Thomas on the Mountain – One of the Six Forgotten Giants
A friendly wooden giant lounging on a hilltop in Albertslund, inviting you to explore recycled art, suburban nature and big sky views west of Copenhagen.
Perched on a grassy hilltop in Albertslund, west of Copenhagen, Thomas on the Mountain is one of artist Thomas Dambo’s celebrated Six Forgotten Giants. This huge troll-like figure, built entirely from recycled wood with the help of local volunteers, sits casually overlooking the surrounding lakes and greenery of Kongsholmparken. Reached by gentle trails through suburban woodland, it invites you to clamber onto its long legs, pause for a picnic, and experience playful public art woven into everyday Danish nature.
A brief summary to Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants
- Albertslund, 2620, 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, especially in wet seasons, as the paths and the slope up to the giant can be muddy and uneven.
- Bring snacks or a picnic and sit on Thomas’s long legs or the grassy hillside to enjoy the view over Kongsholmparken.
- Combine your visit with a hunt for other Forgotten Giants in the western suburbs to turn the day into a full outdoor treasure hunt.
- Pack an extra layer or windproof jacket; the exposed hilltop can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the surrounding streets.
- Arrive early in the morning or near sunset for softer light and quieter paths if you plan to take photos.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train and walking from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen central area, regional and S-trains to Albertslund Station typically take 20–25 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. From the station, allow 20–30 minutes on foot along park paths and local streets to reach the hill with the sculpture. Train tickets within the Greater Copenhagen zones usually cost roughly 25–40 DKK one way, and services generally run from early morning until late evening. The walk is on mixed paved and gravel paths with some gentle inclines, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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Bicycle from Copenhagen
Cycling from the Copenhagen city centre to Albertslund normally takes about 45–70 minutes one way, depending on your starting point and pace. The route follows dedicated bike lanes and green corridors for much of the way, making it a realistic option for confident cyclists. You can rent a city bike or standard bicycle in central Copenhagen from around 100–200 DKK per day. Approaching the sculpture involves a short climb up the hill on gravel or grass, which may be slippery in wet weather.
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Car or taxi from Copenhagen
By car or taxi, the journey from central Copenhagen to Albertslund commonly takes 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is available in the wider Kongsholmparken and nearby residential area, from where you walk 10–20 minutes on footpaths to reach the hill. Taxis for this distance often cost in the range of 250–400 DKK one way, varying with time of day and traffic conditions. The final approach is car-free, so be prepared for a short walk over slightly uneven ground.
Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants
A hilltop giant above Albertslund
Thomas on the Mountain sits high on an artificial hill at the edge of Albertslund, gazing out across the lakes and lawns of Kongsholmparken. The sculpture depicts a relaxed troll-like figure with an elongated body and extra-long legs stretched down the slope, creating a playful perch for visitors. The setting feels unexpectedly wild for a Greater Copenhagen suburb: grassy slopes, pockets of woodland, and distant views over water and rooftops. The “mountain” itself is modest in altitude but offers a distinct sense of arrival. As you emerge from the trees into a clearing, Thomas appears suddenly at almost eye level with the skyline. On bright days the hill catches the breeze and sunlight; in cooler months, patches of snow or frost can turn the scene into something out of a Nordic fairy tale.Part of the Six Forgotten Giants story
Thomas on the Mountain is one of the Six Forgotten Giants, a series of large outdoor sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo scattered across the western suburbs of Copenhagen. Created for a regional culture festival in 2016, the giants were placed in overlooked green pockets—by lakes, in meadows, along streams and on hilltops—to lure people off the main paths and into nearby nature. Each sculpture has its own personality and pose, but all share a sense of friendliness rather than menace. Thomas on the Mountain is named after one of the artist’s interns who helped build him, grounding the artwork in real local stories. Hunting down several of the giants in a single day has become a kind of modern treasure hunt, with Albertslund’s hilltop troll as one of the more atmospheric stops.Recycled materials and handcrafted details
Like the other Forgotten Giants, Thomas on the Mountain is constructed almost entirely from scrap wood. Pallets, offcuts, and reclaimed planks are bolted together to form huge hands, a broad face, and the long, angular limbs that define the sculpture’s silhouette. Up close you can see the patchwork of different grains and tones, along with the many screws and brackets holding everything together. This use of discarded materials is central to the project’s message. Instead of pristine bronze or marble, the giant is deliberately rough, textured and imperfect. The weathering of the wood, from fresh pale boards to silvery-grey surfaces, reminds visitors that the sculpture is part of the landscape and will slowly change with it over time.A playful stop for families and walkers
The approach to Thomas on the Mountain is via footpaths through parkland and light woodland, making the visit feel like a small adventure rather than a formal museum outing. Children often scramble up onto the giant’s feet or sit along his legs, while adults tend to pause on the slope to take in the view. The open grassy area around the sculpture is well suited to picnics or a short rest during a longer walk. Because there is no ticket booth, fencing, or heavy signage at the sculpture, the encounter feels spontaneous and informal. You might arrive to find only birdsong and the rustle of trees, or share the clearing with local joggers, dog walkers, and families from nearby residential streets who treat the giant as a familiar neighbour.Seasonal moods and practical expectations
The hilltop position means conditions can shift quickly with the weather. On sunny days the exposed slope is bright and warm, with big skies and reflections from the nearby water; in strong wind or drizzle it can feel surprisingly raw and open, especially in winter. Good footwear is helpful in wet seasons, when the paths and slopes leading up to Thomas can be muddy or slippery. There are no facilities directly at the sculpture itself: no café, toilets or shelter, only the giant, the grass and the view. Basic amenities can be found elsewhere in the broader park and surrounding urban area, so it makes sense to bring water, snacks and an extra layer. With that in mind, Thomas on the Mountain is best enjoyed as a gentle outdoor excursion—part art discovery, part local nature break on the western edge of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- 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
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
