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Emerson Siimer

Hello, I'm Emerson, a travel specialist. Originally from Tartu, Estonia, I've had the privilege of calling Australia and New Zealand my home.

With a master's degree in nature-based tourism, I'm passionate about responsible travel. I've shared my love for nature through wild food workshops, guided hiking expeditions, and assisting fellow travelers.

My favorite part of the world is North Finland, where I've experienced the magic of snowboarding, hiking, husky sledding, reindeer encounters, and thrilling snowmobile adventures.

I'm here to craft unforgettable travel experiences that blend adventure, nature, food and culture. Let's embark on incredible journeys and create lasting memories together.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Baltic states and Finland. Food, adventure, nature and culture."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My travel journey began at the age of 17 with a thrilling hitchhiking adventure across Europe, setting the stage for a lifetime of exploration. I've since explored diverse destinations, from Europe to South Africa, Japan, Iran, and Southeast Asia, enriching my understanding of the world's cultures and landscapes.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My trip to Iran turned into an incredible adventure filled with unique experiences. Initially, I went there for a snowboarding trip and, quite unexpectedly, crossed paths with two Iranian girls. To my surprise, it turned out that these girls were living and studying in Estonia, just like me, a rare and serendipitous encounter.

Our journey in Iran went far beyond the slopes. We explored the local culture by visiting the homes of the welcoming Iranians, indulged in the extraordinary experience of diving in the Persian Sea, and embarked on a one-of-a-kind desert adventure with the locals. We also trekked through stunning mountain landscapes, savored a variety of unconventional local dishes, and discovered places that I might not have ventured to otherwise.

As fate would have it, we managed to leave Iran just a day before the onset of the global COVID-19 lockdowns, making it a remarkable and fortunate experience, filled with luck and a touch of craziness that will stay with me forever."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Emerson

23 days, 5 countries, and memories for a lifetime
Finland | Mar 3 - Mar 25, 2026

Jane
Jane M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
This trip wouldn't have been possible without all the help from Emerson, he was a rockstar in planning! With his help and expert guidance we managed to pull off 5 countries in 23 days and never felt stressed about any of the moving parts. During the trip we traveled by plane, train, bus, car and ferry, with only one minor delay because of a "wildlife accident". The small guided tours he arranged exceeded our expectations, everyone was so nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. We learned so much... Read more

This trip wouldn't have been possible without all the help from Emerson, he was a rockstar in planning! With his help and expert guidance we managed to pull off 5 countries in 23 days and never felt stressed about any of the moving parts. During the trip we traveled by plane, train, bus, car and ferry, with only one minor delay because of a "wildlife accident". The small guided tours he arranged exceeded our expectations, everyone was so nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. We learned so much more than if we had joined a big group tour or a bus tour. All of the hotels were also top notch, with friendly staff, comfortable beds, and superb breakfast buffets! Any questions we had along the way, we answered right away, and even checked in to make sure things were going smoothly. If you're on the fence about letting someone else make your travel plans (I know I had been) I would highly recommend Emerson and his fellow travel specialist, they know what they are doing, they now the areas you want to visit, and help take the stress out of vacation planning!

Activity Reviews
Food & Culture Walk
Food & Culture Walk
Bergen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Copenhagen in a Nutshell Tour
Copenhagen in a Nutshell Tour
Copenhagen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ice Fishing Experience
Ice Fishing Experience
Kilpisjärvi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise
Bergen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Winter Arctic Landscapes Tour
Winter Arctic Landscapes Tour
Tromsø
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snowmobile Tour to the Border of Three Nordic Countries
Snowmobile Tour to the Border of Three Nordic Countries
Kilpisjärvi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Ice Floating
Aurora Ice Floating
Finland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Apr 08, 2026

Thank you very much for this — really appreciate you taking the time to write it.

It was a fun trip to plan, and you made it easy by being open to suggestions and trusting the process, especially with such a busy route. Five countries in 23 days is not simple, so good teamwork on that.

Thanks again for the recommendation — it means a lot. If you plan another trip, just let me know.

