Young children will delight in meeting famous fairy tale characters and watch live youth theatre at this park-like museum and entertainment centre built for kids.
Pippi Longstocking and the Brothers Lionheart are characters created by Swedish authors and known across the world. At Junibacken, children and adults have the chance to meet the characters, ride on a miniature train and see a live theatre show.
At Storybook Square youngsters can interact with the characters. Cook with Moomins or visit Alfie Atkins at home. Adults will appreciate the chance to show their kids the illustrations by Ilon Wikland, Ingrid Vang Nyman and Björn Bjerg that brought Astrid Lindgren’s characters to life.
Hop onto the Storybook Train to live some of the adventures in Lindgren’s books. Race amid the stars and through a dark forest. Then watch the Lionheart Brothers battle a dragon. Recognizing the universal appeal of these lovable characters, the attraction has commentary in 10 languages besides English and Swedish. Children under 15 must be accompanied on the train by an adult. The train delivers its passengers to Villa Villekulla, Pippi’s home, where kids can paint, try on costumes, ride a model horse and play on slides.
One highlight of Junibacken is the Children’s Theater, featuring the familiar characters in over 1,500 shows annually. Find the schedule on the museum’s website. After the performance, visit the museum store to purchase books, clothing and other literature-themed merchandise for your children or as gifts.
Take a parental break to visit the museum’s restaurant or bring your kids for the healthy organic fare. Sample Swedish pancakes with lingonberry syrup and enjoy the views of Nybroviken Bay. You can dine at the restaurant even if you aren’t visiting the museum.
Junibacken is very conveniently located near major attractions, just minutes from the Nordic and Vasa museums. There is limited parking nearby, but it is somewhat expensive. The facility is a 5-minute walk from the bus and tram stop on Djurgårdsvägen and a 30-minute walk from Central Station. The museum is open daily in the summer and Tuesday through Sunday the rest of the year.
