Emerson Siimer

An Amazing Experience for Anyone and Everyone
We had such an amazing time taking in the culture around Finland. The entire trip was like a fantasy that I wish did not have to come to an end. Some of the major highlights were the attentiveness and service that were provided by Emerson and the tour guides. I loved learning about the culture, and everything was always within walking distance. My top favorites would have had to have been the Helsinki Nature Escape: National Park & Smoke Sauna. This was like escaping to a magical forest and living amongst the trees, and experiencing traditional saunas was something that even locals are jealous of, and you feel excitement experiencing the culture. Another highlight was the Unveiling Turku: History, Culture, and Culinary Gems. Another whimsical moment, but walking around the castle ruins and having afternoon tea was such a treat, and everyone we talked to was such a pleasant person who was very friendly and approachable. Highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a whimsical experience and something a tad different.

This was our first experience with KimKim and visiting the Baltic.s. Everything was perfectly planned with Emerson’s help and advice and our three guides, Victoria, Ilsa and Nela who were very professional, knew a lot and were good companions. A special mention to Kaskas our driver in Vilna who was excellent too.

Hotel Review

Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant

Riga

Our room for 3 people was perfect, we had lots of space for us and a kitchentte which was handy. Breakfast was excellent, the location of the hotel was just perfect and it was also an historic site which was just awesome. We would return and recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Flavors of Vilnius

Vilnius

Excellent introduction into local customs. Would definitely recommend this!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour

Riga

A very pleasant and interesting experience with our guide who told us lots of local customs and history

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our driver in Vilna was highly professional and added lots of tips to us

Tallinn Highlights Tour

Tallinn

This tour included both walking and also a part in the car which made it possible to get to know sites which otherwise would have been impossible to discover. Our guide knew lots of history and was full of interesting facts to inform us about

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

To Kim Kim & Emerson Siimer
Thank you for your assistance with making our trip memorable and fun, we appreciate from the bottom of our hearts. Overall, we are happy we chose to work with you, especially Emerson. All 11 days of our trip, all planned events, all transfers (except for some hiccups with one or two), all day trips, all the guides we had, all transportation arrangements were top class, that ensured we had a relaxed, stress-free trip. We thoroughly enjoyed every place we visited, every tour we did and every guide we got for the tours. Yana, Camille, Martin, Lena, Nadia, Moonika, Jorge, Stassi (I am forgetting the Guide we had for Porvoo, apologies) and above all, Emerson who stayed on top of all the activities, always be there for us, patiently answering all our questions and concerns and together, you all have made it a wonderful trip and we appreciate all of you.

All our guides are super knowledgeable, very friendly, greatly accommodating and very cooperating – we loved them all. Please give our gratitude and love to all. Some of the adjustments/changes you had to make to meet our needs & wants are simply outstanding, like taking us to several lighthouses in Tallinn and for arranging an internal tour of the lighthouse was amazing. We truly appreciate it.

We loved Tallinn, Rovaniemi, Porvoo, Helsinki & Turku (in that order), every food we tried and every day of our 11-day trip and all the new experiences during this trip and the fond memories we created. We simply wish it lasted longer. We can’t wait to work with you on our next trip in 2026.

Take care.

Truly

APMN
September 10, 2025

Hotel Reviews

Arctic Light Hotel

Rovaniemi

Excellent hotel with truly amazing morning breakfast and out of the world dinner menu, loved the stay and the food. Staff is very courteous and helpful

Authenticity & Character

beautiful interior, good lobby, great dining options

Location

Perfectly located, walkable to the center and across from our travel agency. good restaurants a few feet away.

Staff

Thank you for a great service

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and decent and well decorated

Overnight Train

A first-of-a-kind experience for us. The train ride with glowing sun along for the ride throught the night was so much fun. Dining car provided excellent food options. Rooms are small but very aptly set up especially the shower, wow.

Authenticity & Character

A fun train ride

Location

NA

Staff

The conductor was so nice and helped us catch the train when we arrived late, sincerely appreciate it.

