Junibacken: 30 years of magical children’s stories

By Malin Norman | Photos: Junibacken

For three decades, Junibacken has opened up a world of stories for children. In a time when children are reading less – even as the need for language, imagination and empathy grows – Junibacken plays a vital role in inspiring young readers.

The story of Junibacken began 30 years ago. Astrid Lindgren is one of the most read children’s book authors in the world, but she wanted Junibacken to be a place where other children’s book authors and illustrators could be spotlighted and inspired too. Children’s books are at the heart of the business, and visitors can explore this magical world of imagination together.

With nearly 300,000 visitors from around the world per year, Junibacken is incredibly popular. ”Junibacken is Sweden’s leading culture experience for children and grown-ups,” says CEO Kajsa Medin Hansen. “With children’s books as a basis, we show the way to the magic between the pages. We want to evoke emotions, start conversations and create memories – and hopefully inspire a lifetime of reading.”

At Junibacken, children and culture are taken seriously. The anniversary year 2026 will be both a celebration of 30 years in the world of fairy tales and a promise for the future – with new initiatives that will attract more children to discover the joy of reading.

Junibacken: 30 years of magical children’s stories

The Story Train and Baker Bengtsson

The main attraction is the Story Train, which goes on a journey through Astrid Lindgren’s children’s book landscape. Illustrator Marit Törnqvist was commissioned to create the fairy-tale setting, where you can meet beloved characters such as Madicken, Ronja Rövardotter and the Lionheart Brothers plus many, many more.

The audio is available in 16 languages, and Swedish speakers have the wonderful opportunity to hear Astrid’s voice along the ride. “There is something quite special about seeing children, regardless of language, get involved in the stories together,” says Medin Hansen. “The Story Train is an experience that often stays with them long after the visit.”

At Junibacken, there is an abundance of other activities to explore, including the exhibition Baker Bengtsson at Junibacken (Bagar Bengtsson på Junibacken) – a tribute to Lennart Hellsing’s playful joy of language and Poul Ströyer’s illustrations.

And there is much more to discover. Junibacken also has its own theatre, as well as Sweden’s largest children’s bookshop, offering a broad range of books for all ages, carefully selected by its dedicated staff.

Junibacken: 30 years of magical children’s stories

Sweden’s largest Moomin’s play valley

In the garden, you can experience Sweden’s largest Moomin playground. Discover scenes from the beloved books Moominpapa’s memoirs, Who will comfort Toffle? and Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson. Here, young and old can have fun together and enjoy the Moomin books for the first time, or all over again.

Another initiative to help increase children’s reading is Lässtegen (The reading ladder), in collaboration with publisher Rabén & Sjögren, launched last spring. It quickly became one of the country’s biggest investments in reading aloud in preschool. In total, over 2,700 preschool groups have participated – with around 61,000 children around the country.

“Together, the preschool groups have reported over 34,000 story times, an indication that reading aloud has gained an even more obvious place in the everyday life of preschools,” says Medin Hansen. “Children who listen to stories have a larger vocabulary, better language comprehension and stronger foundations for learning. A good start to reading is simply a good start in life.”

No doubt, Junibacken is not just a place for playing, it is a movement for children’s reading. “Junibacken has never been more important. Getting children to read develops their language and builds imagination and empathy,” adds Medin Hansen. “We want books to be a natural part of children’s upbringing – it makes a real difference, now and for the future.”

Kajsa Medin Hansen, CEO.

Web: www.junibacken.se
Facebook: Junibacken
Instagram: @junibacken_stockholm
YouTube: junibackenstockholmjunibackenstockholm

Junibacken is located on Djurgården, right by the water with Stockholm’s best view of Nybroviken and the Royal Palace. In the restaurant, visitors can take a break between adventures to enjoy craftsmanship in another form.