Visit the Sami and Reindeer in a Day Trip From Abisko

Exploring the rich Sami culture and the captivating world of reindeer is a must-do experience for visitors to the Abisko region. A day trip from Abisko to Jukkasjärvi offers a unique opportunity to take in the traditional way of life, interact with knowledgeable guides, and witness the harmonious coexistence between the Sami people and their beloved reindeer. From traditional dwellings to authentic cuisine, this journey promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the enchanting secrets of the Arctic.

Key Points

• Explore the Nutti Sámi Siida open-air museum to immerse in Sami cultural heritage, including traditional dwellings and handicrafts.
• Enjoy a traditional Sami cuisine experience at Café Sápmi and browse the handicraft shop for unique souvenirs.
• Interact with resident reindeer under the guidance of Sami experts, gaining insights into their central role in Sami culture.
• Benefit from round-trip transportation from Abisko or Björkliden, with flexible cancellation policies and a small group size.
• Learn about Sami customs and traditions through guided tours and self-guided exploration of the museum’s exhibits.

Overview of the Abisko to Jukkasjärvi Day Trip

Although primarily a day trip from Abisko to the nearby town of Jukkasjärvi, the Nutti Sámi Siida open-air museum provides visitors with an immersive experience to learn about Sami culture and interact with reindeer.

The experience includes entrance to the museum, Café Sápmi, and a handicraft shop. Visitors can explore the grounds and have the opportunity to meet and feed the resident reindeer.

An optional guided tour is also available starting at 12:15 PM. The tour provides a deeper dive into Sami traditions and way of life in the region.

Exploring the Nutti Sámi Siida Open-Air Museum

The Nutti Sámi Siida open-air museum offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Sami people.

The museum features traditional Sami dwellings, handicrafts, and exhibits that showcase the Sami’s deep connection to the land and their reindeer herding lifestyle. Guests can explore the exhibits at their own pace and interact with Sami guides who share insights into their customs and traditions.

The museum’s Café Sápmi serves traditional Sami cuisine, while the on-site handicraft shop offers visitors the opportunity to purchase authentic Sami-made items as souvenirs.

Visiting the Café Sápmi and Handicraft Shop

Within the Nutti Sámi Siida open-air museum, visitors can discover the Café Sápmi, which offers a delightful taste of traditional Sami cuisine.

The café serves up locally-sourced ingredients, like reindeer meat, and homemade breads and pastries. Visitors can savor these flavors while taking in the authentic Sami atmosphere.

After refueling, guests can explore the museum’s handicraft shop, browsing a variety of Sami-made goods, from handcrafted jewelry to traditional textiles.

These unique items make for wonderful souvenirs, allowing visitors to bring a piece of Sami culture home with them.

Interacting With the Reindeer

Visitors can interact with the reindeer during their visit to the Nutti Sámi Siida.

The reindeer are a central part of Sami culture, and the experience allows travelers to get up close with these majestic animals. Visitors can pet the reindeer and observe them in their natural habitat.

The interaction is supervised by Sami guides, who provide information about the reindeer and their role in Sami life. This hands-on experience offers a unique glimpse into the Sami way of living in harmony with nature.

It’s a memorable highlight of the day trip from Abisko to Jukkasjärvi.

Guided Tour of the Sámi Culture and Traditions

Along With interacting with the reindeer, the Nutti Sámi Siida offers a guided tour that provides visitors an in-depth look into Sámi culture and traditions.

The tour, starting at 12:15 PM, takes guests through the open-air museum to learn about traditional Sámi livelihoods, dwellings, and handicrafts.

Visitors can explore the Café Sápmi and browse the handicraft shop, seeing Sámi artistry and cuisine.

With the guidance of knowledgeable hosts, the tour offers a comprehensive and authentic experience, shedding light on the rich heritage and contemporary practices of the indigenous Sámi people.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The round-trip transportation from Abisko or Björkliden to Jukkasjärvi is provided as part of the experience.

Pickup from Abisko hotels is at 9:15 AM, while those in Björkliden are picked up at 9:00 AM.

The journey takes visitors to the Nutti Sámi Siida open-air museum in Jukkasjärvi, where they can explore the Sámi culture and interact with reindeer.

An optional guided tour is available starting at 12:15 PM.

Transportation back to the starting points is included, ensuring a seamless day trip for participants.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policy

The price for the visit to Sami and reindeer in Abisko starts from $132.97 per person.

Travelers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

With a maximum of 28 travelers allowed on the tour, visitors can enjoy this unique cultural encounter in a small group setting.

While the reviews suggest the experience may be somewhat cold and boring, the opportunity to interact with reindeer and learn about Sami culture makes this day trip from Abisko a worthwhile option to consider.

Tips and Considerations for the Day Trip

When planning this day trip, visitors should pack warm clothing to combat the potentially chilly weather.

The tour involves outdoor activities, so dressing in layers and bringing gloves, hats, and sturdy shoes is recommended.

As the experience doesn’t include lunch, travelers may want to bring their own snacks or inquire about meal options at Café Sápmi.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly.

With a maximum of 28 participants, the intimate group size allows for more personalized interactions with the Sami people and reindeer.