Albin's journey at Kneippbyn – From spontaneous visit to park manager

Albin currently works as a park manager, responsible for Summer and Waterland and just over 90 employees during the high season. But his journey did not begin with a career choice or an ambitious plan. It began one summer day in 2016, purely by chance.

Albin was 16 years old and at home in his family's house when restaurant manager My, who lived in their house on the farm, suddenly found herself without staff. She asked if Albin and a friend could fill in. Seconds later, he was clearing tables at what was then Piraten, now Gusto, trying to keep up with the lunch rush.

It turned out to be the starting point for something much bigger.
"I just stayed," he says with a smile.
"And every year there was something new to develop, both for me and for the entire facility."

Growing together with a place

Albin realized early on that Kneippbyn was more than just a summer job. Here, he had the opportunity to develop, try new things, and grow into roles he didn't even know existed. He went from being a runner and waiter to shift manager, then restaurant manager, and finally park manager for Summer Waterland.

When I worked breakfast at Solsidan, I thought that waiter was as far as I could go. Then I was asked about restaurant management, and now I'm park manager... 16-year-old me would have thought it was so cool that I became park manager.

It's not just his own development that drives him. It's the people around him.

Leadership based on responsiveness and joy

In the summer, Albin manages around 90 employees of different ages, and he loves it. This is evident when he talks about how his team is formed and grows during the season.

It's fantastic to see how someone arrives here a little shy and cautious, and after a few weeks takes charge, leads others, and blossoms. Being part of that journey is the most enjoyable thing I know.

He describes himself as responsive, good at reading people, and creating groups where everyone feels safe. This is also evident in how he maintains his energy during the most intense days ofsummer.
"You get energy from the people. Everyone who works here is open and nice."

Behind the scenes: more than guests realize

From the outside, Summer and Waterland look like a well-oiled machine full of color, laughter, and sunshine. But behind the scenes, there is a tremendous amount of work going on.

Training courses, events, business development, and recruitment are planned during the winter. Orders for staff uniforms and trampolines are placed well in advance.

And Albin's role is broader than many people think.

-I organize group activities, attend trade fairs, visit schools, participate in new IT solutions, develop new work tools, design water park clothing—even a new hot dog cart. It's also very creative work.

Perhaps it is precisely this variety that makes the job so unique. No two years or days are alike.

Favorite places and favorite memories

Despite working in a park full of attractions, Albin's favorite moment is something completely different from a specific carousel.

-The best time is from April to June. Everything comes to life. The pools are freshly painted, the weeds are gone, and the sun loungers are lined up in neat rows. It's as if the whole resort is breathing in the summer.

One of his fondest memories is from his second Summer he worked with breakfast.
"We were a really good bunch back then," he says nostalgically.

And would he be an attraction himself?
"A fire pole. I'm tall and slim," he laughs.

Life outside the park

When Albin isn't working as a park manager, he enjoys traveling, discovering new places, and eating really good food. He plays soccer with friends and golf with his brothers.
"Even though I'm terrible at it,"says Albin, who tries to make the most of his time with friends and family.
It is this balance, and the freedom that comes with responsibility, that makes him so happy with Kneippbyn as an employer.

– When I wanted to travel for two months last winter, I was given the opportunity to do so. And now that I'm moving to Stockholm, I'll be able to work remotely during the winter months. That's a big deal for me.

The future: 50th anniversary and new dreams

Albin is more excited than ever about the upcoming season. The Kneippbyn family is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the entire team is gearing up for a Summer with energy and celebrations. But he is also looking forward to meeting all the new employees who are entering the field for the first time, just as he once did.
When asked what makes him love his job, he pauses for a moment.

– That's progress. Quick decisions, major investments, new ideas, big and small. There's so much happening here, all the time. And above all: everyone wants things to go well. Everyone is committed. It's a really great culture.

There is a strong sense of community, and when Albin is asked which emojis he would use to describe Kneippbyn, he laughs:

– A laughing old man – there's a lot of laughter here. A playful emoji, because it's so playful. The sun, of course. And family. Because those of us who work here become like a family, and the park is full of families all summer long.

Looking back on your career at Kneippbyn, how would you describe it?

-Grateful. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have been given.

Author: Jessica Bergkvist