Trolden Runde Rie at Lynghøjsøerne
A recycled wooden giant fishing quietly by Lynghøjsøerne, where art, storytelling and a reborn landscape turn a simple walk into a lakeside adventure.
Trolden Runde Rie is a giant wooden troll sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo, hidden by the lakes of Lynghøjsøerne on the outskirts of Roskilde. Sitting at the water’s edge with a fishing rod, this friendly figure turns a former gravel pit into a playful outdoor artwork. Families, walkers and nature lovers come here for gentle trails, lakeside views, and the thrill of spotting a larger‑than‑life troll crafted from recycled wood.
A brief summary to Trolden Runde Rie
- Lindenborgvej 51, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 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, closed shoes; the paths are easy but can be muddy or uneven near the lakeshore, especially after rain.
- Bring snacks and drinks if you plan to linger, as there are no cafés directly by the troll, only nature and informal picnic spots.
- Pack a light blanket in summer so you can combine the troll visit with a relaxed lakeside pause or casual picnic.
- If visiting with children, turn the walk into a mini treasure hunt by letting them spot the troll before adults point her out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local bus from Roskilde Station
From Roskilde Station, take a regional bus toward Svogerslev or Lyndby that stops near Lindenborgvej on the western side of Roskilde. The ride typically takes 10–15 minutes and a single adult ticket within the local zone system usually costs around 24–36 DKK. From the nearest bus stop it is about a 15–20 minute walk on mixed gravel and paved paths to reach the Lynghøjsøerne area and continue along easy trails to Runde Rie. Services run throughout the day but less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so check current timetables in advance.
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Bicycle from central Roskilde
Cycling from Roskilde’s central area to the Lynghøjsøerne landscape typically takes 20–30 minutes, following local roads and designated cycle paths most of the way. The route involves a few moderate hills but is manageable for anyone used to urban cycling. There is no specific fee to cycle, and standard city bikes work well on the combination of asphalt and firm gravel near the lakes. Remember lights and reflective gear in darker months, and be prepared for wind and changing weather conditions common in this part of Zealand.
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Car or taxi from Roskilde
Driving from central Roskilde to the vicinity of Lindenborgvej by Lynghøjsøerne usually takes about 10–15 minutes in normal traffic. Parking is generally available near the lake area, from where you continue on foot along well‑marked paths to the troll. There is no separate entrance fee to visit Runde Rie, though taxi fares within Roskilde typically range from about 120–200 DKK each way depending on distance and time of day. Surfaces near parking areas are mostly level, but the final lakeside paths may be uneven or soft after rain.
Trolden Runde Rie 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 Trolden Runde Rie
A gentle giant by the lakes
Runde Rie is one of Denmark’s much‑loved wooden trolls created by artist Thomas Dambo, tucked into the reshaped landscape of Lynghøjsøerne near Roskilde. Here, former gravel pits have been transformed into deep blue lakes ringed by sloping hills and young woodland. On one quiet shore, Runde Rie sits patiently at the water’s edge, a massive figure of rough timber, rope and imagination. The troll’s body is built from reclaimed planks and pallets, her rounded form giving her the name “Runde” – “Round” Rie. She gazes out across the lake, a simple wooden stick and rope in her hands, as if she has been fishing here for centuries. Visitors often first glimpse her silhouette between reeds and trees, turning an ordinary walk into a moment of discovery.From gravel pit to green playground
The wider Lynghøjsøerne area tells a story of renewal. Once industrial gravel works, the pits gradually filled with water and were shaped into a recreational landscape of three lakes, surrounding paths and grassy slopes. Today, the clear water and open vistas make a striking contrast with the site’s working past. Runde Rie fits neatly into this narrative. Her weathered timber and oversized limbs echo the rawness of the terrain, while her calm pose reflects the peaceful atmosphere that now defines the area. Around her, you will find informal paths, viewpoints and open spaces where people swim in summer, picnic on the banks or simply watch light shift across the water.Part of a hidden troll universe
Runde Rie is one chapter in a much larger tale. Thomas Dambo has placed similar giant trolls all over Denmark and beyond, usually in semi‑hidden spots reached only by footpaths and curiosity. Around Roskilde and nearby Hedeland you can seek out additional trolls, turning a simple outing into a small‑scale treasure hunt. The trolls are usually built with the help of volunteers and made almost entirely from recycled wood. Nails, screws and a few structural elements hold them together, but much of the character comes from irregular planks, visible grain and quirky details like expressive faces and oversized fingers. Each troll has its own name and personality, encouraging visitors to see the landscape as a living storybook.A family‑friendly lakeside adventure
The walk to Runde Rie follows easy paths across gently undulating ground, suitable for most ages. The final approach brings you close to the lake, where the troll suddenly appears at human eye level despite her enormous size. Children can clamber on nearby rocks, invent stories about what she might be catching, or count the ducks and birds that share her shoreline. There are plenty of natural spots to sit and take a break, and the open setting means you can enjoy long views over the water in almost any weather. On bright days the reflections of the troll and the sky in the lake make striking photo opportunities; on misty mornings she can appear almost ghostly through the haze, as if half‑vanished into legend.Art, sustainability and everyday magic
Beyond the playful first impression, Runde Rie carries a subtle message about reuse and respect for nature. Her body is built from discarded wood that might otherwise have been burned or thrown away, and her home is a landscape reclaimed from industry. Together, they invite visitors to consider how imagination and care can transform both materials and places. Spending time here is as much about slowing down as it is about ticking off a sightseeing stop. Listen to the soft lap of water on the shore, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the chatter of birds in the reeds. With a little patience, the giant troll at your side begins to feel less like a sculpture and more like a quiet companion, keeping watch over the lakes and everyone who comes to share this pocket of countryside on Roskilde’s edge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sct Hans Have
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Masterhøj udsigtspost
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Visit
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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
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Kornerup Å Trækfærge
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Rørmosen sti
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Helligkors Kilde
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Håndværksmuseet
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Museum of Contemporary Art
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Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
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Koncertkapellet
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RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
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Maglekilde
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Rektorkilden
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Musicon-bydelen
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Kildehuset
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Essential places to dine
Svogerslev Kro
0.8 km
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Disotto
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An No
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Restaurant That's Amore
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Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
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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
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Halifax Burgers Roskilde
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Basilico
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Restaurant Mumm I/S
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Gusto Giusto
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Primo Piano
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Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
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Leo’s Wok Café
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hobbii
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Friluftsland
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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
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Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
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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
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Perssons Roskilde
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Ros Bazar
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NORII Roskilde
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PURE Copenhagen
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Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
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Metropol
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Inspiration Roskilde
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roskilde Bodega
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28 Live
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PAUSE
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Ruder Konge Bodega
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Teatercaféen
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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
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Vinbaren Muicon
4.1 km
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PROP Vin og Tapasbar
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Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
4.4 km
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Klosterkælderen
4.6 km
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Georges Bodega
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Copé Lounge
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Mulligans Irish Pub
4.7 km
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Charlie Chaplin
4.9 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Danseriet
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Klubhuset
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Tropicana DC
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Garbos Roskilde
4.4 km
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Dansebar Roskilde
4.4 km
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Den Dansende Viking
19.0 km
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The Flame
21.9 km
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LUSIO
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Bloom Nightclub
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Club El Diablo
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The Union
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KB3
34.1 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- 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
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
