Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants, Koge Travel Guide

A Giant Made from Forgotten Materials

Thomas on the Mountain stands as a testament to creative reuse and environmental consciousness. Like all six giants in the series, this sculpture was constructed entirely from scrap wood and recycled materials sourced from local demolition projects and discarded timber. The artist Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculptor renowned for transforming waste into monumental public art, assembled this 15-meter figure with the assistance of local volunteers who donated their time and labor to bring the vision to life. The sculpture's warm, weathered wood tones blend naturally with the forest surroundings, creating a harmonious relationship between art and environment.

The Story Behind the Name

Thomas on the Mountain bears the name of Thomas Dambo's intern, who participated in the project from its inception. This naming convention extends across all six giants—each sculpture honors a volunteer, assistant, or community member who contributed to its creation. By naming the giants after real people, Dambo transformed the project into a celebration of collective effort and local participation. The personal connection between the sculpture and its namesake adds a layer of human warmth to what might otherwise be an imposing artwork, reminding visitors that these giants were born from genuine community collaboration.

A Landscape Designed for Contemplation

The sculpture's positioning on a hilltop clearing in Albertslund was deliberately chosen to maximize the visitor experience. Thomas reclines with his long legs stretched down toward the valley below, creating an inviting posture that encourages visitors to climb onto his limbs and settle in for a moment of rest. From this vantage point, guests enjoy expansive views across Kongsholmparken and the surrounding suburban landscape—a perspective that transforms an ordinary hillside into a natural viewing platform. The artist's intention was to draw people away from Copenhagen's urban center and into the beauty of the western suburbs, revealing natural spaces that often go unnoticed by those focused on the city's main attractions.

Part of a Larger Artistic Vision

Thomas on the Mountain is one component of the Six Forgotten Giants, an ambitious public art project commissioned by the Municipality of Vallensbæk and Vestegnens Kulturuge (West Copenhagen Culture Week) in 2016. The six sculptures are distributed across the municipalities of Albertslund, Høje Taastrup, Hvidovre, Ishøj, Rødovre, and Vallensbæk, each hidden within forests, meadows, and natural clearings. The project's core philosophy centers on bringing contemporary art outside museum walls and into the natural world, creating an open-air treasure hunt that encourages exploration and discovery. By situating these monumental figures in suburban nature reserves rather than urban plazas, Dambo challenged conventional notions of where art belongs and who has access to it.

Interactive Sculpture and Visitor Experience

Unlike traditional sculptures confined behind barriers or ropes, Thomas on the Mountain invites physical interaction. Visitors are encouraged to climb onto the figure's long limbs, sit on his legs, and use the sculpture as a platform for picnicking, socializing, or simply enjoying quiet contemplation. This accessibility transforms the artwork from a passive viewing experience into an active, embodied encounter. The sculpture's scale—towering above the surrounding vegetation—creates a sense of wonder and playfulness, appealing equally to families with children seeking adventure and adults looking for an unconventional outdoor experience. The worn, tactile surface of the recycled wood invites touch and exploration, breaking down the psychological distance typically maintained between viewers and fine art.

Gateway to Nature and Sustainable Tourism

The Six Forgotten Giants project represents a innovative approach to sustainable tourism and environmental education. By drawing visitors into Copenhagen's suburban landscapes, the initiative promotes appreciation for often-overlooked natural areas and encourages exploration by bicycle, public transport, or foot rather than private vehicles. The treasure hunt aspect transforms sightseeing into an active, engaging pursuit that rewards curiosity and persistence. Thomas on the Mountain serves as both an artistic landmark and a gateway to the broader natural environment, with visitors often extending their stay to explore nearby parks, walking trails, and local amenities. This model demonstrates how contemporary public art can serve dual purposes: providing aesthetic and cultural enrichment while promoting sustainable engagement with the landscape.