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A Land of Contrasts
挪威——反差之国
A wit once said that Norway was a land for people with a taste for the unusual. With its long distances, scattered population and outstanding natural beauty, this outpost on the edge of Europe is a land of contrasts ?C a heady mix of spectacular scenery and high technology. Visitors will find a country of dramatic landscapes, pure air, clean water and an abiding respect for tradition. But they also encounter up-to-date cities and an efficient network of air, rail and road connections. A country of contrasts. A country for those with a taste for the unusual.
一个诙谐的人曾经说过，挪威就是那些品位奇特的人的天地。这个位于欧洲边缘地带的前哨之国地域狭长、人口稀松、天然美景出众，是一片充满反差的土地——把壮丽风光和高科技融为一体的醉人之地。游客会发现，这个国家所具有的是动人的风景、纯净的空气、清澈的水质和对传统的不倦遵循。但他们也会看到现代化的都市和高效的航空、铁路和公路交通网。这是一个反差之国。一个适合品位奇特的人的国家。
Climate 气候
Not many nationalities have such an intense love-hate relationship with their weather as the Norwegians do. There are good reasons for this however. Arctic temperatures hold a large part of the country in their iron grip throughout the long winter months. In the northernmost parts of the country winter is a seemingly endless night and in the summer the sun barely touches the horizon before rising again to cast its rays over seas, mountains and the far northern tundra.
像挪威人那样，对气候的爱恨交加程度如此强烈的民族并不多。不过，出现这种状况是有其充分的理由的。在漫长的冬季月份里，该国的大部分地区完全是北极的温度特征。在该国最北部的地区，冬季就是看似没有尽头的夜晚，而在夏天，太阳刚刚落到地平线的位置后，就会再次升起，照耀着大海、群山和遥远的北部苔原。
In the south the summers are warm with temperatures equaling those of southern Europe. In spring and autumn, the landscape also has a special charm ?C created by the way the light is reflected off the steep, rain-wet mountainsides, the clear crystal water of the lakes and fjords, or the high peaks with their mantles of eternal snow.
在南部，夏日是晴暖的，温度与南欧一样。在春秋两季的时候，景色别有一番风情——被雨水打湿的陡峭山腹、湖泊和峡湾中如水晶般透彻的流水，或者是常年积雪的挺拔峰顶会使光线出现反射现象。
Urban Life 都市生活
Norway is home to many interesting towns and cities. Its most famous, and more than likely the first stop for most tourists, is Oslo.
挪威拥有许多有趣的城镇和都市。其最著名并极有可能成为大多数游客停留的第一站的便是奥斯陆。
Oslo is Scandinavia's oldest capital. Its name derives from two Old Norse words meaning 'god' and 'meadow'. It has a thousand-year history and is host to some of the best museums in the country. The Viking Ship Museum, The Ski Museum and the extraordinary Vigeland Sculpture Park are a must-see for all visitors.
奥斯陆是斯堪的纳维亚半岛上最为古老的都会城市。其名称来源于两个意思分别为“神”和“草地”的古斯堪的纳维亚语汇。此城拥有1000年的历史，该国一些最好的博物馆均坐落于此。维京船博物馆、滑雪博物馆以及非凡的维格兰雕塑园都是所有游客不容错过的观光地。
Although Oslo has in recent years acquired a reputation for being a fiery, self-confident and cosmopolitan capital, boasting exquisite restaurants and a huge variety of cultural attractions and nightlife, the town is most closely associated with its proximity to nature. Not far from the town center you can ski or walk by yourself in vast woodlands. You can swim in the many small lakes or off the beaches on the edge of the Oslofjord. The different districts also offer beautiful parks and outdoor cafes that are buzzing all year long.
虽然近年来，奥斯陆凭借其热情、自信和国际化的首都形象赢得了声望，并以拥有幽雅的饭馆和繁多的文化魅力和夜生活为荣，但该城被提及最多的地方还是其毗邻大自然的特点。距市中心不远的地方就是可以独自滑雪或漫步的林地区域。你可以在许多小湖泊中，或者在奥斯陆峡湾边的海滩沿岸游泳。不同的城区还有漂亮的公园和户外咖啡馆，这些地方终年门庭若市。
The Tundra 苔原
One of the best ways to experience tundra life is to accompany Sami reindeer herders on their annual spring migration. Not only can visitors enjoy the magnificent scenery, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the traditions of one of Europe's few remaining ancient peoples. The tundra in Hardangervidda is home to Europe's last remaining wild reindeer and if you are lucky enough you might get to see this fascinating and shy animal.
要体验苔原生态的最好方式之一就是跟随萨米族驯鹿放牧人一起踏上其一年一度的春季迁徙之旅。游客不仅可以享受壮丽的风光，而且还可以把这当成一个绝佳的机会，来体验这个作为欧洲仅存的少数古老民族之一的人群的传统。哈当厄高原的苔原是欧洲仅存的野生驯鹿栖息地，如果你足够幸运的话，你可能就会看到这种迷人的、害羞的动物。
The Fjords 峡湾地区
The highlight of a traveling in Norway has to be the Fjords. Norway's long coastline is indented by large and small fjord arms, creating huge difficulties for the road and rail authorities but providing the visitor with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The exciting mountain train journey to Flam, on the Aurlandsfjorden, is highly recommended.
在挪威观光的重头戏肯定就在峡湾地区。挪威漫长的海岸线被大大小小的峡湾分割成了锯齿状，这为规划公路与铁路的当局提出了巨大的难题，但却为游客提供了全球最叹为观止的一些景观。极力推荐乘火车穿山越岭前往奥兰峡湾弗兰市，来一次兴奋之旅。
Hardanger Fjord哈丹哥峡湾
Hardanger is one of Norway's most popular fjords. It offers a wide range of activities all year round. Boating and water sports are popular in the summer. Winter visitors can enjoy the slalom slopes and cross-country ski trails. Winter or summer, you will be amazed at this region's foaming waterfalls and stunning fjord scenery.
哈丹哥峡湾是挪威最受人欢迎的峡湾之一。该地区全年都会举办大量活动。划船和水上运动在夏季颇为流行。而在冬季观光的游客则可以享受斜坡障碍滑雪和小道越野滑雪运动带来的乐趣。无论是在冬天还是在夏天，你都会被这一地区泡沫横飞的瀑布和惊人的峡湾风光所震撼。
Folk Dress 民族服饰
Many Norwegians will don bunads, formal dress with traditional local origins, on May 17th, Norway's national day, and for weddings and festive occasions. These costumes are inspired by the clothes worn in rural areas in pre-industrial Norway and differ in style and colour from region to region. The details on the costumes will indicate certain information about the wearer, for example, if they are single or married.
在5月17日挪威国庆节、婚礼和其它节日场合上，许多挪威人会穿上一种名叫“bunad”、体现着当地传统渊源的正式服装。这类服装是受到挪威前工业时期的乡村服饰启发而发展出来的，但各地区在风格和用色上均有差别。服装上的细节特征会揭示穿着者的某类信息，如，他们是未婚还是已婚。
As far as possible bunads are made of natural materials: linen or cotton for shirts, silk for kerchiefs, vests and bodices, and wool for skirts, jackets, trousers and stockings.
“bunad”服饰尽可能会由天然材料制成：用亚麻或棉布来制衬衣，用丝绸来制头巾、背心和紧身胸衣，用羊毛来制衬衣、夹克、裤子和长袜。
Traditional Music and dance 传统音乐和舞蹈
Folk dancing is a popular recreational activity in Norway today. While many people practice folk dancing for their own pleasure, there are also professional dancers all over the country. They compete throughout the year at contests, watched by large audiences.
民族舞蹈是当今挪威的一项流行休闲活动。虽然许多人跳民族舞蹈是自得其乐，但全国各地也有职业的舞蹈演员。他们全年都会在许多拥有大量观众群的比赛中竞技。
Trolls 洞穴巨人
For generations, Norwegian children have been fed images of make-believe characters such as trolls, sirens and goblins. The stories and legends have been passed from family to family, from generation to generation. Norway's imposing mountains, deep fjords, vast forests and dark winter nights provide plenty of inspiration for these tales of the supernatural. But these stories are not just employed to entertain children. In the past, they provided valuable national symbols that helped unite the country.
一代代的挪威儿童都会听说到一些虚构的人物形象，如洞穴巨人、海上女妖和小妖精。这些故事和传说在各家各户之间世代流传着。挪威那壮丽的山峦、深邃的峡湾、巨大的森林和漆黑的冬夜为这些神奇的故事提供了丰富的想象空间。但这些故事的作用并非只是为了哄小孩。在过去，它们还提供了宝贵的国家象征，而这些象征帮助这个国家走向了统一。
Interview 访谈
Bilingual Time asked Mr. Ola Breidal, Cultural Attache of the Norwegian Embassy in China, a few questions about Norway as a tourist destination.
《双语时代》就前往挪威旅游一事，向挪威驻中国大使馆的文化参赞博达先生咨询了一些问题。
1. Why go to Norway?
为什么要去挪威？
In 2005, Norway marks its first 100 years as an independent nation. Since 1905, Norway has become a modern, technological welfare society. Its nature is clean, scenery breathtaking, air is fresh, and the cities are modern. Personally, I think it is the combination of the untouched, dramatic nature and the modern nation that makes Norway attractive.
2005年是挪威独立后的百年诞辰。从1905年起，挪威已发展成一个现代化、科技发达的福利社会。那里的自然环境一尘不染，景色令人叹为观止，空气清新，城市很现代。从个人角度来讲，我认为挪威的诱人之处在于，它把自然的壮丽原貌和本国的现代化特征结合到了一起。
If you like outdoor activities, Norway is great. You can enjoy skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, rafting, climbing, bicycling and many more.
如果你喜欢户外活动，那挪威最好不过了。你可以享受滑雪（斜坡滑雪和越野滑雪）、滑雪板、漂流、爬山、骑车以及其它更多运动所带来的乐趣。
2. What activities would you suggest for tourists?
你能向观光者推荐什么活动吗？
You can walk or ski in the mountains, go boating in the fjords, climb in the mountains, raft or fish in the rivers, and shop in the cities. Wherever you go, eat the salmon and breathe the fresh air!
你可以在群山中漫步或滑雪，在峡湾里划船，在山间攀缘，在溪流中漂流或垂钓，在城市里购物。无论你去哪里，你都会吃到鲑鱼，呼吸到新鲜空气！
3. What sights should a visitor take in?
游客应该去游览那些景致呢？
The Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo - Norway's biggest park designed by sculptor Vigeland, the midnight sun during summer in northern Norway, the beautiful city of Bergen - Norway's second largest city, and the fjords. I would especially recommend Oslo-Bergen by train via fjords and mountains and seeing the northern archipelago of Lofoten.
奥斯陆的维格兰雕刻公园——那是由雕刻家维格兰设计的、挪威最大的公园；挪威北部夏季的午夜阳光；美丽的卑尔根市——那是挪威第二大城市；以及峡湾地区。我特别推荐途经峡湾和群山地区的奥斯陆—卑尔根列车之旅，另外还要看看北部的罗弗敦群岛。
4. For tourists who love to shop, what does Norway have to offer?
对于那些想要购物的观光者，在挪威能买到什么？
There is so much to offer! They can buy some modern design products such as glass and porcelain, homemade woolen sweaters, health products such as cod liver oil - keeps you free from illness! There is also traditional silver ware, caviar, traditional tin ware, salmon (try the smoked salmon), books in English, and shoes. In Norway, shoes are cheap and great quality.
可买的东西太多了！他们可以买一些设计时髦的产品，如玻璃杯和瓷器；家庭自制的羊毛衫；保健产品，如鱼肝油——它可以使你远离疾病！这里还有传统的银制品、鱼子酱、传统的锡制品、鲑鱼（可以尝尝熏鲑鱼）、英语书籍和鞋。在挪威，鞋既便宜，质量又好。
5. For those interested in making Norway their next port of call, what should be the first step?
对于那些想把挪威作为他们下一个停留之地的观光者，首先应该做什么？
Visit the Embassy's homepage at www.norway.cn, then contact a travel agency.
登录www.norway.cn，查阅大使馆网站首页，然后与一家旅行社取得联系。
For information about travel visas to Norway, contact the Norwegian embassy in China at 010-65322261 or visit their website at www.norway.cn . For all other information about travelling in Norway get in touch with the Scandinavian Tourist Board in Beijing at 010- 8527 6100.
关于挪威旅游签证问题，欲知详情，请拨打010-65322261与挪威驻中国大使馆取得联系或登录他们的网站www.norway.cn。关于挪威旅游的其它信息，欲知详情，请拨打010-8527 6100与北京的斯堪的纳维亚观光局取得联系。
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