Ivan Evigvår – Thomas Dambo's Giant Woodland Troll
Hunt for a gentle giant hidden deep in Denmark's enchanted forest—a whimsical woodland sculpture born from community votes and recycled dreams.
Deep within Munkholm Anlægget forest near Mariager lies Ivan Evigvår, a magnificent wooden troll sculpture standing 3.5 meters tall and 2 meters wide. Created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo from recycled materials, this gentle giant was relocated to Mariager in 2022 after winning a public vote. Hidden among the trees near Rosenhaven, Ivan offers a whimsical outdoor art experience perfect for families and nature lovers seeking Denmark's most charming artistic treasure.
A brief summary to Ivan Evigvår trold
- Munkholmanlægget, Klostergade 15, Mariager, 9550, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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
- Start your troll hunt at Rosenhaven and follow the forest paths into Munkholm Anlægget—the journey is part of the adventure, and Ivan rewards those who explore deeper into the woodland.
- Visit Thomas Dambo's official website to access his interactive troll map with location clues and details about all his sculptures worldwide—it transforms the search into a global art treasure hunt.
- Combine your visit with the Mariager Rundt hiking route to experience Ivan within the broader context of the region's natural beauty and historical sites.
- Bring a camera to capture Ivan's distinctive features and warm expression—the woodland setting provides excellent natural lighting for photography throughout the day.
- Visit during mild weather months (May through September) when forest paths are most accessible and the woodland atmosphere is most enchanting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Munkholmanlægget, Klostergade 15, 9550 Mariager. Parking is available near the entrance. From central Mariager, the location is approximately 2 kilometers away, requiring 5–10 minutes of driving. Follow local signage toward Rosenhaven and Munkholm Anlægget. No entrance fee is required.
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Walking from Rosenhaven
From Rosenhaven in central Mariager, walk into Munkholm Anlægget forest following the marked paths. The walk takes approximately 15–25 minutes depending on route and pace. Terrain is woodland paths with some uneven ground and tree roots; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The route is accessible year-round but most pleasant during dry seasons.
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Hiking Route Integration
Incorporate Ivan's location into the Mariager Rundt hiking route, a longer circular walk that connects multiple points of interest around Mariager. This extended experience takes 2–4 hours depending on pace and stops. The route is well-marked and suitable for families with moderate fitness levels.
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Local Bus Service
Regional bus services connect Mariager to surrounding towns. Journey times vary by origin (typically 30–90 minutes from larger cities). Check local transport schedules for current routes and timetables. From the bus station in Mariager, walk or cycle to Munkholm Anlægget (approximately 2 kilometers, 20–30 minutes on foot).
Ivan Evigvår trold location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
Discover more about Ivan Evigvår trold
A Troll Born from Community and Creativity
Ivan Evigvår emerged during the Great Troll Folk Festival in 2020, a project conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic to bring joy and wonder to communities. This remarkable wooden sculpture was initially installed at Sydhavnen in Copenhagen, where it captured hearts and imaginations. When urban redevelopment threatened Ivan's home in 2022, artist Thomas Dambo launched a nationwide competition inviting Danish towns to vote for where the troll should relocate. Mariager won decisively with over 51,000 votes, securing Ivan's new permanent residence in this charming Jutland town.The Gentle Giant of Munkholm Forest
Ivan Evigvår stands as an imposing yet approachable presence within the serene Munkholm Anlægget woodland. At 3.5 meters high and 2 meters wide, he commands attention, yet his warm, benevolent expression immediately dispels any troll-related fears. Unlike the menacing trolls of folklore, Ivan radiates kindness and gentleness. His distinctive features—particularly his characteristically large nose—have become beloved details that visitors find endearing. Constructed entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials, Ivan embodies Thomas Dambo's philosophy of transforming waste into monumental art that celebrates sustainability and environmental consciousness.Part of a Global Artistic Movement
Ivan Evigvår belongs to Thomas Dambo's internationally acclaimed troll series, a collection of giant wooden sculptures scattered across Denmark and beyond. Each troll possesses its own personality, backstory, and artistic significance. Dambo's work has garnered worldwide recognition for combining environmental responsibility with imaginative public art. The trolls serve as hidden gems encouraging exploration, adventure, and connection with nature. Ivan's placement in Mariager represents Denmark's commitment to celebrating contemporary art within natural landscapes, making the country a destination for those seeking unconventional cultural experiences.The Quest Through Forest and Stone
Located deep within Munkholm Anlægget, Ivan rewards those who venture into the woodland seeking him. The journey begins near Rosenhaven, where visitors follow forest paths into the quiet depths of the ancient stone ruins and natural surroundings. This deliberate concealment transforms a simple visit into a genuine troll hunt—an adventure that engages both children and adults. The surrounding landscape, with its historical significance and natural beauty, enhances the sense of discovery. Many visitors extend their experience by walking the Mariager Rundt hiking route, which connects Ivan's location to broader explorations of the region's cultural and natural heritage.A Beacon for Art and Nature Enthusiasts
Ivan Evigvår has become a pilgrimage site for those passionate about sustainable art, outdoor experiences, and Denmark's hidden cultural treasures. The troll attracts families seeking memorable adventures beyond conventional tourism, photographers documenting contemporary public art, and nature lovers who appreciate art integrated respectfully into woodland settings. Thomas Dambo provides a digital treasure map on his website, allowing visitors to locate not only Ivan but all his trolls worldwide, transforming the search into an interactive global art experience. Ivan's presence in Mariager has revitalized interest in the town as a destination for creative and unconventional tourism.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mariager Church
0.3 km
A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Mariager Kirke
0.3 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
0.5 km
Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
0.9 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Mariager Fjord
3.1 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
7.4 km
Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.
Hotel BramslevGaard
7.4 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
10.3 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Sven Dalsgaards Plads
20.4 km
Randers' cultural epicentre honouring a Dadaist pioneer, where art, performance, and community converge.
Randers St.
20.6 km
Historic East Jutland railway hub connecting Denmark's east coast with modern InterCity services and comprehensive traveler amenities.
Randers Railwaystation
20.6 km
Historic rail gateway of Randers, linking East Jutland’s river town with Aarhus, Aalborg and Copenhagen from a compact, practical 19th‑century station hub.
Hotel Randers
21.0 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.
Springkilden
21.9 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Flyverstenen i Torstedlund
22.0 km
A solemn forest memorial to eleven RAF airmen lost in 1945, carved by local hands.
Rold Forest
22.1 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Unmissable attractions to see
Munkholmanlægget
0.1 km
A peaceful woodland escape featuring forest trails, a whimsical troll sculpture, and a rose garden in charming Mariager.
Rosenhaven
0.2 km
An intimate rose garden in the heart of Mariager, where hundreds of varieties, church spires and cobbled streets meet in a quietly fragrant city retreat.
Mariager Klosterhave
0.2 km
A small, story-filled abbey garden beside Mariager’s church, where herbs, beehives and quiet corners keep the town’s monastic past gently alive.
Mariager Idræts Klub
0.5 km
Multi-sport heart of Mariager, where everyday Danish life, local matches and community spirit fill simple halls and pitches beside the fjord town.
Mariager Museum
0.5 km
Centuries of regional heritage in a charming 17th-century merchant's house.
Sødisbakkes Museum
0.7 km
An intimate local history museum revealing the everyday lives, work and creativity of residents at Sødisbakke, a long‑standing care institution near Mariager.
Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest
0.9 km
Denmark’s longest heritage railway, where vintage trains, fjordside scenery and a preserved rural station bring a century of Danish railway history to life.
Mariager Sejlklub
0.9 km
Friendly marina and sailing club on the shores of Mariager Fjord, blending sheltered berths, local sailing culture and easy access to a charming historic town.
Saltcentret
0.9 km
Denmark's salt heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, therapeutic pools, and family adventures on the Mariager Fjord.
Mariager Camping
1.0 km
Award-winning fjord-side camping where Nordic nature meets charming heritage town life.
Mariagerfjord Frikirke
1.1 km
Modern free church and cultural house on the edge of Mariager, blending contemporary worship, community life and flexible event spaces in a bright, welcoming complex.
Mariager Strandpark
1.1 km
Small, calm and right on Mariager Fjord, this modest strandpark blends a man-made beach with green lawns and fjord views for relaxed, low-key time by the water.
Alstrup krat
1.1 km
Ancient burial mounds, forest trails, and fjord panoramas in Denmark's timeless landscape.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
3.7 km
Discover Denmark’s most whimsical museum: a creative coastal house spectacularly covered in shells, folk art, and maritime antiques in scenic Thyborøn.
Miniseum
3.8 km
Enchanting 1:12 scale miniatures and dioramas celebrating artistry in Denmark's countryside.
Essential places to dine
A'porta
0.5 km
Unpretentious Danish cooking, a lively bodega-style bar and simple rooms under one roof in the old fjord town of Mariager.
Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas
0.6 km
Casual, central pizzeria and grillhouse on Mariager’s main square, serving generous, affordable comfort food to locals and visitors from afternoon through evening.
Mariager Bistro & Konditori
0.7 km
Casual harborfront bistro and konditori in Mariager, serving unfussy Danish café dishes and cakes just steps from the town’s quiet fjord marina.
Havnens Grill & Pølsebod
0.8 km
Casual waterfront grill serving Danish classics with fjord views and motorcycle tradition.
Landgangen
1.2 km
Homely Danish comfort food and generous plates served with wide-open views over Mariager Fjord on the quiet edge of this charming North Jutland town.
Star Pizza & Grill
6.2 km
Straightforward pizzas and grill favorites in the heart of Mariager, offering easy takeaway and no-frills dining after a day by the Danish fjord.
Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender
6.5 km
Relaxed fjordside restaurant and event venue at Dania, serving classic Danish dishes, buffets and catering in cozy banquet rooms with wide views over Mariager Fjord.
Restaurant Bramslev Bakker
6.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking with sweeping fjord views, where Bramslev Bakker’s rolling hills meet a relaxed, modern restaurant above Mariager Fjord.
Cafe Fyret Kongsdal
6.9 km
Unpretentious harbour café on the quay at Kongsdal Havn, serving simple, good‑value meals and ice creams with wide‑open views over Mariager Fjord.
Restaurant Uafhængig
8.9 km
Ambitious Nordic cooking in a calm, forest‑edge dining room at Hotel Amerika, blending seasonal Danish flavors with a relaxed, modern atmosphere near Hobro.
Restaurant The Grill Hobro
10.0 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet and brunch inside Hobro’s Bowl’n’Fun, bringing hearty classics, soft-ice desserts and family-friendly dining under one lively roof.
Færgekroen Hadsund
11.1 km
Classic Danish inn and restaurant by the Mariager Fjord, blending hearty kromad, Nordic flavors and simple rooms with wide-reaching views over the water.
davinci RISTORANTE
11.2 km
Waterfront Italian dining on Mariager Fjord, blending classic pasta, pizza and seafood buffets with bright fjordview rooms and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Matios Det Italienske Spisehus
11.3 km
Cosy Italian trattoria-style dining on Hobro’s central square, serving generous pizzas, pasta and classic desserts in a warm, candlelit atmosphere.
Nida's food
11.4 km
Casual harborfront fast-food joint in Hobro serving pizzas, burgers and grill favorites just steps from the marina on Havnegade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
REMA 1000
0.3 km
Mariager’s handy REMA 1000 on Gl. Hobrovej is a no‑frills discount supermarket, perfect for stocking up on groceries, snacks and picnic supplies near the historic town.
Kirkepladsens Blomster Mariager ApS
0.3 km
Century-old florist crafting premium arrangements for weddings, celebrations, and heartfelt moments.
Vinspecialisten Mariager
0.5 km
Intimate specialist wine shop in the heart of Mariager, pairing personal advice with carefully chosen bottles, fine spirits and gift-ready treats for any occasion.
Klosterkaelderen.dk Antiques & Porcelain
0.5 km
Denmark's premier destination for authentic Danish and European antique ceramics and porcelain.
JamerAntik.dk
0.5 km
Intimate Mariager antiques shop specializing in Danish porcelain, ceramics and decorative treasures, where each shelf reveals another chapter of Scandinavian design history.
Helga Winther Smykkedesigner
0.5 km
Handcrafted jewelry artistry in the heart of Mariager, where bespoke designs meet timeless elegance.
Vaffelbageren i Mariager
0.5 km
Experience handmade Danish ice cream and fresh-baked waffles on Mariager’s historic square—Vaffelbageren captures the taste and spirit of hygge along the fjord.
Mariager Slagterforretning
0.7 km
Classic Danish butcher shop by Mariager’s harbour, offering house-made specialties, fresh cuts and deli favourites ideal for picnics, grilling and cosy self-catered meals.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
0.7 km
Cosy waterfront charity shop in Mariager, where curated second-hand finds, local community and global relief work meet under ét genbrugstag.
Klæd Dig - Mariager
0.7 km
Cosy, owner-run fashion boutique on Østergade in Mariager, offering curated Scandinavian-style womenswear in a relaxed, personal and distinctly local setting.
Diva
0.7 km
Curated women's fashion in the heart of historic Mariager's charming town center.
Jørgensen Sko
0.7 km
A long-standing local shoe shop and cobbler in Mariager, offering practical footwear, repairs and traditional service on cosy Østergade near the historic town centre.
Strikkehjørnet Mariager
0.7 km
A cosy yarn haven in Mariager’s old town, where shelves of colourful wool, friendly advice and Nordic knitting inspiration create a perfect hygge-filled pause.
Mariager Boghandel
0.7 km
Cosy village bookshop and service hub in the heart of Mariager, combining books, gifts, toys and practical everyday services in one welcoming stop.
SuperBrugsen
0.8 km
Modern cooperative supermarket and deli hub in small‑town Mariager, ideal for stocking up on Danish groceries, picnic supplies and prepared local dishes every day.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Olivia
6.2 km
Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.
Jazz Hobro
11.0 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Jagtstuen
11.2 km
Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.
Bræddehytten Bar & Pub
11.2 km
Unpretentious local bar on Hobro’s main street, pouring cold beer and warm hygge in a classic Danish pub setting with friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Torvebaren
11.4 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Vognhjulet Pub
11.4 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Kælderen
11.4 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
11.5 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
11.5 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
ar
12.1 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
Rottehullet / Bodega
13.5 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
19.2 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Sunes Bodega
19.9 km
A classic Randers neighbourhood bodega serving cold beers, local stories and uncomplicated hygge from morning until late evening.
Bykroen
20.7 km
Traditional Randers bodega with cold beer, simple smørrebrød and everyday hygge in the heart of Vestergade’s city-centre streets.
Cocktail Klubben
20.8 km
Experience Randers' vibrant nightlife at Cocktail Klubben, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Buddy Holly
11.4 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Randers Rave
18.3 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Rold Skov Orienteringsklub
22.0 km
Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
41.4 km
Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.
Vesterbro Pub
41.7 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
Mjølner
42.9 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
43.3 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Night Cirque
44.7 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
45.1 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Under Buret
45.1 km
Aalborg's vibrant party hub with disco energy, DJ beats, and neon-lit celebration on every level.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
45.1 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Stygge
45.1 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Club Wolf
45.1 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
The Drunken Flamingo
45.1 km
Colorful cocktails, neon vibes, and electrifying nights—The Drunken Flamingo is Aalborg’s playful party hotspot in the heart of Denmark’s most famous bar street.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
45.1 km
Experience Aalborg's legendary Jomfru Ane Gade at Storm P Beer & Cocktails—a vibrant night club, beer haven, and cocktail lounge with playful Danish flair.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Sustainable
- Low Impact
- Nature Reserve
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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