In the heart of the Djurgården, surrounded by many other famous Stockholm attractions, you will find one that will be especially popular with the smaller members of your family – and actually, we grown ups really loved it too!…
It’s hard to describe Junibacken. It calls itself a children’s cultural centre, but it’s also an imagination playground, a museum, and it has the largest children’s book shop in Sweden. It also puts on over 1600 theatre productions a year, and all with books at the heart of every single thing…
It opened in 1996, and Astrid Lindgren (perhaps Sweden’s most famous children’s author) herself was heavily involved in its creation. When she was approached to work on the idea by Stefan Gotestam who dreamt the whole place up, she was determined it wouldn’t become a museum just about her work, but a place to celebrate many children’s authors, and countless popular stories that many of us grew up with. Ultimately it was to become somewhere to encourage a love of reading, and a love of books…I think they have succeeded with exactly both of those things. Everyone in our party was inspired to spend some time in the bookshop after our visit. No doubt helped by the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful children’s book shops I have ever been in, and as well as books in almost every language, there are plenty of gifts and decorations to be hankered after too.
I grew up with Astrid Lindgren books. Pippi Longstocking and her horse and monkey (I was so jealous!) were some of the stories my sisters and I enjoyed as young children, along with Karlsson on the Roof (the story of an imaginary friend (or is he?) who can fly and lives in a little room in the roof of his owner’s house! We will ignore the fact that he appears to be a middle aged man, something that didn’t even occur to me until we visited Junibacken!), and my absolute favourite Astrid Lindgren books of all time – The Tomten, and The Tomten and the Fox (for those of you looking for Christmas gifts for younger children, those last two books are a must on any bookshelf. You can thank me later!).
Our bookshelf also contained a lot of Alfie Atkins books (or Alfons Aberg as he is better known in Sweden!), along with Mrs Pepperpot and and a few Ulf Stark books as well, so I was really happy to be reacquainted with a few old friends, and introduce my children to some I had forgotten about as well… If you are reading this thinking, “well I won’t bother with that place then, I haven’t ever heard of any of that lot” – I can guarantee there will be somebody or something inside this museum that you do recognise. Plus even if you don’t, you will come away with some new favourites anyway…
We visited Junibacken first thing one bright and sunny morning. We had a lot to pack in that day, but Pippi’s House was definitely our first and main priority, and we made it just as the doors were opening…
First things first – there are no pushchairs allowed inside, but there’s plenty of dedicated “parking” directly outside, and as this is Sweden so everything’s perfectly safe too. Don’t miss the opportunity for a new style family portrait here while you are at it (see first picture!)!!…
As soon as you’ve paid for your tickets (under two’s are free – children aged between 5-15 are 139 SEK each, and adults are 159 SEK each. It’s also a museum included in the Stockholm Pass!), the choice is yours as to what you begin with.
We started in the room to the far left of the reception, where we explored Karlsson’s House, got up close and personal to the big bad wolf, had a good few goes on the giant monkey slide, and (with his older siblings having earned their sausage cooking badges at Berlin’s Currywurst Museum!) had a go at dishing up Swedish korv (sausages) as well…
Afterwards it was time to board The Story Train which reminded me so much of our favourite Hans Christian Andersen Ride (Den flyvende Kuffert) in Copenhagen’s Tivoli (I must have been on that so many times over the years and not just because it was warm and dry in there when the weather was shocking. I did have to pretend to cry each time we went past the Little Match Girl though, or I was mean apparently!). As the journey begins, you listen to stories as you are taken up and above scenes familiar and not so, and whisked through the world of books and their characters. If you quickly switch to the Swedish narration during your journey, you will hear the voice of Astrid herself… Junibacken’s CEO takes a ride on the story train every day, and I have to say I would do the same – it’s truly lovely! You need to show your entry receipt for this ride, and as far as I know, you can only take the train once during a visit.
Next up was the relatively new exhibit based around Barbro Lindgren’s works. Here you can become Ben the Wild Baby and explore his world, hang from the pictures in the “dolls house”, explore a space ship in mid flight space or imagine yourself deep in the heart of a whale’s belly. If that’s all a bit too much, you could just sit and relax and read many of Barbro’s wonderful books here instead… That’s exactly what I did as everyone else played happily around me anyway, completely immersed in an imaginary world…
On next to Ville Villekula – a life size version of Pippi Longstocking’s House, complete with her horse outside (he never did appear to have a name did he?), and what appeared to be a giant bowl full of spongy brick cereal – although I don’t remember that in the books. The toddler would probably still be sitting there playing with it now if he could, and I would still be happily looking at the view out of the window…
This room is also where the theatre by the way, but my lot wouldn’t have been interested in sitting still to watch anything when there was Pippi’s house to explore. I half thought that the 12 year old might be too grown up for this museum, but it completely captured her imagination too, and the only time she ever moaned (wailed actually) was when she fell backwards off Pippi’s life sized horse (incident not captured!). Don’t ask… The ten year old was totally enraptured by the whole thing, particularly the Barbro Lindgren room, plus the prospect of meatballs for lunch definitely helped too…
The restaurant here is as good a place as any to try them, and these, along with great pancakes and plenty of other childhood favourites are all all made with local organic ingredients. The coffee’s pretty good too, and it’s all in a really lovely setting.
The only place we didn’t explore this visit (we ran out of time sadly) was the little garden out the back, but it’s always good to save something for next time don’t you think?
Junibacken is open every day between 10 and 5 (open slightly longer in the summer months. Closed at Christmas and certain bank holiday weekends – check the website before you visit.
This looks like one of the best places to take the kids! My two would love it here. I really want to visit Stockholm now!!
Louise x
Thanks Louise! (:
Oh this place looks amazing. Right up our street we recently visited the Story Museum in Oxford which is similar. But no where near on this scale. If we ever make it, this it totally going on my list for things to do in Stockholm. I really wished I lived closer. Your photos are brilliant as always x
Thanks for the tip, another place to add to my UK list! :) Thank you x
This is just the most amazing thing! I just love it when children’s books are brought to life!
And this place does that so well! Thanks so much! :) x
Oh wow – what a brilliant museum – all those gorgeous books and more that I haven’t heard about, that we used to read when you were small – bringing back lovely memories – a wonderland for all. x
It’s amazing, I know you would love it Mum! :) x
This sounds and looks truly wonderful and magical! And just fab that it captured the imagination across the ages
It really did. Thanks Daisy! (:
What a magical place! Love how it brings the stories to life and it must be amazing for kids! We’d love to visit one day!
You really must! Thank you! (:
We’d love to visit – what a great museum. Such wonderful memories of Pippi Longstocking as a child that it would be lovely to share it with the kids too.
Ting, I know you would all love it! Thank you! (:
I’m in love with the big bad wolf sculpture, it’s so well done! The whole of Junibacken looks fantastic fun, would love to take the family one day :)
The whole place is really well done. Thanks so much Emily! (:
This sounds like the most magical place and you captured some amazing pictures – that just hanging around one is my favourite. Mich x
Thanks Mich. It’s such a photogenic place! :) x
Pippi Longstocking – there’s a blast from the past. Used to love her books. You’ve got me wondering if my boys might like to read them.
I am sure they would love them! :D Thanks Donna! (:
This looks like so much fun! I am not sure I have come across any of the tales, but regardless my little ones would love to visit – I love the door it all looks so magical!
It’s amazing whether you have heard of the books or not, I am sure you would love it! Thanks Katy! (:
This is a brill place for kids. I particularly love the look of the cafe
Thanks Leona.
Oh. Wow this absutely a nice place to visit and so much fun looks magical too I want to bring my daughter there
Thanks Angela! :)
Wow, this is certainly an awesome place. Will be on my bucket list of places to visit. Su
It’s definitely bucket list worthy! :)
This sounds like a book lover’s playground. What a truly wonderful idea to inspire the whole family to pick up a book!
It really is. Thanks Claire! (:
I adored the Pippa Longstocking and Mrs Pepperpot books as a child. And I’ll definitely be introducing my children to them. And this place looks completely magical. Perfect for children and adults. Hugs Lucy xxxx
Thanks so much Lucy! (: xxx
Oh this sounds amazing! I LOVED Pippi Longstocking growing up, she was my favourite book character! I would so love to visit here, one day…maybe!
She was one of my favourites too. I remember wanting to be like her! :D Thank you (:
Oh I grew up with Pippi Longstockings too! What a great place to visit with kids
Thanks Lisa! (:
This place looks sooo magical and I have never heard of it before. I would love to take the girls here.
It’s definitely up there on our top ten Children’s Museums across the globe! Thanks Karen! (:
What a fab day out and I love the simply hanging around picture – very cool :) x
Great isn’t it? Thanks Melanie! (:
This looks right up my street!! I love places like this – so full of wonder!!
