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active 12 hours ago

Tom Christer Larsen

Possess a Master of Science degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. Have many years of work experience from hotel, aviation and tourism.
Also have a wide personal travel expereince.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Specialize in Norway in general, but also have good knowledge about South/America and Aisa in general. Specialize in tour groups and individual travel with a focus on sustainable and authentic experiences. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"After taking a backpacking trip in Brazil in 2001 I started to get interested in travelling and tourism, and started my tourism eduacation in 2002. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"In Peru, I took a 3 day ferry through the Amazon rainforest to a city called Iquitos, the worlds largest city without a road connection. The ferry was filled with local people and sleeping in hammocks on deck was truly a unique expereince. "

Tom Christer is part of the following groups: Norway Travel Agents
Golden light over the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway
Cruise the Norwegian Coast: Bergen to Kirkenes - 15 Days

Cross the Arctic Circle in comfort on this unforgettable 15-day journey up the Norwegian coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll cruise north through a breathtaking coastal landscape of alpine fjords, towering mountains, and colorful fishing villages. Explore the ancient city of Trondheim, discover the magic of the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands, and visit the "Arctic capital" of Tromsø. Your trip of a lifetime ends in the far north as you disembark at Kirkenes—the most isolated town in Europe.

Traditional Lofoten fishing village
Top Experiences in the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands is one of the most popular destinations in Norway. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why, as this stunning archipelago features jagged mountain peaks, colorful hamlets that cling to rocks, and a coastline dotted with islands. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, this is the place for you! Enjoy scenic drives, kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, sailing, and more.

Lofoten Islands from Hoven Mountain
Fjords and Islands Adventure: Oslo, Aurland, Bergen, Vesterålen, Lofoten, & More - 14 Days

Take in some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes on this two-week adventure through the country's western fjords and northern islands. You'll start with a city tour of Oslo before you venture out into nature, riding the steep and scenic Flåm Railway. Dip back into city life in Bergen, then head to the wild Vesterålen and Lofoten islands to kayak, hike, whale-watch, and more.

Between Tromsø and Senja
Arctic Norway Summer Road Trip: Tromsø, Senja, Vesterålen & Narvik - 10 Days

Take yourself on a 10-day journey through the Arctic landscapes of northern Norway with this itinerary. You'll explore the craggy coasts, isolated islands, and extensive networks of hiking trails via boat safaris, kayak tours, and your own two legs. Learn about Norwegian history, try to spot eagles, and pet some dogsled huskies along the way.

The breathtaking scenery of Norway's Lofoten Islands
Hidden Lofoten: Explore Norway's Secret Islands - 8 Days

Discover Norway's remote Lofoten Islands on this scenic 8-day itinerary. Set off from the northern mainland town of Bodø and make your way south across the magical archipelago to end your journey on the breathtaking shores of Værøy. Along the way, you'll explore the secluded beaches, rugged mountains, and charming villages of this extraordinary region. With evenings spent in cozy, traditional accommodations and days devoted to a selection of memorable hikes and excursions, this relaxed itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for an intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Favorite experiences

Hike Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

This excursion amid the Norway fjords isn't any ordinary hike. On the contrary, it's an adventure unto itself—a moderately difficult trek up one of the most beautiful trails in the world. And the reward, once you reach the endpoint at Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), is a viewpoint the likes of which...

Recent trip reviews for Tom Christer

First Time in Norway!
Norway | Dec 17 - Dec 26, 2022

Qian Tong
Qian Tong L.
Malaysia | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

I'm so glad I found Kimkim and got to know Tom. He's such a lovely person, planned our trip and tailored it to my liking. Because we planned it very last minute, it was a little rushed but Tom was able to accommodate to my last minute changes such as the dates etc. Our accommodation and activities were booked by Tom so it was really convenient and easy for us, and he got back to me really quick whenever there were issues I needed help with.

We visited Tromsø, Lyngen and Alta. It was... read more

I'm so glad I found Kimkim and got to know Tom. He's such a lovely person, planned our trip and tailored it to my liking. Because we planned it very last minute, it was a little rushed but Tom was able to accommodate to my last minute changes such as the dates etc. Our accommodation and activities were booked by Tom so it was really convenient and easy for us, and he got back to me really quick whenever there were issues I needed help with.

We visited Tromsø, Lyngen and Alta. It was freezing cold as we visited in late December, but it was one of the best experiences of our lives! We got to go on a northern lights cruise, see reindeers, went husky sledding and try local cuisine. We were quite lucky on this trip, as we saw northern lights nearly everyday. Overall, would recommend this platform to anyone looking to plan a trip to anywhere, not just Norway 😊

Hotel Reviews
Scandic Ishavshotel
Tromsø

Comfortable rooms with good view and the breakfast is really good too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quite in the centre so everything you need is close by
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lyngen North: Lyngenfjord House
Rotsund

Really homey accommodation, had all 3 meals here during my stay here and it was lovely. Lovely staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
Alta

The place is stunning with an igloo hotel and rooms are amazing. The only downside was they kept messing up my meal reservations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Northern Lights Sailing Cruise
Tromsø

Such a cosy cruise with the lovely Sachi and Kenneth. Had reindeer stew on board and saw northern lights.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snowmobiling Tour
Lyngen

Worth every penny, nice guides who are serious about their work and also want visitors to have an amazing time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reindeer and Sami Experience
Alta

Wish there was more to it

Husky Sledding Experience Along The Alta River
Alta

I personally loved it, such a unique experience. Was a little scary at first to drive the sled but it's fun once you get the hang of it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen
Tom Christer
Tom Christer Larsen
Local specialist in Kongsvinger, Norway | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

Hi Qian.

Thanks for your kind words.
I am very happy to hear you had a great time here in our country, even if it was freezing cold :D
I had a great time having you here as visitors also :)
Take care always and welcome back to Norway on a later occasion.

Best regards,
Tom

Overall, our whole trip was an unforgettable ...
Norway | Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2022

C
Claire M.
East Chattanooga, TN | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2022

Overall, our whole trip was an unforgettable experience and we can’t thank Tom enough for all his hard work in planning it down to the tiniest detail. Every connection and transfer was smooth and easy, with absolutely no stress at all, which made it all the more enjoyable!
Oslo and Bergen are beautiful cities and we learned so much about the hidden gems of both from our amazing guides on our private tours.
By far our most memorable experience though was the fjord cruise! I’ve never seen a... read more

Overall, our whole trip was an unforgettable experience and we can’t thank Tom enough for all his hard work in planning it down to the tiniest detail. Every connection and transfer was smooth and easy, with absolutely no stress at all, which made it all the more enjoyable!
Oslo and Bergen are beautiful cities and we learned so much about the hidden gems of both from our amazing guides on our private tours.
By far our most memorable experience though was the fjord cruise! I’ve never seen a more beautiful place than the mountains, waterfalls and villages alongside the fjords.
We’re so glad we chose to visit Norway and it was a pleasure working with Tom and Kimkim travel!

Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen
Tom Christer
Tom Christer Larsen
Local specialist in Kongsvinger, Norway | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2022

Im glad you had an unforgettable experience here and it was a delight and pleasure working with you too :)

City and Fjord Adventure
Norway | Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2022

A
Ann S.
Arlington, MA | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2022

Tom helped us fulfill our dream of visiting the Fjords and spending a fantastic week in Norway. With lots of advance planning, every transfer and connection went off smoothly! We skirted rain at every turn and enjoyed beautiful scenery on the Flam Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, on a RIB boat adventure in Flam, from our hotel in lovely Aurland, and on an excellent ferry trip from Aurland to Bergen. The fjords were even more spectacular than I imagined! Tom also set up personalized tours in... read more

Tom helped us fulfill our dream of visiting the Fjords and spending a fantastic week in Norway. With lots of advance planning, every transfer and connection went off smoothly! We skirted rain at every turn and enjoyed beautiful scenery on the Flam Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, on a RIB boat adventure in Flam, from our hotel in lovely Aurland, and on an excellent ferry trip from Aurland to Bergen. The fjords were even more spectacular than I imagined! Tom also set up personalized tours in Oslo and Bergen and we especially enjoyed walking all around Bergen with John! All the extra information Tom provided came in handy when we were planning our days or looking for a nice restaurant.

Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen
Tom Christer
Tom Christer Larsen
Local specialist in Kongsvinger, Norway | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2022

Im happy to hear you had a wonderful time fulfilling your dream visiting us here in Norway and it was a delight planning and communicating prior and during your trip.

Perfection
Norway | Aug 29 - Sep 3, 2022

K
Keeley M.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2022

Tom was infinitely helpful in planning our trekking trip in Norway! All of our hytte & hotel bookings went perfectly when we arrived, and everything was well organized for us before our trip. Tom even went the extra mile and helped us find a laundromat for after our trek. We never would've been able to do all of these bookings with confidence ourselves from the US, we are beyond grateful that Kimkim made this trip possible for us. Thank you for organizing the trip of a lifetime! read more

Tom was infinitely helpful in planning our trekking trip in Norway! All of our hytte & hotel bookings went perfectly when we arrived, and everything was well organized for us before our trip. Tom even went the extra mile and helped us find a laundromat for after our trek. We never would've been able to do all of these bookings with confidence ourselves from the US, we are beyond grateful that Kimkim made this trip possible for us. Thank you for organizing the trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Review
Thon hotel Nidaros
Trondheim

Great location and breakfast, helpful staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen
Tom Christer
Tom Christer Larsen
Local specialist in Kongsvinger, Norway | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2022

Its great that you were finally able to do your trek here, and it was nice to able to help you
make it happen and good it went well and was worth the wait 🙂

A dream come true
Norway | Aug 19 - Aug 31, 2022

sudhir
sudhir m.
India | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2022

We have wanted to go to Norway for a long time to see the Fjords.We got great advise , where to go what to do from Tom. the planning stage was extensive with multiple revision to my itinerary.
The trip was planned and executed to perfection by Tom. It was personalised to my taste and liking. Tom even figured out a way for me to drive a Porsche 911 GTS , which was an absolute pleasure for me. All the hotels chosen were to my liking and beyond. From when we landed till we left Tom was in... read more

We have wanted to go to Norway for a long time to see the Fjords.We got great advise , where to go what to do from Tom. the planning stage was extensive with multiple revision to my itinerary.
The trip was planned and executed to perfection by Tom. It was personalised to my taste and liking. Tom even figured out a way for me to drive a Porsche 911 GTS , which was an absolute pleasure for me. All the hotels chosen were to my liking and beyond. From when we landed till we left Tom was in touch constantly to help me with my every whims and fancy, it was like have him as friend along with me in the trip. We are planning a trip in winter soon. My friends and relatives who saw the pictures want to come and wanted Toms contacts.
we had an amazing experience in food , places we went , the tours everything.
Cheers!
Thanks Tom

Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen
Tom Christer
Tom Christer Larsen
Local specialist in Kongsvinger, Norway | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2022

Thanks for those kind words, it was both fun to plan and a pleasure arranging your Norwegian journey. I also felt like I was your friend following you around your trip, and it was almost like i was a part of your journey as well (and wish I had been a part of that Porsche drive he he). Happy to hear you had a great time, and both you and family and friends are more than welcome to come back to Norway.

Cheers!

Best regards,
Tom

Bergen & the fjords
Norway | Aug 8 - Aug 15, 2022

J
Juliet B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2022

Tom was very helpful in organising our trip, booking both accommodation and activities. We all enjoyed our boat trips, the cycling back down to Flam, and our guided tour round Bergen with Fartheim. read more

Tom was very helpful in organising our trip, booking both accommodation and activities. We all enjoyed our boat trips, the cycling back down to Flam, and our guided tour round Bergen with Fartheim.

Hotel Reviews
Valldal Fjordhotell
Valldal

Located right by the fjord with good rooms and nice food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Being right by the side of the fjord
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Aurlandsfjord
Aurland

Good restaurant with good food and staff. Room with balcony recommended for fjord view

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen

Recent rip to Norway
Norway | Jul 31 - Aug 6, 2022

R
Richard L.
Sarasota, FL | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2022

Spent 6 days in Norway (August 2022).
Our guide Stig in Oslo was fabulous, and our walking tour through Oslo was exactly what my daughter thought was great. Oslo was easy to traverse, and we both obsessed over the art at the Munch museum (don't miss)
Train ride from Oslo to Myrdal and the Flam Railway were breathtaking. The highlight of the trip was the Fjordsafari out of Flam. Easily the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Wished we could have had more time in Bergen. Morning was... read more

Spent 6 days in Norway (August 2022).
Our guide Stig in Oslo was fabulous, and our walking tour through Oslo was exactly what my daughter thought was great. Oslo was easy to traverse, and we both obsessed over the art at the Munch museum (don't miss)
Train ride from Oslo to Myrdal and the Flam Railway were breathtaking. The highlight of the trip was the Fjordsafari out of Flam. Easily the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Wished we could have had more time in Bergen. Morning was rainy when we toured with our guide, but the afternoon was sunny and I wished we could have slept in and had the tour later in the day.

Hotel Reviews
Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri
Aurland

Very small property in a very small town (800 people) The view of the fjord from our room was amazing. Very gracious staff and we ate both nights at the hotel gasthous, which was quite reasonable in price but delicious food and and extensive bar list. Breakfast was included in our rate, and was a buffet typical for Norway. If you like hiking/biking this is the place for you. If not into hiking/biking the town does not have much else to offer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very quiet with beautiful views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Terminus
Bergen

This recently renovated hotel is exactly what a quiet European hotel should be like. Excellent bar with good bar menu, with food service to 10PM (a rarity in Norway where the kitchens tend to close by 9 with last seating at 8:30). Excellent breakfast buffet (was included with our room). Clean room with juliet balcony with doors that opened, and a fabulous heated floor in the bathroom. Is exactly 1km from the ferry port. We walked with our bags(small carry on & backpack) If you have a larger bag, take a taxi. Is across the street from the train station. So if arriving by train you are right there. Is 1 block the fountain and main museums, is a less than 10 min walk to Bryggen and port area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo

Is 1 block from main train station, if you intend to take the train on arrival at the airport or if arriving via train from elsewhere in Norway. Rooms are small, but clean. Breakfast buffet was included in our room rate. Excellent choices with typical Norwegian fare.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Front desk staff not knowledgable about local/adjacent stores, restaurants etc. Do not expect concierge type service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Oslo City Walk with a Local
Oslo

My daughter loves vintage clothes. Stig took us through the central shopping area where these stores were located so we knew exactly where to go. Took us on the walking path by the river to the Mathallen, and had a great rapport with this guide. Had the best coffee of my life with him at Tim Wendelboe. (If you like coffee, this is a must not miss destination)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Heritage Taste Fjordsafari
Norway

This should be 10 stars not 5. Absolute highlight of the entire week.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from Flåm to Aurland
Norway

Taxi driver arrived on time. Drove us to our hotel in Aurland. Please be aware that there is limited taxi service in the area. If staying in Aurland, definitely have Kimkim arrange the taxi transfer in advance.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tansfer from Aurland to Flåm
Norway

Landslide closed the road (only 1) between Aurland and Flam. Our driver picked us up and drove on the bike path to get us to our Fjordsafari on time. We were incredibly grateful to not miss our experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen

Walked approximately 5 miles on this tour of Bergen. I enjoyed the guide, but my daughter (age 26) was less enamored. If this would have been our first day in Norway I think we would have enjoyed it better, but we had already spent 5 days in Norway and seen typical 19th and early 20th century architecture. The fortress was not open, and the Bryggen was a disappointment with the Hanseatic museum closed for renovations.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen

The Best of Norway
Norway | Jun 11 - Jun 25, 2022

K
Kenneth G.
Wells, ME | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2022

We are back home in Maine with our two cats, the gardens are in late Spring bloom and we have many, many photos to be edited and posted.

We sincerely thank Tom Christer and the KimKim team for their guidance throughout the trip, from framing our itinerary to our final days in Oslo. Tom was not only a guide but a friend in times of uncertainty when we tested positive.

Times and technology have altered the nature of travel on many levels and a new set of challenges often await at every... read more

We are back home in Maine with our two cats, the gardens are in late Spring bloom and we have many, many photos to be edited and posted.

We sincerely thank Tom Christer and the KimKim team for their guidance throughout the trip, from framing our itinerary to our final days in Oslo. Tom was not only a guide but a friend in times of uncertainty when we tested positive.

Times and technology have altered the nature of travel on many levels and a new set of challenges often await at every turn, not the least a global pandemic.

Tom and KimKim offered not only a link to some of the best things to do, places to visit stay but also connected us to excellent guides, Stig in Oslo and Fartein in Bergen, who both added so much to our understanding and appreciation of each city.

Our personal tour up the Esefjjorden with Capt. Thor remains a highlight of our trip.

The hotels were exceptional. No one serves a better breakfast buffet that the Hotel Bristol, they set the standard.

On our next trip KimKim will be our first consideration and we will highly recommend KimKim to anyone looking to travel.

We personally and sincerely thank Tom Christer and the KimKim team for a great journey and travel
experience and wish you all continued success.

Kenny and Sally Gilbride

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Bristol
Oslo

Their morning buffer sets the standard, there is no better, the rooms have everything you expect, the location is prime, the attached Bristol bar is perfect for a nightcap.

Tips for future travelers

No

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon Hotel Maritim
Stavanger

An excellent location, the room we had was on the street, literally, not a place we would like to hang around.

Tips for future travelers

n0

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Terminus
Bergen

This is an authentic hotel from the 1930's. We expected to see Nick and Nora Charles walking down the stairs with their dog Astor, it a film noir set. The room felt old except the bathroom which was updated nicely. Nice small bar to hang out and absorb the nostalgia.

Tips for future travelers

No

Authenticity & Character
Location
easy access to transportation and restaurants and the center of town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
perhaps new carpeting and a little color in the rooms
Dragsvik Fjordhotel
Balestrand

We had a separate cabin/cottage which has an amazing view through large windows, it felt brand new, very comfortable. The diners were excellent but probably the most expensive of the trip.

Tips for future travelers

We did not know the location was as remote as it was and would have been nice to have a car if we were staying longer

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Our cabin
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen

Kimkim saved us because inly 5-6 days before ...
Norway | May 7 - May 13, 2022

Keeke
Keeke R.
Indonesia | Reviewed on May 23, 2022

Kimkim saved us because inly 5-6 days before our sudden departure to Norway they managed to make our 7 days beautiful and not too stressful like we asked. Tom Christer was very kind and helpful. He responded fast on our questions and requests.

A note that our room in Oslo was so small, that we could hardly open our luggages. And we requested a comfort trip.

Other than that the itinerary and accommodation were perfect for us. Thanks so much Tom and Kimkim!! read more

Kimkim saved us because inly 5-6 days before our sudden departure to Norway they managed to make our 7 days beautiful and not too stressful like we asked. Tom Christer was very kind and helpful. He responded fast on our questions and requests.

A note that our room in Oslo was so small, that we could hardly open our luggages. And we requested a comfort trip.

Other than that the itinerary and accommodation were perfect for us. Thanks so much Tom and Kimkim!!

Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo

Great Staff, great location, but the room was too small for 2 women with luggages.

Location
Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri
Aurland

Nice little hotel with nice breakfast and amazing view.

Moxy Hotel
Bergen

Cool hotel with modern vibe. Very clean room with amazing view of Bergen.

Activity Review
Fjordsafari
Norway

It was freezing but it was sooo fun!!!!

Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen