Norway Travel Agents

We were very pleased with the kimkim group and all of the preparation for our fantastic first trip to Norway.
Alex was so enthusiatic, a good communicator and very knowledgable ! A well planned trip was put together with choice accommodations, transportation and a well thought out itinterary.

Our trip included time in Oslo, Bergen, and Tromso... our group of 10 had an amazing time in Norway!

Oslo:
~ Karl Johan Hotel was a great location with very comfortable rooms and a high-quality breakfast provided.
~ Taste of Oslo Street Food Walk (provided by Shaf and the team at Oslo Way) was great... a little history, a little food, a beer, and some exercise! Highly recommend this tour as a way to see some of Oslo on foot with local insight and conversation. Harald's Waffles were a treat!
~ Oslofjord dinner cruise provided an excellent meal and opportunity for conversation with our group, but not much in terms of a guided tour of what we were seeing outside (at night).

Bergen:
~ the Norway in a Nutshell experience from Oslo to Bergen by train and ferry was one of the highlights of our whole trip. It is one full day of travel, but there is so much to see and do along the way. Highly recommend this!
~ Det Hanseatiske was our hotel... a quirky and unique hotel right in the middle of everything... comfortable rooms, good breakfast, and easy walk to everything.
~ Floibanen funicular... a must do! Very good cocktail bar and restaurant at the top... I recommend reservations for dinner and a happy hour prior to dinner following your travel to the top and short hikes around the area.
~ Food and Culture walk was great (provided by Bergen Base Camp). Lots of history, we had very good samples of food and a beer at one stop, but the focus for this walk was more about the history of the town ... and it was very well done!
~ fjord Cruise to Rosendal: our trip to Rosendal was on a day with bad weather and in October... most of Rosendal was closed in town, but the hike up to the waterfall was worth doing. I think this day could have been better spent doing something else, mostly because of the time of year we went.
~ we went fishing with the team at Bergen fishing and had a great day on the water and eating our fresh catch with their team afterwards. High-quality people and a great thing to do in Bergen!
~ Bergen is an amazing town; we found so much to do just by walking around and stumbling on to things. Great restaurants and pubs, lots of history and shopping along the way. The people were amazing.

Tromso:
~ even in October, this town has a very fun vibe.
~ amazing bakeries and coffee shops
~ we had a great evening with the Northern Lights Husky Experience; and the Northern Lights did not disappoint!
~ we did the City and Polar History walk with the team at Arctic Guides... the museums were very interesting and the history provided by our guide as we walked was very well done.
~ the Northern Lights dinner cruise was a little disappointing only because we had such a high-quality meal on our Oslo dinner cruise that this one did not compare. The fact that the Northern Lights were not visible on this day, the boat was late (whale watching early in the day was late getting back) added to some level of disappointment.

Along the way, we needed to make adjustments to compensate for weather and changes in travel plans, but the KimKim team was right there with us the whole team and made everything work out just fine!

Alex did a fantastic job helping us plan a short trip to Norway. We had always had it on our list to see the fjord's and possibly Northern Lights in Norway, but the timing never seemed right. This year we decided to do a week in Iceland and thought a trip to Norway would fit right in with our travel plans!

We were so lucky to be connected with Alex! After discussing some places we'd like to go in Norway (Bergen, fjords, Northern lights), Alex suggested we do the Norway in a Nutshell day trip from Bergen, followed up by a 3 day stay in the Lofoten Islands and a final night in Tromso, where we might be lucky to see the Northern lights (we didn't).

The KimKim team arranged all our hotels and transportation to/from the airport to our hotel, rental car in the Lofoten Islands, as well as the Norway in a Nutshell transportation, and internal flights in Norway from Bergen to Svolvaer and on to Tromso!

The hotels were close to the sites in Bergen and Tromso, and in Svolvaer, the Anker Brygge, was right in the center of town on a small island. The rooms were a good size and very comfortable, with Anker Brygge being traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cottages with a small kitchen and dining area, living room and separate bedrooms and free on-site parking! The restaurant Kjøkkenet, which is located on the island and associated with Anker Brygge, served delicious dinners (we ate there all 3 nights!!)

Breakfast was provided at each hotel, and was a nice variety of breads, pastry, sliced meats, cheeses and fruit!

Since Alex had spent time in Norway and specifically Lofoten Islands, he suggested areas to stop and explore, as well as provided some beautiful photos he had taken on his most recent trip!

All-in-all, we had a great time in Norway, and we couldn't express our thanks to Alex and the KimKim team any deeper for arranging this for us!

Hotel Reviews

Scandic Torget

Bergen

The Scandic Torget hotel is located in the center of Bergen on the harbor and within walking distance of the funnicular and train station. The room was comfortable and clean. Breakfast was good, with a variety of pastries, breads, sliced meat and cheese, as well as fresh fruit.

