Stærke Storm by Thomas Dambo

A giant troll at the edge of the forest

Stærke Storm appears suddenly between the trees near Ørnsø, a huge wooden troll frozen mid-stride as if he has just stepped out of a Nordic folktale. His long limbs, tilted head and expressive hands give him an almost lifelike presence, even though he is built from rough planks and offcuts. Set on the outskirts of Silkeborg, surrounded by mossy roots, birdsong and the scent of pine, he feels closely connected to the landscape rather than dropped into it. Despite his scale, there is an inviting softness to his features. Children clamber on his feet and legs, while adults walk around him, noticing the texture of the timber and the clever way small details suggest hair, muscles and movement. The contrast between his size and the quiet lakeside setting creates a sense of discovery, as if you have stumbled upon a gentle giant guarding the woods.

The art and ideas behind the troll

Stærke Storm is one of the giant troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is known for using recycled materials to create large-scale, story-driven works. The troll is built primarily from reclaimed wood, often old pallets and construction scraps, which are carefully shaped and layered to form a cohesive figure. Up close you can see the many different tones and grains of the boards, each with its previous life hinted at in nail holes or weathering. The sculpture forms part of Dambo’s wider troll universe, a loose network of characters scattered across Denmark and beyond. Many are connected by storylines about friendship, nature and humanity’s relationship with the environment. Stærke Storm is linked to a narrative called “The Journey to the Big Troll Party,” where trolls from different places set out on an adventure. The playful concept encourages visitors to see the artwork not only as an object, but as a character in an ongoing tale that continues in other locations.

Woodland setting by Ørnsø and Silkeborg Bad

The troll’s home is a pocket of forest near Ørnsø, just south of the historic art centre Silkeborg Bad. Paths weave through trees and along the water, with glimpses of the lake opening between trunks. On calm days the surface of Ørnsø reflects the sky and treeline, while ducks paddle close to the shore and leaves rustle overhead. This setting adds layers to the experience. The sculpture’s weathered wood echoes the bark of nearby trees, and the changing seasons alter the atmosphere around him—from fresh green undergrowth in spring to crunchy leaves in autumn and crisp air in winter. The proximity to Silkeborg’s art institutions also gives the area a creative feel; you can easily pair a visit to Stærke Storm with time among galleries, sculpture parks and lakeside walks.

A free, family-friendly art adventure

One of the appealing aspects of Stærke Storm is how informal the encounter feels. There is no ticket gate or fixed route; you simply follow paths until the giant comes into view. For families, it becomes a mini treasure hunt, often with children leading the way as they scan the forest for their first glimpse of wooden fingers or a huge foot. Because the sculpture can be approached from different angles, it invites repeat circuits and imaginative play. Some visitors sit nearby on logs or rocks to enjoy a snack, while others continue their walk around Ørnsø. The ground is typically natural forest floor—roots, soil and occasional mud—so sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially in wet weather. The visit itself can be as quick as a short detour or stretched into a longer outing combined with lakeside trails.

Respecting nature and the artwork

Although Stærke Storm is robust, he is still a wooden artwork living outdoors. The materials will gradually age with time, and part of the charm is watching how sun, rain and frost change his surfaces. Treating him gently helps extend his life: avoiding sharp objects, respecting any local signs about climbing, and staying on paths where possible to protect the surrounding vegetation. The sculpture subtly underlines the value of reused materials and the importance of looking after natural spaces. Leaving no litter, keeping noise modest and being considerate of others enjoying the quiet setting all contribute to the spirit of the place. In this way, each visitor becomes part of the troll’s story—one that connects creativity, reuse and a shared responsibility for the forest and lake he calls home.