Best Vacation Ever!!!
Finland | Mar 21 - Mar 25, 2026

B
Beth M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026
Our planner with KimKim, Emerson, just got it right! We had no idea what to expect or what to ask for. Yet, somehow Emerson knew exactly what to plan for us. Our first 3 nights were in Rovaniemi. We stayed at the Artic Lights Hotel. The accommodations were amazing and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The restaurant on site was phenomenal!! I recommend the roasted reindeer as it was outstanding! Risto our guide from Johka made sure we saw the Northern Lights. He drove us almost to... Read more

Our planner with KimKim, Emerson, just got it right! We had no idea what to expect or what to ask for. Yet, somehow Emerson knew exactly what to plan for us. Our first 3 nights were in Rovaniemi. We stayed at the Artic Lights Hotel. The accommodations were amazing and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The restaurant on site was phenomenal!! I recommend the roasted reindeer as it was outstanding! Risto our guide from Johka made sure we saw the Northern Lights. He drove us almost to Sweden where the skies were clear just so we wouldn’t miss out. The photo’s he took belong in a magazine. Again, he was knowledgeable and personable. We had such a good time out on the frozen lake staring at the sky.
We visited Korouoma Canyon where our guide Geowdy from Wild About Lapland took us on a 5km hike to see the frozen waterfalls. She was so perky and upbeat you almost forgot you were hiking!! Our last night we ate at Gustav. This is a must stop!!! Delicious!! The folks at Sieriporo Reindeer Safari took really good care of us. We all learned so much about the reindeer. The sleigh ride was relaxing and beautiful!
From Rovaniemi we went to Levi where we stayed at the Northern Lights Ranch. Such a unique experience to sleep in a glass room !! Food was exceptional and the staff was amazing. For our last day we took a snowmobile safari with Lowry at Lazy Santa safaris. He was super! I don’t even have words for the scenery. Absolutely breathtaking!! The tour was very personal, just the 3 of us. He equipped us with everything we needed to stay warm and dry. Super knowledgeable and friendly!! Every driver we had for the transfers were professional and informative. Best vacation ever!!! Thank you KimKim and Emerson!

Hotel Reviews
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi

This hotel is beautifully appointed. The staff were very friendly, welcoming and helpful. It was within walking distance to everything. The breakfast was outstanding!! Everything from bacon and eggs to fruits and oatmeal to cold sandwich fixings. The restaurant on site (The Artic) was phenomenal!! The perfect stay! Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Quaint but not small. Complementary sauna. Beautifully decorated
Location
Walking distance to everything
Staff
Everyone was friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were warm and inviting and it was fun to shower with a polar bear!!
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

Rustic but modern. Sparse but everything you need. The personal hot tub was a big hit. So cool to enjoy under the stars with it snowing. Staff were friendly and the restaurant was great! Even had a few reindeer on site to feed and interact with.

Authenticity & Character
Just what you would imagine Nordic design to be.
Location
Close to ski resort but far enough away from city that if conditions are right viewing the Northern Lights would be ideal.
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were well thought out. Everything you needed for a comfortable stay was provided.
Hotel Fabian
Helsinki

In the heart of the city center. Beautiful room and very clean. Staff were helpful and friendly. Complementary breakfast was delicious!

Authenticity & Character
Mix of old and new. Cobblestone street but modern amenities.
Location
Walking distance to everything.
Staff
Knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was comfortable and clean.
Activity Reviews
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland

Geowdy our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Very upbeat. The falls were beautiful and the hike was good. Challenging but doable. They provided everything needed to stay warm and dry.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful view. Challenging hike.
Food
Very fatty sausage.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Geowdy was upbeat, very personable and knowledgeable
Transport
Safe driver.
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Rovaniemi

The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You could tell they were proud of their heritage. The farm was beautiful and the ride was relaxing and offered views of the forest that were stunning!

