Hans Hulehånd by Thomas Dambo: A Giant’s Tale in Urban Odense
Discover Hans Hulehånd, a towering recycled troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo—uniting public art, playful legends, and green values at the edge of Odense’s wetlands.
Hans Hulehånd is one of renowned artist Thomas Dambo’s magical wood trolls, hidden at the edge of Odense near sprawling wetlands. Crafted from recycled materials, this towering, whimsical figure captures hearts with its playful design, storytelling elements, and sustainable ethos. Set in a tranquil landscape, it invites visitors to engage with art, nature, and local legend all at once.
A brief summary to Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
- Østre Dæmning, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- 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
- Visit early in the morning for atmospheric light and fewer crowds—perfect for photos and peaceful moments.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as paths can be muddy, especially after rain.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the nearby wetlands; benches and scenic spots are close by.
- Be mindful of wildlife—birds and small mammals are common in this area.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Odense Zoo for a full family day out.
Getting There
-
Walking
From Odense’s historic center, it's a leisurely 20–30-minute walk to the outskirts where Hans Hulehånd resides. The stroll leads through cultural districts and alongside parklands before reaching the transition to open wetlands. The route is scenic and mostly level, with clear views of city landmarks fading into nature. The troll is situated near a serene waterway and easily recognized by families and local walkers; admission is free and no permits or tickets are required.
-
Public Transport
Regular city buses connect Odense Central Station with the residential neighborhoods near the wetlands. Disembark within a short walk of expansive green space, often signposted for the sculpture or nearby environmental center. Single-ride adult tickets are typically 24–30 DKK. After leaving the bus, follow the flow of local foot traffic toward the wetlands—Hans Hulehånd soon comes into view on the horizon.
-
Taxi
Taxis from central Odense reach the site in around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares generally range from 80–120 DKK one way. There is a modest parking area nearby, but it may fill on weekends or holidays—consider arranging for drop-off during busy times.
-
Driving
For those arriving by car, the approach winds through Odense’s suburbs before the landscape opens to marsh and meadow. Parking is free in designated lots near the wetlands. Arrive early or on weekdays for the best availability, as spaces are limited and popular with families and cyclists.
Discover more about Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fredens Kirke
2.7 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Banegårdspladsen
4.1 km
Denmark’s celebrated M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør fuses iconic modern architecture with engaging exhibits on seafaring, trade, and the maritime heart of the nation.
Odense St.
4.1 km
Discover Jægersborggade: Copenhagen's vibrant street blending art, fashion, and gastronomy in the heart of Nørrebro.
Andersen on the bench
4.2 km
Strike a pose with Hans Christian Andersen himself—this lifelike bronze statue in Odense invites you to sit, reflect, and celebrate Denmark’s storytelling legacy.
King's Garden
4.3 km
Lush, centuries-old park near Odense Castle offering tranquil landscaping, rich royal history, summer flower beds, and a vibrant local gathering spot in central Funen.
Saint Hans Church
4.3 km
A buzzing pedestrian street in Nørrebro, Jægersborggade blends Copenhagen’s creative edge with indie shops, urban gastronomy, and an atmosphere beloved by locals.
VILLE VAU
4.4 km
A world-class architectural landmark offering immersive exhibitions on Denmark’s maritime past and present, set in a dramatic underground dry dock by Kronborg Castle.
Oceania
4.6 km
Inside an innovative underground dry dock, the M/S Maritime Museum reveals Denmark’s seafaring past through interactive displays, family activities, and evocative architecture.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
4.7 km
Experience Denmark's storied seafaring legacy in a striking underground museum beside Kronborg Castle, with immersive exhibitions and architectural innovation.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
4.7 km
Slottsträdgården in Malmö is a sprawling organic garden beside Malmöhus Castle, blending nature, history, and local culture into one of Sweden’s most inviting city parks.
St. Canute's Cathedral
4.7 km
Discover Danish and Nordic art in a refined gallery space at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a landmark for modern and classical works in central Copenhagen.
visit
4.7 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Funen Opera
5.1 km
Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.
Munke Mose Park
5.3 km
Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.
TheDoorOdense
5.6 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sortehusene
2.6 km
Discover Hans Hulehånd, a whimsical giant troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo, hidden along Odense’s green embankments—a playful encounter with Danish folklore and eco art.
