Being outside with your littles communing in nature can be magical. Add in the mystery, giddy anticipation and energy generated when following a treasure map to find real live GIANTS in your midst – and that magic goes next level.
The 6 Forgotten Giants
An Open Air Sculpture Treasure Hunt
Danish artist Thomas Dambo and a merry crew of volunteers have hidden six epic sculptures in the woods south of Copenhagen. Who wouldn’t be merry while creating such magic? Thomas uses reclaimed and recycled wood to assemble the giants that you will find. And while they may not be breathing themselves, they will surely breathe life into your littles. And not so littles. Fun for all ages. And what joy to discover.
Last weekend, we set out to find some. We started in reverse order driving to the farthest one from Copenhagen first. You will need a car for this trip, or much more time. Only two of the giants live near each other. And while part of the fun is seeking and finding, admittedly the artist’s maps are really quite vague. I don’t want to ruin the fun and divulge all the secrets. But maybe offer just a few tips to start you on your own giant trek.
#6 Teddy Venlig | Teddy Friendly | Hakkemøsen in Høje Taastrup
Teddy is a perfect place to start. He was the easiest to find and a fun friendly giant. Set along the lake at Hakkemøsen in Høje Taastrup he offers his arm to help you across.
Hakkemøsen
Hakkemosevej 6, 2630 Taastrup
30-minute drive from central Copenhagen
At Hakkemøsen, park your car in the farthest parking lot, after you have entered the park. Take the trail towards the lake at the end of this parking lot. Follow the trail around to the right and curve around the lake. You should find Teddy waiting for you in under 5 minutes.
NOTE: Hakkemøsen park has a fun adventure course for kids, as well as fishing, camping and fire pits. You could make a day out of an adventure just here alone.
#5 THOMAS PÅ BJERGET | Thomas on the Mountain | Vallensbæk MOSE
Thomas was the most difficult to find, hiding on the backside of a hill in the Vallensbæk Mose. We had to ask a few fellow giant hunters for tips and finally found him lounging with his long legs stretched out down towards the valley below.
#4 LILLE TILDE | LITTLE TILDE | VALLENSBÆK MOSE
Little Tilde was a group favorite. What a sweetie with her not-so-little tail curling out behind her as she stands watch across the lake.
WHERE TO FIND THOMAS AND TILDE
Vallensbæk Mose
Rendsagervej 5, 2625 Vallensbæk
Take the Vallensbæk exit off Route 21 and then left onto Vallensbækvej. Follow it straight across to Rendsagervej and enter the parking lot for Spisetedet Mosen. Park here.
Vallensbæk Mose is beautiful and scenic setting with both paved and wooded paths. Grab food or slow down for lunch from the Spisestedet Mosen near the parking lot. Or maybe an ice cream reward once your hunting is done! No other options for food and water out in the park. Keep an eye out for baby geese and friendly goats.
SPOILER ALERT: Someone has geolocated Lille Tilde and Thomas on the Mountain on Google Maps for you.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Plan on an about an hour per giant. Especially if you don’t take the Google hints. It took our group with littles in tow about three hours to find Teddy, Tilde and Thomas. Take it slow, enjoy the journey.
WHAT TO BRING:
MAP: Your treasure map – x marks the spot.
WATER: Bring your own reusable bottle – no fountains on the trail.
GOOD SHOES: Make sure they’re sturdy, you’ll be walking over hill and yon.
A JACKET: Preferably waterproof, weather changes quickly in Denmark.
PICNIC: Or snacks for your seekers. Pack out what you don’t eat.
SMILES: Patience and a good attitude – some are quite tricky to track down.
Get out there and explore! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Next up: Oscar Under the Bridge, Sleeping Louis and Hilltop Trine. Stay tuned.
This post was featured on the Lonely Planet Kids Blog for May 2017 Family Travel roundup.
READ MORE: DAY OUT IN DENMARK FINDING GIANTS
Includes map for finding via bicycle and train
Or for more fun ideas to explore Denmark on a day out with or without your littles in tow, check out these posts:
FIVE EASY DAY TRIPS OUTSIDE COPENHAGEN
EXPLORE THE HISTORIC WHITE CLIFFS AND LOOK FOR DINOSAURS AT STEVNS KLINT
TOUR THE ROYAL RESIDENCE AND PRIVATE GARDENS AT FREDENSBORG PALACE
TAKE IN SCULPTURE AND ART BY THE SEA AT LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
How cool is this?! My son would have a kick out of this. I love reading about these little hidden gems (at least to me) on your blog 🙂
It is such a magical day out exploring especially with littles!
Oh my goodness. If I wasn’t already desperate to visit Copenhagen, this has made me even more so. Love, love LOVE it!
They are truly a magical day out – especially with littles in tow!
Such an awesome idea! I bet it’s a lot of fun for both kids and adults 🙂
It really was! Such joy and fun to let the kids be in charge to find!
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I am in awe of the brilliance of this. Art, imagination, nature, exploration… you have me wondering how we can squeeze this into our upcoming trip to Denmark. Awesome – thanks!! #FarawayFiles
I think you and your family would adore them! Could be a half-day trip south of Copenhagen – were you coming this way? Møns Klint could be added on as well? Beautiful white chalk cliffs to hunt for fossils and visit the nature center? Happy to advise if you need it! Cheers from Denmark, Erin
We’ll be based in Vejle for a week. 2hrs 15mins from the Giants – I’ve checked already ;o) But we may come over to Zealand for a night or two. Still planning (and SO much to see!). Thanks for the offer; I may get back to you on that!