Quality of Experience
Our host’s knowledge of the reindeer was exceptional
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and knowledgeable.
Transport
Aimilee was very personable and friendly. We felt safe and the van itself was comfortable and clean
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Finland

Risto our guide was outstanding!! Even though conditions were not optimal for viewing the Northern Lights he drove us to nearly Sweden where the skies were clear enough to see. The photos he took were magazine quality!! Being on a frozen lake added to the experience of the lights! This was an incredible experience and the main reason for our trip.

Quality of Experience
Viewing the lights while standing on a frozen lake was spectacular!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and funny. Risto really wanted us to see the Northern Lights.
Transport
Comfortable van. Clean and warm. Conversation was good.
 Snowmobile Safari from Riverside Lodge
Snowmobile Safari from Riverside Lodge
Levi

Lowry our host made this experience outstanding!! He provided everything we needed to stay warm and dry. The actual ride was amazing!! Plenty of time on the snowmobile with lots of spectacular views. We all had a blast. I loved that it was just the 3 of us in our group. Made you feel catered to.

Quality of Experience
Lowry at Lazy Santa Safaris was a stupendous guide!! A perfect host! We felt like we were just out riding with a friend!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I loved the small group. I felt catered to.
Transport
Land Rover was clean and we all felt safe.
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 30, 2026

Thank you for the kind words – I appreciate you taking the time to share this.

A lot of that comes down to you, as a traveler, as much as the plan itself. You trusted it, stayed flexible, and that makes a difference.

I’m glad it all came together the way it did.

I’ll pass your feedback on to the team — they’ll value it.

Our 11 day trip to Finland started out with b...
Finland | Mar 11 - Mar 21, 2026

Gail
Gail M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026
Our 11 day trip to Finland started out with both my husband and myself very sick and we had to cancel some of our activities for the first day. Lilla was very accommodating in getting the cancellations done. We arrived in Helsinki and took the overnight train to Kolari where our driver picked us up and took us to the Levin Iglut Glass Igloos in Levi where we spent two nights. Unfortunately, it was very foggy both days and we were unable to see the Northern Lights which was a huge... Read more

Our 11 day trip to Finland started out with both my husband and myself very sick and we had to cancel some of our activities for the first day. Lilla was very accommodating in getting the cancellations done.

We arrived in Helsinki and took the overnight train to Kolari where our driver picked us up and took us to the Levin Iglut Glass Igloos in Levi where we spent two nights. Unfortunately, it was very foggy both days and we were unable to see the Northern Lights which was a huge disappointment.

We went on a reindeer adventure with Eanan company. The guides were very informative and we got to feed the reindeer and take a short reindeer sled ride.

The next day a driver picked us up from the hotel and drove us to Rovaniemi. We spent the day at the Arktikum Museum because ice skating was canceled at the Winter Leisure Park due to warm weather. In the evening we took the bus to the Snow Hotel where we had a guided tour and a lovely 3-course dinner. Afterwards, our driver took us to the train station where we boarded the overnight train to Tampere.

In Tampere we stayed at the lovely Solo Sokos hotel which had a sumptuous breakfast buffetwe. In the afternoon we visited the Moomin Museum which was fantastic.

The next day we took the train to the city of Turku, the oldest city in Finland and also the first capital of Finland. We had a very informative private walking tour with our lovely guide Laura from the Magni Mundi company.

Then we took the train to Helsinki where we stayed at the grand Home Hotel Jugend for four nights, which is a former castle built in 1903. We had a lively and informative private tour of Helsinki with our guide Ruylan from GreenCap tours which included some delicious Finnish food tastings. We then took a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna Island. We spent the next couple of days exploring Helsinki by tram and visiting their new modern library.

Our final day was a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia, starting with a 2-hour ferry boat ride. We had a very informative private tour of the old city with our guide from EstAdventures. The next day our driver picked us up from the hotel and drove us to the airport.

All of the hotels we stayed at were lovely. Each of our drivers was very friendly, polite, professionaland punctual. And our tour guides were genuinely interested in relaying the history and facts of the towns they were representing.

All of the private drivers we had were wonderful. They were all very professional, polite, and friendly. We were very impressed with all of them!

