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10 Giant Trolls Hiding in Forests, Lakes and Ruins

June 19, 2025
By Vidar

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Side-by-side photo of two large wooden troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo. On the left, a troll named Mama Rosa in Wauwatosa, USA holds glowing streetlamps at dusk, standing on a sandy path near a wooded area. On the right, a troll crouches beneath a bright patchwork tent made of colorful fabric in a forest, smiling with arms stretched wide.

Towering from forests, peeking out of lakes, or lounging beneath the stars — Thomas Dambo’s trolls have become some of the most beloved public sculptures on Earth. Built entirely from recycled wood and often hidden in remote landscapes, these sculptures invite both wonder and adventure. From Jutland’s woodland giants to a lakeside troll in Minnesota measuring 13 meters high, here are 10 of the most enchanting trolls you can find around the world.

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Large wooden troll sculpture with a long beard, sitting on the edge of a decaying brick building surrounded by dense green foliage in Boom, Belgium.

1. Troll Hannes — De Schorre, Boom, Belgium

Built into the corner of a crumbling brick structure, this giant troll appears mid-rest, its wooden limbs draped over the edge of the building. With a shaggy beard and deep-set eyes, it blends into the surrounding forest, as if emerging from the ruins.

Wooden troll sculpture sitting cross-legged in a desert landscape at night with arms raised toward a vivid Milky Way sky in Mandurah, Western Australia.

2. Santi Ikto — Mandurah, Western Australia

Captured with the Milky Way blazing above, this wooden troll sits cross-legged in the sand, arms outstretched in awe. The moment merges sculpture with sky, turning the nocturnal landscape into a scene of cosmic wonder.

Smiling troll sculpture crawling through a wooded area with braided hair and large hands, surrounded by greenery in Jutland, Denmark.

3. Helle Haltben — Jutland, Denmark

This wide-eyed troll crawls through a forest clearing, its playful grin and giant hands inviting visitors to come closer. With wooden braids and a necklace made from natural materials, it radiates childlike energy.

Wooden troll sculpture with wild spiky hair and open mouth, lunging forward and clutching a tree in a forest in Jutland, Denmark.

4. Jeppe Væktæppe — Jutland, Denmark

Hidden deep among trees, this troll grips a tree trunk with one hand, mid-lunge as if about to leap out from the undergrowth. Its spiky wooden hair and sharp expression give it a mischievous charm.

Large wooden troll kneeling beside a reflective lake surrounded by snowy trees in Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, USA.

5. Little Nis — Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, USA

Leaning down to touch the water’s surface, this snowy scene captures a moment of peaceful stillness. The troll appears curious and gentle, with frost lightly dusting its wooden frame and the surrounding trees.

Seated wooden troll sculpture holding a log structure with a large hanging bell, set among pine trees in Jutland, Denmark.

6. Lotte Lokkeklokke — Jutland, Denmark

Sitting comfortably with a massive bell at her side, this troll looks like a guardian of the forest. Shingled wood scales and long arms give her a sturdy, watchful presence.

Huge wooden troll sculpture partially submerged in water, forming a bridge with children walking across, located in Rendezvous Park, Wilson, Wyoming.

7. Mama Mimi — Wilson, Wyoming, USA

Stretching out across a pond, this troll doubles as a bridge — with children walking across her wooden limbs. With a thoughtful expression, she rests her chin on one hand while gazing at the water.

Tallest wooden troll sculpture, standing upright in a forest clearing and smiling down at a small child in red, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

8. Long Leif — Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, USA

Standing at 13 meters tall, Long Leif is the tallest troll ever made by Dambo. Towering above a child in red, this friendly giant smiles down with big ears and playful teeth, embodying both strength and joy.

Wooden troll crouching under a bright multicolored fabric tent held up between two trees in a forest in Jutland, Denmark.

9. Stifinder Stig — Jutland, Denmark

Crouched beneath a colorful patchwork tent held up by his outstretched arms, this troll looks like he’s inviting visitors into a secret hideaway. Bright fabrics and playful pose make it one of the most interactive trolls.

Large wooden troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo named Mama Rosa, standing at dusk on a sandy path holding glowing streetlamps, with forest trees and blue sky in Wauwatosa, USA.

10. Mama Rosa — Wauwatosa, USA

Standing on a sandy hill at dusk, this troll gently holds a bundle of glowing streetlamps. Her soft expression and warm light give her a welcoming presence as she watches over the landscape near the woods.

🌍 Want to find a troll near you? Explore them all on the official Troll Map.

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3 Comments

  1. Playing With Statues (+40 Photos) - STREET ART UTOPIA
    March 31, 2026

    […] More by Thomas Dambo: 10 Giant Trolls Hiding in Forests, Lakes and Ruins […]

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  2. I live about a mile from the troll in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I think it’s really cool! I just hope that it will not get vandalized or destroyed by a bunch of punk kids (who are now punk ADULTS!!) But the new park that Mama Rosa stands in is a great addition to the community!

    Reply
  3. 10 Giant Trolls Hiding in Forests, Lakes and Ruins – STREET ART UTOPIA | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News
    June 19, 2025

    […] Source: 10 Giant Trolls Hiding in Forests, Lakes and Ruins – STREET ART UTOPIA […]

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