Kimkim Trip Reviews

Our stay at Hotel Fabian in Helsinki was absolutely wonderful and the perfect way to end our Finland trip. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm, stylish, and welcoming. The hotel itself is beautifully designed—modern yet cozy, with thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home. Our room was spacious, spotless, and comfortable, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring the city. One of the standout aspects of Hotel Fabian is its location. It’s perfectly situated within walking distance to so many of Helsinki’s highlights, yet still feels peaceful and tucked away. What truly made our stay special was the staff. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful, and genuinely invested in making our experience great. Whether it was recommendations, directions, or just a warm greeting, their hospitality did not go unnoticed. Hotel Fabian strikes the perfect balance between boutique charm and high-end comfort. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Helsinki!

Our stay at Aurora Village in Lapland was great—one of those rare experiences that feels magical from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and hospitality that we instantly felt at home, despite being so far from it. Though no one helped us to our cabin with such heavy luggage and mushy snow, the cabins were beautifully designed—cozy, modern, and perfectly positioned to take in the stunning Arctic surroundings and gave us a deeper appreciation for the beauty and culture of Lapland. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic getaway, Aurora Village is it. We left with full hearts and amazing memories.

Our stay at Lapin Park Tintti Eco Cabin was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by how peaceful and beautifully remote the setting was—surrounded by pristine nature, it felt like stepping into a winter dream. The cabin itself was cozy, thoughtfully designed, and perfectly balanced rustic charm with modern comfort. Everything felt intentional, and you can really appreciate the eco-conscious approach without sacrificing comfort. What truly made this experience exceptional, though, was Terhi and Arto. They went above and beyond in every possible way to make our stay special. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality made us feel more like welcomed guests than visitors. Whether it was sharing stories, helping us experience the local culture, or simply making sure we were comfortable, they added such a personal and meaningful touch to our trip. The entire experience felt authentic, peaceful, and deeply memorable. If you’re looking for a unique getaway that connects you with nature while also offering heartfelt hospitality, Lapin Park Tintti Eco Cabin is something truly special. We left feeling refreshed, grateful, and already dreaming about coming back.

We had such a wonderful day exploring Helsinki—it was the perfect mix of charm, culture, and relaxation. The city is incredibly walkable, making it easy to take in the beautiful architecture, waterfront views, and unique design touches around every corner. We loved strolling through the local markets, enjoying fresh food and coffee, and taking in the laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. The blend of historic sites and modern Scandinavian style made everything feel both rich in history and refreshingly current. One of the highlights was simply soaking in the peaceful pace of the city. Helsinki has a calm, welcoming energy that makes you feel instantly at ease, yet there’s still so much to see and do. From the stunning churches to the scenic harbor, every moment felt special. It was the perfect way to experience Finland beyond the winter adventures—highly recommend spending a full day here to truly appreciate everything Helsinki has to offer!

Our Northern Lights tour with professional photos was a decent experience overall—some nice highlights, but a few things that could have been better. Our guide was friendly and tried his best to create a positive atmosphere throughout the evening. He was organized and made sure everyone was taken care of, which we appreciated. The location itself was beautiful, and being out under the Arctic sky was a special experience regardless. We did see the Northern Lights but we did feel like our tour guide was in a rush to drop us off. He drove to 2 different locations and then that was it for the night. We did not get the professional photos until we got back from our trip and they were just ok. They were dark, cut off and a bit blurry. The turnaround time and/or communication around receiving them could have been clearer. It would have helped to know exactly what to expect ahead of time. Overall, it was a good experience but not quite as memorable as some of the other excursions we did in Lapland. With a few improvements and a bit more luck with the aurora, it could easily be a standout experience.

