Norway Travel Agents

had found KimKim while in the process of planning our honeymoon in Norway. A traditional travel agent wouldn't be able to provide what I was looking for but the scale of what I was trying to accomplish seemed massive and I knew I needed some help. A quick Google search led me to KimKim and it was exactly what I was looking for.

After a quick email exchange about where we wanted to travel too, we were put into contact with our local expert, Taylor. We started the dialog about where we wanted to go and things we wanted to do and she put together the first version of an itinerary for us. During the entire process she was very receptive to all modifications we wanted to make on top of giving meaningful feedback on our ideas since she has actually traveled in this area before. After some back and forth and a few versions of the itinerary, we had the blueprint for our perfect vacation. I should mention that up until this point we had not been charged for anything by KimKim and Taylor had been working hard on this for us for over a month. We paid the deposit after the itinerary was locked in and then Nick and Maria got to work booking all of our accommodations, excursions and transportation (airport transfers, etc.. KimKim does not book your flights).

Once everything was booked, the entire itinerary along with all confirmation numbers was conveniently put into an app and shared with us. I can't stress enough how awesome it was not having to sift through pages of emails looking for confirmation numbers and hotel addresses while abroad. I never had to do more than pull up the app to find any information I needed, and each location was linked to Google maps.

Our honeymoon went off without a hitch, and it was one of the best experiences I've had in my life. Not once did we run into a hiccup, every ride transfer was waiting for us when we needed them and if I had a question someone was prompt with a response. All in all the entire experience was a joy from start to finish and I would 100% book another trip with KimKim in the future.

Massive thanks to Taylor, Nick and Maria 🙌

Varied and fascinating trip of beautiful Norway.
The pan Mathis put together was flawless.

Kimkim was terrific and we just completed an outstanding trip to Norway!

I asked Anna to help put together a 3-week self-drive trip that focused on the outdoor beauty of Norway, including lots of day hikes I had read about (including others she might recommend), with accommodations that were nice & clean – and a handful of splurge stops she thought were worth it. Anna was quick to propose a trip that looked great, worked with us as we made a few tweaks (including a start in Oslo to take the cross-country rail trip before starting our self-drive – worth it!), and she recommended & incorporated a handful of private city walks and guided hikes. The process was easy, the trip was custom, the results were great.

Accommodation favorites include: The Bolder (a modern compact stand-alone cabin with a spectacular view), Fjaerland Fjordstove Hotell & Restaurant (a historic gem in a charming tiny town with a terrific restaurant), Blatind Botique Hotel (cozy luxury in a private mountain setting with excellent dining), and an unbelievable lakeside view from a Vollsnes Feiehus Stryn cabin near Loen. We also enjoyed the quirky/funky Dovregubbens Hall, and Hotel Brosundet in Alesund. And we stayed in a handful of Scandic hotels which were nice, clean, and had great breakfasts. We wanted a variety – and we were happy with the variety!

Add-on favorites include: A private city walk in Bergen, followed by a hike above the city the next day (beautiful). A private hike to a historic farm now known for wild blueberries in an idyllic setting near Fjaerland. And a floating sauna (with occasional fjord plunges!)

Hiking area favorites: Forsand, Voss, Loen, Andalsnes

One other note. Kimkim provided support during our trip – I didn’t expect to need it, but I did. During one of our drives, we arrived at what looked like an abandoned ferry terminal (we were the only ones there). I couldn’t quite make sense of the ferry terminal schedule on-line, so I reached out to Kimkim’s 24-hour number (it was Sunday), and they responded immediately --confirmed the ferry schedule, provided an alternate route if I didn’t want to wait, and asked what else they could do. I really appreciated the support.

A great trip! Thank you.

Hotel Reviews

Scandic Voss

Voss

Great location in Voss. Big nice breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rosendal Turist hotel

Kvinnherad

Top floor room of old building had a tiny triangle-shaped shower with no shower door, and angled (roofline) ceiling in the bathroom (I hit my head twice). We ate at the restaurant on the night they were serving crab and shrimp buffet -- we did not care for it.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were clean. The bathroom in my room just wasn't comfortable.

