Vild Emil by Thomas Dambo, Tinkerdal Skov
A giant wooden troll napping in a forest nest, Vild Emil turns orderly Tinkerdal Skov into a playful treasure hunt of art, nature and imagination near Holstebro.
Hidden among the straight-planted spruce of Tinkerdal Skov near Holstebro, **Vild Emil** is one of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s giant recycled-wood trolls. Half-napping in a nest of branches, the 2-by-7-metre figure invites a playful forest quest for families, walkers and photographers. Blending fairy-tale fantasy with environmental art, this free outdoor installation turns a quiet plantation into a whimsical treasure hunt and a gentle reminder about reusing materials.
A brief summary to Vild Emil af Thomas Dambo
- Viborgvej 290, Holstebro, 7500, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; forest paths can be muddy, rooty and slippery after rain, especially around the troll’s nest.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people in your photos around the sculpture.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no on-site cafés; treat it as a small forest outing rather than a serviced attraction.
- Remind children that Vild Emil is made of wood and screws; climbing gently on the lower parts is usually fine, but avoid rough play that could damage the artwork.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from central Holstebro
Driving from central Holstebro to Tinkerdal Skov typically takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. There is usually free parking near the forest access used for visiting Vild Emil, though spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and school holidays. Fuel is the only cost for most visitors, making this the most flexible option for families and those bringing picnics or extra clothing.
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Local bus plus short walk
Regional buses from Holstebro towards villages west or south of town can drop you within a few kilometres of Tinkerdal Skov in around 20–30 minutes, with adult tickets often in the range of 20–35 DKK one way. From the nearest stop, expect a walk on minor roads and forest tracks, which may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs or prams, especially in wet weather. Services run less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so check times in advance.
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Cycling from Holstebro area
Cycling from central Holstebro to the forest takes roughly 30–45 minutes each way at a moderate pace, using a mix of local roads and cycle-friendly routes typical for the region. This low-cost option suits active visitors and older children comfortable with road cycling. Surfaces are mostly paved until you reach the forest tracks, which can be uneven, so front lights and reflective gear are useful in low light or shoulder seasons.
Vild Emil af Thomas Dambo location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Vild Emil af Thomas Dambo
A sleeping giant in a regimented forest
Vild Emil lies dozing in the middle of Tinkerdal Skov, a commercial-style forest where the trees stand in neat, almost military rows. The contrast is deliberate: this wild-looking troll, with his long limbs and tousled features, interrupts the order of the plantation like a playful secret. Measuring roughly two metres high and seven metres long, he feels impressively large when you finally step into his clearing. Created from reclaimed wood and branches, Emil curls up in a nest of spruce trunks and twigs. From some angles you only glimpse a hand, a foot or part of his face through the trees, which makes finding him feel like stumbling upon a creature from a Nordic folktale. Children scramble onto his arms and adults circle slowly, taking in the textures of weathered planks and twisted roots.Thomas Dambo’s world of trolls and trash
Vild Emil is part of artist Thomas Dambo’s ever-growing family of giant trolls scattered across Denmark and around the world. Built mainly from recycled pallets, scrap wood and storm-felled branches, they are designed as both sculptures and storytelling tools, encouraging visitors to see discarded materials as something with new life. In Tinkerdal, Emil’s body is a collage of uneven boards, visible screws and patchwork patterns that celebrate imperfection. Local volunteers helped assemble the troll on site, turning the project into a community effort rather than a simple art commission. Municipal support and local foundations backed the build, underscoring how strongly this kind of accessible, free culture is woven into the region’s identity. Each troll has its own story, and here the tale plays with the idea of wilderness in a forest that is anything but wild on paper.The tale of a troll and a tamed landscape
In the story behind Vild Emil, the forest is carefully planted in straight lines, with little room for chaos or surprise. For a free-spirited troll, that kind of order feels unnatural. Emil’s response is to carve out a nest of branches where he can rest, dream and reclaim a corner of the forest for wildness. The sculpture becomes a gentle, humorous critique of how landscapes are managed and shaped. As you walk between the trunks, the narrative starts to feel tangible. The ground is soft with needles, light filters through the spruce canopy in narrow beams, and then the troll suddenly appears—big, barefoot and blissfully asleep. It is easy to imagine him waking after dark, stretching his wooden limbs and padding quietly between the rows of trees.A forest adventure for all ages
Reaching Vild Emil involves a short walk on forest tracks, which is part of the fun. Families turn it into a treasure hunt, following paths and peering between tree lines until the troll reveals himself. The approach is generally gentle, making it suitable for most visitors with basic mobility, though roots, mud and uneven surfaces are part of the experience after rain. Once at the sculpture, people linger. Some sit on the edge of Emil’s nest, others pose for imaginative photos, framing the troll’s expressive face or his enormous hands. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried; there is no ticket booth or fence, just the sense of being a guest in a shared woodland playground.Light, seasons and the changing mood of the woods
The character of Vild Emil shifts subtly with the seasons. In summer, the forest feels lush and green, with birdsong and the resin scent of spruce hanging in the warm air. In autumn, fallen needles and mist give the scene a more mysterious, almost cinematic tone. Winter’s low light throws strong shadows across the troll’s body, highlighting the geometry of his wooden panels. Early in the day or towards evening, when the forest is quiet, the sculpture can feel surprisingly intimate despite its size. You become aware of small details: the grain of different boards, the way branches weave into the nest, the playful tilt of Emil’s head. Tinkerdal Skov is not a dramatic wilderness, but this single artwork transforms it into a place where imagination and nature meet in a simple, memorable way.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Solo Female Friendly