Our first trip to Norway, first use of Kim Kim
Norway | Jul 27 - Aug 6, 2023

DAVID
DAVID R.
Baltimore, MD | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2023

From the start, Ethel and Fenne did a great job working out the details of our trip, translating our wishlist of activities into a great itinerary; it was easy to work with them and make revisions during the planning process. Before we committed by making a deposit we did some comparative pricing of other packages and felt we were getting good value for the cost of the trip. Plus, this was a trip customized to what we wanted to do, and when we wanted to do it. Just before the trip, Meree joined the team and sent us all of our confirmations and instructions.

It was easy to work with them by email, and we did have one zoom call with Ethel early on to review the plan for the trip before we put a deposit on it.

We spent 3 nights in Oslo, 1 in Ballestrand, 2 in Bergen, 2 on Hurtigruten, and 2 in Trondheim. We had a great time, seeing and experiencing much in our 11 or so days. The hotels the Kim Kim team chose were perfect for us logistically, located near what we wanted to see and experience, and well located for making connections to get to our next stop. There is much more to see and do in Norway than time permitted and perhaps some day we will enlist Kim Kim to help us return to Norway. But as a result of this trip we will not hesitate to consider Kim Kim for future trips.

Hotel Reviews
Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand

Charming hotel in a fjord village. Clean. Small but usable shower. Friendly staff. Room was too warm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Byporten
Oslo

Clean. Small but usable shower. Friendly staff. Room was too warm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Bergen city
Bergen

Clean. Small but usable shower. Friendly staff. Room was too warm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon hotel Nidaros
Trondheim

Clean. Small but usable shower. Friendly staff. Room was too warm. Good location for getting from Trondheim to airport. Of all the hotels we stayed at - probably the best breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hurtigruten
Bergen

Not a hotel, but a small cruise ship. Clean. Staff VERY friendly and helpful. Small but usable shower. Cabin was generally too warm. The two single beds were VERY uncomfortable however. One bed had a railing for safety(?) which was VERY inconvenient. Hurtigruten needs to have more cabins configured for queen sized beds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present
Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present
Bergen

Nice walking tour; good guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Oslofjord Sightseeing Cruise
Oslofjord Sightseeing Cruise
Oslo

Good overview of Oslo.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking in Sognefjord
Kayaking in Sognefjord
Balestrand

Lots of prep for this activity. In the end it was worth it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
 Mountain Bike at Mount Fløyen - Bergen
Mountain Bike at Mount Fløyen - Bergen
Bergen

If you are an experienced mountain biker, this would likely be fun. However, the gravel trails were rather steep and crowded with families walking around, enjoying the scenery. This made it impossible to safely bike the trails, and somewhat dangerous. The person who was staffing the mountain biking concession thought we might not want to do it. Fortunately, we were able to get a refund. Again, if you like mountain biking, steep gravel trails, etc., this is an activity for you.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ethel Laul
Ethel
Ethel Laul
Local specialist in Norway | Replied on Aug 27, 2023

Hei David,
Thank you for your kind words for the team and for this great feedback! We are so happy you had a great trip to Norway and enjoyed your time here.
It was a pleasure working with you!
My very best,
Ethel