Junibacken is a children's cultural centre on Djurgården, a few minutes on foot from the Vasa Museum, built around the stories of Astrid Lindgren, the Swedish author of Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, The Brothers Lionheart and Ronia the Robber's Daughter. It opened in 1996 and has been a family favourite ever since. The centrepiece is the Storybook Train, a gentle ride in small carriages that glides through a series of beautifully built scenes: you pass the rooftops and chimneys of Karlsson's town, sail through the forests of the Lionheart world and meet Pippi at her home, with commentary that is available in several languages, English among them. At the end of the ride you can step into a full-size Villa Villekulla and clamber about on its furniture, as Pippi would. Beyond the train there are play areas, a theatre for short performances, a bookshop with a very good selection of Lindgren and other Swedish picture books, and a cafe, so a visit can fill a morning or an afternoon comfortably. It is indoors, step-free and designed for small children, which makes it the natural choice when the Stockholm weather turns.
Making the most of it
Aim for the first hour after opening or the last couple of hours, since school groups and weekend crowds make the train queue longer in the middle of the day. Children who know the books will recognise the scenes at once, but those who do not are still caught by the scale and detail of the models. The ride is gentle and short enough for toddlers, and younger children enjoy Villa Villekulla most.
Who it suits
The sweet spot is roughly ages three to nine, and parents who grew up with the books are often as delighted as the children. Older children and teenagers may find it too young, in which case the Vasa Museum, Skansen or a boat ride will serve better. There is space to park buggies, and the building has baby-changing facilities and accessible routes.
Planning
Junibacken is on the museum island, so it combines easily with the Vasa and Skansen. Tram 7 and the Djurgården ferry from Slussen both stop close by, and the walk from the city centre along the waterfront takes about thirty minutes. Check the current opening days before you set out. If you have a small child and one rainy day in Stockholm, this is the place to spend it.
A little more context
Astrid Lindgren is one of the most loved children's writers in the world, and for many Swedish families the stories are as much part of growing up as the midsummer pole. Junibacken takes its name from the house in the Emil stories, and the centre is run in the spirit of the books, which means play is encouraged and nothing is too serious.
Some seasonal events and theatre performances are in Swedish, so ask about English-language activities when you arrive. If your children enjoy being read to, buy a picture book in the shop, since the translations make an unusually good souvenir and a calm bedtime story after a busy day of sightseeing in the city.
What to expect
The experience
A children's storybook centre with a gentle train ride through scenes from Astrid Lindgren's books, a full-size Villa Villekulla, play areas, a theatre, a bookshop and a cafe.
Best time
First thing after opening or in the last couple of hours; weekday mornings are calmest outside school holidays.
How long
Two to three hours including the train, play and a cafe stop.
Tips
Choose English commentary on the train, let small children loose in Villa Villekulla and leave time for the bookshop.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children aged roughly three to nine, and fans of Pippi Longstocking.
- Families
- Indoor, step-free, buggy friendly and designed for small children; one of the best things to do in Stockholm in wet weather.
- Couples
- Not the obvious choice, unless you grew up on Lindgren and want a nostalgic hour.
- Pair with
- The Vasa Museum and Skansen, both a short walk away.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
What age is Junibacken best for?+
Roughly ages three to nine, though younger children enjoy the train and older siblings and parents often enjoy it too.
Is Junibacken in English?+
The Storybook Train has commentary in several languages including English, and signage covers the main information.
Where is Junibacken?+
On Djurgården, close to the Vasa Museum, reached by tram 7, the Djurgården ferry or a waterfront walk.
How long do you need at Junibacken?+
Two to three hours is comfortable, with the train ride, play areas and a cafe break.
Is Junibacken good in the rain?+
Yes, it is entirely indoors and is one of the best wet-weather choices for families in the city.
