Glade Anders – Thomas Dambo Troll in Hedeland Nature Park
A friendly recycled-wood troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden in the quiet forest of Hedeland Nature Park and waiting to surprise walkers, families and photo seekers.
Glade Anders is a large wooden troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, tucked into the forested edge of Hedeland Nature Park near Hedehusene, west of Copenhagen. Built from recycled wood in 2022 as troll no. 101, this gentle giant sits between hills, ski slope and amphitheatre, creating a playful mix of art, nature and storytelling. Reached via easy forest paths, it is a low-key, free outdoor adventure ideal for families, walkers and photo hunters.
A brief summary to Glade Anders
- J5J9+RQ, Hedehusene, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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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 comfortable, closed shoes: the 1 km forest path to Glade Anders is easy but unpaved, with roots, mud and gentle slopes after rain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities by the sculpture itself; combine the visit with other parts of Hedeland for restrooms and cafés.
- Visit in softer morning or late-afternoon light for moodier photos of the troll framed by the forest, especially in autumn and winter.
- If you enjoy the troll hunt, consider planning time to find Månemor elsewhere in Hedeland – she is Glade Anders’ ‘mother’ and part of the same art story.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Regional train and walking from Hedehusene
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional or intercity train toward Roskilde or Ringsted and get off at Hedehusene Station; the ride usually takes 20–25 minutes and costs around 40–70 DKK one way in standard class. From Hedehusene it is typically 30–40 minutes on foot along local roads and paths to reach Hedeland’s trail network, then about 1 km on forest tracks to the troll. Paths are unpaved and not suitable for wheelchairs or very prams with small wheels, especially in wet weather.
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Car from Copenhagen area
Driving from central Copenhagen to Hedeland Nature Park near Hedehusene generally takes 25–35 minutes via the main motorway network, depending on traffic. Expect to pay normal fuel costs and, if you use a tolled motorway segment or paid city parking before or after, modest additional fees. Visitors commonly use the parking area near Tranemosevej, from which there is roughly a 1–1.3 km walk on forest paths to Glade Anders. Parking is typically free, but spaces can be limited on busy weekends and special event days.
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Local bus connection and walking
From Roskilde or Høje Taastrup you can use regional buses toward Hedehusene and stops near Hedeland; travel time is often 15–30 minutes, with standard bus tickets in the range of 24–48 DKK depending on zones and discounts. From the nearest stops, expect at least 20–30 minutes of walking on mixed surfaces before you reach the park interior and the forest path to the troll. Services run more frequently on weekdays and daytime hours; evening and weekend schedules can be sparser, so check departure times in advance.
Glade Anders location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Glade Anders
A playful wooden giant in a Danish nature park
Glade Anders is one of artist Thomas Dambo’s much-loved wooden trolls, hidden among the gentle hills and woodlands of Hedeland Nature Park near Hedehusene. Created largely from recycled wood, the sculpture turns a quiet forest clearing into a small world of fairy-tale imagination. His name means “Happy Anders”, and there is something unmistakably friendly about the seated figure, his huge limbs and expressive face softened by the surrounding trees and birdsong. The troll was installed in 2022, originally linked to a large scout camp that brought young people from across Denmark to the park. That playful origin still shapes the atmosphere around the sculpture today: this is a place for wandering off the main path, exploring, and seeing a familiar landscape through the lens of fantasy.Part of Thomas Dambo’s global troll family
Glade Anders is troll number 101 in Dambo’s ever-growing series of oversized wooden creatures scattered across Denmark and far beyond. Each is built from scrap wood and offcuts, turning discarded material into something whimsical and welcoming. In Hedeland, Anders is joined by his “mother” Månemor elsewhere in the park, inviting visitors to treat the landscape as a kind of open-air treasure hunt. Here, the giant sits low and approachable, his scale impressive but not intimidating. You can walk around him, notice the layered planks that shape his fingers and toes, and see how the joinery and bolts hold the recycled pieces together. The combination of craftsmanship and rough, visible materials is part of the charm, making the sculpture feel both handmade and robust enough for the Nordic weather.Forest setting between ski slope and amphitheatre
The sculpture lies north of Hedeland’s ski slope and open-air amphitheatre, in a strip of mixed woodland woven with narrow trails. The approach takes you along soft forest paths, with glimpses of open heath and the occasional view back toward the man‑made hills that define this former gravel-mining area turned recreation landscape. Because the troll is tucked slightly away from the main activity zones, the clearing often feels calm and sheltered. Wind catches the treetops more than the forest floor, and in spring and summer the undergrowth gives the place a green, almost secret character. In autumn the troll is surrounded by leaves underfoot and warm colours; in winter he becomes a stark, photogenic figure against bare branches and pale skies.Simple, free outing for walkers and families
