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active 7 hours ago

Moonika Apart

I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia but I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I travelled the world and visited over 50 countries. I LOVE travelling and it plays a big role in my life. Baltic countries and Finland have a special place in my heart. I love that they are small, charming and off the beaten path. Nature is very important to me and there’s plenty of it around here and that’s another reason why I love this region so much and want to introduce it to everyone. When I create the trips, I like to include the highlights of the destinations that you visit, combined with equally fascinating sites off the beaten path and unique experiences that will help you immerse in new places to learn, grow, and connect. Responsible travel and respect and love for nature is something that I strongly believe in and when I build trips, I try keeping this in mind. I understand that it’s our responsibility to protect and sustain the environment we use and enjoy and that's why we are planting a tree for each traveller who books a trip with us.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Primarily the Baltic States and Finland but also northern Norway and Swedish Lapland. We specialise from city sightseeing to more off the beaten path places. Unique, authentic and traditional experiences and nature based tourism. There's a lot of pristine nature around this region so everything related to nature is our speciality. Northern lights tours, sustainable animal tours and nature tours in Lapland. I try to avoid big group tours and touristy activities. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I moved back to Estonia in 2017 and decided to start my career in the tourism industry. As I was a big traveller myself I wanted to share my passion and knowledge with other people. For some reason the Baltic region is not that known around the world as a travel destination but it has so much to offer and my dream is to introduce the Baltic States and Finland to a wider public. To show, what this region really has to offer but in a sustainable way."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I love hiking and decided to do a solo hike up in the mountain in Peru. I had my tent and food an everything with me and started the hike. It was a bit scary as I got up in the mountains late at night and decided to camp the first night close to a village. When I woke up the next morning a dog from the nearby village was sitting in front of my tent, waiting for some food. Once I started hiking he followed me and through the whole hike up the mountains he was my companion and guide. When I got lost or walked slowly, he waited for me and showed me the right way. Sometimes it felt like he was annoyed with me that I walked so slow and had to walk back down again to lead me to the right path but he stayed with me the whole time. He slept under my tent every night and we kept each other warm, I gave him some food and he was my guide. Most importantly I felt a bit safer and not so alone with him. He was a perfect companion. After the hike we reach a village on the other side of the mountain and I asked in a local shop there if I could buy some food for the dog and the owner told me that this dog eats better than all the other village dogs. It turned out that he did this as a profession. he was a mountain dog who was walking with all the tourists all the time and clearly they all fed him very well. "

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Moonika

Moonika is a wonderful organizer
Finland | Apr 24 - May 1, 2024

merlin
merlin w.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 03, 2024

Moonika is a wonderful organizer and very responsive. I changed my mind about a few things and she did her absolute best to make it work for me.

My favorite part was being met and escorted to my next location by very reliable drivers in very comfortable cars. It took all of the worry away to know I would be met on time.

Moonika was always available when I needed her and she was totally involved in every bit of my trip.

In addition, she is kind, sweet and competent! She will care for you like family.

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on May 04, 2024

Thank you for a lovely review Merlin! I'm glad to hear you were happy with the trip and my work. It was nice meeting you in Tallinn and having an interesting chat. I hope to have you as my guest again in the future.
All the best,
Moonika

You all did a great job of putting together a...
Finland | Mar 2 - Mar 13, 2024

R
Roy L.
Myrtle Beach, SC | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
You all did a great job of putting together a wonderful vacation. The hotels are top rate with great food. Pyha didn't have any food service and there was some confusion on where to meet for the fatbike tour. My wife, Bea was the only one to make it on the bike, Donna Lee gave up in the parking lot, I face planted on the first turn and took the tram to the mine. The consisted of tailing from their mining. It was what we expected but the ride up and seeing the smile on her face from... Read more

You all did a great job of putting together a wonderful vacation. The hotels are top rate with great food. Pyha didn't have any food service and there was some confusion on where to meet for the fatbike tour. My wife, Bea was the only one to make it on the bike, Donna Lee gave up in the parking lot, I face planted on the first turn and took the tram to the mine. The consisted of tailing from their mining. It was what we expected but the ride up and seeing the smile on her face from succeeding on the fat bike was worth it.
Being mostly Fin myself, I didn't listen to the guides recommended boots. We really needed crampons for the waterfalls, the trail was pure ice. I fell about 12 time an the guide got us crampons and took us on a different route. He was wonderful for putting up with us.
Any difficulty we had was due to age and not in as good shape as we thought. All the guides are top notch and very forgiving of our short comings.
Moonika was on top of any issues or questions we had, she was great. Her help in putting this together an d suggestions made a memorable trip for all of us. After falling down I could hear my grandfather laughing with me about why he came to the US. Thank you and your staff for making this happen.

Hotel Reviews
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos
Sodankylä

We did not stay in a igloo but are room had a great, private sauna

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pyhä Igloos
Pyhä

The lack of a on site food could be made up if tourists are remind by driver to stop and shop. Thewalk up to the ski lodge is tough. The hotel room was one of the best we have stayed in. The outside of the hotel isn't fancy but the room was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not near food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overnight Train

Best train trip

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Fabian
Helsinki

Great food and a 5 star all a round. Good location to walk around Helsinki.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Tour
Rovaniemi

Cloudy day wasn't guides fault no northern light's that nightBe in better shape

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland

I gave this a 3 star not due to anything the guides did but because I'm 75 and the ladies are in their 60s. There is no easy way to the falls. The poor guide may have gotten tired helping up a240 pound man with knee replacement. May God bless him

Quality of Experience
Food
Got tired of sausage
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Arctic Adventure
Full Arctic Adventure
Rovaniemi

Snow shoes belong on young folk

Quality of Experience
Food
More hotdogs
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Their knowledge and friendliness
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Food
Reindeer
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sami Culture Day
Sami Culture Day
Finland

My grandfather told me about the Sami .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Husky Safari
Husky Safari
Saariselkä

Wow, we all loved it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They love their dogs. We did too
Transport
Aurora Adventure at Lake Pyhäjärvi
Aurora Adventure at Lake Pyhäjärvi
Pyhä

We had wonderful Guide an a great walk in the woods. Weather was our enemy

Quality of Experience
The guide made it a great night
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fatbike Tour to Amethyst Mine
Fatbike Tour to Amethyst Mine
Finland

I give this a 5 star only because wife made it up and back on a bike. The top of the mountain was beautiful but the mining experience was a let down

Quality of Experience
Not much you can do to up grade a tailings pile, all loose rock with frost line about 2 inches down. Hard stand our get up on loose rocks. I
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They made it fun
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour
Helsinki City Walking Tour
Helsinki

We didn't get the library because we where so busy learning from the tour guide about the finish history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Helsinki

Oh boy. We went to a small Cafe on our Wallander it was like we're in her living room. This was the finland we had in mind. Cities have there place but small places have the charm.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gas station donuts are the best
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

Wish we had more time and we were not so worn-out from the two weeks before.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The ferrie was what we need to rest. Thank you Moonika,.
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Thank you for your great review Roy! I'm glad to hear you had a great time on your trip with us despite some small mishaps. I hope you left with some great memories of your grandfathers home country.
All the best,
Moonika

Exceptional tailor-made vacations
Finland | Mar 24 - Mar 29, 2024

J
Joaquin L.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024

Moonika perfectly understood our preferences and did her best to provide the best experience. She was very responsive and 7x24 pending on every detail to make our experience unforgettable.

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Apr 03, 2024

Thank you for the review Joaquin! I'm glad to hear you were happy with my services and I hope to have you as our guests again in the future.
Best,
Moonika

Helsinki, Tallinn, and Levi
Finland | Mar 8 - Mar 18, 2024

C
Caroline F.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Moonika was always quick to respond to my questions. She also was able to make adjustments to the itinerary when I was delayed arriving in Helsinki so I didn’t miss any activities.

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 30, 2024

Thank you Caroline! I'm glad to hear you were happy with our service. I hope to have you as our guests again in the future.
Best,
Moonika

An unforgettable experience
Finland | Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2024

Hind
Hind A.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024
This is my second time booking through Kimkim and it was a great experience. Moonika was very responsive and well organized in terms of bookings, ensuring enough time in between activities and her overall knowledge of the area was outstanding. I must say she is a very patient person and accommodated our requests. The itinerary provided was detailed and we did not face any issues during the trip. Finland is a place that I will never forget and I left the country speechless! Read more

This is my second time booking through Kimkim and it was a great experience. Moonika was very responsive and well organized in terms of bookings, ensuring enough time in between activities and her overall knowledge of the area was outstanding. I must say she is a very patient person and accommodated our requests. The itinerary provided was detailed and we did not face any issues during the trip. Finland is a place that I will never forget and I left the country speechless!

Activity Reviews
Finnish Sauna Experience
Finnish Sauna Experience
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
The hosts were amazing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ice Fishing Experience
Ice Fishing Experience
Levi

It was an okay experience to see how icefishing is done

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Ice Floating
Aurora Ice Floating
Finland

A MUST!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Tour on Wooden Snowshoes
Aurora Tour on Wooden Snowshoes
Finland

The experience was amazing it was like floating on top of the snow!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Superb guide
Transport
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 30, 2024

Hello Hind,

Thank you for a lovely review and I'm glad to hear you were happy with our services and the whole experience. It's nice to read that you really liked Finland and left with great memories. I hope you will return one day and happy to help you plan another trip to the region.

Best,
Moonika

Finland and kimkim are a perfect pairing
Finland | Mar 6 - Mar 14, 2024

Jason
Jason D.
Round Rock, TX | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024
Finland is incredible, kimkim made it easy.
I had an amazing time. During my time in Rovaniemi I went hiking to the Korouoma Canyon (Wild About Lapland was my guide) to see frozen waterfalls, floated in a survival suit in a frozen lake--YOU HAVE TO DO IT, YOU CANNOT FEEL THE COLD WATER AT ALL ( Pedro with Nordic Adventures was knowledgeable and hilarious), went dogsledding with Nordic Odyssey, snowmobiling with Safartica, and got my picture taken with Santa at Santa's Village.
In...
Read more

Finland is incredible, kimkim made it easy.
I had an amazing time. During my time in Rovaniemi I went hiking to the Korouoma Canyon (Wild About Lapland was my guide) to see frozen waterfalls, floated in a survival suit in a frozen lake--YOU HAVE TO DO IT, YOU CANNOT FEEL THE COLD WATER AT ALL ( Pedro with Nordic Adventures was knowledgeable and hilarious), went dogsledding with Nordic Odyssey, snowmobiling with Safartica, and got my picture taken with Santa at Santa's Village.
In Sinettä, I stayed at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos where my room was made of ice and snow, it was cold, but it was worth it to stay one night bundled up just to say I did it.
In Ivalo, Janne with Northern Lights Rider knew exactly where to go to find great views of the Northern lights and took great pictures.

Why book with kimkim? First, my local specialist Moonika was patient and easy to work with. I made a number of changes in planning my itinerary--different adventures, different dates, and Moonika always came up with a great plan to make everything work.
With kimkim, I didn't have to worry about booking rooms and adventures and drivers and a hundred other things. My accommodations were booked, tickets for the adventures were booked, when a driver was supposed to pick me up to move to a different city, he was there on time and ready to roll.
And I appreciated that Moonkia checked in every day to make sure things were going well. For someone traveling alone in a foreign nation, that was a comfort.
I will definitely book through kimkim again in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Apukka Rovaniemi City Apartments
Rovaniemi

The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the lift was out on the day I left and I had to carry all my bags down the stairs. Other than that, great location, lots of hot water, comfortable bed.

Location
it was right in the city center. You could walk to anything in less than 10 minutes
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean, very comfortable, very warm.
Hotel Ivalo
Ivalo

Pretty good hotel, comfortable, clean. The only problem, just for me, is that were no English language channels. So take an iPad or a laptop if you want some evening entertainment.

Staff
I don't remember names, but the dining room staff was very kind.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Rovaniemi

I had one of the ice rooms, it was cold, but they do give you the necessary equipment for bundling up and staying warm in your icebed.

Location
wonderful frozen lake behind the hotel, an amazing view.
Staff
really friendly, very committed to your comfort.
Activity Reviews
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland
Quality of Experience
Food
grilling sausages and marshamallows
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Ice Floating
Aurora Ice Floating
Finland

This was so much fun. You cannot feel the cold water at all. You can either float on your back or tread water.

Quality of Experience
it was just so much fun. I would have gone back again if there wasn't so much more to do
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pedro was knowledgeable and hilarious. I wish he had been my guide for all my adventures.
Husky Sledding Safari
Husky Sledding Safari
Rovaniemi

DOGGIES! Steering the dogs as the driver or sitting in the sledge, both are fun. And afterwards, you get to hang out with the dogs.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
the staff so knowledgeable, so willing to answer questions and let you hang out with the dogs afterwards.
Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobiles
Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobiles
Finland

Overall this was enjoyable, but we didn't see the northern lights.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was very good at getting us set up, keeping us safe, grilling some snacks during the stop.
Dinner at Ice Restaurant
Dinner at Ice Restaurant
Sinettä

What made it special, it was a complete meal eaten in a restaurant built from ice.

Quality of Experience
The food and the decoration.
Aurora Hunt by Car
Aurora Hunt by Car
Saariselkä

Janne was my guide. Very knowledgeable about where to go to find good views of the lights.

Quality of Experience
The guide, Janne and his assistant clearly knew the best spots to go.
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 21, 2024

Hello Jason,

Thank you for a comprehensive review. I'm glad to hear you had a great time on your trip with us and enjoyed all the activities. I will make sure to share your feedback with the providers as well. Thank you again for booking your holiday with us and I hope to have you as our guest again in the future. Great photos!

Best,
Moonika

Magical Lapland
Finland | Mar 7 - Mar 14, 2024

YVONNE SOCORRO
YVONNE SOCORRO M.
Corpus Christi, TX | Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Easily one of the best trips we have ever taken. New experiences. Everything well planned. It was easy to discuss things with Moonika. The snowmobile tour with sauna and dinner in Akaslompolo was certainly one of the best experiences we had in this trip. Highly recommended.

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 20, 2024

Thank you Yvonne for a great review! I'm glad to hear you had a great time on your trip with us and think this was one of the best trips you have ever taken. It makes me very happy to read this.
Thank you for booking your holiday with us and I hope to have you as our guests again in the future.
Best,
Moonika

The trip was great Would like to mention the ...
Finland | Mar 2 - Mar 8, 2024

Vandana
Vandana H.
India | Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

The trip was great Would like to mention the guide who took us hunting in rovaniemi Very focused and gave us a thrilling view of the northern lights Second I would like to mention the person incharge of our fat tyre bicycle ride at the ski resort,Wonderful human being As I could not go for the ride not only did he let me wait in the office he offered me tea and made conversation till the group returning I had read that the finnish are reserved people but I beg to differ,They are as Wonderful as their country is,Loved the country and loved its people,,

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 18, 2024

Thank you Vandana! I'm glad to hear you had a great time on your trip with us and I'll make sure to share your feedback with the guides.
Best,
Moonika

It was a memorable trip to Lapland along with...
Finland | Mar 2 - Mar 8, 2024

Manjiri
Manjiri T.
India | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024
It was a memorable trip to Lapland along with Kimkim. We visited Santaclaus village atRovaniemi. We had a great Aurora sighting at night. Thanks to Beyond Arctict agent for giving us 200km ride from Rovaniemi. We could see Corona & dancing lights. It was amazing. At Pyha we enjoyed glass Igloo stay. Reindeer safari, Husky ride, fatbike tour, snowmobile safari were amazing. Thanks to Moonika for the guidance and arranging the the adventurous tour. Read more

It was a memorable trip to Lapland along with Kimkim. We visited Santaclaus village atRovaniemi. We had a great Aurora sighting at night. Thanks to Beyond Arctict agent for giving us 200km ride from Rovaniemi. We could see Corona & dancing lights. It was amazing. At Pyha we enjoyed glass Igloo stay. Reindeer safari, Husky ride, fatbike tour, snowmobile safari were amazing. Thanks to Moonika for the guidance and arranging the the adventurous tour.

Activity Reviews
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Tour
Rovaniemi
Reindeer Safari in the Nature of Lapland
Reindeer Safari in the Nature of Lapland
Rovaniemi
Northern Lights Hunting on Snowshoes
Northern Lights Hunting on Snowshoes
Finland
Classic Fatbike Tour
Classic Fatbike Tour
Pyhä
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland
Snowmobile Safari
Snowmobile Safari
Pyhä
Husky Safari (5km)
Husky Safari (5km)
Finland
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 15, 2024

Thank you for a lovely review Manjiri! I'm glad to hear you had a good trip with us and also saw some beautiful Auroras which I know where your main reason for this trip. Glad to hear you enjoyed the rest of the activities as well. Thank you for booking your trip with us and I hope to have you as our guests again in the future.

All the best,
Moonika

highly recommend Moonika & kimkim
Finland | Feb 25 - Mar 3, 2024

Daniel
Daniel R.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024
We enjoyed working with Moonika / kimkim to plan our trip to Finland, and all worked out fantastic. Highlights include backcountry skiing with our guide, Olli, in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park ... and staying at the Artic Skylight Lodge. They really listened to us, and set an itinerary that matched the adventure and experiences we sought. Moonika made it so easy for us, thoughtfully including the details of transportation and extras like dogsled outing. Read more

We enjoyed working with Moonika / kimkim to plan our trip to Finland, and all worked out fantastic. Highlights include backcountry skiing with our guide, Olli, in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park ... and staying at the Artic Skylight Lodge. They really listened to us, and set an itinerary that matched the adventure and experiences we sought. Moonika made it so easy for us, thoughtfully including the details of transportation and extras like dogsled outing.

Hotel Review
Arctic Skylight Lodge
Äkäslompolo

This place is very cool! New and very well designed, the individual cabins with glass bedroom provide comfort, privacy and an exceptional feeling of indoor / outdoor integration. The restaurant satisfies gourmet tastes and the sauna revives one after skiing in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Don't miss the polar plunge as part of the sauna experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Carefully set within a northerly sloping forest that near (skiable to) Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park adn Karilan Navettagalleria
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sauna Experience at Arctic Skylight Lodge
Sauna Experience at Arctic Skylight Lodge
Finland

Modern, private, well designed electric sauna with large window views, wonderful showers, a jacuzzi out on the deck, and short walk to the river.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ski  Trek (Day 1)
Ski Trek (Day 1)
Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park

We really enjoyed our 4 days skiing with Olli / Fell Trek. We had the backcountry experience we were seeking within Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. So much fun, and a good workout for 5 or 6 hours each day. Olli was knowledgeable and oriented our way through forests, up and down hills and fells (tunturi). We slept adjacent to the park: one night in a house, one in a rustic cabin and another in a lodge. The food was delicious, and very much satisfied our veggie preferences.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 15, 2024

Thank you for your lovely review Dan! I'm glad to hear you had a good time and enjoyed your trip to Lapland. Thank you for sharing some photos of your trip as well.
All the best,
Moonika