We want to compliment Emerson for the very careful and detailed planning of our trip, and for answering my endless questions. And special thanks to Lilla who helped to implement all of the activities of the trip and rearranged our itinerary as needed, and also answered my endless questions. We had a very memorable trip.

I would highly recommend KimKim for any of your future travel plans!

Hotel Reviews
Levin Iglut Glass Igloos
Kitilä

Levin Iglut Glass Igloos were excellent and offered a unique experience. They were clean and aesthetically pleasing. While we didn't see the northern lights, lying under the glass ceiling amidst the fog was still a memorable experience.

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere
Tampere

The Solo Sokos Hotel in Tampere was exceptional with the best breakfast buffet we've had. Everything imaginable for breakfast was available, laid out perfectly. The beds were wonderfully comfortable, making it a standout accommodation on our trip.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
Turku

Solo Sokos Hotel in Turku was very elegant and quite nice. We liked it there a lot; it was definitely one of the better accommodations we stayed at during our trip.

Overnight Train

The train cabins were very small, but had very comfortable and clean beds.

Authenticity & Character
Riding the train through the forests of Finland was an amazing experience.
Location
The overnight train was a great way to see the wonderful Finnish countryside.
Staff
We had very little interaction with any staff on board.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The cabin, bathroom and beds were very clean and the beds were very comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Turku City Walking Tour
Turku City Walking Tour
Turku

The Turku City Walking Tour was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Turku, making the experience very enjoyable. Despite being a lot of walking, it was well-organized, and we discovered many interesting things about the city. It was a really great tour.

SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
Rovaniemi

The SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience was interesting and unique. Although there was a mix-up with our schedule, the staff was accommodating and quickly served us dinner so we wouldn’t miss our train. The food was very good, and the ice hotel, with its unique rooms and ice sculptures, was fascinating, despite the slippery floors due to melting ice.

Reindeer Adventure
Reindeer Adventure
Levi

The Reindeer Adventure was definitely a standout of our trip. We loved visiting and feeding the reindeer, and the ride was a unique experience. Learning about the reindeer lifestyle and the people who care for them was fascinating. It was an outstanding part of our trip.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 31, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind and detailed feedback — we really appreciate it.

We’re sorry the trip started on a difficult note and that the weather didn’t cooperate for the Northern Lights, but we’re glad to hear you still had a memorable experience overall. It’s great to know the guides, drivers, and hotels all met your expectations.

Lilla and I truly enjoyed working with you and helping to put this trip together.

Hope to assist you again in the future!

Best regards,
Emerson & Lilla

Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put t...
Finland | Mar 13 - Mar 19, 2026

D
Daniel P.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026
Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put together a fantastic trip based on our interests. I can highly recommend him! Read more

Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put together a fantastic trip based on our interests. I can highly recommend him!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Kamp
Helsinki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Balder Luxury Lodge
Levi

The only missing element was that the hotel / rooms didn’t had a sauna.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Glass resort
Rovaniemi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 20, 2026

Thanks so much for your kind words — I really appreciate it!
It was a pleasure planning this trip with you, and I’m glad you had a great experience.

Hope to help you again in the future!

Dream trip to Finland
Finland | Mar 7 - Mar 15, 2026

T
Tricia G.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026
My husband and I just returned from 10 days in Finland - primarily based in Helsinki with a few days in the Finnish Lapland. What an amazing trip! Emerson and Lilla helped us plan the perfect adventure. Walking day tours in Helsinki, Porvoo, and Estonia, husky sledding, snow shoeing, Northern Lights hunting (and despite a cloudy evening - success in seeing them), a wilderness day in the beautiful snow. Comfortable accommodations in Helsinki (great locations!) Plus, it was a dream... Read more

My husband and I just returned from 10 days in Finland - primarily based in Helsinki with a few days in the Finnish Lapland.

What an amazing trip!

Emerson and Lilla helped us plan the perfect adventure. Walking day tours in Helsinki, Porvoo, and Estonia, husky sledding, snow shoeing, Northern Lights hunting (and despite a cloudy evening - success in seeing them), a wilderness day in the beautiful snow. Comfortable accommodations in Helsinki (great locations!) Plus, it was a dream come true staying at the Northern Lights Ranch near Levi.

Emerson and Lilla thought of everything - making it one of the best vacations we have ever had!

Activity Reviews
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Helsinki

Filipe was a delightful tour guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Snowshoeing Adventure
Evening Snowshoeing Adventure
Finland

Loved that this was a private excursion! Kasper was great! Patient and kind, and a lot of fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Tour by Van
Aurora Tour by Van
Levi

Despite a cloudy night with low percentage of seeing the Northern Lights, Jan found us some and they were magical! It was unforgettable experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wilderness Day
Wilderness Day
Finland

We spent a lovely morning walking in the snowy forest with Taru! Perfect way to see the area!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

Took the Tallink ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. Stassi was a fun tour guide - she gave us great tour of Olde Town and was very informative of Estonian history and culture!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki

Despite a rainy morning for the tour, Jola was fun and shared so much about Helsinki and the Finnish culture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Husky Safari (10km)
Husky Safari (10km)
Levi

Pauline and her team were great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 18, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure planning this trip with you, and we’re really glad it turned out to be such a memorable experience. Hope to help you again on your next adventure.

Easy though somewhat pricey intro to the Laplands
Finland | Feb 26 - Mar 7, 2026

K
Kevin T.
Finland | Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026

I joined only for a portion of a trip that a friend had planned. The 2 activities that I joined were a bit mixed. The Northern Lights safari entailed very long drives to see very little of the Northern Lights. We had a slow start because some fellow travellers were late, and this entailed missing the lights. Sigh... The dog sled outing was much more successful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I lost my water bottle during this outing, and Emerson went out of his way to retrieve it for me. So thank you for that. Overall, Emerson was very attentive and helpful.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 16, 2026

Thank you for your feedback. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the dog sledding experience, and I was happy I could help retrieve your water bottle.

I’m sorry the Northern Lights safari didn’t fully meet your expectations. As with all aurora tours, sightings depend on weather and solar activity, and the timing can sometimes be affected by the group.

I appreciate your kind words about my attentiveness and hope you still have some good memories from your time in Lapland.

Great experience in Lapland
Finland | Feb 28 - Mar 10, 2026

A
Amy S.
Spring Valley, NV | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026
Also Lilla! Great trip. Really got to experience Lapland, as well as spend time in Helsinki and Oslo. I appreciated the thought that went into the itinerary. The food was fantastic, as were the hotels. And all of the people were great. Would have liked a hotel in Tromso that was a bit closer to city center, in part because walking in the city was a bit difficult with all the ice, and our activities all started from city center. Read more

Also Lilla! Great trip. Really got to experience Lapland, as well as spend time in Helsinki and Oslo. I appreciated the thought that went into the itinerary. The food was fantastic, as were the hotels. And all of the people were great. Would have liked a hotel in Tromso that was a bit closer to city center, in part because walking in the city was a bit difficult with all the ice, and our activities all started from city center.

Hotel Reviews
Sunday Morning Resort
Pelkosenniemi
Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cahkal Hotel
Kilpisjärvi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amerikalinjen
Oslo
Activity Reviews
Northern Lights by Car Photography Tour
Northern Lights by Car Photography Tour
Finland

No oppty for Northern Lights, but Johanna took us on a great tour of the Snow Hotel, as well as on a walk. Tons of historic and cultural information. She was excellent

Snowshoeing Tour
Snowshoeing Tour
Finland
Long Husky Safari and Farm Visit
Long Husky Safari and Farm Visit
Finland

Really fun and learned a lot

Evening Tour on Snowshoes
Evening Tour on Snowshoes
Finland
Northern Lights Hunting Tour
Northern Lights Hunting Tour
Tromsø

Well worth it, but the van is pretty cramped, and it can be cold while you wait.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 12, 2026

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback. We are very glad to hear you enjoyed the trip and had a great experience across Lapland, Helsinki, and Oslo. I also appreciate the note about the Tromsø hotel location — that’s helpful to keep in mind for future itineraries.

Would do it all over again
Finland | Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2026

Caitlin
Caitlin P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026
We had such an amazing trip! All the accommodations were wonderful, but the Sunday Morning Resort and Northern Lights Ranch were especially great. We would return to Finland just to stay there again (as well as for the incredible nature and kind finnish people).
The private sauna experience was an especially nice touch, and we had a blast Snowmobiling, with done in Pyha at the lucky ranch nearby.
Thank you for a truly unforgettable trip, can't wait to go back!
Read more

We had such an amazing trip! All the accommodations were wonderful, but the Sunday Morning Resort and Northern Lights Ranch were especially great. We would return to Finland just to stay there again (as well as for the incredible nature and kind finnish people).
The private sauna experience was an especially nice touch, and we had a blast Snowmobiling, with done in Pyha at the lucky ranch nearby.
Thank you for a truly unforgettable trip, can't wait to go back!

Hotel Reviews
Home Hotel Jugend
Helsinki

Kind employees and beautiful hotel.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel itself was made in a more traditional finnish style, and as someone who loves architecture I really appreciated the facade.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overnight Train
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sunday Morning Resort
Pelkosenniemi

What a beautiful location and amazing cabin! Great activities nearby but honestly the cabin itself and wonderful front desk staff really made us feel at home.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Front desk staff were super kind and welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved loved loved the layout and design of the cabin
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

This resort/hotel has made us want to return again and again. Looooved the cabin with the personal hottub, and really appreciated the though put into it (slippers, eyemask and bag, the provided headlamps for walking at night, heated floors, etc) We hope to be back!

Authenticity & Character
This hotel had everything we needed, a stellar cabin, great dinner, an a la cart bar and food menu for when you're peckish between activities.
Location
Staff
Everyone was so kind and generous with us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cabin was perfectly clean and our cabin (26) was super private as well.
Activity Reviews
Food & Beer Tasting Tour
Food & Beer Tasting Tour
Helsinki

Love how the guides will work with whatever your personal preferences are, nice custom experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
We would absolutely return to the locations our guide brought us to, very authentic AND delicious. Well worth the money
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Katya (sp) was absolutely wonderful. Perfect mix of knowledge and fun.
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Long Husky Safari and Farm Visit
Long Husky Safari and Farm Visit
Finland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reindeer Safari with Wilderness Lunch
Reindeer Safari with Wilderness Lunch
Finland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Finnish Sauna and Ice Swimming Experience
Traditional Finnish Sauna and Ice Swimming Experience
Pyhä

Loved loved loved. Big thank you to Lucky Ranch for the private sauna and ice plunge experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone we met here was so so kind, would go back just because of them.
Transport
Chasing the Northern Lights by Snowmobile
Chasing the Northern Lights by Snowmobile
Pyhä
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snowshoeing Experience
Snowshoeing Experience
Finland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 13, 2026

Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed review - we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It’s great to hear that the trip left such a strong impression.

I’ll be sure to pass your feedback along to the providers. Positive words like these mean a lot to them as well.

And it sounds like Finland may have gained a couple of repeat visitors, which tends to happen once people experience it properly. Let us know when you ever want to visit the region again - it was a pleasure to work with you!

Best
Emerson and Lilla

Amazing Finland & Estonia Trip - and Emerson Saved Our Itinerary When Flights Were Cancelled!
Finland | Feb 14 - Feb 22, 2026

A
Amy D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2026
We can’t say enough wonderful things about the trip to Finland (with a side trip to Estonia) that Emerson organized for our family. Simply put, Emerson was the hero of our trip. Our flight to Helsinki was cancelled, and then our return flight home was delayed by a blizzard in the U.S., but Emerson immediately sprang into action. He quickly reworked our itinerary and helped minimize the additional costs caused by the delays, turning what could have been a very stressful situation into... Read more

We can’t say enough wonderful things about the trip to Finland (with a side trip to Estonia) that Emerson organized for our family. Simply put, Emerson was the hero of our trip. Our flight to Helsinki was cancelled, and then our return flight home was delayed by a blizzard in the U.S., but Emerson immediately sprang into action. He quickly reworked our itinerary and helped minimize the additional costs caused by the delays, turning what could have been a very stressful situation into something completely manageable.

Emerson's communication was outstanding from start to finish. He responded quickly to every message and always provided thoughtful, detailed answers to our (sometimes silly!) questions during the planning process. When our flights were cancelled and we were sending panicked WhatsApp messages, he stayed calm, responsive, and incredibly helpful. We truly can’t thank him enough for his professionalism, competence, and kindness; he was an absolute pleasure to work with and genuinely saved the trip (and our sanity!).

The trip itself was fantastic. The hotels Emerson selected were perfect for our family, including a “bonus hotel” (Home Hotel Jugend) that we needed during our unexpected extended stay. The tours were excellent -- especially the dogsledding and Northern Lights tour led by Niko from Johka.fi, which were both truly unforgettable. All of the transfers were smooth and perfectly on time. My husband wasn’t the biggest fan of the overnight train to Kemijärvi, but the kids thought it was a great adventure.

Our hotel in Pyhä (Kurula’s Resort) was wonderful. While the walk into town was a bit long, the weather was beautiful and the road passed a public sledding hill that quickly became a highlight for our family. The warming hut at the base made it extra special because we had fun roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire.

The kids also loved visiting the amethyst mine, and the dinner after our snowmobiling tour was outstanding—especially the moose soup. Estonia was a fantastic addition as well: the ferry ride was relaxing, the tour of Tallinn with Jonas from Estadventures was fascinating, and the city itself is absolutely gorgeous.

This was truly an unforgettable trip for our family, and Emerson played a huge role in making it such a success. We recommend kimkim and Emerson wholeheartedly to anyone planning a trip to the region.

Hotel Reviews
Scandic Paasi
Helsinki

Quiet, friendly, great breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overnight Train

Kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! One adult found it interesting but had some trouble sleeping. The other adult couldn't sleep at all and was fairly grumpy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kurula's Resort
Pyhätunturi

The rooms are fantastic! Sledding right outside the front door of the rooms (on the provided sleds) is fun. It would be nice to have a shuttle to town since there are functionally no ubers/taxis and bus is very infrequent & expensive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Posti Boutique Hotel Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi

Nice and quiet, quick walk to town, excellent breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

The city tour with Jonas with Estadventures was fantastic, we learned a lot! We enjoyed traveling on the giant ferry through the partially frozen sea - it was like traveling through a slurpee.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki

Enjoyed the tour - it was a nice way to orient ourselves.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amethyst Mine Tour with the Pendolino - Snow Train
Amethyst Mine Tour with the Pendolino - Snow Train
Pyhä

The kids really liked this activity. The Pendolino was fun & the scenery was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Short Husky Safari and Farm Visit
Short Husky Safari and Farm Visit
Pyhä

This was awesome! The dogs are very high energy. Strongly recommended.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Snowmobile Safari with Dinner
Evening Snowmobile Safari with Dinner
Pyhä

It was very very cold and I am not sure that we are natural-born snowmobilers. The dinner afterwards was fantastic and cozy. There were some northern lights above the lake & the proprietor came and got us from dinner to look at the lights, letting us stay a bit late. Excellent hospitality

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Finland

This was awesome! We saw the most amazing lights - it was otherworldly. Our tour guide (Niko who works with the company Johka) was a man on a mission to get us to see some lights. He drove so far to get away from the clouds, and we had brilliant success. While I know that we were lucky, I have to give some credit to Niko's very intense reading of his solar activity apps and knowledge of the area. He's also very chatty, funny, and pleasant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Rovaniemi

Since we were in Lapland it's only proper to see some reindeer, and we saw some. This was a well-organized tour. Unfortunately, the other guests in our group tour were talking/translating over the tour guide and interrupting her constantly. She seemed really exasperated and I felt bad for her.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 09, 2026

Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure helping your family with this trip, and I’m really glad it turned into such a special adventure in the end. I appreciate your trust throughout the process, especially when the travel plans changed along the way. If you ever decide to return to Finland, Estonia, or explore more of the region, I’d be very happy to help plan another trip for you.

