Day Out in Denmark Finding Giants

An Open-Air Sculpture Hunt for Giants
SUSTAINABLE SUMMER FUN OUTSIDE COPENHAGEN

Looking for a fabulous way to spend a day exploring the countryside around Copenhagen? Let’s go looking for giants! Danish artist Thomas Dambo has hidden 6 Forgotten Giants in green spaces southwest of the city.

Most are hidden within one to two kilometers from a train station making it possible to ride your bicycle to your treasure hunt. We rented an electric car and carpooled with friends for the day as we wanted to bring along our portable grill, pølsers and picnic provisions.

With littles in tow, we found that targeting three giants made for a perfect half-day outing. We had plenty of time to seek and to find and play along the way. We stopped mid-hunt to grill hot dogs and roast marshmallows and play football. With children ranging in ages from 5 to 11, our day out tracking down these friendly beasts took us about 4-5 hours with a planned picnic in the middle.

Don’t have a car? Just visiting Copenhagen? Rent a bicycle and follow the map below. You can take your bike right on the S-trains. This route starts at Copenhagen’s Central Station but can start anywhere and jump in at any stop.

MAP KEY:
RED = S-tog or S-trains
BLUE = Bicycle routes between
GREEN = The 6 Forgotten Giants

#1 Sovende Louis | Sleeping Louis | Rødovre

Closest to Copenhagen, Sleepy Louis lounges lazily waiting for you to wake him. He is the only giant that you can crawl right inside. But beware – he might wake at any moment!

TRAIN: Take B-line towards Høje Tåstrup
STOP: Brøndbyøster Station
DISTANCE TO GIANT: 1.4 km
PARKING: Take first left after Absalon Camping, park at left end of lot.

TIP: Follow the paved path past fitness station. Look for a trail up towards your left after the bend.

I have a big bunch of siblings, but we are hidden from people. They call us The Forgotten Giants. My sister Trine sits in Avedøre. In the field behind the hill where there are sheep and cows.”
#2 Bakke top Trine | Hilltop Trine | Quark Naturcenter in Hvidovre

Hilltop Trine is huge. She leans against a hillock in Hvidovre with an outstretched hand waiting to hold you. Her size makes your littles look Lilleputian by contrast. This is a perfect place for a picnic if it pleases your people. A fire pit for roasting pølsers or marshmallows is available. Enjoy at nearby picnic tables or play in the shelters. Bring your own supplies.

BIKE: There is no direct train connection to Hilltop Trine. Take the easy flat bike ride, nearly a straight between the 2 giants.
DISTANCE BETWEEN GIANTS: 5.3 km
PARKING: From Byvej turn right into Filmbyen. Park on the left before fences, walk down path along the field to the Naturcenter.

TIP: Trine hides on the back of the hill behind the chicken coops. To reserve the shelters and get a key for the toilets – reserve ahead with Quark Naturcenter. (As of 21st June, all slots for the summer are booked.)

#3 OSCAR UNDER BROEN | Oscar under the Bridge | Ishøj Strand

Say goodbye to Trine and get on your bike towards the Avedøre Station. Hop on the A-line train here towards Sølrod Strand and pop off at Ishøj. Oscar hides under the bridge near the beach. Carefully climb down and find him hanging out by the water. Cool off in the surf at the beach or grab an ice cream or ice coffee at Ka’nalu Café right at Ishøj Strandpark.

TRAIN: Take A-line towards Sølrod Strand Station
STOP: Get on Avedøre Station, get off Ishøj Station.
DISTANCE FROM GIANT: 1.8 km
PARKING: If driving, park car at Ishøj Strand.

TIP: Walk towards playground and café and continue down the path until the first bridge. Take a right and look under.

Want to really go for it and catch all 6 in one day? You can do it! It is about 5 km from Oscar to the Vallensbæk Mose where you can find Lille Tilde and Thomas on the Mountain. See more about these magical giants and meet Teddy Friendly here on our first day out.

Found some yourself? Who is your favorite? I think I love Trine and Tilde the best. Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin

Day out In Denmark Finding Giants | Oregon Girl Around the World

Oregon Girl Around the World
Looking for Giants | A Day out in Denmark Seeking the 6 Forgotten Giants | A Public Sculpture Treasure Hunt by artist Thomas Dambo | via Oregon Girl Around the World

Let’s go Hunting for Giants in Denmark

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.

THE 6 FORGOTTEN GIANTS | Map from ThomasDambo.com

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.

Looking for Giants | A Day out in Denmark Seeking the 6 Forgotten Giants | A Public Sculpture Treasure Hunt by artist Thomas Dambo | via Oregon Girl Around the World

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

 

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