Gröna Lund is Sweden's oldest amusement park, on the waterfront of Djurgården island in central Stockholm. It opened in 1883 and still mixes old fairground rides with modern coasters. Ride the wooden coasters and the Insane spinning coaster, then head to the water's edge for views over the harbour to Gamla Stan and Södermalm. Summer brings concerts, and the lights and carousel music make evenings a favourite.
From 1883 to today
Gröna Lund opened in 1883, the same year the Royal Park on Djurgården opened a playground with rides. It is the oldest amusement park in Sweden, and it is still an active part of the city's summer life.
The park is also a concert venue. Its summer stage has hosted large names over the years, including ABBA, The Cardigans and Tove Lo.
Two parts, one footbridge
The small street Lilla Allmänna Gränd divides the park. The footbridge that links the two halves is called Spanska Trappan, or the Spanish stairs.
The smaller area east of the street is called Lilla Området, which means the small area. It is built for younger children, with a children's Ferris wheel, a small freefall tower, a historic carousel more than 120 years old, and a house themed on Pettersson & Findus, the characters from the Swedish children's books.
The larger part sits directly on the water, and that is where the main coasters and rides are.
Rides and views
Monster and Twister are the park's best-known coasters. Insane is a vertical spinning coaster whose seats turn freely on their own axis, so each ride depends on the rider's own movement. Riders spend much of the ride upside down.
Free Fall lifts riders for a view of about ten seconds before dropping them at 110 km/h, and riders can go again. Ikaros is a facedown freefall tower that drops riders headfirst towards the waterfront from 95 metres.
The park's waterfront position is what makes the views worth the visit. From here, Gamla Stan and Södermalm are both in sight, and the harbour is open in front of you.
Halloween and evenings
At Halloween the park runs scare mazes and haunted houses, with actors throughout the grounds.
Summer evenings are the other highlight. The lights and the music of the carousels change the feel of the park after dark, and the setting over the water is especially pleasant as the sun goes down.
Getting there
The ferry Djurgårdsfärjan leaves from the pier beside Allmänna Gränd, next to the park, and runs to Skeppsholmen. Boats from Slussen also reach Gröna Lund.
From the park, the Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum, Skansen and the Nordiska Museet are all on Djurgården, so the island can make up a full day of sightseeing.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Gröna Lund is included in the Go City Stockholm Pass, and it is one of the sites covered by the three-day city card. For individual ticket prices, check the park's website before you go.
How long do you need at Gröna Lund?
A visit fits into an afternoon rather than a full day. Plan two to four hours if you want to ride most of the coasters and see both halves of the park.
Is Gröna Lund suitable for young children?
Yes. The smaller area, Lilla Området, is designed for children, with a children's Ferris wheel, a small freefall tower and a historic carousel. A children's wristband ticket covers several games.
Is the park open all year?
No. Gröna Lund is seasonal, running from late spring to September, so check the dates before you plan your trip.
