Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
If you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly activity that combines history, storytelling, and a bit of puzzle-solving, then Eila’s Time Travels in Lycksele might just be your perfect match. This self-guided walking tour is designed to be both engaging and educational, inviting visitors to step into the shoes of a quirky time traveler named Eila. For just $8.45 per person, you’ll get an hour of adventure along the open-air museum area of Gammplatsen, all accessible via a mobile app that turns your phone into a storytelling guide and game master.
One of the standout features is how seamlessly the tour combines the historical environment of Lycksele with fun interactive elements—think puzzles, story snippets, and moments where you might help Eila find her lost key. We love that it’s self-guided, offering flexibility to start, pause, or repeat the experience as you wish. However, travelers should note that the tour requires their own smartphone and headphones, which might be a consideration for those without portable tech.
This experience is ideal for families with children, history buffs, or anyone who enjoys a mix of outdoor exploration and interactive storytelling. If you’re after a deep cultural dive or guided tour, this might not be the thing. But for a light, playful, and educational outing that gets everyone moving, Eila’s Time Travels hits the right notes.
Key Points
- Affordable and flexible: A fun activity at just over eight dollars per person, with the ability to start and stop whenever.
- Interactive storytelling: Combines puzzles and tasks with engaging audio, illustrations, and game elements.
- Historical and cultural insights: Explores Lycksele’s early days, Sami culture, and settler life.
- Self-guided convenience: Download the app beforehand, then explore Gammplatsen at your own pace.
- Suitable for all ages: Designed for families, making history accessible and fun for kids and adults alike.
- Free admission to the area: The open-air museum is free to explore, adding extra value.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
The Concept and Experience
Eila’s Time Travels brings a fresh approach to exploring Lycksele’s Gammplatsen. Instead of a traditional guided tour, it offers a GPS-based app that acts as your personal storyteller and game master. This means you’re not bound by fixed timings or groups, giving you the freedom to tailor the experience around your schedule.
As you walk through the open-air museum, the app uses your location to trigger sound clips, illustrations, and puzzles. We loved the way these elements are integrated—each building and site becomes part of the story. For example, near the Saami dwelling, you might hear snippets about Sami culture, while standing outside the general store might unlock a task related to local settler life.
The core objective is to help Eila find a spare key to her time machine. Along the way, you’ll encounter various locations such as the church, school, old farm, and log drivers’ cabin. Each spot presents a challenge—perhaps solving a riddle or completing a task—that might reward you with a key. This gamified element makes the tour especially appealing to kids, turning educational moments into an adventure.
The Stops and Their Charm
The tour’s stops are thoughtfully chosen to highlight both the local history and the everyday life of past residents. Gammplatsen hosts:
– A general store: Expect to learn about what shopping was like in earlier days, with some puzzles involving old-fashioned goods.
– A nine-pin bowling alley: Adds a playful touch, reflecting past leisure activities.
– Margareta church: Offers a glimpse into religious life and community gatherings.
– A Sami dwelling: A highlight for cultural insights, with audio snippets sharing Sami traditions and stories.
– An old school building: Perfect for understanding education in the region’s history.
– Washerwoman Aunt Emma’s cabin: Adds a homely, personal feel, illustrating domestic life.
– An old farm and log drivers’ cabin: These rustic settings bring historical livelihoods to life.
Because the museum area is free to access, there’s no additional cost to wander between these sites, making it a budget-friendly activity.
The App and Its Functionality
The StoryTourist app is intuitive and easy to use. Upon purchase, you receive detailed instructions on how to download and set it up. We appreciated that the app is available in English or Swedish, accommodating international visitors while serving native speakers equally well.
The app’s design is straightforward—tap to start, pause when needed, and resume without hassle. The audio is clear, and the visuals are charming, bringing a playful tone to the storytelling. We noticed that the puzzles are designed to be tricky but achievable, making them suitable for children but still engaging for adults.
The Value for Money
At just over $8 per person, this tour offers excellent value for families or small groups. You’re essentially paying for a personalized, interactive experience that combines education, fun, and outdoor activity without any entrance fees. For what it offers—a flexible schedule, thematic storytelling, and a chance to explore local history—it’s quite reasonable.
The Experience from the Review Perspective
One reviewer called it an “exciting and clever guide game,” highlighting its engaging format. They also appreciated learning about Lycksele’s early history, Sami culture, and settler life—all woven into the puzzles. The fact that the tour is suitable for both children and adults makes it a versatile choice for family outings.
Another comment pointed out the fun challenge of solving tricky tasks across different buildings, which adds an element of excitement and accomplishment. Since the area is admission-free, it’s a perfect way to combine sightseeing with interactive storytelling on a budget.
Practicalities and Tips
- Bring your own smartphone and headphones for the best experience.
- Download the app before arriving in Lycksele to avoid connectivity issues.
- The tour takes about an hour, but you can extend your visit if you want to explore more.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the terrain is mostly flat but outdoor.
- The tour is available year-round during operating hours, though best in good weather.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
Families with children will find a lot to love here. The puzzles and stories are designed to entertain and educate simultaneously, making it perfect for keeping younger visitors engaged. If you’re interested in local history but prefer an activity that’s more interactive than a museum visit, this tour fits the bill.
History enthusiasts and cultural explorers will pick up interesting tidbits about Lycksele’s past, Sami culture, and settler life—delivered in a fun, approachable manner. It’s also suitable for those who want a flexible outdoor activity without the pressure of a guided group.
However, if you’re after a guided tour with a live guide or extensive historical commentary, this may not suit your needs. The experience is highly self-directed, which might be a downside for travelers craving more detailed narration or group interaction.
The Sum Up
Eila’s Time Travels in Lycksele offers a unique way to explore the area’s outdoor museum while blending history with fun and interactive puzzles. The cost is very reasonable, especially considering the flexibility and the engaging nature of the app-guided adventure. It’s a great pick for families, curious travelers, or anyone looking to add a little storytelling magic to their outdoor exploration.
The combination of free admission, self-guided flexibility, and cultural insights creates a memorable experience that’s accessible and affordable. For those who enjoy educational games and outdoor discovery, this tour is a delightful way to enrich your visit to Lycksele.
Overall, if you’re seeking a playful, educational, and budget-friendly activity that you can do at your own pace, Eila’s Time Travels is definitely worth considering.
FAQ
Do I need to book in advance?
No, the tour is self-guided and can be purchased online beforehand. You simply download the app and start when you’re ready.
What devices do I need?
You need your own smartphone and headphones. The tour requires using your mobile device to access the GPS-based app.
Is there an age limit?
The tour is designed for families, so it’s suitable for children and adults. Younger children can participate with some help, but the puzzles are generally approachable for most ages.
What languages are available?
The app provides an audio guide in both English and Swedish, accommodating international visitors.
How long does the tour last?
The core experience takes about one hour, but you can extend your time exploring the area or replay the tour.
Do I need to pay for additional attractions?
No, the open-air museum area is free to access. The only cost is for the tour app.
Can I do this tour in bad weather?
Yes, as long as the weather permits walking, you can enjoy the tour. Just dress appropriately.
Is the app easy to use?
Yes, the app is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions, and it triggers story elements based on your location.
Ready to step into Lycksele’s past with a fun, flexible adventure? Eila’s Time Travels offers a delightful blend of history, puzzles, and outdoor exploration—perfect for curious minds of all ages.
