Ørje
Ørje is the administrative centre of Marker municipality, Norway, not far from the Swedish border. Its population (2013)) is 1,881.
Ørje is known for its canal museum and steamboat club, military fortifications from 1905 and locks. Engebret Soot built the first Norwegian canal locks at Ørje in the years 1857-1860 (). The total lift of the locks are 10 meters (30 feet) divided on 3 steps. The locks are situated between the lakes "Rødenessjøen" and "Øymarksjøen" as a part of the Halden Waterway System.
Ørje was founded in the 1880s around a timber-processing mill. In the decades following the Second World War, Ørje developed substantial industry and commerce. Today, the service sector, including tourism have partly replaced manufacture and agriculture/forestry as the most important economic sectors.
Ørje has become well-known due to a pedestrian crossing sign installed in the village by the Swedish artists' collective Kreativiteket. The sign is based on a character from Monty Python's "Ministry of Silly Walks" sketch, and instructs pedestrians to cross the street in a silly manner.
Coordinates: 59°29′N 11°39′E / 59.483°N 11.650°E
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