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active 5 days ago

Mathia Pacenti

I am a passionate traveler who, after years of exploring our incredible planet, has fallen in love with Norway’s majestic landscapes. With experience as both a hotel receptionist and a guide, I have had the privilege of welcoming and assisting tourists across the country, sharing my love for its breathtaking nature and rich culture.

How did you get involved in travel?

"Traveling is about sharing experiences and learning from locals. I’ve always sought to add depth and meaning to my journeys, whether by learning the language, mastering a traditional dish, discovering hidden gems, or volunteering to give back. I believe that immersing yourself in a culture is the best way to truly experience the places you’ve always dreamed of."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"On a frozen winter night in a remote corner of Northern Norway, I hiked alongside locals through the crisp, silent wilderness. Reaching the mountain’s peak, we lit a fire beneath a sky shimmering with stars. As we shared stories over warm food and hot drinks, the night unfolded in pure wonder. The most breathtaking northern lights I had ever seen danced above us. In that moment, under the vast, glowing universe, we felt completely connected, as if we were all one."

Mathia is part of the following groups: Norway Travel Agents, Norway Family Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Favorite experiences

Hike the Queen's Route in Vesterålen

Enjoy a beautiful hike along the popular Queen's Route near the fishing village of Stø on the Vesterålen Islands. You'll pass picturesque views along the coastline, crossing bridges and twisting through fjords and inlets.This moderate trek is called Dronningruta, also known as the Queen’s Route,...

Explore Oslo with a Local

Tour the vibrant and lively capital of Oslo with an enthusiastic and informed local leading the way. Although the city is fairly small—it takes only 30 minutes to travel from one end to the other—there's still a lot to see and do! Oslo is known for its rich history and museums, some of which...

Reindeer Feeding & Northern Lights Experience near Tromsø

This cultural experience takes you on a quest to find the Northern Lights while feeding a herd of reindeer at a traditional lavvo hut. You'll have plenty of time to interact with the animals, feed them, pet them, and take photos. In addition, your guide will share the Sámi people's stories,...

Lofoten Islands Sea Kayaking Tour

The Lofoten Islands are one of Noway's little-discovered gems, tucked away high in the Arctic Circle. The Lofotens are part of an archipelago comprised of five main volcanic islands and many smaller ones. Fishing is the predominant industry, but tourism is on the upswing, too, as more and more...

Midnight Sunset Hike in Svolvær

Watch the summer midnight sun melt into the horizon on this hike in Lofoten's mountainous northern side. With a clear view of the sea, you'll climb up to the top of a grassy peak and find the perfect spot to watch the sun's rays fade into the night. The moderate route is a local hidden gem and...

Recent trip reviews for Mathia

Just returned from a wonderful week in Norway...
Norway | Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2026

marvin
marvin g.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026
Just returned from a wonderful week in Norway...planned by Mathia!!
Hotels were excellent....perfect location each one!! would highly recommend the Amerikalingen, Aurlandfjord, and the Belgen Bors!!!
Our guides were really terrific.... Mia in Oslo and John in Bergen....walked and talked and learned quite a bit...would have missed so much had we not used the guides.
Loved the experience of the FjordSafari....great crew!!!
Certainly enjoyed the ferry from Aurland to Bergen....
All was...
Read more

Just returned from a wonderful week in Norway...planned by Mathia!!
Hotels were excellent....perfect location each one!! would highly recommend the Amerikalingen, Aurlandfjord, and the Belgen Bors!!!
Our guides were really terrific.... Mia in Oslo and John in Bergen....walked and talked and learned quite a bit...would have missed so much had we not used the guides.
Loved the experience of the FjordSafari....great crew!!!
Certainly enjoyed the ferry from Aurland to Bergen....
All was excellent despite a bit of rain....never slowed us down
Many thanks to all....especially to Mathia who planned the trip.... (A few small issues arose that were quickly (few minutes) resolved via text on the KimKim App. really excellent service before and during the adventure)

