A Guide to Jokkmokk’s Winter Market
Juhán Niila Stålka, Storyteller and Joiker
Recommendations from a Local Sámi Guide
This is my completely biased guide to Jokkmokk’s Market. I am a local Sámi guide, storyteller, and joiker, and here I have gathered some of my best recommendations for making the most of the market. I have personal ties to many of these people and work for a few of the organizations I recommend.
Sámi Duodji
At Sámi Duodji, the Sámi Handicrafts Foundation, you will find a building filled with Sámi crafts. Every market, they open new temporary exhibitions, which are a must-see, and they fill their store to the brim. They sell both traditional items and modern Sámi design.
The great thing about Sámi Duodji is that they are a non-profit, meaning that 64-80% of the price tag goes directly to the artisan who created the item you’re purchasing. If there is any profit by the end of the year, it gets reinvested into programs run by the foundation to support the Sámi handicraft community. Pretty sweet!
This is a great place to purchase a Sámi knife, a handbag made of reindeer leather, pewter bracelets, and Sámi silver.
https://sameslojdstiftelsen.com/jokkmokks-marknad/
Sámij Åhpadusguovdásj
The Sámi Education Centre is a really cool place worth checking out. They have a handcraft market where you can purchase items directly from artisans. This is a must during the market and one of the best places to explore.
The second-year students of the education center also host an exhibition that you should visit. It is always well worth the time.
https://samernas.se/2025/01/17/marknadsprogrammet-2025/
Ájtte Museum
It might seem obvious to visit the museum—and it is! But I especially recommend checking out the exhibitions Duodji, Gapta, and Drumtime.
The museum also organizes tons of cool events and concerts. Here are a few that I find particularly interesting:
Friday, February 7th, 13:00 – Joik concert by Astrid Tuorda, an outstanding young artist from the Lule Sámi area.
Saturday, February 8th, 13:00 – Joik concert by Nils-Ove Kuorak, the winner of Sámi Grand Prix 2024.
https://www.ajtte.com/jokkmokks-marknad/
Leila Nutti & Jon Tomas Utsi
Exhibiting together at Församlingshemmet. Leila works with root weaving, and Jon Tomas works with wood and antlers. Both are outstanding at what they do, and you should definitely stop by to have a look.
https://jokkmokksmarknad.se/p/leila-nutti-och-jon-tomas-utsi/
Souvaskungen
No visit to Jokkmokk’s Market is complete without trying Souvaskungen’s suovas (smoked reindeer meat). Founded by my relative John Kuoljok and his friend Nicke Nutti, they use locally sourced reindeer meat and handmade bread from Puoltikasvaara. John’s son, Paulus, now runs the stand toghether with Nicke. For me, this is the most important thing to do during the market—no market is complete without Souvaskungen!
Souvaskungen is located on the corner of Storgatan and Västra Torggatan, close to the snow stage.
Experience Joik and Storytelling (Self-Promotion)
If you want to learn more about sámi culture and joik in particular you should check out my storytelling evenings. During the experience I invite you to sit down on reindeer pelts in my låvådgoahte, while I tell stories and joik the people, mountains and animals from the area and Jokkmokk.
Read more about the experience and book here:
https://www.arcticstories.se/activity
Shopping at Stoorstålka
You should also check out my father’s shop, Stoorstålka. Located in the heart of Jokkmokk at Lars Piraks Torg, this is a great place to see modern Sámi design, often with a fun twist. It’s also a great place to buy a band weaving kit or patterns and yarn for your next pair of mittens.
https://stoorstalka.com/jokkmokk/
Reindeer Meat from Sápmi Ren och Vilt
If you want to try some reindeer delicacies, check out Sápmi Ren och Vilt. This local company is owned by Helena Länta. Helena and her team really love what they do, and it shows. This is where I purchase meat for my storytelling evenings.
https://www.sapmirenovilt.se/
Shopping at Fjällriket
Stop by Anneli Kråik’s store, Fjällriket, to pick up some cool Sámi design. She often hosts events and features artists exhibiting in her store. Her daughters also frequently sell their own Sámi handicrafts here.
Concerts
February 6th, 18:00–19:00 – Joik with Astrid Tuorda
https://jokkmokksmarknad.se/p/jojk-och-sang/
February 7th, 18:00–19:00 – Joik concert with Simon Issát Marainen
https://jokkmokksmarknad.se/p/jojk-med-simon-issat-marainen/
Contemporary dance at Ája
If you are interested in contemporary dance, check out 0.3 p/km². This is a short screendance film by Swedish choreographer Jasmine Skog. I was happy to help her with this project last summer—I recorded and edited her film and took the photos for the accompanying photo exhibition.
Guoddi - contemporary dance
The performance Guoddi, with my friend Sebastian Björkman, combines Sámi tradition with modern art, where avant-garde duodji and performing arts create a cultural dialogue. Also a part of the performance is Ánna-Katri Helander, Anthoni Hætta and duodjár Ann-Sofie Kallok.
February 8th, 17:00–17:25
February 8th, 18:00–17:25
https://jokkmokksmarknad.se/p/guoddi-4/
Final Thoughts
My best recommendation is to dare to wander outside the market area—often, that’s where you’ll find the best parts of the market! In this guide, I couldn’t mention everything that’s worth checking out, so make sure to look at the program and choose the events that interest you the most.
Did I miss anything?
There are tons of amazing things to see during the market, and I couldn’t include everything. If you think I should add something, send me a message, and I might include it in my recommendations. Here you can find my contact information:
https://www.arcticstories.se/#contact
With that said, I hope you enjoy Jokkmokk’s Winter Market and have an incredible time!
