Junibacken

Junibacken opened in 1996 for Swedish children's literature generally, though Astrid Lindgren's work dominates it. The centrepiece is the Story Train, a suspended car that runs slowly through built scenes from her books with narration - Ronia, the Brothers Lionheart, Mio, Emil - in a version she recorded herself before her death. Villa Villekulla, Pippi Longstocking's house, is built full size and children are allowed to climb over it. There is a theatre with daily performances, a square of scenes from other authors' books, a bookshop and a restaurant. Everything is aimed at children roughly two to ten, and adults are there as accompaniment.

Background

Staffan Götestam, Fredrik Uhrström and Peder Wallenberg founded Junibacken, and the Swedish royal family opened it on 8 June 1996. Among Stockholm's tourist attractions it ranks 5th by visitor numbers. The Swedish artist Marit Törnqvist, who had illustrated newer editions of Lindgren's books, created the art direction and interior images. A bronze statue of Lindgren stands outside, and the entrance hall lockers are shaped like giant book spines from classics such as Treasure Island. The houses of the story square each belong to a different author, from Elsa Beskow to Sven Nordqvist, and at the far end of the square stands a mock Vimmerby railway station. The bookshop is the largest for children in Sweden.

Source: Wikipedia, "Junibacken"

What you'll find

• The Story Train - through built scenes from Lindgren's books.
• Villa Villekulla at full size - built to be climbed on.
• A theatre with daily shows - in Swedish.
• Scenes from other Swedish authors - in the story square.

When to go

Year round; school holidays are busiest. Two to three hours.

What to expect

Performances and the train narration are in Swedish, with limited English options. It is expensive for the time spent. Adults without children get little from it. Holiday weekends are very crowded.

Nearby

The Vasa museum is next door; Skansen is up the island.

Key facts