Trolden Runde Rie at Lynghøjsøerne

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.