Cleanliness & Comfort

beautiful

Home Hotel Jugend

Helsinki

A fortress like look and feel but offered plenty of modern features and comfort. Breakfast was amazing. proximity to major attractions was a big plus.

Authenticity & Character

A fortress like look and feel but offered plenty of modern features and comfort.

Location

right in the center with major attractions within walkable distance.

Staff

very helpful and courteous staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

perfectly arranged, neat, clean and amazing hotel.

Cru Hotel

Tallinn

Oh My God, the ups and downs, narrow walkways, twists and turns - an unbelievable experience. This place is a 'Character' and we loved the hotel and the experience it offered.

Authenticity & Character

Oh My God, the ups and downs, narrow walkways, twists and turns - an unbelievable experience. This place is a 'Character' and we loved the hotel and the experience it offered.

Location

perfectly located right in the middle of activities, attractions, restaurants, shops - we loved coming in and going out even at nights.

Staff

Friendly staff, the breakfast options were underwhelming. Could have been better. Actually, we skipped breakfast and had outside for a change and better options, to be honest

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very neatly arranged, well maintinaied, pleasant

Activity Reviews

Reindeer Farm and Ranua Wildlife Park Visit

Rovaniemi

A thrilling, dream-come-true experience meeting the reindeers, so many of them, Again, it was raining. The experience could have been a lot better if it was a sunny day, we wish. We still enjoyed the trip

Quality of Experience

Visiting Reindeers, feeding them was a great experience., hearing about Reindeers, their behavior, farming, etc. was like listening to a cool story. Thanks to all.

Food

The buffer was yummy, unexpected and enjoyable.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Camille was very knowledgeable and friendly. She helped make the rainy day experience a better-than expected experience. The way she was explaining made it a cool experience, thanks Camille

Transport

Rainy day made it a little dampening but Camille helped make it a better experience.

Midnight Sun Photography Tour

Rovaniemi

Thrilling experience, fun hike and a very active and cool guide Yana. It was a cloudy day and so we missed the 'sun' but the experience was still worth it. To be on top of the hill at midnight was fun, could have been a lot more thrilling with the sun setting and rising. But, we still loved it. Yana made it so much more fun.

Quality of Experience

Thrilling hike and an unusual experience, especially on our first night in Rovaniemi

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Yana was very friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating and she with her camera was a big bonus since I am a photographer too. Thanks Yana

Transport

Good ride

Finnish Sauna Experience

Rovaniemi

I was afraid of Hot Sauna, sweating, etc. So skeptical about this but Emerson convinced me to give it a try and I did and totally blown away by the experience. Thanks to Emerson and the amazing guide Martin, I truly enjoyed this unique Sauna experience in a natural surrounding for a truly Finnish Sauna Experience. Totally awesome.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Martin was a cool and energetic guide who made the whole experience amazing.

Transport

the ride, the cabins, the surrounding, the lake and Sauna - a nice thrilling package

I reached out to Kimkim to get assistance with designing a disc-golf focused trip to Finland in the Summer of 2025. I had the pleasure or working with Emerson, who was able to take my idea (start with the Professional Disc Golf World Championships in Tampere/Nokia, then travel Southern Finland playing the best courses in the world) and turn it into a reality. He took the time to understand what exactly it was I wanted to see and do, where and how I wanted to travel, and he put it all together so perfectly! It was the easiest trip I've ever had to plan. Emerson took care of everything, so that all I had to do was step off the plane and follow the itinerary. The accommodations were great and well-located so we had easy access to saunas, nature and local sites, we had good food all along the way, the rental car was perfect, and the recommended (non-disc golf) excursions were always well-worth it. Professional drivers showed up in very nice cars when expected, even a little early. Emerson kept in contact with me by e-mail before and several times during my trip to assure things were going smoothly. I felt extra safe and secure in the knowledge there was someone I could call any time of the day or night during my trip. Thank you Kimkim and Emerson for making this trip a dream-come-true!