The Bolder

Forsand

Small but fantastic. We spent one entire afternoon marvelling at the view.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The cabin was initially made up for 2 (reservation was for 3) -- and they remedied the issue promptly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fjærland Fjordstove Hotell & Restaurant

Fjærland

A historic gem in a charming tiny town with a terrific restaurant. The expansive lobby lounge and wrap around deck were really nice. This was a favorite for sure.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vollsnes Feriehus Stryn

Stryn

The setting is spectacular -- the views amazing. Big, modern, and it has a washing machine! Free kayaks -- we used these and they were great. Walking distance to some great trails. The cabin is a 4-plex, so if others are out late on their deck, you will hear them (we did).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Owner stopped by after we arrived to make sure all was OK

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean.

Dovregubbens Hall

Dombås

Quirky, funky, but perfect for the setting, and we liked it. Clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oppdal Turisthotell

Oppdal

Rooms were clean, but dated. Overall, this hotel seems tired. Breakfast was nothing special.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, but not cozy or all that welcoming.

Frich's Ekspress Hotel

Åndalsnes

Clean rooms. We liked and used the common lounge several times. Handy to have a grocery close. But the restaurant in the building is closed. And it's in a bit of an odd part of town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Seemed to be in the more industrial part of town. Restaurant in building is closed. Not bad, but we needed to drive to eat, hike, or see the town center.

Staff

Didn't see any, but rooms were clean.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blåtind Boutique Hotel

Stordal

Cozy luxury in a private mountain setting with excellent dining. This was a treat.

Authenticity & Character

Mountain lodge on the outside, lux on the inside.

Location

Staff

Ole was exceptionally personable and very welcoming.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Brosundet

Ålesund

Great location. Rooms were fine.

Authenticity & Character

Genuine Alesund

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scandic Byporten

Oslo

Small but comfortable rooms. Very handy to adjacent mall, restaurant, train station. Good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very friendly at the front desk.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scandic Byparken

Bergen

I liked the location (away from the cruise crowds, but still very walkable to the main city area). Nothing special, but clean. Good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guidet Hike to Blåbærstølen

Fjærland

We had a beautiful day -- the scenery was terrific, and we even ate a few blueberries (though the season had passed). Our guide was a life-long local, very knowledgeable -- and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Floating Sauna

Norway

Fun and hot (sauna) and freezing (jumping into the fjord). A must do. And the scenery -- fantastic!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Easy, easy walk from hotel.

Voss Gondol

Voss

The gondol ride was nice and the view up top is nice. Unfortunately the trails at the top are shared by mountain bikes, and though we didn't see/meet any mountain bikers on the trail, the trails themselves were torn up from bicycle ruts & very muddy -- a disappointment. Loved the swing at the top of the mountain.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Visit Stegastein Viewpoint

Norway

The view is very nice. The drive up is insane.

Quality of Experience

Cheese Tasting in Undredal

Norway

Great cheese, and hands-down the best brown cheese of the trip. An informative hour.

Quality of Experience

Hike to Rampestreken Viewpoint

Åndalsnes

Steep, and tree-root covered along much of the way, but very doable. The hike above the viewpoint to the top is the steepest and most exposed along the side of the mountain.

Quality of Experience

The Bordals gorge

Voss

This is a quick stop (you can do a hike from the hotel, or drive there and step out). We drove (and did a separate hike around the city).

Quality of Experience

Geraingerfjord Safari by RIB

Geiranger

The day was cloudy & misty. Our guide was fine but not particularly exciting. We had arrived via ferry from Hellesylt (due to a road closure), so we had already seen most of it. On a clear day with a more entertaining guide, it would be better.