Authenticity & Character

The hotel seemed to be a couple of buildings cobbled together. There were doors on each end of the elevator, which took you to different parts of the floor you were staying on. It was not a business hotel, which in itself, made it nicer to stay at!

Location

It was within walking distance of the funnicular and train station, as well as many restaurants.

Staff

We really didn't have much interaction with the staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed was comfortable and the room was clean.

Anker Brygge

Svolvær

It was so cool to stay in a traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cottage! Having space to spread out and a separate bedroom were very much appreciated!

Authenticity & Character

Staying in this hotel was so far removed from your "normal" hotel. Individual apartments with separate bedroom, living room and kitchen was perfect for this location! The fact that these used to be traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cottages, made it feel even more special as you could experience a small part of a past culture.

Location

Location was in the middle of Svolvær on an island accessible by a one lane bridge. Parking was provided and was free!!

Staff

The office staff were helpful in answering our many questions about the area, and firing up the sauna for us!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were clean and in general, the bed and sitting area was pretty good, though the mattress could have been a bit firmer. One complaint I had was the window coverings were not light blocking, so the room never got very dark. Sleep mask to the rescue...

Quality Hotel Grand Tromso

Tromsø

The location of this hotel was great - close to shopping on the walking street and the harbor for our dinner cruise. The downside was people outside on the street partying late into the night (we were on the 8th floor and it was still loud!). We had to catch an early flight, so we didn't have any breakfast at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character

It was a business type hotel, which was fine as we were only there one night.

Location

Close to shopping on the walking street and the harbor for our dinner cruise, as well as restaurants.

Staff

We didn't have much interaction with the staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was clean and comfortable, though the street noise, even on higher floors, was annoying.

Activity Reviews

Norway in a Nutshell Day Trip

Bergen

The train ride was very scenic, although the weather was rainy. If possible, I think one thing to improve this day would have been to be on a smaller boat, which I realize might not be something you can control. There were a lot of people on the boat and seating was unavailable by the windows.

Driving the Lofoten Islands: Nature Stops Along the Way

Norway

Loved the Lofoten Islands!! Having your own car is a must. We drove to the end of the Island to Å and then back tracked to Reine, where we had a delicious lunch at Bringen Kaffebar. Along the way we stopped at the Lofotr Viking Museum, which was very informative! The scenery is outstanding and changes around each curve of the road. There are many small beaches you can stop at as well as several scenic sites.

Depart Norway

Norway

There wasn't much to say as our drive picked us at at 5:00 a.m. to get us to the airport for a 7:30 am flight.

Trollfjord Sea Eagle Safari by RIB

Norway

This was such a fun high speed boat adventure! xxlofoten was the tour operator for this trip. We found them very professional and fun! They have you wear jump suits and goggles to protect you from the water, in case you fall in, and from the cold wind as the boat is going quite fast. The scenery in the Trollfjord is beautiful and you're able to go quite a distance up the fjord. We saw many Sea Eagles - a beautiful sight to behold!!

Quality of Experience

Our boat guide was very knowledgeable and knew just where to stop so we could experience the Sea Eagles and take photos.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Even though our guide had probably been doing this trip many times, he was as excited to see the Sea Eagles and landscape as we were!

Transport

We had never been on a A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat before, so this was a new, but fun, experience!

Self-Guided Bergen Exploration

Bergen

Once we got to our hotel, we grabbed an Uber to go see the Bergen Stave church, about 30 minutes from our hotel. The driver ended up staying at the site parking area while we toured the church and then dropped us off at the funicular. We rode that to the top of the hill and had dinner at the Fløirestauranten restaurant, located a short distance from the funicular stop. What a view of the city and surrounding countryside!

Self-Guided Svolvær Exploration

Norway

Svolvaer is a small town so it didn't take us long to explore the shops. The locals are friendly and it's a convenient place to stay. We found the food to be delicious.

Northern Lights Dinner Cruise

Tromsø

This was an ok tour. Unfortunately we had two large parties that took up most of the boat and they were loud!! The staff were great though, and put us in a more private spot by a window towards the back of the boat so we had some buffer from the noise. The food was decent.

My wife and I have just returned from our 13 day trip to Norway. It was wonderful! All of the kimkim-organized activities, hotels, and transportation went off without a hitch. Of particular note were:
1. Norway is a spectacularly beautiful country. Our boat rides and train voyages (particularly the ride from Bergen to Oslo), allowed us to appreciate the jaw dropping beauty of cities, fjords, waterfalls, and farmland.
2. Each city we visited was beautiful, with impressive old and new architecture. We had great walking tours of Tromso (led by Jurgen), Oslo (led by Björn, a retired architect) and Bergen. The guides were knowledgeable and open with personal observations about their lives in Norway.
3. The hotels were all very nice, located in the center of each city. Breakfasts were ample and delicious. Rooms were small, but comfortable.
4. We loved having a car for a couple of days to tour the Lofoten Islands. Gorgeous!
5. We took multiple flights from airports large and small. A beautiful way to get around the country, with no delays or connection problems.
6. Norway has a multitude of fascinating museums: historical, cultural and artistic. The few we visited in Tromso and Bergen were great, as was a brand new one outside of Svolvaer dealing with the cod fishery!
Thanks, kimkim, for designing a great vacation customized to our interests, and paced just right for us.

