Great trip planning experience and even better travel experience
Norway | Sep 25 - Oct 6, 2022

Katie
Katie W.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2022

My husband and I had an excellent experience planning and booking our recent trip to Norway (including the Lofoten islands, Vesteralen and Oslo) with kimkim. From the start, we felt that Christina, our local specialist, was not only knowledgeable, but was listening to us regarding what we were hoping to get out of our trip. When she first sent our itinerary to us, it was awesome to see that she had included the balance of time outdoors and experiencing Norwegian people, food and culture that we were hoping for. The locations that Christina recommended within Lofoten were absolutely stunning, and we felt that the pacing was a perfect - we were able to see a lot of different towns and parts of the region, but still have time to enjoy ourselves at each unique stay. Especially memorable was our stay with Lone at her family-owned guesthouse, Skagakaia, where we sat outside, staying warm next to a beautiful fire, watching the Northern Lights, full from her delicious home cooking. We also very much enjoyed our tour of Oslo with Stig, who described for us the past, present and future of Oslo as we walked around and learned even more about the people, culture and history. Since we had time left in Oslo after our tour with him, we were able to take him up on several of his wonderful recommendations for food and drinks. We appreciate all Christina and her colleagues and partners did to make this such a seamless and memorable vacation and trip for us. We wouldn't change a thing, and we highly recommend kimkim and plan to use the service again in the future. Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Henningsvær Bryggehotell
Vagan

Beautiful hotel right on the water within walking distance to just about everything. Wonderful breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Just a warning that parking can be tight and guests may need to pay for parking if the hotel lot is full.
Staff
The staff were very accommodating to us in helping us do some laundry on site - thank you!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo

Wonderful location and friendly staff. Great hotel breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Svinøya Rorbuer
Svolvær

Beautiful place to stay, loved listening to the water at night. Very cozy and charming. Great restaurant with delicious food and friendly staff. Terrific location - easy to get to and easy parking!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skagakaia

Beautiful place to stay. Lone is an amazing host and we felt so welcome in her guesthouse. Very cozy and charming. Lone is an amazing cook and we enjoyed every meal with her. Terrific location right on the water with some wonderful views and a sculpture park within walking distance - easy to get to and easy parking!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Lone is so sweet and a wonderful host. We enjoyed talking to her and learning from her about the area.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sakrisøy Rorbuer
Reine

Beautiful location and place to stay, loved listening to the water at night. Very cozy and charming. Kitchen is well equipped. Love having a fireplace and logs provided for a fire. Convenient location close to Anita's market and restaurant. Would stay here again in a heartbeat. It was wonderful.

Authenticity & Character
Pure coziness. Loved the personal touches, fireplace and well-equipped kitchen.
Location
Convenient location, yet right on the water. Couldn't ask for better.
Staff
Really appreciated the communication and help with our laundry - thank you!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean place!
Activity Reviews
Trollfjord Cruise
Trollfjord Cruise
Svolvær

This was great way to explore the fjords. Appreciate that the company is eco-conscious. We learned so much from expert guide, Julia, about the sensitive ecosystem in and around the fjords. Thank you!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chase the Northern Lights in Svolvær
Chase the Northern Lights in Svolvær
Svolvær

Geir went out of his way to find conditions that could help us see Northern Lights - and we did! His enthusiasm for the Northern Lights is wonderful and contagious. It was endearing seeing him help budding photographers get the best shots of the Northern Lights that he could. This was the experience of a lifetime.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Oslo's hidden gems with a local expert
Explore Oslo's hidden gems with a local expert
Oslo

Stig loves Oslo and offered a fun and informative tour of Oslo that allowed us to explore its past, present and future. We learned about the culture, history and people, but also received personal suggestions from Stig regarding his favorite places to frequent throughout the city - without and pressure. Stig is a wonderful and enthusiastic tour guide! So glad we got to see the city he loves through his eyes!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Christina Wang
Christina
Christina Wang
Local specialist in Kristiansand, Norway | Replied on Oct 19, 2022

Hi Katie and Nathan.

Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your trip.
It warms my heart knowing you had such a great experience!

Thank you for letting me take part in your adventures with little updates a long the way.
It has been a pleasure planning with and following you!

I hope we get the chance to plan with you again one day.

Best,
Christina