The first time I came across the works of Danish artist Thomas Dambo on Instagram, I was stunned. His enormous wooden trolls looked as if they had stepped straight out of a fairy tale—mysterious yet full of life, like gentle guardians of the earth. From that moment, I quietly made a promise to myself: Next time I visit Seattle, I’ll make it my mission to find the Thomas Dambo trolls.
After all, I’ve been to Seattle many times—the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, the original Starbucks, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and even the famous Gum Wall are no strangers to me. This time, I wanted something new, something that would make the city feel fresh again. And so, “troll hunting” became the highlight and challenge of this trip.
For travelers, searching for these wooden trolls is a completely new way to get to explore Seattle. Following clues to find them isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about seeing the city from a different angle. Parks, forests, and lakes suddenly become places filled with stories.
Who is Thomas Dambo?
Thomas Dambo is a public artist from Copenhagen, Denmark, known for his recycle art—large-scale sculptures made entirely from discarded wood and reclaimed materials. His most famous works are the Trolls, gigantic wooden figures that he has built around the world.
Each troll is constructed from recycled timber, old construction scraps, or donated wood. You might find them hidden deep in forests or tucked into quiet corners of neighborhoods, waiting to be discovered like treasures on a scavenger hunt.
For Dambo, these aren’t just sculptures—they’re reminders that “trash” can be transformed into something beautiful, if only we choose to see it differently. What makes his work even more special is his collaboration with local communities; each troll is built with the help of volunteers, becoming a bridge between art, nature, and people.
The Troll Map — A Global Adventure
Dambo’s wooden trolls now live all over the world—from North and South America to Europe and Asia. On his website, you can find the Troll Map, a digital treasure map where you can mark each troll you’ve found.
The map doesn’t show precise coordinates—only general areas—so part of the fun is using online clues shared by other travelers. That little bit of mystery makes every discovery feel like an adventure.
The Six Trolls of the Pacific Northwest
Though the title says “Six Trolls of Seattle,” one of them actually lives in Portland. But since they all reside within the Pacific Northwest, I decided to include them all in this one journey—an adventure that weaves together cities, forests, and stories.
Each troll has a name, a story, and a personality. Some guard the lakes, some hide among the trees, and all of them seem to whisper the same quiet message:
Protect the earth, and stay curious.
Pia the Peacekeeper — Bainbridge Island
Pia was the first troll I met, sitting peacefully in the forest on Bainbridge Island. Her hands stretch forward as if offering calm or mediation to the world around her.
Though legend says Pia prefers solitude, when I visited, the place was filled with people and laughter. Yet she stayed still, her head slightly bowed, as if reminding us that even in noise, we can find peace within.
Her hands are crafted perfectly to let visitors sit in her palms. Looking up at her gentle gaze, it felt as though the whole forest fell silent for a moment.
📍 1560 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 （Google Map）
Bruun Idun — Lincoln Park, Seattle
At Lincoln Park, I found Bruun Idun, eyes closed, playing her wooden horn by the shoreline. She wasn’t speaking to humans, but to the orcas beyond the waves. In that moment, I could almost hear the rhythm of the sea and the echoes of their song.
Her horn was carved by a member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, wrapped with cedar and abalone shell—a fusion of Indigenous artistry and Dambo’s storytelling. This sculpture is more than art; it’s a connection between cultures, people, and the natural world.
📍 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136 （Google Map）
Frankie Feetsplinters — Ballard, Seattle
Among the trolls, Frankie is probably the easiest to find. Instead of hiding in the woods, he sits boldly outside the National Nordic Museum, becoming a whimsical sight right in the middle of Ballard.
Dambo describes him as “the youngest and most irresponsible” of his trolls—and it shows. Frankie doesn’t blend in; he embraces the city. His giant feet stretch out as if claiming the sidewalk, adding a touch of humor and joy to the urban landscape.
📍 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107 （Google Map）
Jakob Two Trees — Issaquah
Jakob stands quietly between two tall trees in Issaquah, looking almost small beside them. The composition feels symbolic: even giants can seem humble in the presence of nature.
Look closer and you’ll notice details on his body—birdhouses and ornaments woven with cedar rope, made in collaboration with the Coast Salish community. The cedar cord was crafted by Ginger de los Angeles of the Snoqualmie Tribe, who also used the leftover strands to create bracelets and hair ties for Jakob.
As you gaze up at him, you not only feel the awe of his wooden form but also the blend of cultures and craftsmanship that brought him to life.
📍 301 Rainier Blvd South, Issaquah, WA 98027 （Google Map）
Oscar the Bird King — Vashon Island
Deep in the forest of Vashon Island stands Oscar the Bird King, built from branches, pallets, and other natural materials that help him blend perfectly into his surroundings. His eyes seem to follow you from every angle, challenging you to meet his gaze and reflect on what “responsibility” means.
His crown is adorned with birdhouses—a symbol of shelter and guardianship. Like a solemn king, Oscar reminds visitors that instead of only taking from nature, we must also learn to give back.
📍 3705 SW Point Robinson Road, Vashon, WA 98070 （Google Map）
Ole Bolle — Portland, Oregon
Unlike the others, Ole Bolle lives farther south, in Portland. Next to him stands a small red house, which he lifts the roof of to peek inside, his expression a mix of curiosity and wonder.
Step into the house and look back—you’ll notice his gaze seems to follow you. It’s as if he’s truly alive, interacting with every visitor. Ole Bolle feels less like a sculpture and more like a character you might meet on a fairy-tale journey.
📍 8800 SW Oleson Road, Portland, OR 97223 （Google Map）
💡 The Secret of the Birdhouses
If you look closely, you’ll see that birdhouses are a common feature in all of Dambo’s trolls. They’re not just decorations—they’re clues. Birdhouses appear in Jakob’s necklace, Oscar’s crown, and even as trail markers leading to the trolls. To Dambo, they represent harmony with nature, a symbol of life’s cycles and our connection to the environment.
Troll Hunting Meets Geocaching
After returning home, I discovered an even cooler way to experience the trolls: Geocaching. This global treasure-hunting game has partnered with the NW Trolls project to create six troll-themed geocache adventures.
Each quest leads you to a troll and ten nearby locations worth exploring. It turns the hunt into a true adventure—part puzzle, part journey—and it’s perfect for families or anyone who loves a little mystery in their travels.
Bonus: The Fremont Troll
Long before Thomas Dambo’s wooden creations arrived, Seattle already had a troll of its own—the Fremont Troll, built in 1989.
This 18-foot concrete sculpture sits beneath the north end of the Aurora Bridge, created by a team of artists led by Steve Badanes. Made from steel, metal, and ship-grade concrete, it has stood firm for decades and become an icon of the Fremont neighborhood.
📍 Under the Aurora Bridge, north end of Fremont (about a 5–10 minute walk from the Fremont Sunday Market)
💡 Tip: There are plenty of great restaurants nearby—perfect for pairing a visit to the troll with a meal before or after.
Guardians of the Pacific Northwest
From Bainbridge Island’s quiet woods to Issaquah’s forest, from Ballard’s city streets to Portland’s playful cottage, these trolls are more than sculptures—they’re stories carved in wood.
They remind us that discarded things can be reborn, that nature deserves to be protected, and that travel isn’t just about seeing places—it’s about reconnecting with the world around us.
So next time you visit Seattle, don’t stop at Pike Place or the Space Needle. Add “Troll Hunting” to your list, and maybe, in the soft afternoon light beneath the trees, you’ll lock eyes with a giant and find your own little piece of magic.
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