- Who is Thomas Dambo, and how many trolls are in the PNW?
- The Troll Map — A Global Adventure
- All 6 PNW Troll Locations at a Glance
- How to Plan Your Trip
- The Six Trolls of the Pacific Northwest
- New for Fall 2026: Trolls: A Field Study (12 Temporary Trolls)
- Troll Hunting Meets Geocaching
- Bonus: The Fremont Troll
- Guardians of the Pacific Northwest
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Thomas Dambo’s Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King is a set of 6 giant recycled-wood trolls scattered across the Pacific Northwest — 5 in the Seattle area (Ballard, West Seattle, Issaquah, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island) and 1 in Portland. All six are free to visit, and two need a Washington State Ferry. This Seattle local’s guide gives you all 6 exact locations with tap-to-navigate Google Maps, parking and ferry tips, and a 1–2 day itinerary. New for fall 2026: a separate limited-time exhibit, Trolls: A Field Study, adds 12 more trolls near Tacoma (Oct 15, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027).
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, and how many trolls are in the PNW?
There are six permanent Thomas Dambo trolls in the Pacific Northwest right now, with 12 temporary ones arriving in fall 2026.
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.
All 6 PNW Troll Locations at a Glance
Tap any address to open Google Maps and navigate straight there.
| Troll | Area | Address (tap to navigate) | Ferry? | Parking & access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankie Feetsplinters | Ballard, Seattle | 2655 NW Market St | No | Outside the Nordic Museum; easiest, flat, urban |
| Bruun Idun | West Seattle (Lincoln Park) | 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW | No | Free lot; 10–15 min downhill trail |
| Jakob Two Trees | Issaquah | 301 Rainier Blvd S | No | Free lot at Community Center; short paved trail |
| Pia the Peacekeeper | Bainbridge Island | 1560 Madison Ave N | Yes | Limited park lot; flat path |
| Oscar the Bird King | Vashon Island | 3705 SW Point Robinson Rd | Yes | Free lot; no public transit |
| Ole Bolle | Portland, OR | 8800 SW Oleson Rd | No | Free street parking; ~2 min walk |
People always ask me: can you really see all six in one day? Honestly, not comfortably — the two ferry trolls (Pia and Oscar) eat up most of a day on their own, so I’d split it into two.
How to Plan Your Trip
Seeing all six trolls takes some planning — especially since two of them live on islands that require a Washington State Ferry. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
How many days do you need?
Most visitors spread the trolls across 2-3 days. The five in the Seattle area can theoretically be done in one long day, but it’s tight — you’ll need to work around ferry schedules and allow time for driving, parking, and actually enjoying each troll.
Portland’s Ole Bolle is best saved as a standalone half-day or day trip (about 4 hours from Seattle by car).
Do you need a car?
Yes, for the full experience.
Oscar on Vashon Island is the hardest to reach without one — public transit doesn’t go to Point Robinson Park, and it’s a 10-12 mile bike ride from the ferry landing. Bainbridge Island (Pia) is more flexible — you can walk about a mile from the ferry terminal or rent a bike.
Suggested order (2-day itinerary):
Day 1 — Start early in Issaquah (Jakob) → Ballard (Frankie) → West Seattle / Lincoln Park (Bruun Idun) → catch the Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon (Oscar). Return to Seattle via evening ferry.
Day 2 — Morning ferry to Bainbridge Island (Pia). Spend the afternoon exploring Bainbridge or head back to Seattle.
Portland trip — Separate day: Ole Bolle is behind Nordia House, right across from a bus stop, and easy to find.
Book or check schedules at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. The Fauntleroy–Vashon route runs frequently but fills up fast on summer weekends — arrive at the ferry dock early. Round-trip ferry fares include your car.
Look for the colorful birdhouse marker post near each trailhead — it’s Thomas Dambo’s signature sign that you’re close.
Where to stay: for a base near Frankie and the Nordic Museum, the Nordic-themed Hotel Ändra fits the theme, or the central Kimpton Hotel Vintage.
