Explore the Six Forgotten Giants: Thomas Dambo’s Hidden Sculptures in Copenhagen

Through the trees in Vallensbæk, Little Tilde greets art mavens © James Brooks / AFP via Getty Images

In this guide, we answer your travel questions and provide tips to help you plan your trip to Copenhagen. We turned to local expert Caroline Sølver for insights on visiting some fascinating attractions.

Exploring the Six Forgotten Giants in Copenhagen

Question: I am going to Copenhagen, and I want to see the giant wooden statues I have seen on social media. What are they, and can I rent a bike to see some of them in a few hours? Or is there another way to see them?

Answer from Caroline Sølver

The giant wooden statues you’re referring to are known as the Six Forgotten Giants, and they are truly remarkable. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these sculptures are spread across six locations in the Copenhagen suburbs: Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund, and Høje Taastrup. Each sculpture is crafted from recycled wood and materials, embodying distinct personalities and characteristics, with names such as Teddy Friendly and Sleeping Louis.

Teddy Friendly, one of the Six Forgotten Giants by Thomas Dambo in Høje Taastrup, Denmark
Visit the Copenhagen suburb of Høje Taastrup for a visit with Teddy Friendly © Ttcc25 / Shutterstock

The main idea behind this project is to bring art out of conventional settings and provide an exciting treasure hunt experience while exploring the beautiful and often overlooked natural landscapes where these statues are located.

Visiting All Six Giants in One Day

With careful planning and determination, it is indeed possible to visit all six Giants within one day. If you are up for a biking adventure of over two hours, you can easily see them all. Alternatively, renting a car could offer a more relaxed experience. While public transport can take you close to the statues, you will need to walk some distance to reach each location.

Recently, Dambo has expanded the area by introducing a series of Trolls within Copenhagen’s city limits, making them even more accessible. One notable Troll, Kaptajn Nalle, resides in Nordhavn, and you can easily reach him with a short 3 km walk from the nearest metro or S-train station. While exploring Nordhavn, take advantage of the numerous charming spots, including local bakeries where you can enjoy delicious treats.

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Green George is a friendly troll who greets visitors to famously free-spirited Freetown Christiania © Ole Jensen / Getty Images

Another Troll, Green George, is located in the cultural hub of Freetown Christiania, while in the Sydhavn neighborhood, you can meet Ivan Evigvår. For those looking to embark on a complete Troll hunt, following Dambo’s Troll map could be a delightful adventure. Biking remains the most efficient method for visiting all four Trolls, as Copenhagen is known as a cyclist’s paradise.

Overall, the Giants and Trolls offer an unconventional yet engaging experience for visitors. They invite those interested in exploring beyond typical tourist attractions to discover stunning art pieces nestled in serene natural settings.

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