Egholm Trolden – Pil Tusindtunge

A giant troll in a small Limfjord island

Pil Tusindtunge is a towering wooden troll tucked away on Egholm, a low-lying island just off Aalborg in the Limfjord. Created by Danish recycle-art artist Thomas Dambo and his team in 2020, the sculpture belongs to his series of hidden giants scattered across Denmark and beyond. Here, among grazing fields and coastal views, Pil feels less like an attraction and more like a friendly guardian of the island landscape. Built from reclaimed pallets and leftover construction wood, Pil sits relaxed on the ground, leaning around a broad tree stump. Weathered boards, chunky fingers and an expressive face give the troll a surprising warmth, as if it has just paused mid-story to listen to the wind in the willows.

The story and symbolism of Pil Tusindtunge

The name “Pil Tusindtunge” roughly means “Pil of a thousand tongues”, a nod to the figure’s mythical ability to speak with both humans and nature. Local lore around the artwork imagines Pil collecting small stones marked with wishes during the day, then whispering with birds, trees and waves at night. The concept plays into Dambo’s recurring themes: reconnecting people with the outdoors, sparking childlike curiosity and highlighting how discarded materials can be reborn as storytelling sculptures. Around Pil, you will often find smooth white stones resting in the stump the troll embraces. Guests are encouraged to write a wish or a name and leave it there, contributing to an ever-changing mosaic of tiny personal stories that remain long after the visit.

Woodland clearings, fire ring and island atmosphere

Pil’s home is a sheltered clearing near Vejlegårds Skov, a privately owned woodland at the heart of Egholm. The approach leads you along simple farm tracks and paths where you share space with birdsong, hedgerows and open skies rather than traffic. Beside the sculpture, a large communal fire ring and rustic seating define the space as a natural gathering spot, ideal for a snack break or quiet rest before you continue walking the island. The surrounding scenery is characteristically North Jutland: low fields, grazing cattle, and distant views to Aalborg’s skyline across the Limfjord. Because Egholm is compact and largely rural, the sounds that frame your time with Pil are likely to be wind, leaves, and the occasional ferry horn drifting over the water.

A gentle treasure hunt for all ages

Reaching Pil naturally turns into a soft adventure. Many visitors combine the sculpture with the island’s circular walking route, which loops around beaches, salt meadows and viewpoints. The troll can act as a highlight or mid-way goal on a half- or full-day ramble. The paths are mostly flat but can be muddy or uneven after rain, so footwear suited to countryside trails is recommended. Children in particular are drawn to the sheer scale of the troll: hands big enough to sit on, knees to climb and a face that invites countless photos. Adults tend to linger, using the stop to explore the clearing, inspect the carpentry details and enjoy the slow pace that Egholm encourages.

Art, sustainability and the spirit of Egholm

Pil Tusindtunge fits neatly into Egholm’s identity as an island of low-impact outdoor experiences. The sculpture’s recycled materials highlight waste reduction and creative reuse, while its placement encourages exploring the island on foot rather than by car. Combined with birdlife, coastal nature and small-scale local farming, the troll adds a layer of contemporary culture to a traditional rural setting. For many, the real magic lies in the blend: a modern piece of environmental art, a tiny Limfjord island and a simple ritual of leaving a stone and a wish. Pil Tusindtunge is less about ticking off a sight and more about taking time to be present in nature, with a wooden giant as your quiet companion.