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 25, 2026

Dear Marvin,
Thank you very much for your kind review.
It makes me happy to hear how much you enjoyed your week in Norway. I’ll share your kind words with Mia and John. It’s wonderful to hear that their walks helped you discover things you might otherwise have missed.
It was a real pleasure planning this adventure with you and being there when you needed help along the way. Thank you for trusting me with your trip.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

The Whole Trip Was Our Favourite!
Norway | Aug 31 - Sep 13, 2026

Jennifer
Jennifer H.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026
We have recently completed the most enjoyable two week vacation in Norway with the gracious assistance of Mathia. He was very attentive to our requests and arranged for hotels and tours that met our wishes completely. Everything was organized and documented exactly as planned, and the hotels, guided tours, and recommendations were superb. We really appreciated Mathia's availability throughout our trip and were comfortable knowing that we could reach out to him if we encountered a... Read more

We have recently completed the most enjoyable two week vacation in Norway with the gracious assistance of Mathia. He was very attentive to our requests and arranged for hotels and tours that met our wishes completely. Everything was organized and documented exactly as planned, and the hotels, guided tours, and recommendations were superb. We really appreciated Mathia's availability throughout our trip and were comfortable knowing that we could reach out to him if we encountered a problem. Somehow he even managed to provide good weather!
Among the highlights for us, apart from the spectacular natural beauty and unique cities, were the outstanding museums we visited. These included the Ringve and Rockheim Music Museums in Trondheim, the Sunnmore Outdoor Museum in Alesund, and the Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger. Additionally, Christell, John, and Wanda were enthusiastic guides who shared their passion for and knowledge of their respective cities.
The combination of trains, boats, waterfalls, museums and cities was most enriching and enjoyable. It's difficult to say what we loved best about the trip!

Hotel Reviews
Amerikalinjen
Oslo

Amerikalinjen, the former headquarters of the Norwegian American Line, is a beautiful old hotel centrally located within walking distance of the train station and the pedestrian downtown. A delicious breakfast was served in the inviting Atlas Brasserie. We were pleasantly surprised to find that our room was ready in time for our early arrival. The staff was accommodating and friendly, and the room was comfortable and clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri
Aurland

The small village of Aurland was a wonderful place to stay for a night. We stayed in one of eight delightful little cottages directly overlooking the water. The cottages were simple but clean, bright and inviting. The little deck was a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine and the incredible view. The breakfast was fabulous and served in a beautifully decorated traditional home. We enjoyed our walk through the little town and along the water. The hotel was conveniently located within a five minute walk of the ferry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen
Gardemoen

The location right next to the airport and train station is really convenient. It is what one would expect from a large hotel, where the location, cleanliness and convenience are more important than uniqueness and ambiance. The dining room served very good dinners and a nice buffet breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel is directly connected to the Oslo airport and the airport train station, making it a great place to stay the night before our departure.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
MS Vesterålen
Tromsø

The accommodation on the MS Vesterålen Hurtigruten ship was a bit of a surprise. The room was smaller than expected and had bunk beds, which was challenging for us as older travelers because one had to climb a ladder. It would be helpful for future travelers to know about this setup in advance or to have an option for a room without a ladder.

Grand Hotel Terminus
Bergen

The highlight of this hotel was the distinctive wood-panelled bar. The lobby area and breakfast rooms were equally reminiscent of classic hotels. The room was spacious, refurnished and comfortable. The location is within walking distance of the old Bryggen district, restaurants, pedestrian streets and the funicular. The hotel is directly across the road from the beautiful old train station.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Brosundet
Ålesund

This is a delightful hotel with a distinctive Norwegian flavour. The room had a comfortable small table and chairs with a sliding glass door that opened onto the canal below, giving us great views of the activities on the water. The highlight of the hotel is its spectacular lobby, with its high ceilings, beautiful stone fireplace, and comfortable seating. The breakfast buffet was beautifully laid out and served in a bright room with lovely Scandinavian décor. As we are senior travellers, we chose to take a taxi to the Geiranger Fjord Cruise terminal rather than walk. However, the distance isn’t far, and many travellers would find it walkable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Nidelven
Trondheim

We had a lovely room with a beautiful view over the canal and the flower bridge. There’s something special about being right on the water. The hotel is in a great location, within walking distance of the train station and many of the repurposed old buildings and restaurants in the old town. The buffet breakfast was one of the best we’ve ever had. The variety of food was amazing. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner in the atmospheric, more formal restaurant. Our train left early in the morning, making breakfast a bit rushed. Had we let the front desk know the night before, we could have had a packed breakfast prepared for us. A good tip for other travellers with early departures.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ms Nordlys
Tromsø

Travelling by boat was an enjoyable experience. However, it was an overnight ferry with not many daylight hours during which to enjoy the view. We were disappointed with the size of the room and particularly with the fact that there were bunk beds. The upper bunk was accessible by a very uncomfortable ladder. We had late access to the cabin and had to vacate it before breakfast first thing in the morning, making it difficult to enjoy the cabin. The dining room was quite pleasant and the service was good. The buffet dinner and breakfast were fine but not special.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Geiranger Fjord Cruise
Full Day Geiranger Fjord Cruise
Ålesund

My favorite activity was the Full Day Geiranger Fjord Cruise. We were so lucky with the weather, and the experience was incredible and unique. The combination of the stunning geography, the visual experience, and the cultural aspects made it a well-balanced and memorable trip.

Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen

The Bergen Walking Tour with a Local Guide was excellent. Our guide, Tom, was personable and showed us the key sights while also giving great suggestions for lunch spots.

Relax onboard the Hurtigruten
Relax onboard the Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten

While relaxing onboard the Hurtigruten was generally enjoyable, there was a part of the trip where the ship stopped for a good part of the day without any clear options for excursions or activities. It was a bit of a surprise and felt like downtime without much to do, which could be improved by offering optional excursions or activities during such stops.

Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Oslo

Christell was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed the route she chose, which went past the Opera House, the Akershus Fortress, and the National Theatre. We stopped for coffee at a great little coffee shop enjoyed by locals, making us feel a bit less like tourists . One of the best stops was in front of the statue of Grieg in a beautiful little square. Christell amazed us with her beautiful singing voice when she sang for us a segment from Grieg’s Peer Gynt .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 23, 2026
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you very much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It was a real pleasure helping you plan your two-week journey through Norway, and I’m so happy to hear that the trip was everything you had hoped for.
It’s wonderful to hear that the museums were among your highlights, and I’m sure Ringve, Rockheim, Sunnmøre Outdoor Museum, and the Norwegian Fjord Centre will stay as special memories from your journey.
I will also be very happy to share your kind words with...
Read more

Dear Jennifer,
Thank you very much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It was a real pleasure helping you plan your two-week journey through Norway, and I’m so happy to hear that the trip was everything you had hoped for.
It’s wonderful to hear that the museums were among your highlights, and I’m sure Ringve, Rockheim, Sunnmøre Outdoor Museum, and the Norwegian Fjord Centre will stay as special memories from your journey.
I will also be very happy to share your kind words with Christel, John, and Wanda. They are all wonderful guides, and it means a lot to know that their enthusiasm and knowledge added something special to your days.
Thank you again for trusting me with your Norwegian adventure and for taking the time to share such beautiful feedback. It was truly a pleasure to assist you, and I hope our paths will cross again one day, perhaps for another journey in Norway.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Unique Custom Self Directed Travel for Incedible Value
Norway | Aug 31 - Sep 13, 2026

James
James B.
Kitchener, ON, Canada | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026
Kim Kim and our agent Mathia recommended, organized and made all the arrangements for our ncredible Norway trip.
It was incredible value for a 5 star experience. It was the perfect mix of train and boat travel. Well paced but scheduled to maximize our 12 days with sufficient down time for relaxation and to explore on our own.
The boutique hotels were some of the best we have stayed at in Europe. All well located and unique. The guides for our personal citytours were exceptional.
All of...
Read more

Kim Kim and our agent Mathia recommended, organized and made all the arrangements for our ncredible Norway trip.
It was incredible value for a 5 star experience. It was the perfect mix of train and boat travel. Well paced but scheduled to maximize our 12 days with sufficient down time for relaxation and to explore on our own.
The boutique hotels were some of the best we have stayed at in Europe. All well located and unique. The guides for our personal citytours were exceptional.
All of the recommendations for the itinerary, activities and restaurants were perfect and allowed us to really experience Norway and everything it offers in its diverse geography, culture and history.
Particular highlights were the Flam Railway, Fijord Ferry cruises, Hurtigruten overnights and the City of Trondheim.
We have no hesitations in giving the highest recommendation to Mathia and his local Norwegian team and Kim Kim as the broker and platform for the easy arranging of such a wonderful custom self directed travel experience.

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 23, 2026
Dear James,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review.
It was truly a pleasure to help design and organize your journey through Norway, and I’m so happy to hear that the balance between traveling by train and boat, discovering new places, and having time to relax worked so well for you. The Flam Railway, the fjord cruises, Hurtigruten, and Trondheim are all such special parts of the journey, so it means a lot to know they became highlights of your trip.
It was...
Read more

Dear James,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review.
It was truly a pleasure to help design and organize your journey through Norway, and I’m so happy to hear that the balance between traveling by train and boat, discovering new places, and having time to relax worked so well for you. The Flam Railway, the fjord cruises, Hurtigruten, and Trondheim are all such special parts of the journey, so it means a lot to know they became highlights of your trip.
It was great assisting you and being part of your Norwegian adventure. Thank you for your trust, your kind words, and for recommending me and the local team. I hope Norway will stay with you for a long time, and perhaps there will be another journey north one day.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Mathia was amazing to work with in planning/e...
Norway | Sep 6 - Sep 13, 2026

Amy
Amy P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026
Mathia was amazing to work with in planning/executing our trip. He is an excellent communicator and responded in a timely manner when we had questions or concerns.
Guides Christel, Emme and John were top notch. .
There were minor scheduling things we would have done differently, but all in all it was a wonderful trip.
Read more

Mathia was amazing to work with in planning/executing our trip. He is an excellent communicator and responded in a timely manner when we had questions or concerns.
Guides Christel, Emme and John were top notch. .
There were minor scheduling things we would have done differently, but all in all it was a wonderful trip.

Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo

Staff friendly. Breakfast was delicious. Coffee available 24 hrs in lobby. Comfortable rooms and good location.

Location
Close to train station.
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wangen Apartments by Flåmsbrygga
Aurland
Authenticity & Character
Very cute red cottage near the water.
Location
Close to the water, food and grocery store
Staff
Helpful getting bags stored since ferry was mid afternoon.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The heating system did not work as instructed. The breakfast was a lot of processed food-sugary yogurt, ultra processed muffin, apple juice box. Not ideal breakfast.
Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand
Authenticity & Character
Location
The directions provided by Kim Kim is not the easiest way to get there while hauling bags.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Bergen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
We arrived around 1:00 pm. 2/4 rooms were ready but they were going to charge us for early check-in. Kim Kim said check-in was at 3:00 but it actually wasn’t until 4. Spa wasn’t available second day to use the pool due to being booked by people not staying at the hotel. Disappointing
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms tiny
Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 21, 2026
Dear Amy,
Thank you so much for your kind review and for taking the time to share your experience. It was truly a pleasure to help plan your journey and to be there along the way whenever questions or concerns came up.
I’m especially happy to hear that Christel, Emme and John made such a great impression. I’ll be sure to share your lovely words with them as well. And thank you for mentioning the minor scheduling points. Feedback like this is very valuable and helps us continue to improve the...
Read more

Dear Amy,
Thank you so much for your kind review and for taking the time to share your experience. It was truly a pleasure to help plan your journey and to be there along the way whenever questions or concerns came up.
I’m especially happy to hear that Christel, Emme and John made such a great impression. I’ll be sure to share your lovely words with them as well. And thank you for mentioning the minor scheduling points. Feedback like this is very valuable and helps us continue to improve the experience for future travelers.
Most of all, I’m delighted to know that, all in all, you had a wonderful trip and enjoyed your time in Norway. It was a pleasure working with you, and I hope Norway will stay with you as a beautiful memory for a long time to come.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Amazing trip. Amazing company.
Norway | Aug 22 - Sep 6, 2026

David
David D.
Rochester, MN, USA | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026
The entire trip to was phenomenal. We may never get back to Norway so wanted to make it memorable. We told Mathia from the KimKim team what we were looking for and he created an amazing itinerary. There is no way I could have done this on my own (trust me, I tried). The one on one guides were fantastic, the hotels were great, and having everything taken care of in advance takes a lot of headache out of travelling. When we did have one issue with our ride leaving without us, Mathia... Read more

The entire trip to was phenomenal. We may never get back to Norway so wanted to make it memorable. We told Mathia from the KimKim team what we were looking for and he created an amazing itinerary. There is no way I could have done this on my own (trust me, I tried). The one on one guides were fantastic, the hotels were great, and having everything taken care of in advance takes a lot of headache out of travelling.

When we did have one issue with our ride leaving without us, Mathia was quick to respond and another ride was there within 20 minutes.

Thank you so much,
The Derby's

Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo

We didn't arrive until 2 AM, but they had someone there waiting for us!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aksjemøllen
Lillehammer

Fun hotel in a great location

Authenticity & Character
It was a former mill and keeps the character of it alive in their decor.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oppdal Turisthotell
Oppdal

Fun place right by the train station so we wouldn't get lost!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Nidelven
Trondheim

Loved being over the water

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Terminus
Bergen

Really fun place right in the heart of Bergen

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand

Best food ever!

Authenticity & Character
We were in the newer part, but overall the hotel is very historical with excellent artworks
Location
Balestrand is amazing and the hotel is beautiful
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heimly Pensjonat
Flåm

Loved our little hotel. They have dinner there which we loved. They even held it when we were running late.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Geilo Hotel
Geilo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen
Gardemoen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Oslo

Our guide was so fun

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
we didn't have transport
Musk Ox Safari
Musk Ox Safari
Oppdal

Even though it was a larger group, our guide held us together well! Plus, we saw Musk Ox. Beautiful land

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trondheim Walking Tour
Trondheim Walking Tour
Trondheim

Guide was amazing. She showed us all around the city and made it personal to our Minnesota roots.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
N/A
Guided Kayaking in Flåm
Guided Kayaking in Flåm
Norway

We had to cut our paddling short due to weather, but the guides did their job and made sure we were safe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nærøyfjord Cruise & Viking Valley Tour
Nærøyfjord Cruise & Viking Valley Tour
Norway

Beautiful. Love having the electric boat as it was so quiet

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Waterfall Hike & Stegastein Viewpoint
Waterfall Hike & Stegastein Viewpoint
Norway

One of our favorite activities. There was no one else at the Stegastein viewpoint (and that is rare)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen

Got to see the city through the eyes of a local

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 21, 2026
Dear David and Kelly,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to me to know that you enjoyed the trip and that we were able to create the kind of memorable experience you were hoping for in Norway.
It was a real pleasure to work with you and to bring together the experiences, guides and accommodations that made the journey special. I’m especially happy to hear that having everything arranged in advance gave you peace of mind and made the trip more enjoyable.
Thank...
Read more

Dear David and Kelly,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to me to know that you enjoyed the trip and that we were able to create the kind of memorable experience you were hoping for in Norway.
It was a real pleasure to work with you and to bring together the experiences, guides and accommodations that made the journey special. I’m especially happy to hear that having everything arranged in advance gave you peace of mind and made the trip more enjoyable.
Thank you again for trusting me with such an important trip. It was a pleasure helping you discover Norway, and I hope the memories you made here stay with you for many years to come.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Best Trip Ever!
Norway | Aug 31 - Sep 13, 2026

J
James H.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

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

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 14, 2026

Dear James,

Thank you very much for your kind review.
I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the variety and beauty of Norway, and that the itinerary worked so well for you. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey. I hope I’ll have the chance to help you plan a second trip to Norway one day, perhaps exploring the far north next time.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Best vacation ever.
Norway | Aug 28 - Sep 4, 2026

Kris
Kris S.
Miller Place, NY, USA | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2026
Amazing vacation. The planning with our local agent Mathia was perfect. He listenes to our needs and planned the best holiday. We especially loved our time in the tiny town of Aurland relaxing in a café with a bottle of wine and the most incredible view. Read more

Amazing vacation. The planning with our local agent Mathia was perfect. He listenes to our needs and planned the best holiday. We especially loved our time in the tiny town of Aurland relaxing in a café with a bottle of wine and the most incredible view.

