Image 1/25

@ Saltstraumen Bridge, Norway
Pearl 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.

Image 2/25

@ Lysefjord, Norway
"Look at this, Bixi!" remarked Pearl. "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, Pearl!"
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!

Image 3/25

@ Sætre, Asker, Norway
Pearl 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."
Starburst glanced up from its 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, Pearl, we can still learn the basics and some phrases—I'm sure we don't need to worry!"
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.

Image 4/25

@ Kirkenes, 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, Pearl?" observed Cloe.
Pearl 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 Cloe a square of delicious Freia Melkesjokolade.
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.

Image 5/25

@ Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, 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 Twitch.
"Our guide was saying this morning that the words 'ski' and 'slalom' originated right here in Norway," responded Pearl.
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."

Image 6/25

@ Snowy Evergreen Forest, Norway
"You know the author Roald Dahl, ypmblessed?" remarked Pearl. "He was born in Wales, but his parents were Norwegian."
"I didn't know that, Pearl!" said ypmblessed. "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?"
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.

Image 7/25

@ Whale Watching, Norway
"Gosh, poddu laddoo, 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, Pearl! Not that one would ever dream of doing so, of course!"
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.

Image 8/25

@ Norwegian Sea Coastline
MELODEE settled back in her coach seat and turned to her neighbour. "Would you like a potato crisp, Pearl?" she asked, opening the bright blue packet.
"Mmm, yes, please!" responded Pearl, and helped herself. Some happy crunching by both pets ensued.
"These are really delicious!" enthused Pearl. "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."
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.

Image 9/25

@ Northern Norway Flora
"It explains here that Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist who bequeathed his wealth to create the Nobel awards," remarked Pearl.
"So why did he choose Norway to be the Peace Prize venue?"
"No one knows, Josie!" said Pearl.
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.

Image 10/25

@ Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Pearl 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."
Artic 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, Pearl, we can still learn the basics and some phrases—I'm sure we don't need to worry!"
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.

Image 11/25

@ How Far From Norway?
"More trivia, Pearl!" announced Selene. "What gift does Norway make to Britain every single year?"
"Ooh, I know this!" responded Pearl. "It's a Christmas tree!"
"Correct!" said Selene. "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."

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.

Image 12/25

@ Idyllic Norwegian Fjord
Pearl 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."
Melvin 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, Pearl, we can still learn the basics and some phrases—I'm sure we don't need to worry!"
Idyllic Norwegian Fjord
Fjord cruises are very abundant and an excellent way to immerse oneself in the spectacular beauty of the fjords of Norway.

Image 13/25

@ Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Hardanger, Norway
Pearl 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."
Lady Thea 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, Pearl, we can still learn the basics and some phrases—I'm sure we don't need to worry!"
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.

Image 14/25

@ Bryggen, Bergen, 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 Pearl from the tour brochure.
Heleena pondered. "It's been fabulous touring the parts we've managed to do by boat, Pearl. I vote we come back another time when we can afford our own private boat!"
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.

Image 15/25

@ 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.

Image 16/25

@ Ålesund Harbour, Norway.
"Today's quiz question, Mystic!" announced Pearl. "How many times has Norway hosted the Winter Olympics?"
Mystic pondered. "Well, I would say more than once, at any rate!"
"Correct, Mystic! The answer is twice: in 1952 in Oslo, and in 1994 in Lillehammer."
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.

Image 17/25

@ Suitor Waterfall, Geirangerfjord, Norway
"It explains here that Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist who bequeathed his wealth to create the Nobel awards," remarked Pearl.
"So why did he choose Norway to be the Peace Prize venue?"
"No one knows, Daphne Fluffster Tinklehoof!" said Pearl.
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.

Image 18/25

@ Fiske, Norway
"Tell me some more Viking words, Pearl!" invited Choose a name.
Nothing loth, Pearl 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."
Choose a name sucked in a sharp breath. "Ooh! I'm assuming it means to search a house somewhat enthusiastically, Pearl?"
"I think that's a safe assumption, Choose a name."
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.

Image 19/25

@ Spotted Nutcracker
"English as spoken today is full of linguistic leftovers from a time when elaborately-decorated helmets were the dernier cri," read out Pearl from the brochure. "That means the Vikings, Choose a name!"
"I know. So what words do we owe to the Vikings, Pearl?"
Pearl 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."
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.

Image 20/25

@ Kristiansand Container Port
"Quiz time, Honey! 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 Honey.
"It was actually the cheese slice!" replied Pearl. "It was invented way back in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund."
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.

Image 21/25

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

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.

Image 22/25

@ Torghatten, Norway
"Wow! Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives here, lily! 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, Pearl!"

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.

Image 23/25

@ Panorama Of Lofoten, Norway
Foxy started chuckling. "Norway is home to Hell, Pearl! 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."
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.

Image 24/25

@ Hadsel Bridge, Norway
Pearl unwrapped the Freia chocolate bar, offered a few squares to Lena Luna, then thoughtfully munched a couple of squares herself. "This is delicious, Lena Luna! 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, Pearl!"
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.

Image 25/25

@ Souvenir Viking Ship
As Pearl'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.
Pearl has completed her tour of "Norway"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour Scandinavia!