In this crazy world we live in at the moment, it’s wonderful to know that some people still want to foster a spirit of adventure and fun. My favourite is Teddy and my kids would love him too!
His big beard and funny long arms are so charming!
what a fun way to spend a day! I’ve never seen anything like it:)
What a great idea! Treasure hunts are always fun (whatever age you are) and those giants themselves are so beautiful. I’ll have to see if we have anything similar locally now. #FarawayFiles
Thomas Dambo has created things the world over – many more temporary exhibits at festivals and the like. But maybe you might find another artist! I’d love to know!
Why? Who comes up with these ideas?! Doesnt matter, its awesome and I’m totally pinning this! #FarawayFiles
Thomas Dambo is super creative Danish artist who really believes in using recycled and reclaimed material for his works. He’s done a lot of cool stuff in Copenhagen and around the world!
That’s awesome!
This reminds me of my forest art adventure recently, how funny that we’ve both been exploring hidden art in forests. I LOVE these giants and would happily seek them out even without my kids.
I KNOW! I thought of you! What was the name of forest artist in France again?
How fun! I know my daughter would love doing this. #FarawayFiles
It is right up your alley – beautiful forested parks and giant seeking! What’s not to love?
These are so wonderfully whimsical and charming — I couldn’t help but smile when I looked at every picture. Really fun art project and a great day out. #farawayfiles
What a lovely idea! This sounds like such a fun adventure day. Looking forward to seeing the next three! 🙂
What a fab idea – I love trails like this which give you a fun reason to get out and explore new areas too. #farawayfiles
Yes! Because we don’t have a car – I wouldn’t have probably targeted these parks – so glad to have friends who do – such beautiful spots to discover!
What a fun day out! I think this would appeal to just about every age, as there is something so magical about finding these friendly giants in the forest! #farawayfiles
Brilliant, I would love to search for giants like geocaching but much much more fun! #FarawayFiles
I love the fact that the giants are all different – they look friendly not scary! My children would enjoy giant hunting they like the BFG so this is perfect for them. #FarawayFiles
How cool!!
I love outdoor sculpture parks, they’re such an awesome idea! This seems more of an adventure than most though if you have to go out of your way to seek them out! The Giants themselves are incredible – What a skilled artist!
Sounds like a really good outing for both adults and kids, I would love to do this kind of activity 🙂 Interesting! #farawayfiles
Love this! What a fun adventure. In Wellington, NZ, we have the studios where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit museums and creative workshops are – and they have giant statues of trolls outside – your hunt for the giants reminded me of this! #farawayfiles
That’s such a cool treasure hunt! And the giant sculptures are really neat! #farawayfiles
What a brilliant idea this is! I love everything about it. Who wouldn’t enjoy a magical trail through the woods searching for these wonderful creatures? Yet ANOTHER reason to visit Copenhagen! #FarawayFiles
What a unique way to spend the afternoon with the kids, just love it! #farawayfiles
These look fab #farawayfiles
Oh, what a fun treasure hunt – those giants are delightful!
Aren’t they cool! We were charmed and impressed!
Oh wow! This is so cool… Wish I lived closer – would have loved it. It somehow makes me think of the tree giants in Lord of the Rings ?
Me tooo!! There is one that has hair made from branches and that one would really look like LOTR!
???
You had me at ‘sculpture hunt’ really. I like the way there isn;t anything too explicit about where they are – although it’s good to be able to give in and cheat a bit if necessary! Very cool all round, and the sculptures themselves are fabulous.
We had a good time finding them and got a few tips from other seekers – the last one was quite tricky!
Love this! The giants look so cool. I would do this even without kiddos. 🙂
Of course! It’s definitely a fun day out for ALL ages! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Finding the giants looks like so much fun, what a great adventure!
#farawayfiles
Loving the sound of searching for these fantastic giants. The artist has a wonderful imagination. #FarawayFiles
He really does! And I love that they are all made from recycled or reclaimed wood! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
This looks like SO much fun! You get to explore and take in these beautiful sculptures as well. I’d love to hunt for giants!
It’s a great day out for sure! For all ages! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Any tips for the first 3 giants? We are here from St. Louis and going giant hunting tomorrow. They were one of the main reasons for this destination although we’ve enjoyed so many things in this area so far!!
Ooooh – sorry – we’re set to go seeking them in a few weeks – haven’t found them yet! Hope you find them! Have a great time!
I love trails like this. What beautiful giants – their faces are magical. Thanks for sharing this on #MondayEscapes
Aren’t they cool? What a brilliant artist and beautiful day out! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Being Denmark all the giants are within easy reach of an S tog station. You can take your bike for free on the train if you don’t want to walk to the start point. Embrace Denmark culture and leave your car at home.
Believe me Ros – we do embrace Denmark culture – we live car free here and take the S-togs everywhere. With little kids in tow, we felt like getting to and from the stations with bikes was going to be an added challenge and time. Also it was raining most of the morning we went out seeking. I think older kids could handle a bike sculpture hunt no problem! We did carpool with friends to help make the outing a little more sustainable. We’re off to find the next three this weekend – maybe we’ll try our bikes this go round! Cheers, Erin
Thank you for adding they are all easy reach from the S tog!
Gwen – check this second post with more tips on how to take the trains to find the giants… https://oregongirlaroundtheworld.com/copenhagen-2/day-out-in-denmark-finding-giants/ – enjoy!
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