Quality of Experience

Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert

Oslo

I liked getting away from the tourist center to see other parts of the city -- a more "real world" look at Oslo. We had a few bites of local food along the way (cinnamon bun, Syverkiosken) -- a nice walk!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide

Bergen

Informative, and away from the cruise crowds -- our guide timed it so the bulk of the crowd had cleared once we arrived at the fish market area. Enjoyed walking the narrow streets and seeing the historic homes.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided hike over "Vidden"

Bergen

Our guide modified our original hike to accommodate us with a less strenuous hike -- funicular up, then hiking above the city, and back down to our hotel.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

What comes to mind is my interest, long before my trip to Norway, in the Viking Age and Norwegian explorations, as demonstrated in two musical compositions: (1) "Viking" by Peter Hammill who, with vivid imagery, stirringly sings: "Looking out forward over the prow of our long ship, pulling our oars and listening..." see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oXn7m_4Cog, and (2) "Amundsen" by Justin Sullivan (while I cannot speak to this its historical accuracy, his is a fine video regarding Roald Amundsen. In taking on the explorer's persona, Mr. Sullivan sings "long ago I learned how to sail...see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_YZd6N978c.)

Without much thought of these works of art, before having arrived, and having no idea that Roald Amundsen's ship was still around, I was gladly surprised to find the ship, so well preserved, at the museum in Oslo! I was not even aware that there was such a museum in Norway. It was indeed memorable part of the trip.

And then there were the fantastic fjords, the climb made to Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, the Stave churches, the TB museum, all very rewarding. Also, while we were there the beloved King Harald passed away and with that event I was able to learn about his life. It was moving to be witness to so many of his followers paying tribute to the King at the parliament, while awaiting his funeral.

I would enjoy returning to Norway. The above accounts of my time there were made possible by Kimkim's planning, itinerary, and guidance, to include the wealth of knowledge displayed by our Oslo tour guide.

Steve

Krista helped us plan an amazing 31 day Scandanavian adventure through Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Highlights were the Folkmuseum and Vigeland Park in Oslo, kayaking in Flam, riding the funicular in Bergen to the park above and going to the Troll museum. The numerous fjord cruises were breath taking. We enjoyed the Cidery tour and lunch in Balestrand. And ending our time with a Midnight Sun kayaking in the Lofoten Islands. We loved Sweden visiting museums and castles. We took a day each to visit Sigtuna and another Uppsala where we had fun looking for Rune Stones. Our visit to Visby on Gotland Island, Sweden was fantastic. Starting and ending our trip in Copenhagen was perfect. The 3 hour Hygee tour is a must do and highly recommend traveling to Fredericksborg Castle. The hotels were very nice with delicious breakfasts. The hotel in Flam was okay but it made up for its plainness by its wonderful breakfasts and dinners. It was also nice to not be in the center if Flam with all the cruise tourists everywhere. We had excellent support by Matijs and Beni. They alerted us to the Norwegian Airtraffic controllers strike - luckily we were not affected. Thanks for the memorable trip!

Hotel Reviews

Copenhagen Island Hotel

Copenhagen

Our first stay here at the beginning of our trip was a room on the first floor facing the water with a small outdoor balcony where we could relax and watch people swimming. It has an excellent breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Nice decor and lighting. The area for breakfast has good views and comfortable seating and layout.

Location

Great location, close to public transportation.

Staff

Breakfast was perfect.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotell Bondeheimen

Oslo

Nice room and very good breakfast. Easy walk from station.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Perfect for seeing the main sites. Centrally located.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Heimly Pensjonat

Flåm

The hotel is small, only 42 rooms. The rooms are basic, no coffee maker in room. There was decaf coffee available but if you wanted regular coffee before breakast or later in the day, you have to buy it. But the fact that it is a 20 minute walk outside of town away from the deluge of cruise tourists and has beautiful views of the water and provided both breakfast And delicious dinners made up for the small, basic room.

Authenticity & Character

A place we're people stayed before the chain hotels. It had a homey feel.

Location

Away from crowds and beautiful water view.

Staff

The woman who worked the front desk was very friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean - just an older building.