Hotel Reviews

Karl Johan Hotel

Oslo

Lovely hotel, great location, delicious breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right in the middle of town, walking distance to all activities.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scandic Ishavshotel

Tromsø

Clean, comfortable, small rooms. Excellent breakfast. No

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scandic Svolvær

Svolvær

Clean, comfortable, small rooms. Paid parking several blocks away. Excellent breakfast

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Quality Hotel Ålesund

Ålesund

Clean, comfortable. Excellent breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz

Bergen

Clean, comfortable, small rooms. Excellent breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private City Walk

Oslo

Our guide Bjorn, a retired architect, was knowledgeable, friendly, and open to a wide ranging discussion about the city. This tour was a high point of our trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was delightful.

City & Polar History Walk

Tromsø

Jürgen, our guide and lifelong Tromso resident, was totally open, sharing his thoughts about his life and his city. He took us through the Arctic Explorer and the Sami museums. This tour was a highlight of our visit.

Quality of Experience

Interesting town, excellent guide.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Excellent guide

Driving the Lofoten Islands: Nature Stops Along the Way

Norway

Wow! As was promised, the Lofoten Islands are spectacularly beautiful. And although the roads are narrow, we did not find driving difficult.

Quality of Experience

Beautiful!

Geirangerfjord Cruise & Day Trip

Norway

This cruise through Geirangefjord was very comfortable and the scenery. Unbelievable. The crew provided helpful commentary throughout the trip. Town of Geiranger is basically a tourist locale, which didn’t interest us too much, except for a very cool walk up along the waterfall at the edge of town. There are longer hikes available in the area.

Quality of Experience

Food & Culture Walk

Bergen

Four of us and a guide walked through the center of Bergen, trying some typical snacks and also having a light soup lunch. The highlight of the walk was exploring the UNESCO historic area, the site of.the Hanseatic League trading activities.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fløibanen Funicular Ride (Tickets not included)

Bergen

Gorgeous view from the top. There are restaurants, kids playground, and hiking trails at the top as well.

Quality of Experience

Spectacular view.

Oslofjord Evening Cruise with Prawn Buffet

Oslo

This is the one activity which we found disappointing. It was a nice boat ride around the harbor and islands adjacent to Oslo, but there was no commentary or information about what we were seeing. (one could get some information on an app). The dinner consisted of a buffet of peel – yourself shrimp, bread, and lettuce. Drinks were available for purchase.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

No commentary

Transport

Pretty sailboat, but of course we did not sail.

Norway in a Nutshell Day Trip

Bergen

Beautiful scenery throughout. Only downside: this is obviously a very popular experience and even in September, it was quite crowded. At one point, we had to wait at the bus stop in the rain to make our last connection.

Quality of Experience

Depart Norway

Norway

Our limo driver to the airport was prompt, helpful, friendly and informative.

Quality of Experience

Visit Henningsvær

Svolvær

Very pretty town.

Quality of Experience

Welcome to Tromsø

Tromsø

Lovely Arctic town, easily walkable. Interesting museums.

Quality of Experience

Self-Guided Bergen Exploration

Bergen

Beautiful historic city, UNESCO heritage site. Downtown easily walkable.

Quality of Experience

Self-Guided Oslo Exploration

Oslo

Bustling, attractive city with compact walkable downtown and waterfront. Beautiful old and new architecture.

Quality of Experience

Northern Lights Dinner Cruise

Tromsø

Nice outing on the water, good meal. We did not see the Northern Lights on our cloudy night.

Quality of Experience

Self-Guided Svolvær Exploration

Svolvær

Nice waterfront town. Worked as a base for our time driving around the Lofoten Islands. We enjoyed the nearby SKREI museum — an art gallery, explanation of the cod fishery, and an aquarium.

Quality of Experience

Explore Ålesund

Norway

Yet another lovely waterfront city, with great Art Nouveau architecture. Home of the Geirangerfjord cruise up the fjord which was spectacular.

Quality of Experience

We are not good planners, often having an idea for a trip 3 weeks before actually leaving home. So, when we decided to go to Norway about three weeks before we'd leave, we knew we'd need help putting together an itinerary. Years ago, KimKim helped us put together a fantastic trip to Iceland so we sent off a message and heard right back from Christina. What a great week in Norway. Oslo? The fjords! Bergen! Hiking with Jurgen, kayaking with Sergei, cider tasting at the Ciderhus in Balestrand, RIP boat touring, fantastic meals, and restful nights in cozy hotels were all part of her deliverable. And, she managed to put everything together on short notice. We really should up our planning game but it's nice to know that Kim Kim is there when we need help.