If you’re searching for a way to enjoy Lycksele beyond the usual museum visit or quick stroll, this self-guided walking tour offers a playful and educational twist. Designed as a GPS-based game, Eila’s Time Travels invites families to step into the past, solve puzzles, and explore the open-air museum of Gammplatsen at their own pace. It’s a clever mix of storytelling, history, and interactive fun—perfect for curious kids and history buffs alike.
What we really love about this tour is how it seamlessly combines local culture and folklore with engaging gameplay. The story-driven aspect keeps everyone entertained, and the flexibility to start, pause, and replay makes it a practical choice for varied schedules. Plus, the affordable ticket price—just over eight dollars—offers excellent value, especially considering the educational component. A potential caveat is that you’ll need a smartphone and headphones, so it’s best suited for those with compatible devices and a bit of tech familiarity.
This experience suits families with children, history enthusiasts, or anyone eager to explore Lycksele in a relaxed, unhurried way. If you’re looking for an activity that’s both fun and educational—without the crowds—this tour fits the bill.
Key Points
- Self-guided and flexible: You control the pace, starting and stopping whenever you wish.
- Affordable pricing: At around $8.45 per person, it offers value for a family adventure.
- Educational and entertaining: Combines local history, folklore, and puzzles.
- Easy to access: Mobile ticket and GPS app make it straightforward to participate.
- Family-friendly: Designed for all ages with engaging tasks and stories.
- Open-air museum: No entrance fee, and located in a scenic, historic setting.
An In-Depth Look at Eila’s Time Travels
This tour offers an imaginative way to explore Lycksele’s Gammplatsen, an outdoor museum area that embodies the town’s history and culture. The fact that it’s self-guided means you can tailor your experience—whether you’re pressed for time or want to linger longer at certain stops. The price point makes it especially appealing—after all, at just over eight dollars, it’s a budget-friendly way for families or solo travelers to add a bit of storytelling and adventure to their day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Northern Sweden.
How the Tour Works
Once you purchase the tour, you receive an email with instructions to download the StoryTourist app—your virtual guide. The app delivers an audio narrative in your choice of English or Swedish, accompanied by sound effects and illustrations that appear on your phone screen when you approach specific locations. It’s like having a storyteller walking beside you, revealing secrets of Lycksele’s past.
The app allows you to pause, restart, and explore at your own rhythm, which adds a layer of convenience that traditional guided tours lack. You can also replay the stories or puzzles as often as you like, enhancing the educational value.
The Itinerary: What You’ll See
The tour covers key sites within Gammplatsen, a lively open-air museum area that’s free to explore. Here’s what you can expect:
- Gammplatsen itself is the starting point, a historic spot brimming with old buildings and stories.
- A general store offers insights into local commerce and daily life in bygone times. Likely you’ll solve puzzles related to trading or local products, making history tangible.
- A nine-pin bowling alley adds a family-friendly touch—perfect for imagining leisure activities of the past.
- Margareta church provides a peek into religious life and community gatherings.
- The Saami dwelling introduces you to the indigenous people’s culture, with stories and tasks that highlight their traditions and way of life.
- An old school building and washerwoman Aunt Emma’s cabin give a glimpse into education and domestic life.
- The old farm and log driver’s cabin offer rural perspectives, with puzzles that might involve traditional trades or storytelling.
The tour concludes outside the Forest and Saami Museum, where you can choose to explore further.
What makes each stop special?
Each location is more than just a photo opportunity. The app’s narration and prompts encourage you to engage with your surroundings, making history interactive. For example, solving a puzzle at the Saami dwelling might teach you about Sami traditions or language, while the old school could spark a discussion about education then versus now.
Authenticity and Engagement
The reviews highlight how clever and fun the game is. One reviewer called it “exciting and clever,” noting that it’s suitable for both children and adults. They appreciated how the tasks are tricky enough to be engaging but not frustrating. It’s evident that this tour balances learning and entertainment perfectly, making history accessible without overwhelming.
Practical Considerations
The tour lasts about an hour, which makes it easy to fit into a busy travel schedule. It’s ideal for those who prefer a flexible, self-paced activity rather than a scheduled guided tour. Since it’s a private experience, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized journey. The open-air museum area is free, so the whole experience offers excellent value for money.
Additional Tips
- Remember to bring your own smartphone and headphones, as these are essential to participate.
- The app is available for use any time, so you can start your adventure when it suits you best—day or evening.
- Pack comfortable shoes suitable for walking around Gammplatsen’s uneven surfaces.
- Consider bringing a small notebook to jot down interesting facts or puzzles you enjoyed.
Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice
We appreciate how this tour provides a rich, authentic experience without the hefty price tag. It’s a great way for families to learn about Lycksele’s history in a fun, interactive manner that keeps everyone engaged. The flexibility and ease of use make it a stress-free activity that can fit into any day.
While it’s not a traditional guided tour with a live guide, the app’s storytelling and game elements compensate nicely, creating a sense of adventure that’s hard to beat. Plus, with the ability to replay and explore at your own pace, it’s perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is particularly well-suited for families with children who enjoy stories and puzzles. History buffs looking for a unique way to learn about Swedish culture will find it rewarding, and travelers who prefer self-guided activities will love the control over their timing. It’s also ideal for those on a budget, offering a memorable activity at a fraction of the cost of traditional guided tours.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the puzzles and storytelling are designed to engage both children and adults, making it a family-friendly activity.
Do I need to pay any additional entrance fees?
No, Gammplatsen is an open-air museum area with no admission fee; the tour itself is priced at just over $8 per person.
What do I need to participate?
You need a smartphone with internet access and headphones, as the tour runs via the StoryTourist app.
Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available to start at any time between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM daily, and you can pause or re-start it as needed.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately one hour, making it easy to include in a day’s sightseeing without feeling rushed.
Is the app available in multiple languages?
Yes, the audio guide can be listened to in English or Swedish.
Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s a private tour, so only your group participates, providing a personalized experience.
Are there any physical guides or staff involved?
No, it’s a self-guided experience without live guides or staff, which keeps it flexible and independent.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Gammplatsen 1 and ends outside the Forest and Saami Museum in Lycksele.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Final Thoughts
Eila’s Time Travels offers a charming and affordable way to explore Lycksele’s Gammplatsen with a twist of adventure. It’s a smart choice for families and curious travelers who appreciate history, folklore, and hands-on activities. The mix of storytelling, puzzles, and beautiful scenery creates a memorable experience without the hassle of heavy tours or extra costs. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, this tour adds a meaningful layer to your Swedish journey.
If you’re seeking an engaging, educational activity that’s both fun and flexible, this tour hits the mark. It encourages discovery, sparks imagination, and offers a genuine glimpse into local life—making it a worthwhile addition to your Lycksele itinerary.