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 (Sakai Park), Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 （Google Map）
🚗 Limited parking at park entrance — arrive early on weekends
🚶 ~5 min from parking / ~1 mile walk from ferry terminal
⛴ Ferry required: Seattle (Coleman Dock) → Bainbridge Island
👨👩👧 Flat easy path — Pia’s open hands are perfect for photos
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）
🚗 Free lot — fills up on sunny weekends
🚶 ~10–15 min downhill trail from parking lot to beach
⛴ No ferry needed
⬆️ Note: Trail back is uphill — heads up if you have strollers
👨👩👧 Kid-friendly with some incline
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）
🚗 Metered museum lot (~$2/hr) or limited free street parking
🚶 0 min — right outside the museum entrance
⛴ No ferry needed
👨👩👧 Easiest troll to access — flat, urban, no trail
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）
🚗 Free lot at Community Center — don’t GPS the troll directly, it leads behind the middle school 🚶 ~0.25 mile (5–10 min) down the paved Rainier Trail
⛴ No ferry needed
👨👩👧 Very kid-friendly — flat paved trail
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）
🚗 Free lot at Point Robinson Park — bringing a car on the ferry strongly recommended
🚶 ~5 min from upper parking lot
⛴ Ferry required: Fauntleroy (Seattle) / Point Defiance (Tacoma) / Southworth (Port Orchard)
⚠️ No public transit to the park — bus stops ~3 miles away
👨👩👧 Kid-friendly — Point Robinson Lighthouse is a 5-min bonus walk
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）
🚗 Free street parking nearby 🚶
~2 min from street
⛴ No ferry needed
👨👩👧 Easy flat access — garden setting
Since you’re already in Portland, pair Ole Bolle with Salem’s cherry blossoms at the Oregon State Capitol or cherry blossoms in Lake Oswego.
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.
New for Fall 2026: Trolls: A Field Study (12 Temporary Trolls)
If six trolls aren’t enough, Thomas Dambo is unveiling 12 brand-new trolls for a limited-time exhibit called Trolls: A Field Study, hidden through the forests of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium near Tacoma. They’ll be on display October 15, 2026 – January 24, 2027, and are included with park admission.
Troll Hunting Meets Geocaching
How to get started
Head to nwtrolls.org and download the adventure app. New to geocaching? Think of it as a GPS-guided scavenger hunt — you use coordinates and clues to find hidden “caches” at each location. It’s completely free and works great for families, adding another layer of discovery to your troll visit.
Beyond the official app, the global Trollmap at trollmap.com lets you track every Dambo troll you’ve visited worldwide — a running log of your troll-hunting adventures across continents. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.
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.
And if you’re chasing more offbeat PNW stops, try the Dog Mountain wildflower hike or the last Blockbuster on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Thomas Dambo trolls are in the Pacific Northwest?
Six permanent trolls (the Way of the Bird King set), plus 12 temporary ones at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo from Oct 15, 2026 to Jan 24, 2027.
Where are the Seattle-area trolls?
Ballard (Frankie), West Seattle/Lincoln Park (Bruun Idun), Issaquah (Jakob), Bainbridge Island (Pia) and Vashon Island (Oscar); Ole Bolle lives in Portland.
Do I need a ferry to see them?
Yes for Pia (Bainbridge Island) and Oscar (Vashon Island). The other four are drive-up.
Can you see all six trolls in one day?
It is tight because of the two ferry rides — a relaxed 2-day plan works much better.
Are the trolls free to visit?
The six permanent trolls are free, outdoors, and open year-round. The fall-2026 Field Study exhibit is included with paid park admission.
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Taiwanese travel blogger based in the U.S. | Shh! Just Tell You
I work a 9-to-5 like most of us and write about travel after hours. Instead of racing through checklists, I prefer staying longer in one place. Everything on this blog comes from hotels I have actually stayed at, streets I have walked, and the honest research I do before every trip.