Hotel Reviews
Wangen Apartments by Flåmsbrygga
Aurland

What a wonderful little hotel. The most amazing location sitting right on the edge of the fjord and next to two great restaurants. The room was simple and clean and simply perfect for the location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Byporten
Oslo

Scandic Byporten in Oslo was good for a quick stop. We stayed there just to shower and have breakfast after arriving early in the morning before continuing our travel. The location was excellent, right next to the train station, so we didn't have to walk outdoors. The included breakfast was a nice touch.

Hotel Norge by Scandic
Bergen

Hotel Norge by Scandic in Bergen was a very nice, beautiful, and modern place. The breakfast was fantastic, one of the best we had on the trip. It was a great place to stay and added to the enjoyment of our time in Bergen.

Solstrand Hotel & Bad
Os

Solstrand Hotel & Bad was amazing and one of the nicest places we've ever been. The hotel used to be the residence of Norway's first prime minister and has a beautiful historic main building with a newer section where we stayed. The location on the water with views of the mountains and national park was stunning. The spa, pool, hot tub, and fjord swimming access were fantastic. We had full board with incredible meals every day, and the staff were very attentive to our dietary preferences. We also enjoyed biking and walking around the beautiful surroundings. It was a perfect way to end our trip.

Activity Reviews
Fjordsafari Extended
Fjordsafari Extended
Norway

The Fjordsafari Extended was possibly one of the best things I've ever done in my entire life. It was a two hour and fifteen minutes extended riverboat tour, and we got lucky with beautiful weather. The experience was amazing, and being on the water with such stunning views was unforgettable. The weather could have made a big difference, but luckily it was perfect for us.

Waterfall Hike & Stegastein Viewpoint
Waterfall Hike & Stegastein Viewpoint
Norway

The Waterfall Hike and Stegastein Viewpoint was very nice and worthwhile. It wasn't as spectacular as the Fjordsafari, but we enjoyed it a lot. The hike was made easier because after the hike, they drove us up to the viewpoint, which saved us from a long uphill walk. The group was about twelve people with two guides.

Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen

The Bergen Walking Tour with a Local Guide was good but not great. Our guide seemed a bit resistant to new things and rushed us through the tour, finishing early and missing opportunities to explore some interesting sites like the oldest church and a fort. We ended up visiting those places on our own after the tour. The guide was nice and informative but could have been more engaging and thorough.

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 06, 2026
Dear Kris and Suzanne,
Thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience.
It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your Norwegian adventure, and I’m so happy to hear that the trip turned out to be everything you hoped for.
I especially love hearing that you enjoyed your time in Aurland. Those quiet moments with a glass of wine, a coffee, and that incredible fjord view are exactly the kind of memories that make Norway so special.
It was a pleasure...
Read more

Dear Kris and Suzanne,
Thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience.
It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your Norwegian adventure, and I’m so happy to hear that the trip turned out to be everything you hoped for.
I especially love hearing that you enjoyed your time in Aurland. Those quiet moments with a glass of wine, a coffee, and that incredible fjord view are exactly the kind of memories that make Norway so special.
It was a pleasure working with you, and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to be part of your journey.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Our guide Mathia took the trip of our fondes...
Norway | Aug 24 - Sep 2, 2026

