 miles (24.5 km) long and connects the small communities of Lærdal and Aurland. It cost 1 billion Norwegian kroner (about US$110 million) to build."
"That's amazing, Penji!"
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
"Wow!" exclaimed Anwyn. "Hey, Penji, did you know it was Norway that introduced salmon sushi to Japan? It says here that while sushi is of course a Japanese thing, they did not use salmon in their sushi until it was suggested by a Norwegian delegation in 1980s. Seafood is now one of Norway's biggest industries."

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
"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 Népomucène Bibliophilus.
"Our guide was saying this morning that the words 'ski' and 'slalom' originated right here in Norway," responded Penji.
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
"It explains here that Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist who bequeathed his wealth to create the Nobel awards," remarked Penji.
"So why did he choose Norway to be the Peace Prize venue?"
"No one knows, bunny!" said Penji.
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
"Today's quick trivia question, Sikandar? What is the highest mountain in Norway?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, Penji!"
"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."
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
"Look at this in our tour brochure, Penji! 'Andøya Space is a rocket launch site, rocket range and spaceport on Andøya island.'"
"Wow, sounds exciting, Safeara!"
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 Penji'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.
Penji has completed his tour of "Norway"! Your Scandinavian tour is now over, but PnF will hold a new event again soon!