Márkanbáiki Samiskt Frilufts Museum

About the museum

Márkanbáiki is an open-air museum about Sámi culture in Jukkasjärvi, run by Nutti Sámi Siida. The name is North Sámi and means gathering or market place; the area is the origin of the village of Jukkasjärvi. In the nomadic period Jukkasjärvi, in North Sámi Čohkkiras, was a natural meeting place by the water, where people gathered to trade, socialize and rest.

Nutti Sámi Siida was founded in 1999 by the reindeer herder Nils Torbjörn Nutti from Saarivuoma sameby (Sámi village) and his partner Carina Pingi from Gabna sameby. In winter 1996 the couple began feeding their reindeer in paddocks because of difficult grazing conditions, and they worked with the nearby Icehotel to give visitors insight into Sámi culture and reindeer herding. The term siida refers to a traditional Sámi winter group.

In the outdoor exhibitions visitors learn about Sámi culture, traditions, clothing, tools, the nomadic way of life and the history of the reindeer-herding Sámi. The information is signposted in Swedish and English. The area also has art, a short nature and culture trail, a craft shop and the restaurant Ovttas, and there are always reindeer at the museum that visitors can meet and feed.

Highlights

• Outdoor exhibitions on Sámi culture, reindeer herding and nomadic life
• Reindeer to pet and feed
• Craft shop with duodji from Sámi craftspeople
• Restaurant Ovttas with traditional food and boiled coffee
• Nature and culture trail by the Torne River

Permanent exhibition

• Márkanbáiki – samisk kultur utomhus – Outdoor exhibitions on Sámi culture, traditions, clothing, tools, nomadic life and the history of the reindeer-herding Sámi, with art and a short nature and culture trail.

Operated by

Nutti Sámi Siida AB

Admission & discounts

Entrance tickets are bought on site in the craft shop. No entrance fee for the shop and restaurant. No advance booking is needed for small groups and individual visitors; larger groups contact the museum. Subject to price changes.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All exhibitions are outdoors, and the museum is described as an easily accessible destination for an outing. Warm clothing is recommended whatever the temperature.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children can meet and feed the reindeer; the child ticket applies for ages 3–12. In summer and autumn there are fewer reindeer in Jukkasjärvi than in winter, but there are always some at the museum.

Getting there & parking

The museum lies next to Jukkasjärvi church, about 900 meters from the Icehotel and about 20 kilometers from central Kiruna.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi: not available

Restaurant Ovttas next to the craft shop serves lunch, fika and dinner. The museum explicitly states that there is no Wi-Fi on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Private events and larger groups are accepted on request, with a meal by the fire and guides.

Plan your visit