One of Thomas Dambo's hidden giants, Lille Tilde, in Vallensbæk Mose near Copenhagen

Troll hunting in Denmark

Photo: © Lille Tilde by Thomas Dambo. Photo: Abdellah Ihadian

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.

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Forest near Vinderød and Frederiksværk in North Zealand
Photo: Daniel Overbeck, VisitNordsjælland

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.

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One of Thomas Dambo's hidden giants, Lille Tilde, in Vallensbæk Mose near Copenhagen
Photo: © Lille Tilde by Thomas Dambo. Photo: Abdellah Ihadian

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. 

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More family fun in Denmark

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Mermaid spotting in Denmark
Kids in dinosaurus, Legoland, Givskud Zoo, Billund
In the footsteps of dinosaurs in Denmark
Summer house, North Zealand
Where to stay with kids in Denmark
Drone photo of Grenen in Skagen, North Jutland
20 exceptional beaches in Denmark