Sleeping Louis by Thomas Dambo
A giant wooden troll naps on a forested hill in Rødovre, inviting you to crawl through his mouth, play among recycled planks and discover art hidden in suburban nature.
Sleeping Louis is a huge wooden troll by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, resting on a small forested hill in Rødovre on Copenhagen’s western edge. Built entirely from recycled wood with the help of local volunteers, the sculpture invites you to crawl into a tiny “cave” through Louis’ open mouth, turning public art into a playful, hands-on encounter with nature that delights kids and adults alike.
A brief summary to Sleeping Louis by Thomas Dambo - Troll #12
- Korsdalsvej 112, Rødovre, 2610, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 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 sturdy shoes; the final approach involves a short uphill walk on natural paths that can be muddy or slippery after rain.
- Bring a small flashlight or phone torch if kids plan to crawl into the cave inside Louis’ mouth, as it can be quite dark.
- Combine your visit with other Thomas Dambo trolls around western Copenhagen to turn the day into a full troll-hunting adventure.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and easier photography, especially if you want wider shots of the hill and sculpture.
- Respect the artwork by avoiding climbing on fragile parts like fingers and face; stick to sturdier areas and supervise young children.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public transport from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take an S-train to Rødovre or Brøndbyøster station, which usually takes 10–15 minutes. From there, continue by local bus toward Korsdalsvej; the combined journey typically takes 25–40 minutes depending on connections. A standard one-zone or two-zone ticket generally costs around 24–36 DKK for adults and can be used on both train and bus within the valid time window.
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Cycling from Copenhagen city centre
Cycling to Sleeping Louis is a practical option, following established bike lanes west through the city towards Rødovre. The ride is mostly flat and takes around 30–45 minutes from the inner city, depending on your pace. There is no dedicated bike parking at the sculpture itself, but you can lock your bike nearby before walking the final short stretch along paths up to the hill.
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Car or taxi within Greater Copenhagen
By car or taxi, the trip from central Copenhagen to Korsdalsvej in Rødovre usually takes 15–25 minutes outside rush hour. Parking is typically available on nearby streets or public parking areas in the surrounding neighbourhood, though spaces can be busier on sunny weekends. A metered taxi ride for this distance often falls in the range of 150–250 DKK, depending on traffic and exact starting point.
Sleeping Louis by Thomas Dambo - Troll #12 location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Sleeping Louis by Thomas Dambo - Troll #12
A giant troll dreaming above Rødovre
Sleeping Louis is one of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s best-loved wooden trolls, a massive figure lying on his side in a clearing at the top of a modest hill in Rødovre, just west of central Copenhagen. Built from scrap timber, pallets and offcuts, Louis appears frozen mid-nap, knees bent and one arm tucked under his head as if he has simply lain down in the forest for a rest. The setting is intentionally modest: a fringe of trees, birdsong, and the distant hum of suburban life, so the troll feels like a secret guardian of an overlooked patch of green. Louis takes his name from one of Dambo’s former interns from England, who helped build the piece and whose likeness loosely inspired the gentle features. The artist’s signature style is immediately recognisable: oversize limbs, angular planes of wood and expressive eyes that feel surprisingly alive despite their rough-hewn construction. Up close, you can see the screws, the different shades of reclaimed boards and the hand-built character that sets Louis apart from polished, indoor sculpture.Part of the Six Forgotten Giants story
Sleeping Louis belongs to The Six Forgotten Giants, a series of trolls that Dambo created in 2016 for the western suburbs of Copenhagen. Commissioned in connection with Vestegnen’s Culture Week, each sculpture was placed in a patch of nature in a different municipality, including Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund and others around the Vestegnen belt. The idea was to bring art out of museums and into woods, lakeshores and hilltops that many locals rarely visited, turning a casual walk or bike ride into a treasure hunt. All six giants were built with the help of local volunteers, who collected waste wood from demolition projects and construction leftovers. This gives the project a strong community spirit: the giants are not only public art but collaborative creations rooted in the neighbourhoods where they lie. The environmental message is subtle but clear. By transforming discarded materials into charismatic characters, the works underscore how reuse and imagination can give new life to what would otherwise be rubbish.A sculpture you can climb inside
What makes Sleeping Louis particularly memorable is how physically interactive he is. At the centre of the troll, behind his wooden teeth, a small hollow space forms a kind of den or cave. Children can crawl into this snug chamber through Louis’ mouth, disappearing inside the sculpture while adults peer in from outside. It turns the artwork into both a playground and a hideaway, blurring the line between sculpture, installation and giant outdoor toy. The hill around Louis provides natural seating and viewpoints. Some visitors perch near his shoulders to take photos that play with his scale; others sit at his feet to share a snack and watch the light filter through the trees. Because the troll is outdoors and accessible at all hours, there is no strict boundary between art time and downtime: Louis is part of the landscape, equally suited to a brisk walk, a family outing or a quiet solo detour.Nature, seasons and changing light
The simple setting is a key part of Sleeping Louis’ charm. The troll lies in a small patch of woodland where paths thread through shrubs and young trees, and where the air smells of damp earth after rain. In spring and summer, leaves frame Louis in deep green and the hill can feel like a tiny forest amphitheatre. On bright days, stripes of sunshine and shadow cross his wooden planks, emphasising the patchwork of materials. Autumn brings a different mood, with fallen leaves gathering around his massive hands and feet, and rich browns echoing the tones of the scrap wood. In winter, when the branches are bare and a dusting of frost or snow settles on his body, the troll can look almost like a mythical creature caught in hibernation. Because there are no walls or ticket barriers, the experience is guided by weather, light and your own pace: quick photo stop or unhurried sit on the hillside, both feel natural here.Playful art with a gentle message
Sleeping Louis invites a kind of low-key adventure. For families, he becomes the highlight of a troll hunt that might also take in other giants scattered across the western suburbs. For adults, he offers an excuse to explore a part of Greater Copenhagen that mixes everyday housing estates with surprising pockets of wildness. The climb up the small hill and the sight of the giant resting above the treeline give a subtle sense of discovery. At heart, Louis embodies Dambo’s recurring themes: storytelling, sustainability and accessibility. A nap-taking troll appeals instantly to children, yet the underlying narrative touches on how communities treat their natural spaces and waste. The sculpture is robust but handmade, impressive yet approachable. Spending time here is less about ticking off a landmark and more about slowing down, listening to the rustle of leaves around a sleeping giant, and appreciating how art can quietly reshape the way a neighbourhood sees its own backyard.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederiksbergmuseerne
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Møstings Hus
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CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
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Frederiksberg Town Hall
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Storm P. Museum
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Elefantporten
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Enghaveparken
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The Red Square
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Folkets Park
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Bananna Park
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Grundtvig’s Church
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Frihedsstøtten
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Cykelslangen
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Sankt Hans Torv
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Unmissable attractions to see
Herstedhøje
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Vestskoven
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Copenhagen Zoo
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Cisterns in Søndermarken
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Søndermarken
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Frederiksberg Palace
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Frederiksberg Gardens
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Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants
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Carlsberg Brewery Tours
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Little Tilde by Thomas Dambo - Troll #16
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The Hill House Museum
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Valbyparken
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Copenhagen’s largest park, where circular theme gardens, rose-filled circles and a breezy shoreline meet playgrounds, sports fields and wide-open skies.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
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Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
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Kalveboderne
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Essential places to dine
Cafe 33
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Café Lindevang
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Restaurant Frederiks Have
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Hansens Gamle Familiehave
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Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Enomania
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Ewalds Brasserie
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Frederik the VI
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Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
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JATAK
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Bevi Bevi
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Restaurant Spuntino
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Madklubben Vesterbro
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Restaurant Radio
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Street Food 108
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Delphine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rødovre Centrum
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Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
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Frederiksberg Centret
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Perfectly Worn Vintage
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Artikel København
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Funky Junky
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PRAG Nørrebro
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C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
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McKorman
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Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
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Souvenir Gift Shop
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Butik Bungalow
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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København K
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
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Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
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Berlin Bar
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Frederiksberg Ølbar
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JOJO
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Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.
Gensyn Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg C at Gensyn Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and inviting atmosphere.
bird
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La Fée Verte
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Märkbar
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The House of Machines Copenhagen
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Klovnens Bodega
7.3 km
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Tap 21 Craft Beer
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Skovbar
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Small, punk-spirited and queer-friendly bar in Nørrebro with vegan drinks, inclusive vibes and intimate music nights at budget-friendly prices.
Riesen Bar
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Amigo Bar
7.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Haven - Events
6.3 km
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Falafelberg
6.3 km
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Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
7.0 km
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The Union
7.9 km
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Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
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Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
8.0 km
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KB3
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CristalClubCopenhagen
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Temple Bar
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Baggen
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Moon Club
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RUST Natklub
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Den Anden Side
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Never Mind
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SIGURD CPH
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
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
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