Our trip was generally flawless, and full of fun surprises and adventures. We particularly loved the accommodations (w/fantastic views and close or accessible to hiking trails). The boutique hotels all had fantastic locations, either in historic centers which made it easy to access cultural/historic sites & great restaurants, and/or with phenomenal views of our surroundings (particulary in Pyha, Levi and Kispiljarvi). Our connections vis a vis the drivers were always on time (or early!), and very friendly/warm and willing to share tips, experiences and recommendations for what to do, where to go/what to see and where to eat. We loved the kayaking and mountain biking! Our "private" guide hikes were terrific, as the guides adjusted to our quick pace, and were both fun and information..loved the forest picnics w/the guides, as well as foraging for wild berries and mushrooms.

Hotel Review

Kurula's Resort

Pyhätunturi

This hotel was possibly our biggest surprise, as we had an entire "condiminimum" size room (and the entire resort) to ourselves. The room overlooked the beautiful lake and was equipped with a full kitchen, living area and sauna. The staff were amazing (even though we were the only ones there) and could not do enough for us! The views from our bedroom/unit were spectacular, and the resort was an easy walk to some gorgeous hiking.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

we were the only ones at the hotel, yet they could not do enough for us, as if we were queens and kings! Their attention to detail was flawless.

Cleanliness & Comfort

THis is more of a winter resort, so it's very quiet in the summer, but super clean and comfortable..everything you need to prepare meals in your unit, and very new!

Activity Reviews

Old Võromaa Smoke Sauna Ritual

Lithuania

Very interesting...a once in a lifetime experience, and WONDERFUL on the skin. Etta was informative and gentle with our inexperience in Sauna's. We had a lovely time.

Gauja National Park's Hike

Cēsis

we had a fantastic guide who kept us on our toes with a wonderfully fast paced hike. We enjoyed a picnic aside the river, and then hiked a route on our own back to meet her at the car (alongside the river). Enjoyed seeing caves and a few small waterfalls, and despite a little light rain in the beginning of the day, the sun came out and the hikes were stunningly beautiful.

Private Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park

Lithuania

Loved the bog walk and the trip to the fishing village, but likely would have passed on some of the other stops (e.g. botanical gardens).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wilderness Day

Helsinki

Best part of this hike was the berry picking and the picnic at the lake. The pace (given group dynamics) was slower and shorter than we would have preferred given the distance we traveled from Helsinki to the hike location. The guide however was FANTASTIC and did a great job despite the slowness of some of the hikers....we enjoyed her immensely, and the company of the other hikers. Just a little too short and slow for our liking.

Quality of Experience

Food

Loved our guides recipe for salmon soup that we enjoyed during our lake picnic.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fantastic guide!!! (she was also our driver).

Transport

We did several things during our time in Finland. Just enough to keep busy but not burn out First, our trip organizer, Emerson is 10 stars. His attention to detail and organization ensured a stress free trip. THANK YOU!!

Of the 4 organized tours, two really stood out: the northern lights tour and visiting Tallinn. The northern lights tour with Beyond Arctic in Rovaniemi was excellent. Our guide (Leevi) was great and the gear provided was very much needed for the cold elements of the arctic. We were fortunate to see a great show!
The tour of old town in Tallinn with guide, Christopher, was AMAZING! Full of knowledge and funny! We did a day trip to Tallinn, but it deserves a couple of days to explore both old town and the new town! We grabbed a quick bite from The Third Dragon Medieval Tavern that is located in the old courtroom of Tallinn Town Hall. It was fun, the staff in character and the Elk soup broth was the perfect belly warmer on a cold day. Be sure to wonder off on side streets to find crafts off the beaten path. We visited Puupank. They have beautiful wood crafts.
I highly recommend using KimKim and will again in the future. Thank you!

What an incredible adventure we had in Lapland with kimkim! From the start, dealing with kimkim was responsive, pleasant, informative and uncomplicated. We were grateful to have Emerson assigned to us for our Aurora Borealis adventure. We wanted luxury accommodations, private transfers, private/small group activities, and plenty of opportunities for daily exercise, including swimming, gyms, and lots of cross-country skiing. The website portal made it simple to stay in touch with chats and virtual calls. Emerson went above and beyond to provide support and was always available for insights or to smooth out any snags throughout the trip.

