Norway is a beautiful country, easy to explore with Kimkim's help.
Norway
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May 6 - May 15, 2024
![Minda](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/63bb9a53d8b710b3b66481a2d344c1b4cb29f412/original-5d592076af9a98e05f5940011c8a5dfc.jpg)
Mar did a wonderful job of mapping out an itinerary that included the highlights of Norway that we wanted to see. We were able to use public transportation to get around and all the tickets for our major travels were provided ahead of time. Even when we had a hiccup (my fault) on the train journey from Oslo to Bergin, we were able to reach Julia (the emergency contact) and get things straightened out quickly.
All our hotels were within easy walking distance of public transportation and convenient to restaurants and major sights.
We really enjoyed the walking tour of Bergen with Magda as our guide. We saw back streets of Bergen and learned some history of this beautiful city. The highlight for my husband and son was the RIB boat safari in Flam exploring the Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord, including the cheese tasting. I really liked the cider tasting and lunch in Balestrand, delightful!
We spent a lot of time on ferries and trains which is a relaxing way to travel. However, I did hope we would have had more time to do some hiking while in the smaller communities. I guess we should have scheduled a longer visit!
Hotel Reviews
The chief recommendation for this hotel is its convenience. It is just a few steps from the central train station and bus, tram connections to all of Oslo.
Great location for everything we wanted to do and see in Bergen. Short walks to the ferries, downtown and restaurants.
The old part of the hotel is a slice of the local history not to be missed. The views from the dining room are terrific, and make sure to make time to see the artwork, artisan pieces and historical references in the halls connecting to the main dining room.
Location and character are terrific. Staff is helpful and friendly.
Activity Reviews
![Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/trip_plan/days/photos/1e569c4263f10762b3c9132065ecc46edf7c64ae/medium-948d17fac7e9d7da004a9ec4eed546a1.jpg)
Our guide was terrific. Magda was knowledgeable and personable. She brought the history to light and made the culture understandable. We really enjoyed getting off the beaten paths and seeing some of the neighborhoods just a few hundred yards from the harbor. Magda answered all of our questions and provided great context.
![Cidertasting & Lunch/Snack](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/0f7eb192ca63e3727568d3b775f6af0ce5388b1a/medium-ba27e0ef7d1b4585e87d6c62b5c4aec0.jpg)
Much to love in this experience. We learned historical and cultural context for apples. The ciders were tasty and food pairings were a delight. Enjoyed every aspect of the experience including the walk back to our hotel.
![Ride the Ulriken Cable Car](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/trip_plan/days/photos/4376487b9a768ba729bbb38c73accbd16e109070/medium-9c21a2a9c945a5611d48262f7fa309bb.jpg)
We were unlucky with the weather. It was completely socked in and rainy. We saw very little and got a little wet. Ground transport, drivers and staff were all great, but there was not much point given the weather.
![Summer RIB boat Safari Local Taste of Undredal](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/72427632ee464e3aea2ff8caaaa6ef1f1b102794/original-610bc11295232941c658667ee0b26990.jpg)
It was great to get down to sea level and ride in a fast boat in the fjord. They provided and insisted we gear up for the temperature changes we did encounter on the ride. The guide was very knowledgeable and personable and spent time going over all the safety features built into the boat, communications, the gear we were wearing. The perspective from these relatively small boats cannot be duplicated on the large commercial craft nor the ability to interact and get one on one questions and answers from a well informed guide. The goat cheese tastings was a delight. We were surprised by how much we enjoyed the flavors and textures of this local delicacy.
![Viking Day in Gudvangen](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/20600e7a2b63847d60b97c482d150e55d60c1831/medium-62ad1913892a13676336585ba1f3f6fa.jpg)
We thought this might be a little too artificial since it is a recreation of Norse/Viking life. However, the experience was positive due to the factual, accurate information provided by the guides in the village. Seeing and getting explanations of the Viking ships, weapons and armor helps understand the Viking Age. The blacksmith and his explanations of how things were done is not to be missed.
![Gudvangen to Flåm fjord cruise](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/511805bf7e02988f585f25200f54d2c986322087/medium-2b9cdf6bbc2a73439d0456dd66e26b7d.jpg)
Riding the electric ferry is reason enough to do this cruise. You also get to experience some of the most vertical mountains and fjords you will see in Norway. Get close enough to waterfalls to hear the roar and feel the spray.
![Day trip to Fjærland](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/45d37eb4599fad71564774485fb622b393279bf9/medium-9dc4e8bea8b328ffeba00e01ce572c4c.jpg)
A boat ride into the small, charming town of Fjaerland is followed by a short bus ride to the glacier museum. The museum is small, but well designed and packed with interesting facts and exhibits. The highlight is a very short, well-done wide screen movie. After reboarding the bus you are dropped off a short walk to the base of a massive glacier. It is supposed to be the largest in Europe and one of only three that is expected to survive into the next century.
![Mar](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/c37225da8f3f48c0d3995a6b013399e58cb91299/original-0bc65668eb6a23fd8f63cff9a8c1a4ae.jpg)
Dear Minda and family,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this incredible and detailed feedback!
We're absolutely delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time here!
We would love to welcome you again in the future, and I'll be right here, more than happy to assist you!
It was truly a pleasure working together with you :)
Thanks once again for letting us plan your Norwegian adventure!
My very best,
Mar