Our private glass roof sleigh ride and traditional winter net fishing excursion in Lapland was beyond incredible—truly a five-star plus experience and one we will never forget. From start to finish, everything felt exclusive, peaceful, and perfectly curated. The glass-roof sleigh ride was absolutely magical. Gliding through the quiet, snow-covered landscape while being able to look up at the open sky was such a surreal experience. It felt like we were completely immersed in the Arctic wilderness, with a sense of calm and beauty that’s hard to put into words. The traditional winter net fishing was just as memorable and unique. Learning the process from Arto, hearing the history behind it, and actually experiencing it firsthand gave us such an appreciation for this time-honored way of life. It wasn’t just an activity—it was a meaningful cultural experience that connected us to the land and traditions of Lapland. By far- my favorite excursion ever! What truly elevated this experience was the private, personalized nature of it all. Our guide Arto, was exceptional—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate. We never felt rushed and were able to fully take in each moment, ask questions, and enjoy the experience at our own pace. Every detail was thoughtfully done, and you could feel the authenticity behind it. Between the serene sleigh ride and the hands-on fishing experience, it struck the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. If you’re visiting Lapland, this is an absolute must. It’s not just five stars—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeds every expectation.

Our day with the reindeer herder’s wife and family in Lapland was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—easily a five-star highlight of our trip. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family into a way of life that felt both deeply authentic and incredibly special. Spending time learning about the traditions, culture, and daily rhythms of reindeer herding was so meaningful. Hearing her stories and seeing firsthand the connection between her family and the reindeer gave us a whole new appreciation for this unique lifestyle. It didn’t feel like a “tour” at all—it felt personal, genuine, and heartfelt. The day was beautifully paced, allowing us to really take it all in—from interacting with the reindeer to enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the snowy landscape, then preparing a wonderful reindeer meal followed by some arts and crafts. There was something so calming and grounding about being there, away from everything, immersed in nature and tradition. What made the experience unforgettable was her warmth and hospitality. You could feel the pride she has in her heritage and the joy she takes in sharing it with others. It left a lasting impression on us and gave us memories we will cherish forever. If you’re visiting Lapland, don’t miss this experience. It’s something truly special that goes far beyond sightseeing—it’s a genuine cultural connection that stays with you long after you leave.

Our husky safari with Sustainable Wilderness in Lapland was truly one of the highlights of our entire trip. From the moment we arrived, everything felt authentic, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed with both guests and the animals in mind. The team was incredibly warm and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain how to safely guide the sled and sharing insights about the dogs and their care. It was clear how much they genuinely love and respect their huskies—the dogs were well cared for, energetic, and clearly excited to run. Gliding through the snowy Lapland wilderness behind a team of huskies was nothing short of magical. The scenery was breathtaking—peaceful, untouched, and straight out of a postcard. It felt like such a special way to experience the Arctic landscape. What stood out most was Sustainable Wilderness’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. You can truly feel that they prioritize the wellbeing of their animals and the environment, which made the experience even more meaningful. If you’re visiting Lapland, this is an absolute must-do. It’s not just an activity—it’s an unforgettable experience that connects you to nature, the culture, and these incredible dogs in the best possible way.

So much fun even for the non artsy like me. Just the right amount of time, effort and neat location to explore away from. St marks square .

An elegant oasis close to the many activities of Sydney

Very friendly and helpful team… Comfortable accommodations with a nice view

Super comfortable room… Great view… Extremely helpful staff… Excellent restaurant… Perfect location from which to explore Sydney…

Although we had spent the morning watching the sunrise at the rock, the sunset was even more amazing

To watch the sun come up in such an amazing place is something we will never forget… Truly, one of the most unique places in the whole world

Although it was a very hot day, the area is dramatically beautiful, and the colors were amazing… Almost out of this world…

We had a fabulous day on our tour of the blue Mountains… Karen took us to meet Australian animals, then she took us to view the beautiful Grand Canyon of the blue Mountains… Absolutely stunning… It was a misty day, which made it even more magical…

From the fish market to the spice Alley to the tiger pie, it was a super fun afternoon… And we were very full!😊

Vickie gave us a very personalized tour… She took extra time to show us the little details and back Allyz of the rocks… She loves the history of the area and it shows! A beautiful person!

Levin Iglut Glass Igloos were excellent and offered a unique experience. They were clean and aesthetically pleasing. While we didn't see the northern lights, lying under the glass ceiling amidst the fog was still a memorable experience.

The Solo Sokos Hotel in Tampere was exceptional with the best breakfast buffet we've had. Everything imaginable for breakfast was available, laid out perfectly. The beds were wonderfully comfortable, making it a standout accommodation on our trip.

Solo Sokos Hotel in Turku was very elegant and quite nice. We liked it there a lot; it was definitely one of the better accommodations we stayed at during our trip.

The train cabins were very small, but had very comfortable and clean beds.

The Turku City Walking Tour was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Turku, making the experience very enjoyable. Despite being a lot of walking, it was well-organized, and we discovered many interesting things about the city. It was a really great tour.

The SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience was interesting and unique. Although there was a mix-up with our schedule, the staff was accommodating and quickly served us dinner so we wouldn’t miss our train. The food was very good, and the ice hotel, with its unique rooms and ice sculptures, was fascinating, despite the slippery floors due to melting ice.

The Reindeer Adventure was definitely a standout of our trip. We loved visiting and feeding the reindeer, and the ride was a unique experience. Learning about the reindeer lifestyle and the people who care for them was fascinating. It was an outstanding part of our trip.

great location, away from the city but very easy to get into the city whenever you want

Hotel was wonderful. Rooms were very clean, breakfast was amazing, staff were very helpful.

Pros: Good location. A short walk from the train station. Town is easily accessible through a nearby parking garage elevator next door to the property. Cons: Staff when we arrived was less than friendly. We arrived prior to check in and assisting us felt like an annoyance. Room was warm. Air conditioning did not work. Breakfast was included but underwhelming - cold cuts a bit discolored (as though they had been out the day prior).

Great central location to train and Aldstadt. Clean, Great Service and incredible breakfast.

Overall, a good experience. Pros: Great Location, Clean & Good Service Cons: 1 trash can in room, no tissues, dimly lit bathroom, room states Alexa is available but there is none

This was a walking tour that began at our Hotel. Andreas, our guide, was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. He recommended a restaurant at lunch that ended up being closed that day during the lunch hour. We returned at dinner and it was one of the best restaurants of our trip (Hackteufel).

An extremely moving experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and kind.

Outstanding - the guide (Hawaii Joe) knew his stuff and was entertaining

We booked this hotel at the last minute when we had to change our plans. Perfectly adequate but more of a tourist hotel, with an American-type breakfast, many rooms, etc. High-end, clean, luxurious, great staff, but not as charming as some of the smaller boutiques we stayed in (we prefer that but some might prefer the "known" aspects of this property).

This small camp was unique and fun---our meals were excellent, the staff friendly, and our tent was warm and comfortable. Definitely a glamping-like experience but that's what we wanted.

By far our favorite spot in the entire trip, this family-run boutique hotel is beautifully and uniquely appointed, luxurious, and charming. We loved getting to know the family who runs this property and the food was absolutely amazing---our best meals hands-down. Can't say enough about the experience and service.

Excellent service, beautiful rooms, central location, comfortable luxury.

Our guide was knowledgeable and experienced, we went off the beaten path (literally saw no one else except a sheep herder!) and hosted us in his home for an exceptional meal.

This is very tourist-y and the food was mediocre. We did our best to be good sports and had fun, but there are definitely much better restaurants and experiences to be had.

So fun, we learned a lot and the staff was fun and professional.

Start to finish, a perfect morning. Competent staff, a focus on safety and professionalism, a beautiful moment of reflection, and a delicious breakfast. Wow!

Yoshiko was a fantastic tour guide! She was very patient with us and with the kids, despite our slow moving pace. She was kind, knowledgeable, and explained everything so well!

Our full day tour with Ai from Kanazawa Tours was fantastic! She is very knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Kanazawa. The entire tour was interesting and educational, and she explained everything so it was easy for the kids to understand. Speaking of the kids, she interacted with them so well! It's clear that she loves children and went out of her way to make sure they were having a good time. I would absolutely recommend requesting Ai for this tour, especially if traveling with children!

Enjoyed the restaurant and many other options near by.

It was a rather long drive and our last day. It was raining. There is good shopping! If it was a pretty day, I think a hike would have been a great addition to the day.

Rainy day- did not visit.

Rainy day- did not visit.

This was my favorite waterfall that we saw.

Pouring rain! We viewed from car. If you leave in 5 minutes, you do not have to pay to park!

This was probably my favorite activity. Carlos, our guide, was terrific! The hike up to the view point was great. They did have spikes for us to use. The big tires on jeep allowed us to navigate glacier river beds.

It was a long day especially navigating the weather so we omitted this activity. We were concerned about the roads and wanted to get to hotel. Waterfalls are always great to see! We did like our loop drive for the Peninsula from our hotel- Budir Hotel. The road over the mountain was closed.

An easy walk from the parking lot and great it erupts frequently!

Guide did a nice job but compared to other activities we did I’m not sure I would repeat. It was a large group and difficult to hear at times.

The weather was cold, snowy and very windy! On a pretty day, I would have wanted more time than we planned to explore hiking trails and the sites. The exhibit at the visitor center- worthwhile to learn history. Gift shop- some nice souvenirs! We did not but you can drive down to see where the tectonic plates are.

This was our first experience with paying for parking. There are cameras so important to pay! We found the machine in lot much easier to use than app.

Unfortunately cancelled due to high winds, and our schedule did not allow us to rebook. We were sorry to miss.

This beach was more black rock vs sand. It was great to compare to other beaches. Easy walk to overlook. Two trails to beach doable.

A beautiful walking trail and easy to navigate. It was a favorite!

The church was locked so could not see the inside. There is a wonderful cemetery to see and a great view of the coast.

Very snowy day- unable to really experience. The short trails were covered by snow.

Raw outdoor experience!

We were very lucky and saw a spectacular display!

We accomplished on our own- a great walking city!

Highly recommend this hotel. It is at the end of the bus line, so it is about a hour to take the bus back to things like Shibu Onsen or the snow monkeys. However, it is slopeside for the skiing. Ski rentals were in-house. If you are looking for a vibrant apres-ski scene, this is not it, but for a family gathering it was perfect. There was a full lap pool that I had all to myself. On an upper floor there are the public baths that overlook the slopes. There was a lounge with a real fire for post-skiing drinks or for lunch. They offered an in-room massage therapist who accommodated our schedule. The two restaurants were amazing. Our large group got a private room in the Japanese restaurant. The Italian restaurant had a fixed meal menu that changed each night. We had two pescatarians that they accommodated on the spot, and then remembered who they were the next time we ate there. All the food was exceptionally delicious. Service was flawless. After checkout when we drove away, the front desk person ran outside, bowed, and waved us off!

Cup of Noodles Museum is mostly for children, but the inventor was a rock star in Japan and the history was very interesting. Glad we did it.

Guide was prompt, knowlegeable and friendly. Would not want to miss the golden pavillion, for sure. The tea ceremony was about an hour and very informative relative to the culture.

We visited these sites with a private driver and no guide. There is nothing wrong with doing it this way, but the issue we had was that from our hotel, it was over an hour to the temple and we didn't leave until 11:00AM. So we were rushed the whole time. The town around the temple is nice to explore but we barely had an hour. The walk into where the snow monkeys are is over 30 minutes and the park closes at 4pm.

We had some sceptics on the trip, but this turned out to be a lot of fun, plus we learned about the sport. It is a tourist experience, and the food was meh, but the host and the wrestlers were such fun. Glad we included it on the trip.