Thriges Kraftcentral
3.6 km
Discover the untamed beauty of Fyns Hoved, Funen’s northern peninsula, renowned for panoramic seascapes, glacial landscapes, rare birds, and wildflowers.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
3.8 km
A colorful outdoor mural in Odense honoring fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, vividly celebrating the city’s storytelling legacy through public art.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
4.0 km
Gothic grandeur in the heart of Odense, where royal history, Danish legends, and spiritual architecture converge at St. Canute’s Cathedral.
Carl Nielsen Museum
4.1 km
Denmark’s only Viking ship burial, Ladby blends atmospheric history, hands-on exhibits, fjord views, and immersive storytelling for a truly unique Funen adventure.
TIME - Museum for Odense
4.2 km
Discover The Maiden Jump in Odense: A harmonious blend of history and art, offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's cultural heritage.
Blackfriars Square
4.3 km
Explore Funen's WWII history at Besættelsesmuseum Fyn, housed in an authentic German bunker with exhibits on the occupation and resistance.
Museum Odense
4.3 km
Discover Hans Hulehånd, Thomas Dambo’s iconic recycled-wood troll sculpture, blending Danish folklore, environmental art, and hidden adventure in the heart of Odense.
The City's Bridge
4.3 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
Odense Comediehuus
4.3 km
A charming 18th-century comedy house in central Odense, offering intimate theatre experiences, improv, and a glimpse into Denmark’s local performing arts scene.
H. C. Andersens House
4.3 km
Odense Cathedral, or St. Canute’s Church, is a majestic Gothic landmark that tells Denmark’s royal and spiritual story from the city’s historic heart.
Odense Castle
4.3 km
Step into Denmark’s Gothic heart at Odense Cathedral—site of St. Canute’s martyrdom, renowned Renaissance art, and centuries of royal and religious history.
Kramboden i Odense
4.4 km
Gothic grandeur and royal history meet in the heart of Odense at St. Canute's Cathedral, a landmark of spiritual and architectural significance on Funen.
Washing Site at Odense River
4.5 km
Discover Hans Hulehånd, a monumental wooden troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden among Odense’s greenery—where street art, folklore, and Danish nature come together for all ages.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
4.5 km
Discover Thomas Dambo’s eco-friendly giant troll, Hans Hulehånd, hidden along Odense’s scenic canal—blending public art, folklore, and a touch of adventure for all ages.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
3.5 km
Experience exquisite flavors at Restaurant Sezer in Odense – where culinary artistry meets local tradition.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
3.6 km
Danish heritage dining at the lakeside edge of Odense, offering timeless cuisine and panoramic woodland views in a historic, inviting atmosphere.
Restaurant Aro
3.6 km
Award-winning fine dining in Odense, Restaurant Aro delivers inventive Nordic cuisine, local produce, and innovative tasting menus in a stylish, industrial-chic setting.
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
3.8 km
Experience the best of Nordic cuisine at Restaurant Nordatlanten in Odense - where tradition meets innovation.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
4.3 km
Restaurant Under Lindetræet in Odense offers acclaimed Danish gourmet dining amidst historic settings and fairy tale charm, blending tradition with modern Nordic cuisine.
Grønttorvet
4.3 km
Classic Danish cuisine and warm hospitality await at Grønttorvet, a beloved restaurant on Odense's historic main square in the heart of Funen.
Brasserie Bordeaux
4.4 km
Discover Brasserie Bordeaux in Odense - where French culinary elegance meets Danish hospitality in an unforgettable dining experience.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
4.4 km
Savor contemporary Nordic cuisine in a historic 16th-century courtyard at Odense’s acclaimed Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard, blending local flavor with heritage ambiance.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
4.4 km
Centuries-old Danish restaurant in Odense, delighting guests with authentic cuisine, timber-framed ambiance, and stories from Funen’s past in the city’s heart.
Restaurant Ribelli
4.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Odense at Restaurant Ribelli - where tradition meets local flavors.
Ryan's of Odense
4.5 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Restaurant Mam
4.5 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Mam in Odense - where every meal is a celebration of taste and tradition.
Bar Tapas
4.5 km
Contemporary Spanish tapas and vibrant social dining just steps from Odense Central Station, blending Danish hygge with Mediterranean flair.
Den Lille Smalle
4.6 km
Experience Odense’s contemporary Nordic café culture with creative brunch, expertly brewed coffee, and a welcoming vibe at Den Lille Smalle in the city’s heart.
Restaurant Bacchus
4.6 km
Discover the exquisite taste of France at Restaurant Bacchus in Odense C – where culinary artistry meets delightful ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
3.3 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired furniture and décor at Hipstory Showroom Odense, where past meets present in design excellence.
Look At This
4.0 km
Discover unique Danish fashion at Look At This, Odense's premier boutique for sustainable and locally designed apparel.
Magasin Odense
4.7 km
A landmark Danish department store blending Scandinavian design, local charm, and gourmet food in central Odense—ideal for browsing, shopping, or soaking up urban style.
Bohemian Wonders
6.0 km
Discover unique, ethically sourced vintage fashion at Bohemian Wonders in Odense.
Skovsted Nyborg
24.0 km
Discover Skovsted Nyborg: Nyborg's premier toy store offering a curated selection of classic and modern toys for all ages.
Pyre Studio
27.0 km
Discover Danish fashion at Pyre Studio, Nyborg's premier boutique for unique and stylish apparel.
Tippy
27.2 km
Discover contemporary women's fashion at Tippy, a boutique nestled in Nyborg's historic center.
Gen&Brug Nyborg
27.2 km
Gen&Brug Nyborg is a vibrant second-hand shop offering preloved treasures, Danish design finds, and a warm, sustainable shopping experience in central Nyborg.
DesignKnap
27.4 km
Discover contemporary Scandinavian fashion at DesignKnap, Nyborg's premier clothing boutique.
Sprogø
36.7 km
Sprogø is a windswept, storied Danish island in the Great Belt, offering rare guided visits to its lighthouse, wild landscapes, and hauntingly historic past.
Høkildegård
42.5 km
Experience South Funen’s flavors at Høkildegård, a beloved farm shop offering seasonal produce, homemade jams, and an authentic taste of Danish rural life.
Samsø Gårdbutik Svanegården
42.7 km
Experience the heart of Samsø at Svanegården, where local produce, handmade crafts, and the timeless charm of Danish island farm life come together in one idyllic countryside setting.
Eskehus Samsø
43.7 km
Eclectic art gallery and creative hub in Brundby, Samsø, where local artists and visitors mingle among unique paintings, crafty creations, and high-quality art supplies.
Storms Hjørne
46.8 km
Charming local shop blending artisan gifts, bakery delights, and authentic South Funen flavors in Svendborg’s historic heart.
Langemarksgård
48.2 km
Langemarksgård farm shop on Samsø provides a welcoming showcase of the island’s best produce, homemade treats, and authentic countryside atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lørups Vinstue
4.3 km
Historic bar in the heart of Odense offering classic Danish atmosphere, eclectic memorabilia, live music, and affordable drinks for an authentic local experience.
The Flower and the Bee
4.3 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Bootleggers Odense Craft Beer Bar
4.6 km
Discover Bootleggers Odense, a vibrant craft beer bar on Gråbrødre Plads offering curated Danish and international brews in a welcoming city-center setting.
Christian Firtal
4.8 km
Beloved craft beer bar in Odense’s historic quarter, famed for its cozy atmosphere, rotating taps of Danish and international brews, and authentic local 'hygge' spirit.
Lalou Vinbar
4.8 km
Chic, candle-lit wine bar in central Odense, serving natural and organic wines with expert guidance in a welcoming Scandinavian setting.
The Old Irish Pub
4.8 km
Classic Irish hospitality in Odense: live music, big screens for sports, and a buzzing crowd in a cozy pub full of spirited atmosphere.
Den Røde Bar
5.1 km
Den Røde Bar is Odense’s creative watering hole, celebrated for its intimate theatre connections, local artistry, eclectic events, and inviting bohemian ambiance.
Carlsens Kvarter
5.2 km
Carlsens Kvarter—Odense’s legendary tavern fusing classic Danish ‘brown bar’ atmosphere with one of Funen’s best craft beer selections.
Hjallese Puben
8.5 km
Experience authentic Danish pub culture at Hjallese Puben in Odense S.
Central Cafeen
27.1 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Central Caféen, a historic gem in Nyborg since 1854.
Øksendrup Cider
27.1 km
Experience the authentic flavors of South Funen's organic ciders at Øksendrup Cider.
Jimbo's Kaffebar
27.1 km
Buzzing local coffee bar in Nyborg’s city center, mixing top-quality coffee, craft drinks, and Danish pastries with authentic small-town charm.
Chr. II's Pub
27.1 km
Experience authentic Danish hospitality at Chr. II's Pub in Nyborg's historic center.
Bistroen
27.9 km
Modern Danish bistro nestled by Nyborg’s scenic waterfront, offering local flavors, seasonal cuisine, and relaxed ambiance just steps from the historic coastline.
Kompasset
40.7 km
Experience Danish hospitality at Kompasset, Vester Skerninge's cozy bar offering craft beers, fine wines, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere.