Junibacken

About the museum

Junibacken opened on 8 June 1996 on Djurgården in Stockholm and is built around children's literature. The name comes from the farm where Madicken lives. The idea was driven by Staffan Götestam, who wanted to create something more playful and interactive than a traditional children's museum. Astrid Lindgren gave her support on condition that other authors and creators would also have a place, as she did not want a Lindgren museum.

The heart of the house is the Sagotåget, a journey through three-dimensional settings from Astrid Lindgren's stories, including Madicken, Emil i Lönneberga and Ronja Rövardotter (Ronja the Robber's Daughter). The settings follow Marit Törnqvist's illustrations and were built by hand by set decorators from leading Swedish theatres. The train ends at Villa Villekulla, Pippi's house, where the house's own theatre ensemble performs for children.

In addition to the Sagotåget and Villa Villekulla there is the Sagoboktorget (Story Book Square), an outdoor play area by the water, and exhibitions that are changed every few years, for example Bagar Bengtssons bageri (Bagar Bengtsson's Bakery), after Lennart Hellsing and Poul Ströyer, and Midvinter i Mumindalen (Midwinter in Moominvalley). The house has a restaurant, a theatre and rooms for parties and events, and it runs many programmes during the school holidays.

Highlights

• The Sagotåget with settings from Madicken, Emil i Lönneberga and Ronja Rövardotter
• Villa Villekulla – Pippi's house, with theatre performances
• Sagoboktorget with climbing areas in the world of books
• The Moominvalley play area outdoors, with sea views
• Exhibitions that change theme, such as Midvinter i Mumindalen

Permanent exhibitions

• Sagotåget – A train journey through three-dimensional settings from Astrid Lindgren's stories, including Madicken and Emil, lasting about 15 minutes.
• Villa Villekulla – Pippi's house, where children can play and where the house's theatre ensemble performs shows.
• Sagoboktorget – A square with climbing areas that takes visitors into the world of well-known children's books.

Founded

1996

Visitors per year

approx. 400,000

Admission & discounts

The price starts at SEK 140; it is lower on weekdays than on Saturdays and during school holidays, and lowest when bought online. A theatre ticket is included but must be booked in advance. Card and Swish only; no cash payment.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

One wheelchair user at a time can ride the Sagotåget (the journey takes about 15 minutes). The pavilion is fully accessible and Villa Villekulla has plenty of room. The garden has a hard gravel surface. Sagoboktorget has cobblestones and climbing play equipment that may be hard to reach with reduced mobility. A lift connects the floors, and a ramp from the side entrance leads to the lower floor of Villa Villekulla. Accessible toilets are available. The pavilion is calmer, while the restaurant can feel noisy at lunchtime. Sign-language interpretation is not offered at theatre performances, but scripts can be sent on request via info@junibacken.se.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The house is aimed at families with children, with interactive exhibitions, theatre in Swedish and special programmes during the school holidays. Some scenes in the Sagotåget may be frightening for small children, for example the dragon Katla and thunder. Prams are not permitted indoors for fire-safety reasons; they are parked and locked outside the entrance (locks are sold at the till). A baby carrier can be borrowed on presentation of ID at the till.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Coat check
• Lockers

The restaurant is KRAV-certified and serves lunch 11:00–14:30, as well as fika, sandwiches and salads all day; it closes 30 minutes before the house. Packed lunches brought from home may not be eaten indoors but may be eaten in Galärparken. In summer there is a roof terrace and an ice cream kiosk. Free lockers and hooks in the entrance area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The circus restaurant (dinners), Villa Villekulla (mingling) and an outdoor terrace by the water. Enquiries to festvaning@junibacken.se or via the booking form.

Plan your visit