Kristiina Taukul

Even though we did not travel in the summer, and there was a bit of snow, we really had a great time, and actually enjoyed seeing the white tops on the mountains.
The proposed itinerary was a good match to our preferences.
The guide to Preikestolen, Terry, was great. Overall, we really enjoyed the balance between boat trips and the walks in the nature.

We knew we would have a great time in Norway, but this trip still exceeded all expectations - Kristiina helped to create an itinerary that suited our wishes and needs, and it played out to near perfection. Every tour and hotel was in a nearby location and easy to attend (not to mention really enjoyable)! I found the convenience was a huge relief. Some of our highlights that she created for us include our stay at the Hanseatic in Bergen, our Hurtigruten experiences, and all the Tromso tours. All the Tromso tour guides were amazing, especially Jorges on the Coastal Safari and Mark at the husky sledding experience. We felt that the fjord tour to Hardangerfjord was not what we hoped for and perhaps could have been replaced with something else, but this seems to be a limitation of the season. Fortunately we were able to book another amazing fjord cruise further north via Hurtigruten (we would have done only this one if we knew this was an option, to save some money), and enjoyed a Sami tour via the Hurtigruten also. We didn't know we would gain so much from the Hurtigruten voyage itself, so this was a pleasant surprise. I am so glad we incorporated this to our trip. We had some travel hiccups, but nothing within KimKim's control, yet they were all so helpful when I reached out for advice about our lost luggage. Julia, Fenne, and Kristiina did everything possible to support us and keep us in the loop. Lastly, they provided great(!) local recommendations for each main city we visited, which helped to make our time even better. Also, during this trip, my partner and I got engaged - KimKim helped to make this the ideal place and time for such a special thing. Planning the trip was made so much easier by going via KimKim, and I think it went brilliantly. At times we wished we had more insight into our tour options and alternatives, pricings, etc. But would definitely do this again regardless. Thank you so much for creating a beautiful holiday for us and being so present from start to end to make sure it went well. We are so pleased!

Activity Reviews

Fjordcruise to Hardanger

Bergen

Whilst Rosendal and the natural beauty of the fjord was lovely, we didn't know most things in Rosendal would be closed at this time of year. So we arrived to a ghost town and didn't know what to do, and walked far to find closed places. It was nice but we could have skipped this in favour of another tour to save some money and time. Also the fjord cruise itself was more like a taxi service than a tour. I bet it is nicer in summer.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Free Day in Bergen - Board Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is a great experience filled with amazing tour opportunities and some onboard fun, especially if you travel south to North- there is a big deal about crossing into the Arctic Circle. Really glad we did this.

Dog Sledding

Tromsø

Highly recommend! It was fun and we had heaps of time to play with the dogs. The tour guides are all so accommodating and eager for you to enjoy yourself. The lunch we had was delicious also!!

Coastal Scenery Safari with Local Tastings in Tromsø

Tromsø

This was way better than we imagined. It was intimate, flexible and beautiful. Our tour guide, Jorges, was passionate and helpful. He made it a great day by choosing good spots to stop for photos and helping us to spot wildlife, etc. It was a great spot for lunch at the halfway point too. I enjoyed this so much. It was quite a relaxing and worthwhile taste of the Tromso islands and coast.

kimkim really made the planning and organization of our trip to Norway easy and convenient. Their local specialist like Kristiina and Fenne suggest a trip based on your initial thoughts and then offer up many options to refine it into the trip of a lifetime that you're looking for. They know the places to go, things to do, and what to see. They arrange the hotels (including breakfast), local transportation, event tickets, and dinner reservations. When things go a-rye because of bad weather, they are there to help you adjust and get to your next destination. I don't know if I would have changed much in the path of our journey but look forward to sharing with friends and family.

Hotel Reviews

Vestlia Resort

Geilo

This is a nice hotel but isn't the level you might expect for a resort at a ski area. Rooms lack washcloths, bath matts, tissue box, coffee maker, fridge, extra pillow, and safe. Bowling doesn't open until 4 pm. If skiing is closed due to wind, not much to do. We were there when a huge real estate retreat was going on and the partying was out of control. However, you can runt skis, and the cross-country track is great, even for snowshoeing around the lake. Restaurant has limited menu that would get boring after 1 night. Town has some amazing restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

a few more amenities

Location

close to town

Staff

Staff were always nice and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

everything is just a bit old and run down, a refresh, add a few room amenities like extra pillows

Clarion Hotel the Edge

Tromsø

This is so well located. You can walk to most anything in a short time. Close to the cathedral, good restaurants and shopping. Dinner cruise is just outside the front door. Breakfast is amazing.

Authenticity & Character

This is more modern, not really authentic Norwegian.

Location

near everything

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were really nice

Hotell Bondeheimen

Oslo

cute little boutique hotel. Rooms are small but work if you're out much of the time, which we were. Close to many attractions and bus/train routes. Breakfast good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

centrally located near lots.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen

Bergen

Close to the water and historic buildings. Shopping and bay close as well as old fort for walking. Rooms small but comfortable. easy access to bus to airport.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Oslofjord Sightseeing Cruise

Oslo

This is an open air sail boat but they make it warm and cozy. Peaceful ride and good way to start a trip. Glogg warm drink is a must!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Northern Lights Chase

Tromsø

This tour takes you on a packed bus more than an hour outside of town for dark skies. The staff are pretty quiet. Only went to one location. No guidance on where to look, what you're looking for, or how to take photos...that would help. A bit more narrative of a history of the area would help. Others on the trip stand in front of your pictures, use their flashlights, without regard to others.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

bit more narrative and communication. Provide some "good conduct" when arriving at destination and taking pictures.

Transport

driver was very safe and good driver

Tromsø Cable Car

Tromsø

This is a must. would recommend doing it in the day time, 1 hr before sunset, to be able to see all the mountains around the area.

Quality of Experience

the views

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nothing special, they just open and close the doors

Transport

pretty smooth operation

Aurora Dinner Cruise

Tromsø

this is a nice cruise around the bay. Food was ok, not great, and meant for fish lovers. We had bad weather, so no going outside or seeing northern lights.

Quality of Experience

Food

quality you might expect for a large group; Ok if you like fish. Offer other options, warn folks that the app is cold.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Narrator was animated and seemed to enjoy what she did.

Transport

easy peeve

Our trip to Norway was amazing!! 4 cities (Oslo, Geilo, Bergen & Tromso) in 10 days - hotels, tours, transfers to/from - all ran smoothly. Thanks to Kristiina for putting together the itinerary, incorporating everything we wanted to do and see, and for her patience in addressing all of our initial questions and concerns. Many thanks to Fenne for handling all the bookings and her responsiveness in providing support and recommendations along the way. Fenne's recommendation for dinner in Bergen, Fjellskål, was one of the best dining experiences we had! Highlights of our trip were the Northern Lights Chase in Tromso and the spectacular views from the top of the cable car in Tromso. Sledding in Oslo and cross country skiing in Geilo and Tromso were a blast!! Also the delicious breakfasts included at all of our hotels! :) This was my first time using a travel agency and my experience with kimkim was great! I especially like that they partner you with a local specialist, and Kristiina and Fenne were friendly and helpful at every step!