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The Creator: Thomas Dambo from Denmark
The creator of these beautiful sculptures is Thomas Dambo from Denmark. The trolls are inspired by Scandinavian folklore, where they watch over the forest. They even remind me of the movie “The Lorax,” based on the children's book by Dr Seuss, which teaches kids to take care of the trees and be kind to our planet. Similarly, the trolls protect the forest and all the life within it. It’s such a magical tale that takes me back to my childhood days, when I would climb trees, and my Mama would tell me to be careful, as I might step on a fairy or a dwarf.
The Stand
The Stand
Thomas Dambo uses scrap wood and pallets to create sculptures that stand 15 to 20 feet tall, or 4 to 6 meters high. These "Guardians of Nature" or "Forest Protectors" are here to demonstrate the power of recycling—turning someone’s trash into treasure—and to encourage a greater appreciation for nature and the protection of our planet. We only have one Earth, and we and the future generations need to safeguard it. It’s such a powerful mission, and I admire his stance. I'm trying to share this with my little ones, as they are the future.
Yes, the wooden troll sculptures are free for the public to see.
How to Reach The Trolls
How Many Trolls Are in the Northwest
There are six trolls in total, with five located in the greater Seattle area of Washington and one in Portland, Oregon.
List of Thomas Dambo Trolls in Washington State
The Farthest One: A Long Drive from Washington
Ole Bolle Troll is one of six enchanting trolls found in the northwest. We're going to set up a date to visit this guy. It's going to be a drive, and I've never been to Oregon, so it's the perfect place—another state, another troll. I've also heard there are so many great hikes in Oregon. I can't wait to go soon!
Where to Find Thomas Dambo Trolls in the Northwest
The Hunt Begins Here...
Troll Hunting in Seattle, Washington with Little Kids
1. Pia the Peacekeeper on Bainbridge Island
How to Find Pia the Peacekeeper
Pia the Peacekeeper was the first troll we saw when we visited Bainbridge Island during my little one’s birthday. We had already celebrated his birthday in Vancouver, Canada, so this was like a mini adventure birthday celebration for the family. You can either take the ferry or drive to Bainbridge Island. Since we’re coming from Kitsap County, driving to Bainbridge Island was the best option.
Hi Life
For lunch, check out Hi Life. They have huge, amazing poke bento boxes you can share between two people. We also ordered the salmon poke, which was good, but I realized I prefer my salmon unseasoned—just a personal preference. The creamy ramen was delicious, and my little one loved it! It's less than a 10-minute drive from Sakai Park and within walking distance of the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.
2. Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King
How to Find Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King
Southworth Ferry Terminal to Fauntleroy
For the second troll-hunting adventure, we headed to West Seattle to see two trolls: Bruun Idun in Lincoln Park, and 30 minutes away, Frankie Feetsplinters, located just outside the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.
The easiest and fastest way to get there is by taking the ferry to Seattle, as we came from Kitsap County. We took the Southworth Ferry Terminal, with routes to Fauntleroy or Vashon Island. We paid $15.40 USD, which included the car, two adults, and little kids under 5 years old for a one-way trip.
We started late and took the ferry around 12 noon, with a travel time of 45 minutes, so we arrived at Lincoln Park around 1 p.m. A great thing about Lincoln Park is that it's close to the ferry terminal.
From Lincoln Park, we had to walk about 15–20 minutes inside the park to reach the troll. It’s a paved path, so you can even bring a stroller for the little kids. We didn’t do this, as we thought it would be closer like the troll “Pia the Peacekeeper”, so Saul had to carry our 1-year-old all the way to see the troll, which was exhausting as he is getting heavier now.
The walk started on a dirt path and was beautiful. The park is lined with tall trees, and the playground with the orca made it even better. After troll hunting, my little man played there and had so much fun with the other kids. He loved the seesaw and the swing!
Then we took the stairs down; there’s also a ramp for the stroller. The paved road started here, with the water within reach, lined with driftwood. It was such a beautiful and relaxing walk with the family. There was a crowd since we went on a weekend, but everyone had enough space to move around. The wind started to pick up halfway to the troll's location, and the breeze was really cold for the little ones. Bringing layers and a stroller would have kept the youngest one in the group warmer, but he made it with all smiles.
"Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King" was worth the walk! Bruun Idun was playing her flute, and the breeze created a humming sound that made it feel as if she were truly playing music for you. I wish Lincoln Park were closer to home so we could visit this place more often.
Clue: The Birdhouses!
I’ve also noticed some birdhouses. If you see these, then you’re on the right track to find the trolls. This one was in Lincoln Park, in the parking area. It turns out the birdhouses were Thomas Dambo’s first big recycled public sculptural project. He has even made 5,000 pieces, and the cute thing is, he’s still putting up birdhouses today.
