Copenhagen: Six Forgotten Giant Sculptures Tour by Bus

The best part of this Copenhagen outing is that the art refuses to sit politely inside a museum. Thomas Dambo’s six giant trolls hide in fields, woods, and other out-of-the-way spots west of the city, so you get a playful treasure hunt and a look at Danish nature that many city visitors miss. The sculptures are made from scrap wood, with help from local volunteers.

I like the easy bus access and the way the route links all six giants in one afternoon. I also like the short walks: you get out into the countryside without spending the day on a serious hike. The possible drawback is the price, $135 per person, and the fact that much of the four hours is spent riding between stops. Some guests would also prefer more background on Dambo and the meaning of each sculpture.

Six giant trolls, one practical afternoon

• Six sculptures in four municipalities: The route reaches Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund, and Høje Taastrup.
• Scrap wood turned into public art: Each giant reflects Thomas Dambo’s focus on recycled materials, volunteer work, and art outside traditional galleries.
• Short walks to remote sites: The bus gets you close, but you still walk through fields and natural areas to find the sculptures.
• An English-speaking guide: The tour is guided in English, and Vinod has led the outing with a well-organized approach.
• Comfortable transport: The bus has Wi-Fi and chargers, useful during the longer rides between sites.
• A full four-hour route: You visit all six giants, take a brief break, and return to central Copenhagen.

Why this makes a good Copenhagen side trip

Copenhagen is easy to enjoy on foot, by bicycle, or from a canal boat. This tour offers something different. It takes you away from the compact city center and into the western municipalities of Zealand, where the six sculptures are spread across remote locations.

That distance is the main reason to consider a guided bus tour. Finding all six on your own would mean planning several separate stops, working out local transport or driving routes, and locating sculptures that are intentionally placed away from main attractions. The bus turns that puzzle into a single organized outing.

You still get the fun of searching. The giants are not presented one after another in a gallery. You leave the bus, follow a short route through a field or natural area, and uncover the sculpture. That small sense of discovery gives the day its character.

The project also has a worthwhile idea behind it. Dambo uses scrap wood and other discarded materials to create large public sculptures. Local volunteers helped with the six giants, and the work draws attention to places that might otherwise receive little notice. You are not only looking at oversized trolls. You are seeing how art can direct people toward overlooked corners of a city region.

Starting near Copenhagen Central Station

You meet at the CPH Tours & Tickets office, about two minutes from Copenhagen Central Station. That is a handy departure point, especially if you are staying in the center or arriving by train. The experience does not include hotel pickup, so plan to reach the office yourself.

The total duration is about four hours. The route includes bus rides of roughly 15 to 30 minutes between stops, with walking and guided visits mixed in. Since the sculptures are spread over a broad area, this is not a compact walking tour. Think of it as a countryside outing by minibus or coach, with several short art stops.

The transport received especially strong marks, and the bus includes Wi-Fi and chargers. You can also bring snacks for the ride. Those details matter because the schedule has several stretches on the road, particularly after the early visits and on the way back to Copenhagen.

Sleeping Louis begins the troll hunt

The first sculpture is Sleeping Louis, reached after about 30 minutes by bus. The visit lasts around 15 minutes and includes a guided introduction.

Starting with a sculpture called Sleeping Louis sets the tone nicely. You are looking for a giant figure in a place that does not feel like a standard sightseeing stop. The short visit gives you time to see the construction, take photographs, and get your bearings before the route moves on.

The first stop is also a reminder to wear shoes that can handle uneven ground. The tour description specifically notes walks through fields and remote areas. You do not need to prepare for a strenuous hike, but city shoes may be less comfortable if the ground is muddy or rough.

Hilltop Trine and the pleasure of the search

After about 15 minutes on the bus, you reach Hilltop Trine. The planned visit lasts about 20 minutes.

This is where the treasure-hunt idea becomes clearer. The sculptures are not simply placed beside a major road with a sign and a gift shop. You go looking for them, and the setting is part of the experience. The title Hilltop Trine suggests a raised position, though the supplied details do not specify the exact terrain or view, so it is best to expect a short outdoor walk rather than a formal lookout.

The guide helps keep the group moving in a sensible way. A well-organized leader is useful here because six stops in four hours leaves little room for confusion. Vinod is one guide praised for keeping the outing on time and arranging the visits efficiently, though your guide may be someone else.

Oscar Under the Bridge gets the longest early visit

Oscar Under the Bridge receives about 40 minutes, making it one of the longer stops. A bridge is an unusual setting for a public sculpture, and the location gives the stop a stronger sense of place than a simple roadside photo opportunity.

This is a good point to slow down. You have enough time to look at the sculpture from different angles and notice how the recycled timber has been assembled into a giant form. It is also a chance to appreciate the basic idea behind the project: an ordinary piece of infrastructure can become part of a playful art route.

The longer stop does not mean every minute is a formal talk. The schedule allows time for visiting, walking, photographs, and the guide’s explanation. If you like to examine construction details, this is one of the better opportunities.

A short break at Spisestedet Mosen

The group then makes a brief stop at Spisestedet Mosen for about 10 minutes. Food and drinks are not included, so do not count on this as a full meal stop.

Ten minutes is enough for a quick pause, but not enough for a leisurely restaurant visit. Bringing a snack is sensible, especially if you are traveling with children or tend to get hungry between meals. The bus allows snacks, which makes the short break easier to manage.

The pause also divides the tour into two parts. The first half includes Sleeping Louis, Hilltop Trine, and Oscar Under the Bridge. The second half brings three more giants before the return to Copenhagen.

Little Tilde and Thomas on the Mountain

Little Tilde comes next, with about 20 minutes at the site. Like the earlier stops, the appeal is the combination of sculpture and setting. You are not simply checking off a public artwork. You are walking into a natural area and finding a large handmade figure where you might not expect one.

The route then continues to Thomas on the Mountain, with about 40 minutes scheduled. This is another major stop, and the longer visit gives you room to take in the scale of the sculpture and its surroundings.

The project’s use of scrap wood is especially important at these larger figures. Dambo’s work includes wooden sculptures such as Hector Protector and Troels the Troll, along with pieces made from plastic and cardboard. The six sculptures on this tour focus on wood, and you can see how discarded material can become something bold, humorous, and public.

One useful expectation to set: the tour centers on seeing the sculptures, not on an extended art lecture. The guide gives context, but the amount of detail can vary. If you want a full account of Dambo’s career, materials, and the meaning behind every character, you may find the commentary lighter than hoped.

Teddy Friendly closes the circuit

The final sculpture is Friendly Teddy, also called Teddy Friendly by Thomas Dambo number 14. The visit lasts about 20 minutes.

Ending with Teddy Friendly gives you a final chance to walk outdoors before the bus heads back. By this point, you have seen six different sculptures in six different locations, and the contrast between settings is part of the payoff. The figures may share a playful troll-like spirit, but the places around them help make each stop feel distinct.

The bus ride back takes about 30 minutes. You return to the CPH Tours & Tickets office near Copenhagen Central Station, not to individual hotels.

What the $135 price really covers

At $135 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value comes from the logistics. You get an English-speaking guide, bus transportation, and a route connecting six scattered sculptures that would be awkward to reach in one efficient outing without your own vehicle.

I would consider the cost reasonable if you have limited time and want to see all six giants. Hiring a car, planning the route, locating each sculpture, and handling parking or directions would take effort. The tour removes that work and lets you focus on the art and the countryside.

The value is weaker if you only want one or two sculptures, dislike bus rides, or prefer to explore at your own pace. The four-hour schedule is tightly arranged, even though the tour does not feel rushed when it runs well. You should also remember that food and drinks are extra.

The booking terms offer useful flexibility. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the tour to families, first-time Copenhagen visitors, and anyone who likes public art with a sense of humor. The treasure-hunt format gives children a clear goal, while the short walks keep the outing manageable for people who do not want a demanding hike.

It also suits visitors who want to see more of Denmark than the historic center. You will spend time in the countryside around Copenhagen, not just among palaces, canals, and busy streets.

Art fans who enjoy recycling and community projects will get more from the tour than someone looking only for famous museum pieces. These sculptures are informal, large-scale, and designed to be found outdoors.

You may want to skip it if you need a slow schedule with long meals, dislike organized transport, or expect detailed academic commentary at every stop. The tour is about access, discovery, and the pleasure of the route.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for fields and natural paths. The walks are short, but the surfaces are not described as paved throughout.

Bring a small snack and water because the break is only about 10 minutes, and food and drinks are not included. The bus allows snacks, so you can eat during the ride if needed.

Arrive at the central meeting office with enough time to check in. The departure point is close to Copenhagen Central Station, but the tour does not collect you from your hotel.

Keep your phone charged for photographs. The bus has chargers, and Wi-Fi is available. If you are interested in the artist, you may also want to ask your guide directly about the materials, volunteer work, and meaning behind the individual sculptures. That can add depth if the standard commentary is brief.

Should you book the Six Forgotten Giants tour?

Book it if you want an easy way to see all six sculptures and enjoy a playful afternoon outside Copenhagen. The strongest reasons are the efficient bus route, the short walks, the unusual settings, and the chance to see Danish countryside that is easy to miss from the city center.

At $135, you are paying for convenience rather than luxury or a long museum-style lecture. If that trade feels right, this is a memorable and practical side trip. If you prefer independent exploration, you may find the fixed schedule and bus time less appealing.

FAQ

Where does the Six Forgotten Giants tour begin?

It begins at the CPH Tours & Tickets office, about two minutes from Copenhagen Central Station.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours, including bus travel, walks, sculpture visits, and a short break.

Which sculptures are included?

The route includes Sleeping Louis, Hilltop Trine, Oscar Under the Bridge, Little Tilde, Thomas on the Mountain, and Teddy Friendly.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Bus transportation between the sculpture sites and back to the meeting point is included.

Is a guide included?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at the central CPH Tours & Tickets office.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring snacks for the bus, and the itinerary includes a short break at Spisestedet Mosen.

Are the sculptures made from recycled materials?

Yes. The six giants were made from scrap wood with help from local volunteers. Thomas Dambo has also made sculptures from materials such as plastic and cardboard.

Can I cancel the tour?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.