Norway with KimKim - Exceeds Expectations

Norway | Aug 22 - Aug 28, 2025

the Store Hotel is a real agritourism spot. Lovely l0ocation on a hillside outside of Voss with a spectacular view over the valley. The people working there are super friendly, and the foot is fantastic. whether you et on the deck, in the dining room, or in the gazebo, the views are lovely - and the quality of food is really high.

The Hotel Union is the nicest hotel at the head of the nicest fjord we saw in Norway. Which is saying a lot - because every fjord is beautiful. The Union is a bustling place - with tour groups rotating in and out - buffet breakfasts and dinners catering to large crowds. It is not the place to go to get away from it all. That said, it is a historic hotel with a commanding view of the fjord. It is directly across from the waterfall trail, and is well renovated. the pool / hot tub/ spa facilities were all top notch, and our room - in the new wing with a balcony, was comfortable and had a great view. The people were helpful in recommending hikes and a spot for lunch (Westeros farm - I may have gotten the spelling wrong - but it is like the place in Game of Thrones). All in all a great place in a great place. If you could get rid of all the tour groups and cruise ship passengers - this would be paradise. That said - don''t let that deter you. We had a spectacular time - and the hotel handles everything super efficiently.

The Juvet is famous - internet famous. Lots of Instagram posts and articles written about the super cool architecture located in the Norwegian wilderness. And all of it is true. the modern glass lodges nestle into a bend in a river and blend in. they are not high end in any way - but comfortable - adequate and fulfill their purpose of allowing you to look at nature - commune with it - from an angle that you would not otherwise do. I thought the architecture was the key to the place. It is what drew me. But I was wrong. The real reason to come to Juvet is for the communal dinners. It is here where the staff shines. And it is here where you get to spend time with your fellow guests. Staying at Juvet doesn't;t eel like stain gin a hotel as much as it feels like staying in Phillips Johnson's Norwegian getaway. Interesting folks from around the world gather around a table for a gourmet meal replete with wine pairings. a nice fire. A comfortable chair. The conversation id all about where you came from, where you are going. What you have seen etc... the bathhouse - spectacular. The river - bracing. the architecture - unique and fun. But it is the communal dinner that I will remember!

Herangtunet (and that's the last time I am going to attempt to spell it) was a lovely stop between Juvet in the north and Oslo in the south. Located in a ski town, it is quiet in the summer. An old farm converted into a hotel with a series of buildings and run by a Dutch woman - who could not have possibly been any nicer. Very authentic farm buildings in a nice setting. The restaurant is run separately with a small menu - but good solid food nice service - and very friendly staff. If you are in this area for whatever reason, I would not hesitate to go back or recommend it. Thankfully, the hotel had 2 electric car chargers located on site. Sure I paid a premium to use them, but the convenience made it more than worthwhile.

A really nice city hotel located directly across from the train station. Easy access to and from the airport and located in a well renovated historic building (American Line shipping and cruise ships). Interesting art, cool architectural features, and a quick walk to the Munch museum as well as the opera house and lots of other significant monuments. make this hotel an ideal place from which to explore Oslo. they were accommodating of an early checkout (5:30 AM) and provided us with breakfast on the go. Can't ask for more than that.

I'm not sure anyone has anything to add to this trip. The views are spectacular. The show at the waterfall is kitschy - but fun. the crowds in summer are legion. but it is a must do.

Beautiful fjord tour on a very quiet electric boat. No seats up on the top deck - which is likely where you might like to be to fully immerse yourself in nature. the second deck is quite small inside - so get on line early to grab an indoor seat by a window on the first deck - then take numerous trips outside to get the nest views. The viking village at the end is quite cool - and the town of Flam is worthwhile.

Stig was a fantastic guide. As a 50 something guy who has spent his life in and around Oslo and the surrounding area - he is deeply knowledgeable about the city and its environs. He also has enough experience to connect with people on many levels. A lover of music, we talked about different festivals and concerts he had seen over the years - and he showed us a number of venues. His recommendations of restaurants were really good - and he has enough context in terms of world travel (having lived all over South America for example) that he can provide some connections that a younger, less experienced guide might not have made. He was a pleasure to have spent time with.