When I moved to Seattle, I made sure I quickly visited the Fremont Troll – I mean it’s named in every Seattle book you read, and suggested in every travel guide. And then, we of course fell in love with the troll of the Seattle Kraken – Buoy!! Clearly, Seattle has a thing for trolls. And in 2023, with the help of Thomas Dambo, that became even more true.
When I learned about Thomas Dambo and his trolls all over the world, it quickly became my new obsession. One that I have just started to physically dive into. Dambo was commissioned to come to Seattle and build 6 NW Trolls. These impressive sculptures focus on environmental-sustainability, they are free to check out, they get you visiting many different areas that take you out in nature, and they are beyond beautiful! I thought they would be fun for me to see, but little did I know that my kids, my nieces, and our outdoor homeschool coops have all been just as thrilled to adventure to them as me! So, add it to your Seattle exploring list, my friends!
Let Me Tell You About Thomas Dambo…
Thomas Dambo is often called the world’s leading recycle artist. He has dedicated his time to creating iconic, larger-than-life Trolls, bringing a touch of magic and whimsy to forests and landscapes around the globe. These Trolls, inspired by Scandinavian folklore, embody the enchanting stories of creatures said to dwell atop mountains or deep within the woods.
The NW Trolls of Washington State
The six trolls can be found in Issaquah, West Seattle, Ballard, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and Portland, Oregon. I heard that these trolls is intended for the public to enjoy for at least three years, even though I sure hope they become permanent structures for many more years following that!
Jakob Two Trees (in Issaquah)
Jakob Two Trees is in Issaquah, and is the first troll that got me hooked! This is such a nice, and easy one to find, while still getting you out enjoying nature. It’s easy to park and walk just the shortest distance down a paved-path, making it stroller, bike, or wheelchair-friendly! This was the troll that made my niece say, “let’s see all of them!”
Bruun Idun (in West Seattle)
Our next troll adventure, took us to West Seattle. Feel free to stop at Zeek’s Pizza right by there to give you some energy. This one is a bit more of a “hike” to get to. It’s such a lovely way to see Lincoln Park. You can park at Parking Lot 2 and head down to the beach, about a mile…be warned that if it’s rained, the trek down can be very muddy. The other parking lot is paved and brings you right down to the water. Or you can do a combo of the two. Lincoln Park is picturesque in itself, and you can walk the water, swim at the outdoor pool in the summer, play at their very cool playground, and of course, look for Bruun Idun!
Frankie Feetsplinters (in Ballard)
Frankie Feetsplinters requires no hike at all, and is situated right outside the National Nordic Museum, so give yourself some time to look around and learn all about the Nordic Region and Nordic Immigration to the United States. If you want to top off your Ballard adventure with some ice cream, there’s Salt & Straw nearby, which is always a good idea!
Pia the Peacekeeper (on Bainbridge Island)
Pia the Peacekeeper is one I’ve yet to see, so as I’m writing this, you’re on this journey along with me! I love Bainbridge Island, so as soon as I can find another day to hop on the ferry, and go meet Pia the Peacekeeper, I certainly will!
Oscar the Bird King (on Vashon Island)
Oscar the Bird King will add two checks to my wish list, because not only have I not met Oscar, but I have also not been to Vashon Island. Again, it’s a ferry ride away, and is located at Point Robinson.
Ole-Bolle (in Portland, Oregon)
The last troll on the NW Troll list takes a bit more dedication, because it is not actually in Washington State. But, if you want to take the drive to the Tualatin Valley in Portland, you’ll get to see the Nordic Northwest Campus, and you’ll spot the troll path – park your car by the Nordia House. Then, you’ll get the chance to meet Ole-Bolle!
Happy Troll Spotting!