Elizabeth
Elizabeth S.
Salt Lake City, UT, USA | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2026
Our guide Mathia took the trip of our fondest dreams and imagination and made it a reality! We didn’t give him a whole lot of time to put it together, the trip was a bit of a last minute thing, but boy, did he pull it off! We got everything we wanted and more! Mathia was a pleasure to work with all the way through from the planning to the lift off for the return trip home. We wanted a full adventure in Norway and see as much of her natural splendor as possible and we believe we did, all... Read more

Our guide Mathia took the trip of our fondest dreams and imagination and made it a reality! We didn’t give him a whole lot of time to put it together, the trip was a bit of a last minute thing, but boy, did he pull it off! We got everything we wanted and more! Mathia was a pleasure to work with all the way through from the planning to the lift off for the return trip home. We wanted a full adventure in Norway and see as much of her natural splendor as possible and we believe we did, all thanks to Mathia and kimkim. Some of the highlights are: climbing up to Sugar Top Hill in Alesund, we loved that city, so scenic and so quaint! We decided we could live there! Our walking tour guide John Grahl-Madsen took us on a delightful walk through his home town of Bergen, he was so nice and accommodating. We absolutely loved our e-bike tour and hike through the Valley of the waterfalls in Husedalen and Ullenvang. I think that was my favorite! Our private tour guide Emilie Guyot was fantastic! She was very personable and knowledgeable and took care of us perfectly! We capped off the trip with a hike to Priekestolen in Stavanger. The are no words to describe the magnificence of that place! A very singular experience. All of our accommodations were spot on, just what we wanted. We were very comfortable in each of them. Again, this incredible and adventurous trip would not have been possible without Mathia and Christina, our kimkim guides. They were absolutely fantastic and always there when we needed them. We can’t wait to do it again and we would wholeheartedly recommend using kimkim to all of our friends and family who are looking for a great, very smooth and stressless travel experience .
David and Elizabeth Smith

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Brosundet
Ålesund

Our favorite place in our favorite town! And the food was delicious, especially the fish soup! The staff was great!

Amerikalinjen
Oslo

We loved this hotel! The staff was fantastic, the rooms were very clean and comfortable, and the central location, close to the train station and shopping, can’t be beat!

Authenticity & Character
Location
You get off the train from the airport and the hotel is right there in easy walking distance . And it’s right in the middle of where you want to be in Oslo.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 06, 2026
Dear Elizabeth and David,
Thank you very much for this incredibly kind and heartfelt review. Reading your words truly made my day. It was an absolute pleasure to help turn your last-minute idea of a Norwegian adventure into a reality, and I’m so happy to hear that the journey exceeded your expectations.
I especially love that you embraced so many different sides of Norway, from the charming streets and views of Ålesund and Bergen, to the incredible nature of Husedalen and Ullensvang, and...
Read more

Dear Elizabeth and David,
Thank you very much for this incredibly kind and heartfelt review. Reading your words truly made my day. It was an absolute pleasure to help turn your last-minute idea of a Norwegian adventure into a reality, and I’m so happy to hear that the journey exceeded your expectations.
I especially love that you embraced so many different sides of Norway, from the charming streets and views of Ålesund and Bergen, to the incredible nature of Husedalen and Ullensvang, and finally the unforgettable hike to Preikestolen. It sounds like you really made the most of your time here. And I have to say, hearing that you loved Ålesund enough to consider living there made me smile.
It was also wonderful to hear your kind words about John, Emilie, and the rest of the local team. I know how much they care about sharing their places with travelers, so I’m sure they will be delighted to hear your feedback. I’m equally grateful to have had Christina by my side to help make everything run smoothly.
Most of all, thank you for trusting me with such an important journey, especially on such short notice. Knowing that you felt well taken care of from the first stages of planning all the way until your flight home means a lot to me.
I truly hope this wasn’t your last adventure in Norway. It would be a pleasure to welcome you back and help you discover even more of this beautiful country.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Mathia was fantastic!
Norway | Aug 23 - Aug 31, 2026

Carl
Carl E.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2026
Mathia was fantastic at setting up the 9 day trip for my wife and I to Norway...Oslo, Bergen, Aurland ,Oslo. We are both 80 and the trip was perfect in every way. That rarely happens to us. Everything eent right as planned. Often Mathia anticipated issues and contacted me...I didn't have to contact him. There was an air traffic controllers strike in Norway as well as the death of the King of Norway. We were kept informed throughout. Even when Matthia was away for a couple of days his... Read more

Mathia was fantastic at setting up the 9 day trip for my wife and I to Norway...Oslo, Bergen, Aurland ,Oslo. We are both 80 and the trip was perfect in every way. That rarely happens to us. Everything eent right as planned. Often Mathia anticipated issues and contacted me...I didn't have to contact him. There was an air traffic controllers strike in Norway as well as the death of the King of Norway. We were kept informed throughout. Even when Matthia was away for a couple of days his backup couldn't have been more helpful. Every question I asked was answered almost immediately by Mathia or his backup. The quick replies by Mathia gave us peace of mind throughout the trip. We really liked Bergen, the Flam Railway, and of course the Fjord cruise. Thanks for a great trip.

Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
I
Scandic Ørnen
Bergen

Great location near train station and Opera House.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Aurlandsfjord
Aurland

Great view from our second floor balcony. Quiet. Elevator only goes to 2nd floor. Breakfast was perfect. Room included dinner for our 2 nights. My wife is Vegetarian. I am not. The dinners were not to our liking. Options were available for an additional payment. Staff was super polite and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great view of the fjord from 2nd floor balcony.
Staff
Very helpful and polite.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen
Gardemoen

Right at the airport. Simple walk through a covered sidewalk to airport.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Oslo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nærøyfjord Cruise & Viking Valley Tour
Nærøyfjord Cruise & Viking Valley Tour
Norway

Viking Valley Tour was better than expected. Included horse shoes, archery, axe throwing and other games.

Quality of Experience
Stegastein and Borgund Stave Church
Stegastein and Borgund Stave Church
Norway
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Sep 01, 2026
Dear Carl and Nancy,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means a great deal to me.
It was a real pleasure designing your Norwegian journey and, above all, knowing that the trip felt comfortable, seamless, and enjoyable from beginning to end. I’m especially happy to hear that, despite the unexpected circumstances during your travels, you always felt informed and supported. For me, that is one of the most important parts of being a travel designer. Not...
Read more

Dear Carl and Nancy,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means a great deal to me.
It was a real pleasure designing your Norwegian journey and, above all, knowing that the trip felt comfortable, seamless, and enjoyable from beginning to end. I’m especially happy to hear that, despite the unexpected circumstances during your travels, you always felt informed and supported. For me, that is one of the most important parts of being a travel designer. Not only creating a beautiful itinerary, but also being there to anticipate challenges, provide reassurance, and make sure you can simply enjoy the journey.
I’m also very happy to hear that Bergen, the Flåm Railway, and the fjord cruise were highlights of your time in Norway. These are some of the experiences that make this part of the country so special.
It was a pleasure working with you both, and I’m very grateful for the trust you placed in me. Knowing that the trip exceeded your expectations and that everything came together so well is the best reward I could ask for.
I wish you and your families all the best. :)
Mathia

Very Grateful for Mathia's Professional Guidance!
Norway | Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2026

Barbara
Barbara F.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2026

Mathia provided knowledgable and professional consultation and coordination to create a customized itinerary for our trip to Stavanger to experience the fjords in this area. He arranged our hotel and tours and provided valuable recommendations for restaurants and things to do. Mathia was very responsive and attentive to our needs and interests. He checked in during our trip and was extremely helpful in making last minute adjustments we requested to ensure our holiday was all we dreamed it to be. We would be very happy to work with Mathia again in the future.

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Aug 17, 2026

Dear Barbara and Jeff,

Thank you very much for your kind words.
It was a real pleasure helping you plan your time in Stavanger and making sure the trip reflected what you were hoping to experience.
I’m especially happy to hear that the itinerary, recommendations, and last-minute adjustments helped make your holiday so enjoyable. Thank you as well for the wonderful cooperation throughout the planning process.
I would be absolutely delighted to work with you again in the future and help you discover another part of Norway.
I wish you and your families all the best. :)
Mathia