If you’re anything like me and can’t get enough of the outdoors – boots always ready by the door, always looking for the next trail – then you know there’s nothing better than just being out in nature.
A lot of the best spots don’t come with big attractions, and that’s exactly what makes them special. Most of us who love the wild prefer it that way.
Usually, when people try to add so-called “features” to these quiet places, it feels off – like they’re trying to fix something that was never broken.
But over the past year, I’ve really come to love one project that somehow gets it right. It’s by a Danish artist named Thomas Dambo.
For over a decade, he’s been creating sculptures and installations out of recycled materials – and instead of taking away from nature, his work actually adds something thoughtful to it.
It’s a playful, ongoing folklore project that’s led to more than 100 one-of-a-kind trolls popping up around the world. Since 2013, Thomas Dambo – who jokingly calls himself a “semi-good” artist – has been traveling from country to country, quietly building these giant sculptures out of recycled materials.
Here in the U.S., the trolls aren’t sticking to one place either. You’ll find them all over – from the rocky coast of Maine to the wide-open spaces of Washington, and even down in sunny Florida. They seem to fit in wherever they land.
And that’s not even scratching the surface; you’ll stumble upon these enchanting creatures in numerous other parts of the country as well. You can always check the map to see where the nearest trolls are located to you.
These trolls have a knack for playing hide-and-seek. They’ve got a fondness for the serene heart of forests, sometimes tucked away in fairly remote nooks.
On other occasions, it’s like a little troll family gathering in a picturesque park, as seen at the Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens, where you’ll stumble upon a handful of these whimsical creations scattered about.
At its core, this project serves multiple purposes.
Firstly, it acts as a charming lure, coaxing people out from behind screens and into the outdoors. As someone who frequently roams forests and mountains, it’s easy to overlook that for many, spending quality time in nature isn’t the norm.
For a significant chunk of the population, the great outdoors is a distant memory.
These artful attractions strategically placed in breathtaking locations serve as a call, enticing folks and encouraging them to rediscover nature, perhaps for the first time in ages. It’s a reminder of the beauty waiting just beyond our doors.
The grand idea here is that once these nature newcomers get their dose of the great outdoors, it sparks a newfound appreciation for our planet, stirring a collective sense of responsibility to safeguard our precious environment. It’s all about nurturing a love for the planet and igniting the spark of eco-consciousness.
Nearby attraction: Eartha: The World’s Largest Rotating and Revolving Globe
An added bonus to this endeavor is the ingenious use of recycled materials, which to me is the most physically impressive aspect of the entire thing.
These trolls come to life from an assortment of reclaimed treasures, often including discarded shipping pallets, surplus lumber, and locally sourced tree branches. It’s a striking showcase of creativity and resourcefulness.
Beyond their whimsical charm, these sculptures double as a lesson in eco-consciousness.
They’re a compelling reminder of the potential that lies in our waste, a reminder for us to think twice before tossing our trash. It’s a powerful message: what we consider waste might just be the building blocks of something beautiful and meaningful.
The inception of these projects often kicks off with some of the intricate components, like hands and feet, crafted in Denmark before embarking on their journey to the sculpture’s final destination.
Once on-site, it’s a collective effort, with a league of perhaps over a hundred dedicated volunteers who grab their powertools and roll up their sleeves to breathe life into these enchanting creations.
The timeline for this transformation can stretch over several weeks or months, varying based on the specific project’s scope and scale.
What really makes this whole process special is the way it brings people together. Locals often show up to help out, and folks from all over travel just to be part of it.
It’s less about just building a sculpture and more about building community – people working side by side, connecting over a shared love of art, nature, and doing something meaningful together.
For me, the first encounter with one of these trolls was in Breckenridge, Colorado. While scouting for interesting sights during our quick trip to the area, I stumbled upon the Breckenridge troll. It sounded like the perfect addition to a leisurely hike.
As I set eyes on the troll, I was captivated by the depth of its character. Its soulful presence was undeniable, and I couldn’t help but feel that it was part of something larger.
My hunch was spot on, as I soon uncovered the remarkable Thomas Dambo project. The network of trolls spanned across the United States, Europe, and even ventured into places as far-flung as South America and Asia.
It was a revelation to learn about the artist and his unique perspective on the intersection of trash, art, and community-building. It was like unearthing a hidden world of creativity and environmental consciousness, and I was instantly drawn into its orbit.
It’s a project that’s effortlessly endearing, especially when you’re in the presence of these sculptures for the first time. There’s an enchanting quality, a sort of magic, that photos just can’t capture. To truly grasp it, you have to be there, surrounded by a canopy of trees, immersed in the moment.
What really gets me is how these trolls manage to pull off something pretty rare – they actually feel like they belong in nature. That’s not easy. A lot of us are picky (in a good way) about what gets added to wild places, but these? People don’t just accept them – they love them.
It says a lot about how well they blend in. They’re not just sculptures; they tell a story and deepen your connection to the landscape around them.
The only downside? The crowds. These trolls have gotten popular enough that some sites have had to relocate or even close temporarily.
It’s not a knock on the artist – it’s more about the growing pains that come with success. Local communities are still figuring out how to handle the attention and keep the experience special for everyone.
That’s not an easy task. They have to think about how to tuck these things away into nature so that they are feeling a little bit hidden but at the same time not too far away. And they also need to think about how to deal with crowds so that they don’t ruin the experience for everyone especially those who are just trying to enjoy nature.
Fortunately, I’m confident that these issues will be ironed out with time.
So, for those in search of a unique and inspiring nature excursion, I highly recommend seeking out these larger-than-life trolls at various locations. It’s an opportunity to infuse your outdoor adventure with a touch of whimsy and wonder.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