While Hotel Kamp was under renovation, they put us in an incredible suite! The hotel is terrifically located, and we loved the access to the community outdoor pool which was just a few blocks away. Our tour guides in Helsinki and Tallinn were great!

The overnight train to Rovaniemi was less than ideal but certainly memorable. We suggest future guests consider renting an extra cabin for personal belongings, as carrying baggage up to the crowded second floor was very difficult and room very cramped. Quite unexpectedly, all the bathrooms in our train car were malfunctioning for the entire train ride, which was very unfortunate. We believe it was just that the train company provided us with a 50% refund.

Emerson’s excellent transfers once again were on time and super friendly once off in Rovaniemi. We met our tour guide with Johka who picked us up at the station and brought us straight to Jaakkola Reindeer Farm. We had such a delightful, unique, and private experience! The third-generation farm and its history added a fascinating charm for us. Our story – Jaakkolan Porotila

Next, the Arctic Treehouse provided superior and truly breathtaking accommodations, kind staff and great restaurant. Tired from the day, we pushed on. Quickly we were jump started by witnessing a rare red Aurora during our Arctic Tree Float. It was truly spectacular and a once in a lifetime experience!

The next day, we had a playful adventure with the huskies. We returned to the Arctic Treehouse for another fabulous dinner with the entire restaurant lit by candles for Earth Day, creating a magical atmosphere.

Emerson again book us the top igloo at the Levin Iglut Glass Igloos. Our snow house offered spectacular vistas and the restaurant had fantastic and truly artistic food. All the staff there are so lovely and kind!

Kinos Safaris provided us a great snowmobiling experience, but what was memorable was the rest stop for salmon soup and possibly the best blueberry dessert that I have ever had at this small outpost with the most delightful overseer.
That evening, James from Green Track Wooden Shoe Adventures led a special and private hike on fresh snow,. He is well versed and delightful sharing his vast knowledge for nature and the environment.

Next day we spent an afternoon in town, exploring the Sami Cultural Heritage Museum, petting reindeer, and dining at the King Crab Restaurant - all that we recommend highly.

Switching gears as our witnessing no more auroras, but amazing snowfall that night allowed for a wonderful hike at Saana the next day, and Cahkal Hotel was really super; staff and guide great and has a terrific restaurant!

Our journey then took us to Tromsø. Emerson, once again research extensively to find us this time accommodations that had a pool and found Saint Elizabeth Suites. Unfortunately, access to the pool wasn't always available (and not even open before 9AM?!?), but they did have a well-equipped health club. Please note that the front desk staff were not very accommodating or friendly. (Our Wondering Owl guide mentioned that the tourism industry in Norway isn't particularly welcoming, and we found this to be true, especially when compared to the more hospitable atmosphere in Finland.)

BTW, there was a mix-up with Wandering Owl's booking communication. We were picked up at 9:10 AM and dropped off at the Scandic Ishavshotel. At 9:30, we received a call from Wondering Owl informing us that due to recent flooding, they would be delayed picking us up at Brescia Harbor. We clarified that we were not at the harbor, but at the hotel. Thankfully, the tour did not begin till 10AM and they then confirmed that we would then be picked up on schedule at 9:50AM as there are other guests there waiting there. The tour went well, and the fresh snow made it beautiful.

Overall, our trip was brimming with unique experiences and unforgettable moments! We are deeply grateful for the adventure Emerson crafted for us – he is truly a tremendous asset to kimkim!

With appreciation and regards,
J & J

Our KimKim Guide, Emerson did a great our vacation plans. We gave him the general guidelines, and he put it all together. The people he selected were all top-notch. The drivers for the various events all arrived on time and were unfailingly professional. The Aurora Hunting guide from Beyond Artic did a wonderful job and found what seemed to be the only clear patch of sky in Levi, allowing us to see a wonderful view of the Aurora and take many wonderful pictures that will last a lifetime. Highest Recommendations