Trolden Runde Rie at Lynghøjsøerne
A friendly wooden giant by Roskilde’s lakeside, Trolden Runde Rie pairs recycled art with open skies, easy walks and a touch of Nordic fairytale magic.
Trolden Runde Rie is a giant wooden troll sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo, hidden by the lakeside at Lynghøjsøerne near Roskilde. Built from recycled wood in 2020, the round‑bellied troll sits peacefully by the water with a fishing rod, overlooking a former gravel pit transformed into a scenic recreational landscape. Families, walkers and photographers are drawn here for an easy nature walk, playful art, lakeside views and a touch of fairytale adventure just outside the city.
A brief summary to Trolden Runde Rie
- Lindenborgvej 51, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
-
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
- Wear sturdy shoes; the paths around Lynghøjsøerne are easy but can be uneven, muddy and slippery near the water, especially after rain.
- Plan extra time to walk a full loop around the lakes so you can enjoy views, picnic spots and additional vantage points of the troll.
- Visit around early morning or late afternoon for softer light and reflections on the lake that make photographing Runde Rie especially rewarding.
- Bring snacks and drinking water; there are no on-site cafés, and facilities are limited in the immediate lakeside area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
-
Car from central Roskilde
From central Roskilde, driving to the Lynghøjsøerne area near Lindenborgvej typically takes about 10–15 minutes. Parking is available near Lindenborgvej, from where you walk roughly 1 km on easy gravel and dirt paths to reach Runde Rie. There is no entrance fee to visit the troll or the lakes, but parking can be limited on sunny weekends and school holidays, so arrive early if you want a close spot.
-
Bus and walk from Roskilde Station
Local buses from Roskilde Station towards the Svogerslev and Lynghøjsøerne area usually take 10–20 minutes, with tickets typically costing around 24–36 DKK for a short regional journey. From the nearest bus stop it is about 15–20 minutes’ walk on mixed gravel and grass paths to the lakes and the troll. Services are less frequent in evenings and on Sundays, so check timetables in advance and plan daylight walking for the final stretch.
-
Bicycle from Roskilde
Cycling from Roskilde to Lynghøjsøerne is a pleasant option, usually taking 20–30 minutes depending on your route and pace. You can lock your bike near the access points by Lindenborgvej or other informal entrances before continuing on foot along the lakeside paths to Runde Rie. The ride includes some gentle inclines and sharing roads or cycle lanes with local traffic, so lights and high-visibility gear are recommended in low-light conditions.
Trolden Runde Rie location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Windy Conditions
- Snow
Discover more about Trolden Runde Rie
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sct Hans Have
4.2 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
4.3 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
4.6 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
4.6 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
7.4 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
17.1 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Pangea Park
19.3 km
Experience global wildlife up-close in Zealand’s countryside, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and a strong conservation focus at Pangea Park near Bjæverskov.
Køge Ås
19.4 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
20.1 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants
20.5 km
A welcoming wooden giant inviting you to sit, relax, and share the view from atop an Albertslund hilltop.
Roskilde Fjord
20.6 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
20.8 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
20.8 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
Gerlevparkens Venner
21.1 km
Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Visit
21.3 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lynghøj Lake
0.0 km
A reclaimed gravel pit turned blue-lake playground, Lynghøj Lake blends clear water, trails and a friendly wooden troll into Roskilde’s easiest nature escape.
Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie
0.7 km
Former gravel pits turned opal-blue lakes, winding trails and a wooden troll named Runde Rie make Lynghøjsøerne Roskilde’s playful pocket of wild nature.
Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania
2.5 km
A long, tree-lined Baroque avenue stretching through rural Zealand, guiding travellers in stately symmetry towards the distant silhouette of Ledreborg Palace.
Kornerup Å Trækfærge
2.6 km
A hand-powered cable ferry in the Kornerup River Valley, turning a simple stream crossing into a playful pause amid open meadows, big skies and quiet Danish nature.
Rørmosen sti
3.1 km
A small, tranquil nature path with pond, reeds and everyday birdlife, tucked behind Roskilde’s Hørhusene homes for easy, close-to-town walks.
Helligkors Kilde
3.5 km
Once a famed holy spring and royal water source, Hellig Kors Kilde is now a quiet stone-framed reminder of Roskilde’s deep bond with its life-giving springs.
Håndværksmuseet
3.9 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Museum of Contemporary Art
3.9 km
Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
4.0 km
Volunteer-run jazz and world-music association energising Roskilde’s Musicon district with intimate concerts, creative collaborations and open jam sessions.
Koncertkapellet
4.0 km
Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.
RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
4.0 km
A dazzling gold rock museum in Roskilde’s Musicon district where immersive sound, bold architecture and youth culture history collide in a full‑volume experience.
Maglekilde
4.0 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
Rektorkilden
4.0 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Musicon-bydelen
4.1 km
A former concrete factory reborn as Roskilde’s bold creative district, where architecture, skateparks, art and music fuse into a constantly evolving urban playground.
Kildehuset
4.1 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Essential places to dine
Svogerslev Kro
0.8 km
Historic countryside inn with Michelin-trained chef, seasonal Nordic cuisine, and overnight stays near Roskilde.
Disotto
3.4 km
Cozy southern Italian ristobar in central Roskilde, serving classic antipasti, Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian wines in an intimate, evening-only setting.
An No
3.6 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in Roskilde, serving fresh homemade dishes from scratch with genuine Saigon spirit.
Restaurant That's Amore
3.8 km
Cozy, candlelit Italian restaurant in central Roskilde, serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta and Italian wines in a warm, romantic yet relaxed setting.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
3.9 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Nua Mama's Secret
3.9 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Café Korn - Roskilde
3.9 km
Cosy all‑day café and brasserie on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving hearty brunches, burgers and salads in a warm, grocery‑style setting.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
3.9 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
4.0 km
Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.
Basilico
4.0 km
Casual Italian comfort and generous pizzas in the heart of Roskilde’s old town, ideal for a relaxed, family‑friendly break between cathedral and shopping.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
4.0 km
Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.
Gusto Giusto
4.0 km
Organic-minded Italian fine dining in a tiny Roskilde townhouse, where a Danish–Italian couple serves northern Italian cuisine, careful wine pairings and slow, candlelit evenings.
Primo Piano
4.1 km
Cosy neighbourhood Italian in Roskilde serving classic pizzas and hearty pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting just a short walk from the historic centre.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
4.1 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Leo’s Wok Café
4.1 km
Cozy Thai eatery in Roskilde’s Musicon district, serving fresh wok-fired curries, noodles and stir-fries inspired by northern Thai home cooking.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hobbii
4.0 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Friluftsland
4.0 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Guldfuglen A/S
4.0 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
4.1 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
4.1 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Den franske vinhandel
4.1 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
4.2 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Bog & Idé
4.2 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Perssons Roskilde
4.2 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Ros Bazar
4.3 km
Bustling local bazaar-style supermarket by Roskilde Station, packed with fresh produce, spices and everyday groceries for a taste of everyday Danish city life.
NORII Roskilde
4.3 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
PURE Copenhagen
4.3 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
4.3 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
4.3 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Inspiration Roskilde
4.3 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roskilde Bodega
3.1 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
28 Live
3.8 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
PAUSE
3.9 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
3.9 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
Teatercaféen
4.0 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
4.1 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Gullanden
4.1 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Vinbaren Muicon
4.1 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
4.1 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
4.4 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Klosterkælderen
4.6 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Georges Bodega
4.6 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Copé Lounge
4.7 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Mulligans Irish Pub
4.7 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Charlie Chaplin
4.9 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