3. Frankie Feetsplinters
Enjoy the Troll Hunting Adventure
We’re down to three, with two more to go in Washington State, then it’s a long drive to Oregon! We hope to see them all this year. Some people do it in one day, but with our little ones, it’s not that much fun doing it that fast, as they want to explore and take it easy, so we’re taking our time. It’s nice to see the park where it’s situated and look around town afterwards for something to eat or find a hidden gem. Go at your own pace and enjoy the hunt; besides, the artist wants us to enjoy it and see the wonders of nature.
This is an amazing and unique adventure with your family: hunting for Seattle's magical trolls and discovering all six massive sculptures made from recycled wood located in the Northwest. We’re so lucky all five are here in Seattle! Let's see them all before they disappear!
The Troll Hunting Adventure requires a bit of driving, along with some ferry rides. The artist places the large wooden trolls in the parks, which is nice because you get to walk and see some trees, and there it is—the magical troll!
How Many Trolls Are in the Northwest
There are six trolls in total, with five located in the greater Seattle area of Washington and one in Portland, Oregon.
List of Thomas Dambo Trolls in Washington State
- Frankie Feetsplinters: Located outside the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.
- Bruun Idun: Found in Lincoln Park, West Seattle.
- Pia the Peacekeeper: Situated in Sakai Park on Bainbridge Island.
- Oscar the Bird King: Positioned at Point Robinson Park on Vashon Island.
- Jakob Two Trees: Located along the Rainier Trail near the Issaquah Community Center.
The Farthest One: A Long Drive from Washington
- Ole Bolle: Located in the Nordic Northwest, Portland, Oregon.
Ole Bolle Troll is one of six enchanting trolls found in the northwest. We're going to set up a date to visit this guy. It's going to be a drive, and I've never been to Oregon, so it's the perfect place—another state, another troll. I've also heard there are so many great hikes in Oregon. I can't wait to go soon!
Where to Find Thomas Dambo Trolls in the Northwest
The Hunt Begins Here...
Pia the Peacekeeper
Troll Hunting in Seattle, Washington with Little Kids
1. Pia the Peacekeeper on Bainbridge Island
How to Find Pia the Peacekeeper
- Sakai Park
- Address: 1560 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Free Parking
From the Sakai Park parking area, Pia is just a short walk away—there's no need to hike, as it’s literally near the parking area. I wish it were farther, but this sculpture is huge, so I can’t imagine transporting it any farther. This is by far my favorite! The size is just spectacular and makes you feel small. It’s also the first troll we hunted as a family, so it's even more memorable. The best part of these public artworks by Thomas Dambo is that they're free!
Address: 220 Olympic Dr SE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
For lunch, check out Hi Life. They have huge, amazing poke bento boxes you can share between two people. We also ordered the salmon poke, which was good, but I realized I prefer my salmon unseasoned—just a personal preference. The creamy ramen was delicious, and my little one loved it! It's less than a 10-minute drive from Sakai Park and within walking distance of the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.
2. Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King
How to Find Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King
- Lincoln Park
- Address: 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136
- Free Parking
Southworth Ferry Terminal to Fauntleroy
For the second troll-hunting adventure, we headed to West Seattle to see two trolls: Bruun Idun in Lincoln Park, and 30 minutes away, Frankie Feetsplinters, located just outside the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.
The easiest and fastest way to get there is by taking the ferry to Seattle, as we came from Kitsap County. We took the Southworth Ferry Terminal, with routes to Fauntleroy or Vashon Island. We paid $15.40 USD, which included the car, two adults, and little kids under 5 years old for a one-way trip.
We started late and took the ferry around 12 noon, with a travel time of 45 minutes, so we arrived at Lincoln Park around 1 p.m. A great thing about Lincoln Park is that it's close to the ferry terminal.
From Lincoln Park, we had to walk about 15–20 minutes inside the park to reach the troll. It’s a paved path, so you can even bring a stroller for the little kids. We didn’t do this, as we thought it would be closer like the troll “Pia the Peacekeeper”, so Saul had to carry our 1-year-old all the way to see the troll, which was exhausting as he is getting heavier now.
The walk started on a dirt path and was beautiful. The park is lined with tall trees, and the playground with the orca made it even better. After troll hunting, my little man played there and had so much fun with the other kids. He loved the seesaw and the swing!
"Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King" was worth the walk! Bruun Idun was playing her flute, and the breeze created a humming sound that made it feel as if she were truly playing music for you. I wish Lincoln Park were closer to home so we could visit this place more often.
