North Norway Fly-Drive

Hello Inga,

Just to say we got back on Thursday from our trip to northern Norway which you arranged for us. We had an amazing time, scenery was spectacular every day on our journey. Accommodation was warm and very comfortable with wonderful choice of food every day at breakfast time, the roads were a joy to drive with very little traffic around. We had some beautiful sunshine but not at the North Cape. Unfortunately it was heavy rain, wind and low cloud but we were able to get our photo at “The Globe”. Despite the weather, it was a very magical place to be on our special day. So, Inga, thank you very much for all the organising you did and also for the champagne in our room in Bodo when we first arrived - lovely surprise to start off the trip.

Best regards,
Chris & John

Dear Julija,

Dear Inga,

Thank you for your e-mail.

We'd be happy to let you know how things went and send a few photos but I'm afraid it'll be in a few days' time if that's ok? Week beginning 1st July?

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay and all arrangements went well. 

Kind regards

Paul.

Before I say anything, we had a lovely trip and anything negative is the exception.

I have to say that Helsinki Airport, whilst not large, is a bit of a bore on transfers. I know it is all the same building but the amount of people one has to fight through to get from one end to the other did not make for an easy walk. We made it though!

The chalet at Rovaniemi was great although when we arrived after a long day travelling, there was nothing there so we felt a bit flat. Fortunately, we found a Lidl not too far away on our way to dinner so we stocked up on a few things which made it more homely. It was a nice chalet and the breakfast was great.

Wilderness Hotel at Nellim was fantastic. We think they upgraded our chalet as it very spacious. The owners and staff were lovely and the whole experience, we will never forget.

The drive to Nord Kapp was amazing - the scenery was stunning as were the colours.

The cabin at North Cape Cabins was cute although we did have reservations about the owner. Reading through the comments other guests had left, we got the impression that he was a bit of a tyrant. There were many notes with dos and don'ts which was a bit off putting. Despite this, it was a lovely situation and we enjoyed ourselves there.

Alta was interesting with a lovely new cathedral. We visited the stone age rock carvings which were great. The hotel was in a shopping mall but was clean and comfortable.

Our next stop was at Tromso in a Clarion hotel. The staff were wonderful and helpful and there was a smallish help yourself dinner included in the price. Coffee and tea were there on demand at no extra cost. The situation of the hotel was excellent being right next to the sea front.

We then went to Senja. Again, a fantastic drive with stunning colours and views. Our appartment at Hamn el Senja was big, clean and very comfrotable. The situation was excellent. However, we did feel that the whole place lacked soul. The first evening was very soulless, but, fortunately, the second evening had new guests which gave it some life. It slightly reminded us of an up market golf club!

We then went to Narvik and were in the Best Western Hotel there. This was definitely the worst place we stayed in. We arrived early and the receptionist would not let us check in although we were sure that the room was ready. Fortunately, the War Museum was open which was well worth visiting, and by the time we got back to the hotel, the receptionist had changed to someone very much better. The hotel had a very shabby feel about it and really needs some money spent on it. The breakfast was ok but not great.

We then went back to Kilpisjarvi in Finland to Tundra Appartments. Our appartment was great and the staff were very helpful. Sadly, we had arrived a bit too late to climb up Mount Sanna and hope to return to do this and also go to the point where the three national boundaries meet. The dinner was excellent.

The name of the next place escapes me but this had more of a feel of a holiday camp! The appartment was excellent and we had a good dinner and breakfast.

Our last night was back in Lapland Hotel Ounnasavara where we stayed last year. Whilst on the outside the hotel is a bit shabby, we really like this hotel and the food is reputed to be the best in Rovaniemi and it is certainly good.

We had a really good and enjoyable trip. There was quite a lot of mileage in the car but it was worth it. The timing for the autumn colours was perfect and the weather was pretty kind to us as well. For the more intrepid traveller, we can highly recommend this trip although unless you are interested in the 2nd World War, Narvik is not worth going to.

Next year, we are thinking of taking our own car from Hull to Rotterdam and then going to Copenhagen, and then crossing to Malmo and doing a circular trip around Sweden, going back to Kilpisjarvi for two nights, Tromso for one night and then work our way down to Oslo, catch a ferry from there to Kiel and back to Rotterdam, so watch this space!

Many thanks to all at Baltic Travel for sorting out this trip and

Kind regards to you all

Michael

Dear Lena

Yes sorry - I have been meaning to contact you to say thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip. It was definitely one of our best holidays ever - everything was so easy and Norway delightful. We were lucky to have beautiful weather for the whole trip (ok just a little rain in Bergen!) and we found the quality of the accommodation, museums and trips to be extremely high. We were particularly impressed with how friendly everyone was - not a grumpy person in 2.5 weeks. 

If it would be useful, there are a few minor points which I would do differently if I were planning the trip again which might help you with future guests.  All of them are things which I requested so no criticism of you!

The car was too small for 6 teenagers/adults and luggage but luckily we were able to arrange a roof box. 

Food/drink in Norway is really expensive for Brits. Eating in a restaurant costs approx 3 x as much in Norway which is significant when you are a family of 6. Generally we managed but at the Fretheim Hotel and Kongsvold arriving in the evening we had no alternative but the fine dining menu which for 6 of us cost an incredible amount. Perhaps it would be worth warning your guests where evening food options are limited.

Our favourite hotels were at Bergen, Oslo and the Quality Hotels. Our least favourite were the Fretheim and Loen Fjord. Roros hotel was quirky and fun and on the last night we got upgraded to a house on the beach which was fantastic. We absolutely loved visiting Oslo (very good hotel location), Bergen, Alesund and Roros. A bit disappointed at Ulvik where we could only do two activities (kayak and cycling) and were not able to book a time slot, so just had to wait until bikes were free. However they had a huge unexpected cruise ship so I think we were just unlucky. 

All the trips were brilliant especially the wildlife safari with private guide. Definitely a high spot of the trip. The ice hike was good but a bit frustrating for my fit kids to be roped to a long line of rather slow people.  In retrospect I would probably pay for a private guide. Still what an amazing place!

Re the Atlantic Road, please advise your clients to get out of their cars and explore the areas around the various parking areas. There is a lovely bit of coastal path and the views were sensational. The road is fun but to appreciate the area you really need to get out into it.

We were lucky to have a sat nav in the car which was really useful. 

This is a holiday that we will be talking about for a long time with something for everyone. Thank you for making it all so easy.

Best wishes

Judy

Hi Saija,

Thanks for your welcome home message. I'll give you more feedback in next few days. For now suffice it to say - absolutely brilliant holiday! 10 out of 10!

Weather was amazing - virtually wall to wall sunshine all the time we were in Norway. Arrived Bodo in rain and left Bodo in rain but the days in between- fantastic! 24 degrees at times. Scenery magnificent. I'll be in touch again later. 

Kind regards 

Nigel

We had a totally fabulous holiday- thanks so much for all your hard work in arranging it and suggesting the route. We felt in very good hands and I was impressed by the coordination and thought shown to us when the whale watching trip didn’t work out (alas). I would definitely recommend your services to anyone else wanting to explore BEAUTIFUL North Norway.
 
Particularly impressed by the ‘fisherman hut’ accommodation- each one seemed to be lovelier and have a more spectacular view than the one before. Hamn I Senja a favourite for all of us.
 
Otherwise, kids’ highlight was meeting the huskies for sure and mine was the kayaking on an  absolutely perfect day. And of course the astonishing scenery all along. We were very lucky with the weather and even got to swim in the sea (very briefly!)
 
We shall have to return for the winter experience at some point.
 
Many Thanks again,
Polly

Thank you very much once again for arranging our holiday. All the arrangements were spot on and everyone was expecting us as booked. We were very lucky with the weather and the scenery was, of course, absolutely stunning.

Thanks again for your help.

Neil