Trip of a Lifetime!
Finland | Feb 16 - Feb 26, 2026

M
Morganne C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2026
We cannot thank Kim Kim and Emerson enough for curating such a wonderful trip for us-- my husband and I spent 10 days in Finland, and it was the best time. The tours that were planned included a good variety of local history and landmarks (both in Helsinki and Estonia) and outdoor active adventures (like snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing). It was great to not have to think about getting uber rides to and from the tours or the airport for pickup-- everything was ready and made the trip so... Read more

We cannot thank Kim Kim and Emerson enough for curating such a wonderful trip for us-- my husband and I spent 10 days in Finland, and it was the best time. The tours that were planned included a good variety of local history and landmarks (both in Helsinki and Estonia) and outdoor active adventures (like snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing). It was great to not have to think about getting uber rides to and from the tours or the airport for pickup-- everything was ready and made the trip so much more relaxing. Additionally, breakfast was included each morning, another cognitive offload that was nice.

The dogsledding and reindeer tours, as well as the snowmobiling, were highlights of the trip. These excursion were immersive, and we felt like you truly had plenty of time to experience the activity, as opposed to ones we have had (for example on an alaskan cruise during port excurisions) that are rushed and truncated. You felt like you got a full experience and left feeling thrilled and fulfilled.

We will definitely be using Kim Kim in the future, and thank Emerson for such a wonderfully planned vacation. We will cherish those memories for a lifetime!

Hotel Review
Hotel Fabian
Helsinki

Great little boutique type hotel right in the center of Helsinki. This was a great location to walk to many local activities and our tours. The included breakfast was great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Culture of Eastern Lapland Tour
Culture of Eastern Lapland Tour
Pyhä

This was the only tour that did not stand out as amazing for us on our trip. We drove around the local area and the guide pointed out Finnish homes and a small old village, as well as local natural landmarks--the lakes, etc. We took a quick trip to the top of the Pyha ski resort by lift, and stopped at the small visitor center just before closing. The guide was very friendly and nice, I just don't think this added too much to our experience of the area. (I may have mistakenly gone into this tour thinking we would get more about the Sami culture, history of the world wars in the area, etc., and it was more just a local drive). Pleasant and relaxing, just nothing remarkable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chasing the Northern Lights by Snowmobile
Chasing the Northern Lights by Snowmobile
Pyhä

We lucked out and ended up having just my husband and I on the tour, which was a pleasant surprise. This allowed great individualized time with the guide, who was so very friendly and fun. When I was a little hesitant about driving my own snowmobile, he was encouraging and his positivity convinced me-- I'm so glad I drove my own and had the BEST time doing it! While it was cloudy this night and we didn't see any northern lights, we had ample opportunity the remainder of the trip to make up for it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide (apologies for the spelling but Janus? possibly?) was so great and fun!
Transport
Evening Snowshoe Experience
Evening Snowshoe Experience
Finland

We were lucky and had a private tour for this adventure which was great. It was nice to be active and outside! The coolest part of the excursion however was stopping in a local teepee type tent and our guide telling stories about his family and the local Sami people, and a bit about historic Finnish culture, while enjoying a warm drink. It was great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 04, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share this review. I’m really glad to hear the trip came together well and that you were able to fully enjoy the experiences without having to worry about the logistics along the way. I also appreciate you mentioning the Culture of Eastern Lapland Tour specifically - feedback on that experience is very helpful for us as we continue refining our trips for future travelers. It was a pleasure helping plan this journey for you both. I hope the memories from... Read more

Thank you for taking the time to share this review. I’m really glad to hear the trip came together well and that you were able to fully enjoy the experiences without having to worry about the logistics along the way.

I also appreciate you mentioning the Culture of Eastern Lapland Tour specifically - feedback on that experience is very helpful for us as we continue refining our trips for future travelers.

It was a pleasure helping plan this journey for you both. I hope the memories from Finland stay with you for a long time, and I’d be happy to help whenever you’re ready for the next adventure.