I’ve also noticed some birdhouses. If you see these, then you’re on the right track to find the trolls. This one was in Lincoln Park, in the parking area. It turns out the birdhouses were Thomas Dambo’s first big recycled public sculptural project. He has even made 5,000 pieces, and the cute thing is, he’s still putting up birdhouses today.
3. Frankie Feetsplinters
How to Find Frankie Feetsplinters
After seeing Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King, we did our Costco run, returning to reality for a few hours. It was great, as we got to embark on our mini-adventures while completing some errands, so we wouldn’t need to do them the next day—ahahaa. After going to Costco, we drove to visit Frankie Feetsplinters, which is conveniently located outside the National Nordic Museum in Ballard. It's only a 30-minute drive from Lincoln Park, where "Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King" is located.
There’s pay parking at the back of the museum if you’re planning to go inside. We didn’t have the time, as it was getting late and the little kids were tired. Fortunately, there’s a small parking spot right in front of the museum, so we parked there and walked our way to Frankie Feetsplinters. He stood in front of the museum like a guardian. To me, he looked like a child with mischievous eyes; one leg was stepping on a bench, making him appear even more like a toddler.
Outsider BBQ and Beer Garden
Address: 4010 NW Leary Wy, Seattle, WA 98107
If you’re looking for a place to eat, check out Outsider BBQ and Beer Garden, less than 10 minutes away from the museum, for some really good food. I love the ribs, especially with the mustard dip. Saul enjoyed the brisket, and our little one loved their play area. It’s nice that they care to entertain the kids while the grown-ups get some quality time to eat and relax. Note that there’s limited street parking. We were about to leave when we found one spot near the residential area.
Next Troll Hunting...
4. Oscar the Bird King
How to Find Oscar the Bird King
How to Find Jakob Two Trees
6. Ole Bolle
Until when will the Trolls be in Washington?
The Washington/Portland Trolls were set up in 2023 and are expected to remain until about 2026, but they might be around for up to 5 more years. It's already 2026, so I hope to see them all soon. Make sure to check them out before they disappear!
- National Nordic Museum
- Address: 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
- Street and Pay Parking
After seeing Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King, we did our Costco run, returning to reality for a few hours. It was great, as we got to embark on our mini-adventures while completing some errands, so we wouldn’t need to do them the next day—ahahaa. After going to Costco, we drove to visit Frankie Feetsplinters, which is conveniently located outside the National Nordic Museum in Ballard. It's only a 30-minute drive from Lincoln Park, where "Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird King" is located.
There’s pay parking at the back of the museum if you’re planning to go inside. We didn’t have the time, as it was getting late and the little kids were tired. Fortunately, there’s a small parking spot right in front of the museum, so we parked there and walked our way to Frankie Feetsplinters. He stood in front of the museum like a guardian. To me, he looked like a child with mischievous eyes; one leg was stepping on a bench, making him appear even more like a toddler.
Outsider BBQ and Beer Garden
Address: 4010 NW Leary Wy, Seattle, WA 98107
If you’re looking for a place to eat, check out Outsider BBQ and Beer Garden, less than 10 minutes away from the museum, for some really good food. I love the ribs, especially with the mustard dip. Saul enjoyed the brisket, and our little one loved their play area. It’s nice that they care to entertain the kids while the grown-ups get some quality time to eat and relax. Note that there’s limited street parking. We were about to leave when we found one spot near the residential area.
Next Troll Hunting...
4. Oscar the Bird King
- Point Robinson Park
- Address: 3705 SW Point Robinson Rd, Vashon, WA 98070
5. Jakob Two Trees
- Issaquah Community Center
- Address: 301 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA 98027
- Located along the Rainier Trail
6. Ole Bolle
How to Find Ole Bolle
- Nordic Northwest, Portland, Oregon
- Address: 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223
The Washington/Portland Trolls were set up in 2023 and are expected to remain until about 2026, but they might be around for up to 5 more years. It's already 2026, so I hope to see them all soon. Make sure to check them out before they disappear!
Enjoy the Troll Hunting Adventure
We’re down to three, with two more to go in Washington State, then it’s a long drive to Oregon! We hope to see them all this year. Some people do it in one day, but with our little ones, it’s not that much fun doing it that fast, as they want to explore and take it easy, so we’re taking our time. It’s nice to see the park where it’s situated and look around town afterwards for something to eat or find a hidden gem. Go at your own pace and enjoy the hunt; besides, the artist wants us to enjoy it and see the wonders of nature.
This is an amazing and unique adventure with your family: hunting for Seattle's magical trolls and discovering all six massive sculptures made from recycled wood located in the Northwest. We’re so lucky all five are here in Seattle! Let's see them all before they disappear!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Washington:
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
- For my next adventure, we’ll be exploring Singapore’s Flower Dome - Guinness World Record Holder for the Largest Glass Greenhouse!
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