Discovering the magic
Awhile ago, I came across Thomas Dambo’s “Bernheim Forest Giants” on a hiking group I follow on Facebook. They looked so fun and interesting, I just had to take a trip to Kentucky to see them (only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from where I live in Indiana). Since then, I’ve learned there’s a whole world of Dambo Trolls just waiting to be discovered!
Dambo, an artist from Copenhagen, Denmark, describes himself as an environmentalist, recycling activist and inspiration. Through the trolls and their stories, he encourages people to get out into nature and embrace the world around them. I love it!
Dayton, Ohio
“The Troll that Hatched an Egg” | 3 trolls and a nest at the Aullwood Audubon park in Dayton, OH
👉🏼 LOCATION: 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton, OH 45414
[Click on images to enlarge]
For my birthday, I treated myself to a hike through Ohio’s Aullwood Audubon park. Being just a week before Christmas, the trees were bare, birds were scarce and the air had a crisp bite to it. But, with a knit beanie and a warm jacket, I met Bodil, Bo and Little Bibbi (as well as some other inhabitants of the park).
There is a $12 entrance fee to the park, available at the Gift Shop onsite. From there, map in hand, you can set out on the well-groomed trails, all well-marked to the next exhibit. Some of the trails are paved, others are dirt and rock. All are easy to traverse.
The troll path
- Start at the Aullwood Nature Center, winding your way first to the troll’s nest.
- From there, wander on to meet Little Bibbi (troll #85).
- Then down to the creek where Bo (troll #83) awaits.
- And finally through the Aullwood Farm to the spot on the trail where Bodil (troll #84) sits with his “egg.”
Visitors can choose to make the hike in the reverse order, starting at the Farm instead. Either way, it’s an out-and-back walk that totals a little more than 3 miles.
At the Farm, stop for a few minutes to say hello to the inquisitive horses living there. On a warmer day, the farm looks like a fun, family-friendly place to visit. There’s a welcome center, picnic area, children’s sustainable garden, and much more to explore.
Seattle, Washington
Pia the Peacekeeper, part of the “Way of the Bird King” series in the Pacific Northwest
👉🏼 LOCATION: 1560 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
While visiting Seattle, take a ferry across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Roughly 5 miles wide and 10 miles long, Bainbridge Island has a cute little downtown area filled with boutique shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and nearly 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
In Sakai Park, on Madison Ave N, lives Pia the Peacekeeper (troll #121), a quiet giant ready to wrap you in her grasp as she invites you to embrace the beauty of the park around her.
Portland, Oregon
Ole-Bolle, part of the “Way of the Bird King” series in the Pacific Northwest
👉🏼 LOCATION: 8800 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, OR 97223
Nordic Northwest is a nonprofit cultural center in Portland, Oregon, focused on celebrating the heritage and traditions of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. It’s no wonder then that one of Thomas Dambo’s famous trolls, Ole-Bolle (troll #120), lives here.
When we visited in July, Ole-Bolle was celebrating his birthday. Kids who’d recently visited the center decorated Ole-Bolle’s house with banners and drawings.
While taking a walk along the short path on the property, you might encounter some funny clay faces attached to the trees and a sweet little gnome standing guard over the trail.
When visiting Nordic Northwest, plan to take some time to explore the cultural center to learn more about nordic history and traditions, then stop into Broder Söder for brunch or lunch, Swedish style.
Clermont, Kentucky
“The Bernheim Forest Giants” | 3 trolls at the Bernheim Forest & Arboretum
👉🏼 LOCATION: 2075 Clermont Rd., Clermont, KY 40110
With more than 16,000 acres and 40 miles of trails, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is one of Kentucky’s treasures. The Bernheim Forest Giants might be what brings you to the preserve, but once there, you’ll definitely want to stay, explore and learn.
The park is open daily and entrance is free, but they do suggest a $15 donation per car for non-members coming to enjoy all the park has to offer.
- The trail to the trolls starts just outside Isaac’s Cafe where you can grab a snack made with produce from Bernheim’s own edible garden.
- From there, follow the giant yellow footprints first to Little Nis (troll #40) where he sits peering into Olmstead Pond.
- Across Big Prairie, you’ll arrive at the resting spot of Mama Loumari (troll #42) where kids can play and experience nature through the whimsy of the trolls’ story.
- Then finally to Little Elina (troll #41) near Lake Nevin.
In all, the paved walking trail is roughly a 2-mile round trip from the cafe to Little Elina and back.
Before planning a trip to the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, take some time to explore their website for help planning your visit. They offer classes, events, art, hiking, history and so much more!