A visit to Glade Anders is an easy half-day excursion. The walk from the nearest car park is roughly a kilometre on unpaved paths, manageable for most walkers and older children. Sturdy shoes are helpful after rain, as sections can be muddy or uneven. There is no entrance fee or fencing – the sculpture is simply part of the wider nature park and can be visited at any time of day. There are no facilities immediately at the sculpture, so it is worth planning water, snacks and toilet stops in connection with other parts of Hedeland, such as the ski hill, amphitheatre area or other trailheads where amenities may be found. Many visitors combine the troll with a longer walk through the park’s network of trails, viewpoints and lakes.Photography, storytelling and gentle exploration
Glade Anders naturally lends himself to photos. The contrast between the troll’s scale and the fairly intimate forest clearing offers fun compositions, whether you are framing children in his giant hands or capturing the curve of his back against the trees. Soft, overcast days and low evening light often work well for images, but any time of year offers its own mood. Beyond photography, the sculpture is a springboard for stories. It encourages younger visitors to imagine how the trolls move through the landscape, what they might watch over at night and how they fit into the park’s reclaimed terrain. Adults may appreciate the environmental message: a work that celebrates reuse and quietly illustrates how discarded materials can gain a second life as public art in nature.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roskildekrukkerne
5.2 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.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
5.2 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
5.3 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
5.7 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Sct Hans Have
7.2 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Ledreborg Castle
14.1 km
Denmark's most harmonious 18th-century palace, where 250 years of aristocratic life remain beautifully preserved.
Land of Legends | A Land to Explore
14.3 km
Experience 10,000 years of Danish history at the Land of Legends in Lejre, an open-air museum with reconstructed villages, artisan workshops, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
Køge Nord
14.7 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
17.6 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Køge Ås
18.4 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Køge Å
18.8 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
19.0 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
19.2 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
19.2 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
19.2 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Månemor af Thomas Dambo
0.6 km
A picturesque Baltic beach known for soft sands, dramatic cliffs, fishing harbor authenticity, and fossil-filled shoreline at the foot of Denmark’s Stevns Klint.
Hedeland Naturtrail
3.4 km
A spacious nature trail weaving through Hedeland’s reclaimed gravel hills, lakes and playgrounds, ideal for long walks, steady runs and open‑sky escapes near Roskilde.
Himmelev skov
4.7 km
A young, rolling forest of ponds, meadows and trails where Roskilde’s northern suburbs fade into an evolving landscape of Danish nature and quiet everyday escapes.
Frøspringvandet
5.1 km
A modest bronze frog fountain in Roskilde’s Klosterengen park, where playful sculpture, splashing water and everyday neighbourhood life meet in a tranquil corner.
Roskilde Jars
5.2 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Hestebrønden
5.2 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Lovise Kilden
5.3 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Klosterkilden
5.4 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Musicon-bydelen
5.4 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.
RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
5.5 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.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
5.5 km
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Roskilde Museum
5.5 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Museum of Contemporary Art
5.6 km
Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
5.6 km
A small, historic spring on Frederiksborgvej where Roskilde’s sacred past, urban growth and ever-flowing groundwater quietly meet at the edge of the city hillside.
Skt. Laurentius
5.7 km
Step beneath Roskilde’s central square and up its historic tower for a compact journey through 900 years of church ruins, civic life and city views in one spot.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Flammen - Roskilde Ro's Torv
4.5 km
Big-hearted grill buffet in Roskilde’s Ro’s Torv, serving abundant meats, hot dishes and a vast salad bar in a cosy, rustic setting ideal for families and groups.
LA RUSTICA - ROSKILDE
4.5 km
Bright, casual Italian dining above the shops at Ro’s Torv, serving pizzas, pastas, brunch plates and espresso in a relaxed, modern café‑style setting.
Zhiki Sushi
4.6 km
Casual, family‑run sushi inside Ro’s Torv, serving colorful rolls, all‑you‑can‑eat menus and easy takeaway for shoppers, families and locals in Roskilde.
Nira Sushi
4.8 km
Relaxed neighbourhood sushi spot in Roskilde serving fresh rolls, generous platters and Japanese-inspired favourites in a modern, low-key setting.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
5.1 km
Hearty Mexican‑inspired steaks and sizzling Tex‑Mex platters in a cozy, central Roskilde steakhouse on lively Algade.
Royal Indian - Roskilde
5.1 km
Cosy North Indian restaurant on Roskilde’s Algade, serving richly spiced curries, tandoori grills and plentiful vegetarian options in a warm, modern setting.
Bone's Roskilde
5.1 km
Legendary Danish BBQ steakhouse serving signature spareribs, premium burgers, and all-you-can-eat salad since 1990.
Røde Port Bistro
5.1 km
Cosy central Roskilde bistro where house-brewed beer, classic Danish comfort food and live music come together under one laid-back, brick-and-wood roof.
Noahs Roskilde
5.1 km
Tech-forward multi-brand dining hub by Roskilde Station, serving app-ordered comfort dishes and takeaway from several virtual restaurant concepts under one roof.
Østens Perle
5.2 km
Casual Thai restaurant in Roskilde serving generous, cooked‑to‑order curries, stir‑fries and noodles in a warm, relaxed setting with both dine‑in and takeaway.
SOHO Roskilde food·lounge·music
5.2 km
Lively Roskilde hotspot where seasonal comfort food, cocktails and late-night DJ sets come together in one central restaurant, lounge and club space.
King Running Sushi & Wok
5.3 km
Rotating sushi and wok dishes in a spacious, interactive dining experience in central Roskilde.
Burgerklubben
5.3 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Leo’s Wok Café
5.3 km
Cozy Thai eatery in Roskilde’s Musicon district, serving fresh wok-fired curries, noodles and stir-fries inspired by northern Thai home cooking.
Piazza Navona II
5.4 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
4.5 km
Affordable Scandinavian design meets playful discovery in Roskilde's premier gift and lifestyle destination.
Bonde Boutique
4.5 km
A long-standing Danish womenswear boutique inside Roskilde’s Ro’s Torv mall, blending classic Scandinavian style, modern brands and easy indoor shopping comfort.
RO's Torv
4.5 km
Modern, glass-fronted shopping hub in Roskilde with Danish design, high-street brands, cafés and cinema gathered in one weather-proof urban marketplace.
Borch Copenhagen
5.1 km
A cosy Scandinavian yarn and design shop on Roskilde’s main street, where curated fibres, colours and patterns turn knitting and crochet ideas into tangible projects.
Devotuz
5.2 km
Compact clothing boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering practical, contemporary fashion in the heart of the historic town’s main shopping street.
Zizzi - Roskilde
5.2 km
Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Kelz0r (Roskilde)
5.3 km
Compact but densely stocked, Kelz0r Roskilde is a friendly fantasy and trading card hub on Algade, where shelves, play tables and events keep local gamers coming back.
Zander
5.3 km
Refined menswear boutique on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering quality Scandinavian-style clothing and personal service in an intimate setting.
Femilet
5.3 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Rud & Vester
5.4 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Ros Bazar
5.4 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.
Vinylfreak
5.4 km
Characterful Roskilde record shop where packed crates, local music stories and thousands of new and used titles turn casual browsing into a slow, satisfying dig.
Lili-Marleen
5.4 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
Feelfash
5.4 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Hos Simone
5.4 km
Cosy mother‑and‑daughter women’s boutique on Roskilde’s main street, offering wearable Scandinavian style, fair prices and warmly personal, small‑town service.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
RUCbar - café & bar
3.0 km
Student-run café-bar at Roskilde University’s Student House, serving affordable drinks and coffee in a relaxed campus hangout from lunchtime into the evening.
Charlie Chaplin
4.6 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.
Mulligans Irish Pub
5.1 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
5.1 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
5.1 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.
Klosterkælderen
5.2 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Vinbaren Muicon
5.3 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
5.4 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.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
5.4 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Gullanden
5.7 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
5.7 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.
Ruder Konge Bodega
5.9 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.
28 Live
5.9 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
PAUSE
6.0 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Teatercaféen
6.3 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Roskilde
5.3 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
5.3 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Tropicana DC
6.0 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
6.0 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Danseriet
6.2 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Den Dansende Viking
15.2 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
19.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
19.8 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
19.8 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Haven - Events
23.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
23.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
24.0 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
24.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
24.7 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
24.8 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Tranquil
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
- Photo Spots
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
