Hans Hulehånd – Thomas Dambo's Iconic Recycled Troll
Hunt for a hidden giant troll crafted from recycled dreams in Odense's enchanted forest.
Hans Hulehånd is a whimsical giant troll sculpture crafted from recycled materials by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Created in 2020 as part of the Corona-inspired 'Den Kæmpestore Troldefolkefest' (The Giant Trollfest), this beloved public art installation sits hidden in a small clearing near Odense, inviting visitors on an interactive treasure hunt. The troll's distinctive cave-hand gesture and playful presence make it a cherished destination for families and art enthusiasts exploring Denmark's growing collection of Dambo trolls.
A brief summary to Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
- Østre Dæmning, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 3 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
- Bring a bicycle—the recommended troll hunt route is approximately 5 kilometers. The journey is as rewarding as the destination.
- Visit trollmap.com before you go to get the first clue and plan your route. The interactive map makes the hunt more engaging and helps you locate other trolls in Denmark.
- Pack a picnic. The clearing surrounding Hans Hulehånd is perfect for a meal, and the natural setting enhances the magical experience.
- Go early in the day or during quieter hours to enjoy a more peaceful encounter with the troll and the surrounding nature.
- Combine your visit with other Thomas Dambo trolls in Denmark using trollmap.com to create a multi-day troll-hunting adventure.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bicycle from Odense City Center
Rent a bicycle in central Odense and follow the troll hunt route via trollmap.com. The journey is approximately 5 kilometers through Odense's neighborhoods and countryside. Travel time is 15–25 minutes depending on pace and terrain. This is the recommended approach, as it allows you to experience the full treasure-hunt adventure and explore the surrounding area. Bicycle rentals are widely available throughout Odense at competitive rates.
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Car with Parking
Drive to the Østre Dæmning area in Odense (postcode 5000). Street parking is available near the location, though availability varies by time of day. Travel time from central Odense is approximately 10–15 minutes. Note that the final approach to the troll requires a short walk through the clearing, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
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Public Transport and Walking
Take a local bus from Odense city center toward the Østre Dæmning area. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on the route and service frequency. From the bus stop, follow trollmap.com's directions for a 10–15 minute walk through residential areas and nature to reach the troll. This option is budget-friendly and allows for a more immersive approach experience.
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Guided Troll Hunt Tour
Join organized troll-hunting tours available through local Odense tourism operators. These guided experiences typically last 2–4 hours, include bicycle rental, provide expert storytelling about Thomas Dambo's work, and often visit multiple trolls. Tours operate year-round with varying frequency; book in advance through local tourism websites or visitor centers.
Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
A Troll Born from Crisis and Community Spirit
Hans Hulehånd emerged during an unexpected creative pivot by artist Thomas Dambo. Originally planning to construct 25 trolls across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic redirected Dambo's vision toward Denmark. Rather than abandoning his dream, he launched 'Den Kæmpestore Troldefolkefest'—The Giant Trollfest—a collaborative project powered by volunteers from communities across the country. Hans Hulehånd, completed in 2020, became troll number 069 in Dambo's ever-expanding 'Trail of a 1000 Trolls.' This origin story reflects the artist's philosophy: transforming crisis into creative opportunity and inspiring communities to reimagine waste as valuable artistic material.Crafted from Reclaimed Treasures
Like all of Thomas Dambo's creations, Hans Hulehånd is constructed entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials. The troll's imposing yet inviting form showcases the artist's signature approach to sustainable sculpture—proving that discarded items can be transformed into beloved landmarks. The distinctive cave-hand (hulehånd) that gives the troll its name is particularly striking, with carefully crafted fingers and toes that visitors find delightfully detailed. This commitment to upcycling resonates deeply with Dambo's mission to inspire people worldwide to view trash as a valuable resource rather than waste.The Hidden Treasure Hunt Experience
Finding Hans Hulehånd is half the adventure. The troll nestles in a small clearing surrounded by greenery and bushes, near a charming playhouse, making it a genuine treasure hunt rather than a straightforward visit. Visitors typically access the location via the interactive trollmap.com platform, which provides the first clue to begin the search. The recommended route spans approximately 5 kilometers, best explored by bicycle, creating an engaging outdoor experience that combines exploration, exercise, and discovery. This interactive element has made troll hunting a beloved free activity for families throughout Denmark, transforming a simple visit into a memorable adventure.A Gateway to Global Troll Culture
Hans Hulehånd represents just one piece of Thomas Dambo's worldwide phenomenon. The artist has created over 100 giant trolls across multiple continents, from Europe to North America, each with its own personality and story. Odense, Dambo's hometown, holds special significance in this expanding universe. Visitors to Hans Hulehånd often become inspired to seek out other Danish trolls, using the comprehensive trollmap.com platform to plan multi-troll expeditions. This interconnected network of sculptures has created a global community of troll hunters who share their discoveries and celebrate sustainable art.A Beloved Landmark for All Ages
The troll's imposing yet welcoming presence makes it particularly appealing to children, who delight in interacting with the sculpture and exploring the surrounding clearing. Families frequently combine their troll hunt with picnics, bringing packed meals to enjoy in the natural setting. The playhouse nearby adds to the whimsical atmosphere, creating a destination that appeals equally to young adventurers and adults seeking meaningful public art. The location has garnered consistent appreciation from visitors who praise both the artistry and the joy of discovery.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odense St.
4.1 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
4.2 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Oceania
4.6 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
4.7 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
visit
4.7 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
5.0 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
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.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
6.0 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Odense Zoo
6.8 km
Experience cutting-edge Danish and Nordic contemporary art in a sophisticated gallery setting, steps from Amalienborg Palace in central Copenhagen.
Odense Dyrskueplads
6.9 km
Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
7.1 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
The Funen Village
7.8 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Det gamle vandtårn
8.5 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
11.5 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
The Glavendrup Stone
11.6 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jordrummet - et af fem grønne læringsrum
2.0 km
A modest open-air classroom on Odense’s rural edge, Jordrummet invites hands-on encounters with soil, fields, and quiet green space between town and countryside.
Seden Strand
2.1 km
Modest local beach on Odense Fjord, where quiet swims, big skies and new coastal nature projects meet everyday life at the water’s edge.
Sortehusene
2.6 km
Living history museum in Odense where you can step into 19th-century rural Denmark, explore authentic farm buildings, and experience Funen’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Fredens Kirke
2.7 km
A luminous 1920 “Church of Peace” in Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, blending Jensen Klint’s thoughtful brick architecture with stained glass, music and local community life.
Lumby Mølle
3.3 km
Working 1820 village windmill on Odense’s northern edge, where historic machinery, apple gardens and lively seasonal events bring rural Denmark to life.
Street Art - Odense Havn
3.4 km
Colossal black‑and‑white animals climb old grain silos at Odense Harbour, turning raw industrial concrete into a striking, free open‑air artwork by the water.
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
3.4 km
A compact urban nook in central Odense where a sculptural storytelling swing and stepped seating invite you to pause, daydream and weave your own city tales.
Thriges Kraftcentral
3.6 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Promenaden Treppe
3.8 km
A simple waterside staircase where Odense’s fjord path dips towards the water, inviting you to sit, slow down, and soak in big skies and quiet coastal scenery.
Odense Havnebad
3.8 km
Ship-shaped, free-to-use and open year-round, Odense Havnebad brings outdoor swimming, sauna warmth and harbour views together in the heart of urban Odense.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
3.8 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
North Atlantic House
3.8 km
A waterfront cultural village in Odense Harbour, where striking Nordic architecture, North Atlantic art, storytelling and cuisine meet beside the water’s edge.
Cultural-botanical Garden
3.9 km
A tranquil 10-hectare botanical sanctuary housing 13,000 plant species and Denmark's finest birch and fern collections.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
4.0 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
Banegårdspladsen
4.1 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Essential places to dine
Banjo's
2.0 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
3.5 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Den Lille Kabys
3.5 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
3.6 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Restaurant Aro
3.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
3.8 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Giraffen
4.1 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
4.3 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Grønttorvet
4.3 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Brasserie Bordeaux
4.4 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
4.4 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
4.4 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
4.4 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Restaurant Ribelli
4.4 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Klassisk Design
3.2 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
3.3 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
3.3 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
3.3 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Butik Pulvis
3.6 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
3.6 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
Red Cross Op Shop
3.6 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
ButikZoom
3.6 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Baggårdsbutikken
3.7 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
3.8 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
3.8 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Look At This
4.0 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
aneBane
4.2 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
4.2 km
Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
Klods Hans
4.3 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
2.5 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Ungarsk Vinstue
3.8 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Lørups Vinstue
4.3 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
4.3 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Sir Club
4.3 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
Rabalder Bar Odense
4.3 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
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.
Kick Off - Sportspub
4.3 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Grand Bar & Lounge
4.6 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
June Bar
4.6 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
4.6 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Viggos
4.7 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Den Lille Kro Odense
4.7 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Pianobar odense
4.7 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
4.7 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BUTCHERS Odense
4.3 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Boogie Dance Café
4.4 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
4.7 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dansebar Odense
4.7 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
8.0 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Muzirkus
26.5 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.0 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
43.2 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
43.4 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
44.1 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Vinkapellet Samsø
44.2 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
45.7 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Ræven
45.8 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Garagen
46.5 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
50.2 km
Experience the soulful rhythms of jazz in the heart of Kalundborg at this intimate and vibrant venue.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Nature Escape
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly