Last Updated on: 31st October 2024, 06:02 am
When you feel like you need a break from exploring Copenhagen city (yes, I know that’s hard to imagine), consider going in search of the Six Forgotten Giants by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
These wonderful, quirky-looking giant wooden sculptures can be found in meadows, under bridges, by water, and in forests, but they are all a little off the beaten track.
The artist Thomas Dambo chose these scenic locations for his sculptures, which are built from recycled wood to encourage locals and tourists to leave the city centre and enjoy nature.
Searching for the six forgotten giants is a fun day out for families or big kids like me who want to explore nature beyond the usual touristy sights and attractions of Copenhagen.
The sculptures can be found in six different areas of Copenhagen’s suburbs: Albertslund, Høje Taastrup Hvidovre, Ishøj, Rødovre and Vallensbæk.
Teddy Friendly Lurking Near A Lake
What Are The Sculptures Made Of?
Each sculpture is made of recycled wood and materials and has its own distinct personality and characteristics. I love their names, such as Sleeping Louis and Teddy Friendly.
Can You Visit All Six Giants In One Day?
Yes, it’s possible. With a car, it’s straightforward. Or you can join a tour.
As I was house-sitting for a cat just outside Copenhagen, I opted to take a tour to ensure I was home in time to give her dinner. Yes, I take my house-sitting duties very seriously 🙂 I did this one, and I really enjoyed it.
This one by e-bike is a popular option, too.
Don’t want to drive or take a tour?
With a bit of planning, you can still visit all six Giants in one day.
Public transportation can get you to train stations close to the Giants – but you’ll still need to walk a fair distance to reach the Giants’ hiding spots.
Here’s the map to find the Six Forgotten Giants!
You can find the exact locations on the artist’s website, www.thomasdambo.com.
How To See The Six Forgotten Giants By Public Transport
1) Sleeping Louis
Sleeping Louis can be found having a lovely snooze on a hill in a secret location in Rødovre outside of Copenhagen.
You can crawl into his gaping mouth, play or even sleep inside him.
Sleeping Louis. This is me: I love sleeping, have big feet and a permanently broken heart!
How To Get To Sleeping Louis
From Copenhagen Central Station to Sleeping Louis, take the B (S-train) to Brøndbyøster Street and walk for 20 minutes.
Total journey time = 35 minutes
2) Hilltop Trine (Bakketop Trine)
Trine rests on top of a little hill in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, hence the name. You can crawl into the palms of her hands.
How To Get To Hilltop Trine
From Copenhagen Central Station to Hilltop Trine, take the A (S-train) to Avedøre Street and then bus 1a to Avedørelejren. From there, it’s an 8-minute walk.
Total journey time = 35 minutes
From Sleeping Louis to Hilltop Trine, this is where a car would be helpful, as it is only an 11-minute drive.
Walking will take an hour and a quarter or public transport 50 minutes.
3) Oscar Under The Bridge
Oscar is made from scrapwood from a torn-down watermill and broken pallets from local industries. He can be found under a bridge!
Although I didn’t visit it on this occasion, the Arken Museum of Modern Art, close to the sculpture in coastal Ishøj, is meant to be well worth a visit.
And take a moment to visit the pretty beach, too.
How To Get To Oscar Under The Bridge
From Copenhagen Central Station to Oscar Under The Bridge, take the E (S-train) to Ishøv, and then it’s a two-kilometre walk.
Total journey time = 45 minutes
From Hilltop Trine to Oscar Under The Bridge, take bus 1a to Avedøre Street and then A (S-train) to Ishøv. Then, it’s a two-kilometre walk.
4) Little Tilde
Little Tilde is located in Vallensbæk Mose. It’s a lovely area filled with wild nature and animal life.
Inside the sculpture are 28 birdhouses for birds and squirrels to seek shelter during winter.
Not so Little Tilde is a cutie!
How To Get To Little Tilde
From Copenhagen Central Station to Little Tilde and Thomas On The Mountain, take A (S-train) to Vallensbæk St and then bus 143 to Pilestien. From there, it’s a 12-minute walk.
Or you can take B (S-train) to Albertslund St and then bus 143 to Pilestien. From there, it’s a 12-minute walk.
Total journey time = 48 minutes
From Oscar Under The Bridge to Little Tilde, walk back to Ishøv, take A (S-train) to Vallensbæk St, and then bus 143 to Pilestien. From there, it’s a 12-minute walk.
5) Thomas On The Mountain
Thomas On The Mountain is just a short walk from Little Tilde. Being in Denmark, it’s not really a mountain; it’s more like a little hill.
The Very Laidback Thomas On The Mountain
How To Get To Thomas On The Mountain
Same as to Little Tilde – From Copenhagen Central Station to Little Tilde and Thomas On The Mountain, take A (S-train) to Vallensbæk St and then bus 143 to Pilestien. From there, it’s a 12-minute walk.
Or you can take B (S-train) to Albertslund St and then bus 143 to Pilestien. From there, it’s a 12-minute walk.
From Little Tilde to Thomas On The Mountain, it’s just a lovely short walk across the park.
6) Teddy Friendly
Teddy Friendly stands at a water stream by a lake, holding out his hand to help people across.
How To Get To Teddy Friendly
From Copenhagen Central Station to Teddy Friendly, take the RE train to Høje Taastrup, then one stop on 40E or 400S to Teknologisk Institut. Then, it’s just a five-minute walk.
Total journey time = 22 minutes
It’s a 45-minute journey on public transport from Thomas On The Mountain to Teddy Friendly. First, walk one kilometre to Skolestein, and then take bus 143 to Albertslund St.
Then take B (S-train) to Høje Taastrup and then one stop on 40E or 400S to Teknologisk Institut. Then it’s just a five-minute walk.
So, seeing the giants by public transportation is possible, but set off early. If you want to see them but without hiring a car or jumping on and off buses and trains, then I recommend this tour to see the Six Forgotten Giants. It is a lovely tour and a chance to see a different side of Copenhagen.
If you are short of time but still want to see one of Dambo’s trolls, you can visit Green George in Freetown Christiania in central Copenhagen.
To see where other trolls are around the world, check here and you can follow Thomas Dambo’s latest creations on his Instagram account.
For More Posts On Scandinavian Countries, Check These Out!
The Sami and Reindeer Experience in Tromso
Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso
Easy Day Trip By Train From Copenhagen To Roskilde
Pin This Post For Later
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links”, meaning that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost. This helps me to keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for using the links on my website.