It was almost like being small again! Thanks Katy! (:
Oh wow, I would love to visit here. It looks like such a magical place. I love the door too! :-)
Thanks Emma (:
I loved those book as a child – I still have them! What a wonderful place to visit x
Thanks Susanna! (:
This sounds like such a magical place! It looks so beautiful, and a fantastic way to bring children’s books to life!
It really is. Thanks Sarah!
This looks like such an amazing place for kids, I am sure mine would love it too
Thanks Melissa! (:
This place looks like Heaven to me! What a wondrous palace of stories, dreams and imagination. Sounds like you had an amazing time (excluding the horse incident). If I ever visit Stockholm I’m there – I don’t need the kids as an excuse and I will take an extra suitcase for books and lovelies. What amazing adventures you have as a family!
I know you would absolutely love this place Kirsty! Thanks so much! :) x
I went to Stockholm years ago on a work trip and loved it. I’d love to go back with the twins and this museum sounds so much fun. I did love the image of the house with your three boys
Thanks Mari. I know your girls would really love it. Glad you like that pic. I didn’t even notice the three of them in it until I was editing it! :D
Wow what an amazing place! I don’t think that me and my boys would want to leave. And you have indeed made me realise that my children have never had the joy of Mrs Pepperpot! How is that even so!
Definitely one of the best stories. I used to love Mrs Pepperpot! :D
This place sounds fantastic. Such a fun place to visit. It sounds like you had a lovely time. X
Thanks Samantha!
Oh my goodness! Mrs Pepperpot! I was convinced I hadn’t discovered Astrid Lindgren until reading Pippi Longstocking to my children (who both loved it). But I had. Mrs Pepperpot was one of my favourite characters when I was little. Now I’m more determined than ever to visit Junibacken.
Oh – I’ve just looked again, and seen it was Alf Proysen who wrote about Mrs Pepperpot. Still – shows my love for all things Scandi began at a young age!
I should have made it clearer that this place features a LOT of different Scandinavian Authors! (:
Mrs Pepperpot is just the most brilliant character isn’t she? Wish I could shrink from time to time! :D
This looks like a fascintaing place to visit – I could see my two loving it!
It’s really really really worth a visit! Thanks Cass! (:
Oh wow what an amazing looking place this is to explore, it looks like they have so much going on, especially for kids.
Thanks Sarah! It’s a fabulous place to explore!
I’m pretty sure I saw this place when I was last in Stockholm, looks like lots of fun x
It’s brilliant. Thanks Rhian! :) x
I have never heard of this but it looks like a great place to lose a few hours in.
The perfect place to lose a few hours in! Thanks Emma (:
This looks amazing! What a wonderful place to take children. We really want to travel go to Scandinavia, I’ll have to keep this in mind for when we do.
You absolutely must! Thanks Emma!
Your pictures are amazing!! It is almost like being there. Gosh I loved the Pippi stories as a child and had no idea this place was in Stockholm! I feel like I need to do a pilgrimage now!
Thank you T. Stockholm is the home of Absolut Vodka as well, it’s definitely worth a pilgrimage! x
I have never heard about this place before, but it sounds amazing and looks like you all had a great time, even running out of time shows that there is so much to do. I want to go and visit for myself x
It’s such a brilliant place Samantha, I don’t think one visit is enough anyway! :D Thank you!
This place looks fabulous! I love how they have literally brought children’s books to life. 1600 performances per year is very impressive too! We have something very similar in Newcastle (Seven Stories | National Centre for Children’s Books) so if you’re ever in the area, make sure you pop in.
I’d love to visit Pippi Longstocking’s house!
Newcastle is definitely on my list for next year! That sounds fabulous too! :) Thanks Samantha.x
This sounds entirely magical – I never knew the Pippi Longstocking books as a child, although I’ve read a couple of stories to my daughter, but I suspect you could have a wonderful time here regardless of whether you have come across any of the tales. The thought of a place to be inspired by books and inspire young readers (and older ones!) is wonderful too, especially with the activities. I had never even heard of this before but am making a note as it has to be on our list when we finally get to Sweden,
You must go, it’s just brilliant! Thanks Cathy!
I’d love to take Hux here, mainly for me!!:) x
I know you would come out with a lorry full of books and gorgeous stuff too! :D xx
What an awesome place Emma. Looks like the kids are well entertained here. :)
Definitely. And the grown ups too! :D Thanks Lorelle! (:
Looks and sounds wonderful Em x
One day when we live in Europe at the same time, we need to go to Stockholm, it’s really lovely! x
Oh wow. This place looks beautiful and so much fun for children. Definitely on my list if we visit Stockholm
Thank you Claire! (: