Troll hunting in Denmark
Welcome to the land of the trolls! Yes, those spiky-haired little creatures really do originate in Denmark (and not in Norway as you might have heard).
Meet the Trollmakers
Denmark is home to two very different kinds of trolls, and two very imaginative creators behind them.
Thomas Dambo is the artist behind The Six Forgotten Giants, a series of giant wooden trolls hidden in the forests and hills around Greater Copenhagen. Built from recycled wood with help from local volunteers, these friendly giants invite families on a real-life treasure hunt in nature. The project has become a viral global hit, seen by hundreds of millions and inspiring new outdoor troll trails across Denmark and beyond. Start your journey on the trail of his trolls all over Denmark.
Much earlier, in the 1950s, another Thomas was making troll history in a different way. Thomas Dam, a Danish woodcarver, created the iconic Good Luck Troll — those small, wild-haired figurines that became a global toy craze, and the inspiration behind the Trolls and Trolls World Tour films. Today, you can learn about Dam’s original creation in the north west coast of Denmark, in Gjøl, the town where he lived, and visit museums and shops that celebrate this playful part of Danish pop culture.
Where the trolls live
Let’s take a tour of the best troll-spotting locations in Denmark.
The Troll Forest
If there’s anywhere you’re likely to see a troll in the wild, it’s here in the Troll Forest near Tisvildeleje in North Zealand. Twisted trees bend and curve around forest paths, and date back to the last years of the 18th century. The strange formations are due to a combination of the wind and the effect of pine worm larvae, and have been protected for over a hundred years. Just bring your imagination.
The Six Forgotten Giants
These giant sculptures of wood-dwelling peoples - also by Thomas Dambo - put us in mind of trolls. Scattered around lush forests, meadows and by calm waters in suburbia Copenhagen, you'll meet the tall, quirky-looking wooden sculptures which are pretty far from your typical tourist attraction. Perfect for families who want to go beyond the usual touristy sights and attractions to enjoy nature and a special treasure hunt feeling.
'Stig' hides in the forest near Svanholm Lake
'Elle' stands with a three-ton heavy stone in her hands in Viborg
'Frie Vilje' stands 5-meters-tall in Bangshave Forest in Maribo
'Captain Nalle' pulls his boat with him in Nordhavn
'Wild Emil' sleeps in a nest of spruce trees in Tinkerdal Skov near Holstebro
'Jensnej' was last spotted in the Ring Forest, holding a mirror
'Ivan Evigvår' moved to the City of Roses, Mariager
Meet the mother of all trolls, 'Happy Anders' and 'Round Rie' in Fjordlandet
'Jeppe Væktæppe' squats and hides under his colourful rag rug in Voldum
'Ene Øjesten' can see into the future with her magic stone in Børkop
'Ask' from Ashøj holds a stone in one hand and a stick in the other
'Sigurd's got a story to tell in Djursland
'Ben Chiller' is chilling somewhere near the town of Mørke in Djursland, not far from Sigurd.
