Trolden Runde Rie at Lynghøjsøerne

A wooden giant by the lakes of Roskilde

Trolden Runde Rie is a large, round-bellied wooden troll who sits right at the water’s edge of one of the Lynghøjsøerne lakes west of Roskilde. Her long arms rest casually on the shore, and a simple fishing rod stretches over the calm surface, as if she has settled in for a quiet day by the water. At human scale she towers above you, yet her posture and gentle expression make her feel friendly rather than fearsome. The setting is part of a former gravel pit, now reshaped into clear blue lakes, sloping banks and winding paths. Grasses, young trees and scrub have reclaimed the edges, so when you stand beside Rie you see both raw, open landscape and soft new nature meeting around you.

From gravel pit to playful art landscape

Lynghøjsøerne is a textbook example of how an industrial area can be transformed into a recreational landscape. The old extraction site has been flooded to form three lakes with a patchwork of paths, viewpoints and informal bathing spots. Runde Rie sits by the middle lake, where the water is often mirror-still and reflects both the sky and her wooden silhouette. Around the troll, wide tracks and smaller paths loop through the terrain, inviting you to extend your visit into a short hike, a lakeside stroll or a picnic on the banks. The openness of the former gravel pit means long views, big skies and plenty of fresh air, even though the city is not far away.

Thomas Dambo’s recycled storytelling

Runde Rie is part of the universe created by Danish artist and designer Thomas Dambo, known for building giant trolls from recycled timber and other discarded materials. Her body is constructed from rough wooden planks and offcuts, angled into facets that suggest fur, fingers and toes. Up close you can see screw heads, overlapping boards and the patchwork nature of her construction, which underlines the reuse story. The sculpture was installed in 2020 as one of several trolls in the Roskilde and Hedeland area. Each figure has its own personality and pose; Rie’s calm, seated position and her fishing line fit the lakeside setting, encouraging slow time in nature rather than spectacle. She also hints at the area’s new life, trading machines and gravel trucks for quiet reflection by the water.

A family-friendly treasure hunt

Reaching Runde Rie involves a short walk along easy paths from the nearest parking, turning the visit into a small adventure rather than a simple roadside stop. Children tend to spot glimpses of her through the reeds and slopes before adults do, building anticipation as you circle the lake. The final reveal, as her huge form appears at the shoreline, feels like uncovering a gentle giant who has been hiding in plain sight. Because the terrain is mostly gentle, this is an accessible outing for mixed-age groups. Many visitors bring snacks or a picnic to enjoy on the grass while they sit near the troll, watching light change on the water and birds crossing low over the surface. The combination of art, fresh air and open space makes it easy to linger longer than planned.

Seasons, light and changing moods

Runde Rie’s character shifts with the weather and seasons. On bright summer days, her wooden surfaces glow golden and the lakes invite a cooling dip nearby. In autumn, the slopes around her take on rust and ochre tones, echoing the color of her boards. Winter light can make the scene almost monochrome, with her dark outline standing sharply against pale water and sky, sometimes dusted with frost. Cloudy or windy days have their own appeal, with waves lapping at her feet and reeds bending in gusts. Photographers find plenty of angles, from close-ups of textures to wide shots that take in the sculpted landscape. Whatever the conditions, the underlying experience remains the same: a meeting with a friendly giant who turns a simple walk into a small story.