Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Abisko and Björkliden serve as gateways to a cultural odyssey. Set out on a captivating 7-hour excursion to Kiruna’s Márkanbáiki open-air museum, where you’ll learn about the vibrant Sami heritage. From feeding reindeer to exploring traditional handicrafts, this tour promises a profound connection to the Sami’s harmonious relationship with their environment. The journey, however, is only the beginning, as you uncover the intriguing details that make this cultural experience truly remarkable.
Key Points
- Experience Sami culture at the Márkanbáiki open-air museum, including feeding reindeer and browsing Sami handicrafts.
- Enjoy a guided tour that highlights Sami lifestyle, reindeer herding, art, and poetry.
- Interact with reindeer and learn about their cultural significance to the Sami people.
- Gain insights into traditional Sami lifestyle and challenges in preserving their traditions.
- Savor traditional Sami cuisine and browse Sami handicrafts at the on-site Restaurant Ovttas.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a 7-hour bus excursion from Abisko/Björklieden to the Márkanbáiki open-air museum in Kiruna.
The activity is priced from 3,182 CZK per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup is available from select hotels in Abisko and Björklieden, but not from Kiruna.
The tour explores Sami culture, allowing visitors to feed reindeer, browse Sami handicrafts, and enjoy a meal at the onsite café.
Travelers should dress warmly as weather in northern Sweden can change rapidly.
Exploring Márkanbáiki Museum
As visitors explore the Márkanbáiki open-air museum in Kiruna, they’ll discover an immersive experience showcasing the rich Sami culture.
The museum, run by the Sami community, offers a guided tour highlighting Sami lifestyle, reindeer herding, and cultural expressions like art and poetry.
Guided tours at the Márkanbáiki museum showcase Sami lifestyle, reindeer herding, and cultural expressions like art and poetry.
Visitors can interact with reindeer and shop for unique Sami handicrafts in the museum store.
The on-site Restaurant Ovttas, housed in a wooden teepee, provides an opportunity to enjoy traditional Sami cuisine and refreshments.
This multi-sensory experience allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Sami people and their traditions.
Interacting With Reindeer
What do visitors have to look forward to when it comes to interacting with reindeer on this tour? The highlight of the day is the opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic reindeer.
Visitors can:
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Feed the reindeer by hand, providing them with a tasty treat
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Admire the graceful animals and snap photos to capture the memorable experience
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Learn about the cultural significance of reindeer herding to the Sami people
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Gain a deeper appreciation for the Sami’s harmonious relationship with their reindeer herds
This intimate encounter is a truly unique and enriching part of the Márkanbáiki museum tour.
Guided Tour of Sami Lifestyle
During the guided tour, visitors gain valuable insights into the traditional Sami lifestyle and cultural expressions.
The knowledgeable guide shares fascinating details about reindeer herding, a cornerstone of Sami culture. Guests learn how the Sami people have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, developing unique art forms, poetry, and crafts.
The tour also explores the challenges faced by the Sami community in preserving their traditions in the modern world.
Visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the Sami people, whose connection to the land and its resources is both inspiring and humbling.
More Great Tours NearbyCafé Experience at Restaurant Ovttas
The visit to Restaurant Ovttas offers a delightful café experience that immerses guests in the Sami cultural tradition.
Nestled within a wooden teepee, the café is operated by the local Sami community, providing an authentic glimpse into their heritage:
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Enjoy traditional Sami fare, such as hearty reindeer stew or homemade baked goods.
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Sip on hot coffee or tea while taking in the cozy, rustic ambiance.
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Browse the selection of Sami handicrafts available for purchase, from intricate weavings to carved wood pieces.
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Interact with the Sami hosts, learning about their way of life and cultural expressions.
Sami Handicrafts Shopping
After experiencing the cozy café setting and sampling the traditional Sami fare, visitors can explore the museum’s store to browse an array of unique Sami handicrafts. The store offers a diverse selection showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistry of the Sami people. Visitors can find handcrafted items such as:
| Product | Description | Price Range |
| — | — | — |
| Sami Bracelets | Intricate woven designs in vibrant colors | Kč 200 – Kč 500 |
| Reindeer Horn Jewelry | Polished reindeer horn crafted into pendants and earrings | Kč 500 – Kč 1,000 |
| Woven Bags | Traditional Sami patterns woven into practical tote bags | Kč 300 – Kč 800 |
| Woolen Mittens | Handknitted mittens in traditional Sami designs | Kč 300 – Kč 600 |
| Sami Artwork | Paintings, drawings, and prints depicting Sami life and culture | Kč 500 – Kč 2,000 |
The museum’s store provides a unique opportunity to support the Sami community and bring home a piece of their remarkable heritage.
Transportation and Logistics
Travelers depart from select hotels in Abisko and Björkliden, with pickup times ranging from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The tour offers comfortable, climate-controlled bus transportation throughout the journey.
- Pickup locations include Hotell Fjället, STF Abisko Turiststation, Abisko Guesthouse, Abisko Fjällturer AB, and Abisko Mountain Lodge.
Buses are equipped to provide a smooth and enjoyable ride, ensuring travelers reach the Márkanbáiki museum in Kiruna without any discomfort.
The transportation logistics are designed to make the tour accessible and convenient for visitors from the Abisko and Björkliden areas.
Travelers can look forward to a hassle-free journey, focusing on the cultural experience ahead.
Preparing for the Weather
Given that northern Sweden’s weather can change rapidly, it’s crucial for travelers to come prepared. The tour organizers recommend dressing in layers, wearing warm clothes, hats, gloves, and insulated winter boots. To help visualize the recommended attire, consider the following clothing guide:
| Clothing Item | Suggested Material | Level of Importance |
| — | — | — |
| Base Layer | Moisture-wicking synthetic or wool | High |
| Mid Layer | Insulating fleece or sweater | High |
| Outer Layer | Waterproof and windproof jacket | High |
| Headwear | Warm hat that covers the ears | High |
| Handwear | Insulated gloves or mittens | High |
| Footwear | Insulated, waterproof winter boots | High |
The Sum Up
This captivating Sami cultural tour from Abisko/Björkliden to Kiruna’s Márkanbáiki museum offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich traditions of the indigenous Sami people. Visitors can interact with reindeer, explore Sami handicrafts, and savor authentic cuisine, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the Sami’s harmonious relationship with their environment. It’s an unforgettable experience that provides a profound cultural insight.
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