Thomas on the Mountain – The 6 Forgotten Giants, Albertslund

A wooden giant on an Albertslund hilltop

Thomas on the Mountain sits high on a man‑made hill just outside Albertslund, looking out across the greenery of Kongsholmparken. Crafted from rough wooden planks, with long outstretched legs running down the slope, he feels both monumental and friendly. You approach through open parkland and suddenly this outsized figure comes into view, lounging as if he has always been part of the landscape. The sculpture is named after one of Thomas Dambo’s interns, also called Thomas, who helped shape the project from its early days. That personal link gives the giant a quietly intimate backstory, even at this large scale. Seen up close, the patchwork of boards, bolts and visible joints adds to the sense that he was assembled by many hands rather than manufactured in a workshop.

Part of the Six Forgotten Giants treasure hunt

Thomas on the Mountain is one of the Six Forgotten Giants scattered around the western suburbs of Copenhagen in municipalities such as Albertslund, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Hvidovre, Rødovre and Høje Taastrup. Together they form a kind of outdoor treasure hunt, with each giant hidden in a different meadow, forest, hilltop or lakeside clearing. Finding Thomas is often part of a longer day of tracking down the whole family of trolls. This network of sculptures was originally created in connection with a local culture week, designed to draw people beyond familiar city sights and into overlooked green spaces. Thomas’s hilltop perch fits that mission perfectly, highlighting an area of suburban parkland many visitors would otherwise bypass.

Recycled materials and community craftsmanship

All Six Forgotten Giants, including Thomas on the Mountain, are built almost entirely from recycled wood. Planks and beams from demolition projects, discarded pallets and off‑cuts were repurposed into the giant’s limbs, torso and expressive face. Metal fixings hold everything firmly in place, but from a distance the sculpture reads as a single, unified character. Local volunteers were central to the construction, sawing, drilling and assembling pieces under the artist’s direction. The result is a collaborative artwork where the imperfections and visible repairs become part of the charm. The sustainability message is subtle but clear: even so‑called waste materials can become something magical when given time and creativity.

A playful pause above Kongsholmparken

The experience of visiting Thomas is as much about the setting as the sculpture. From his vantage point on the hill, there are broad views over Kongsholmparken’s lakes, paths and grassy fields. Many people sit on his long wooden legs, lean against his knees or rest beside his feet to enjoy a snack or simply watch the landscape below. The grassy slope can be breezy, and the ground occasionally muddy after rain, but the open surroundings make it easy to linger. Children often weave in and out beneath his limbs, while adults tend to circle slowly, noticing new angles and details in the layered woodwork. There is no fencing or ticket booth; the artwork blends seamlessly into the everyday life of the park.

Planning your time with the giant

Thomas on the Mountain is accessible at all hours, and there is no entrance fee. The lack of artificial lighting means the sculpture is best appreciated in daylight, when the textures of the timber and the contours of the hill stand out clearly. On clear days, the sky over the Vestegnen suburbs provides a dramatic backdrop for photographs. Allow at least an hour if you want to walk up the hill, explore the surrounding paths and relax by the sculpture. Combined with other nearby giants, it can form part of a longer loop by bike or public transport. Even as a stand‑alone stop, though, Thomas offers a distinctive blend of art, sustainability and suburban nature that feels far removed from Copenhagen’s more traditional attractions.