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Trolden Ask fra Ashøj

Hidden in a forest clearing on Thy’s highest hill, the giant wooden troll Ask fra Ashøj blends playful sculpture, folk tale magic and wide Danish landscapes.

4.7

Hidden in the trees near Hurup in Thy, the giant wooden troll Ask fra Ashøj waits in a forest clearing on the hill of Ashøj, the highest point in Thy at 93 metres. Created in 2020 by recycling artist Thomas Dambo during his “Troldefolkefest” project, this climbable sculpture invites families, photographers and nature lovers into a playful treasure hunt through Ashøje Plantage. Combine the search for Ask with a stop at the nearby lookout tower for wide views over the windswept Thy landscape.

A brief summary to Trolden Ask fra Ashøj

  • Ashøjgade 47, Hurup, 7760, DK
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon 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 suitable for soft forest paths and potentially muddy sections, especially after rain, as the approach to the clearing is unpaved.
  • Bring drinks and snacks; there are no kiosks at Ashøje Plantage, and a small picnic near the troll or at the lookout tower works well with children.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter atmosphere, softer light for photos and often clearer views from the nearby tower.
  • Dress in layers and be prepared for wind; although the troll sits in the forest, the exposed hilltop and tower can feel breezy even in summer.
  • If visiting with smaller children, allow extra time for the treasure‑hunt experience and for safe climbing on the sculpture under close supervision.
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Getting There

  • Car from Hurup town centre

    From central Hurup, driving to Ashøje Plantage typically takes 10–15 minutes. The route follows local country roads with light traffic most of the day. Parking is free along Ashøjgade near the plantation or at a small forest parking area nearby, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and school holidays. There are no entrance fees to visit the troll or the hill, so your only costs are fuel and, if using a rental car, the usual rental charges.

  • Car from Thisted and wider Thy

    From Thisted, the drive to Ask fra Ashøj usually takes around 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. The journey runs on regional roads across open farmland and through plantations, with generally easy driving conditions but occasional strong crosswinds. There are no tolls or parking charges at Ashøje Plantage. Plan for modest fuel costs only and note that facilities at the site are minimal, so it is wise to stock up on drinks or snacks before you leave town.

  • Regional bus plus walk

    Regional buses connect Hurup and other South Thy villages with stops along the main roads near Ashøjgade. The bus ride from Thisted to Hurup typically takes about 50–70 minutes, and a standard adult ticket is usually in the range of 40–70 DKK, depending on zones and discounts. From the nearest bus stop it is an additional walk of 20–30 minutes on quiet rural roads and forest tracks, which can be uneven and muddy, so this option is less suitable for wheelchairs or prams and is more comfortable in daylight and dry weather.

Trolden Ask fra Ashøj location weather suitability

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Discover more about Trolden Ask fra Ashøj

A wooden giant in the forests of Thy

Ask fra Ashøj is one of Denmark’s most charismatic forest trolls, a huge wooden figure sitting quietly in a clearing in Ashøje Plantage near Hurup in Thy. Built from reclaimed wood, he rests with a stone in one hand and a stick in the other, his long limbs and expressive face emerging from the trees as if he has grown out of the forest floor itself. The sculpture is tucked away close to Ashøj, a 93‑metre hill that marks the highest point in Thy, so the approach already feels a little elevated, both literally and in mood. The area around Ask is a mix of plantation forest, soft paths and small clearings, so even before you spot him you are wrapped in birdsong, the smell of pine and the crunch of needles underfoot. Unlike many artworks, Ask is meant to be part of the landscape rather than dominate it, and you often hear the forest before you see your first glimpse of weathered timber between the trunks.

The story behind Thomas Dambo’s troll

Ask was created in 2020 by Danish artist Thomas Dambo as part of his large‑scale project “Den Store Troldefolkefest”, born when international commissions were paused during the Covid‑19 pandemic. Instead of scattering new trolls around the globe, Dambo focused on Denmark, working with local volunteers to build monumental figures from recycled pallets and surplus wood. Ask carries the project’s core message: that nature is powerful, playful and in need of respect. The troll stands as a kind of wooden guardian of Ashøje Plantage, representing the forces of nature in Dambo’s own mischievous universe, where trolls may reward those who care for the forest and punish those who treat it badly. Built from repurposed materials, he also quietly tells a sustainability story, showing how discarded wood can become contemporary folk art with real presence.

Treasure hunt, play and viewpoints

Finding Ask is half the fun. Families often turn the visit into a mini treasure hunt, following paths and small clues in the forest until the clearing suddenly opens and the troll appears, larger than expected. The sculpture is designed to be climbed on carefully, so children and playful adults can scramble onto his limbs, sit in his hands or nestle against his side for photos, while others simply sit nearby and take in the scene. A visit to Ask pairs naturally with the nearby lookout tower on Ashøj. From the top, you get a sweeping view over Thy’s patchwork of fields, plantations and distant North Sea dunes. On clear days the horizon seems to stretch endlessly, underlining how close this modest forest hill stands to some of Denmark’s wildest coastal landscapes.

Landscape, seasons and atmosphere

Though Ashøje Plantage lies outside Nationalpark Thy, it shares much of the same character: big skies, often brisk winds and a sense of space that changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the approach to Ask is lush and green, with dappled light in the clearing. Autumn brings carpets of leaves, muted colours and a slightly more mysterious feel, especially on misty days when the troll seems to materialise from the fog. Even in winter, when branches are bare and the air is sharp, the wooden figure has a stark, sculptural beauty. The atmosphere remains informal and relaxed. Paths are generally easy, making this a straightforward outing for most visitors, yet the troll’s “secret” position still feels like a small discovery. Many people linger longer than planned, letting children explore the forest, picnicking close by or simply listening to the wind moving through the trees.

A modern folk tale rooted in Thy

Ask fra Ashøj has quickly become part of Thy’s contemporary folklore, connecting traditional stories of trolls in the hills with modern environmental art. Built by hand with help from local volunteers, he ties the community to the surrounding landscape in a tangible way. The decision to relocate him slightly in 2022 to respect a protected burial mound nearby also underlines how old and new layers of history meet on this hill. Whether you come for a playful photo stop, a short forest walk or a gentle introduction to Thy’s wide horizons, Ask offers a rare mix of sculpture, storytelling and landscape. The giant troll feels at once ancient and new, a friendly wooden guardian quietly watching over Ashøje and the ever‑changing skies above.

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