Scandic Torget

Bergen

A very busy hotel in central Bergen. We could easily walk everywhere to see the sites and activities. It was a mad house trying to checkin and we had to request luggage storage since checkin is 4:00. There is 1 key for luggage storage area and it is just a room off the dining area with tables and chairs in it. That made it feel stressful.

Authenticity & Character

Very good breakfast.

Location

Excellent. Right in the center of everything.

Staff

Only 2 check in people who were not that friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Donners Hotel

Visby

Great location, very friendly and helpful staff. Cool older hotel. We had a room on the 4th floor in the rafters. It was a large space which accommodated twin beds.

Authenticity & Character

Quiet, older hotel with character.

Location

Excellent. Visby is a walkable town and the hotel is in the center.

Staff

Very helpful and gave excellent recommendation for dinner on our first night. Both young men who worked the desk were friendly and fun to talk to.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Havila Cruise

Fosnavåg

When we were first boarding, we didn't realize that when you scan your ticket you are assigned specific seats. We thought we would have to find seats. The seats were comfortable and the meals very good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Relaxing way to get to Alesund.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shower was great! Good water pressure.

Thon Hotel Ålesund

Ålesund

Nice room with helpful, friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Centrally located.

Staff

Helpful providing excellent recommendation for traditional Swedish food.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Svinøya Rorbuer

Svolvær

Unique old refurbished fishing cabin. We stayed in 2 bedroom, and 1 bath on first floor and on 2nd floor was an open space with the kitchen, table and chairs and a livingroom. The bedrooms are tiny with built in single beds. Lots of character! The restaurant were breakfast is held is very old, charming and special.

Authenticity & Character

Most authentic place we stayed in.

Location

Beautiful views.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bedrooms can get hot and stuffy due to small size.

Hotel Lilla Rådmannen

Stockholm

Great place. Good location. Excellent breakfast. Excellent restaurant with Belgium beers.

Authenticity & Character

Great restaurant with Belguim beers.

Location

Near public transportation.

Staff

Friendly. Restaurant staff was very knowledgeable of their beers.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Norsk Folkemuseum - The Open Air Museum (museum tickets included)

Oslo

We enjoyed seeing the Stave Church, the old farms and buildings. We were lucky and saw a dancing performance. We tried the homemade lefties with butter. It is amazing that this musuem was started in 1881!

Quality of Experience

Historical buildings in a large open area.

Summer Kayaking Excursion

Norway

Nice small group kayaking experience in Flam's harbor area. Mette was a very knowledgeable guide and did a great job. The equipment was well maintained. It was a fun morning.

Quality of Experience

Guided Cidery Tour to Balestrand & the Sognefjord

Bergen

Balestrand is a very pretty town. The Cidery tour was fun and we had a delicious meal pairing 5 different ciders.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Midnight Sun Kayaking Excursion

Norway

Amazing kayaking experience. We had a good amount of time in the ocean. It was about 2 1/2 hours on the water. We landed on a small island for a small break for hot tea and cookies. Guides were excellent. The equipment was not as good as Flam's. The skirts were beat up and need to be replaced.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Need new kayak skirts

Sea Kayaking In Ålesund

Ålesund

We expected the kayaking to be in canals in Alesund to see Art Nouveau buildings. Tgat didn't happen. The group was too large and a good junk of time went to outfitting everyone with equipment. The guides were great but this tour isn't worth the time or money.

Quality of Experience

Smaller group. Kayak to see the buildings

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly

Transport

Good kayaks

Hygge Tour Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Our tour guide Amit was fantastic. We spent 3 hours walking around Copenhagen. He provided a lot of information about the concept of hygge, the Danish culture, historical facts and present day information about education, taxes, etc. We stopped first for a delicious pastry, then a stop at a sweet shop and ending the tour in a cute, funky little coffee shop.

Quality of Experience

Great guide, valuable information and delicious snacks.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Amit was smart, friendly and easy to talk to.

Oslofjord Dinner Cruise

Oslo

Nice tour of Oslo by water with a very good meal.

Quality of Experience

Food

All of it.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport