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Márkanbáiki Sámi open air museum

Marknadsvägen 2, Jukkasjärvi
Beatrice Holmberg

Márkanbáiki Sámi open air museum

Márkanbáiki is an easily accessible day visit venue in Jukkasjärvi for visitors from near and far who want to engage their senses to experience Sápmi. Get up close with reindeer, stroll through the museum’s exhibition area and savour traditional Sámi flavours with a modern twist in charming Café Sápmi. As a reminder of your visit, you surely find some special item in the on-site handicraft shop.

The term márkanbáiki means assembly or marketplace in North Sámi language, and this historical site here is the origin of the village of Jukkasjärvi and a wonderful place for a day visit with wide open spaces. Bures boahtin Sápmái – Welcome to Sápmi! Explore the venue on your own and at you own pace by means of museum signs with easily readable information in Swedish and English.

In the outdoor exhibition area, you can learn about the culture, traditions, garments, different devices, nomadic lifestyle, and history of the reindeer herding Sámi people. Look at art works, walk along the short nature and culture trail and enjoy the scenery. The playground Mini Sápmi invites kids to play and learn.

Our most appreciated companions, the reindeer, are autumn grazing here at the shores of river Torne and it is a special moment being able to meet and feed them. The reindeer is adapted to life in the Arctic environment, and there are a lot of facts and figures regarding this majestic animal that will astonish you.

In Café Sápmi, our giant lávvu-like restaurant with a fireplace in the centre, you can settle down and enjoy the food you are creating yourself with the ingredients we provide. Choose from meat, cheese, jams, berries, bread, sweet and/or salty and prepare for example your own reindeer burger, deli tray and waffle with a local touch. Drinking a cup of freshly boiled coffee is then the icing on the cake. Some variation in supply may occur depending on the supply of food raw materials.

As a reminder of your stay, you can visit the on-site handicraft shop to find the most unique gifts. We offer only the best of local Sámi handicraft, duodji. Among the crafts you find reindeer pelts and antler designs, Sámi silver jewellery and even lassos for catching reindeer.