Bjarke Cirkelsten: A Wooden Troll in the Forest
A kneeling wooden troll guarding a mystical stone circle in the Danish forest.
Bjarke Cirkelsten is a whimsical wooden troll sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo in 2020, located in a forest clearing near Dragør. Crafted entirely from recycled wood, this kneeling figure sits within a striking circle of stones he has arranged, embodying Dambo's mission to transform waste into art. The sculpture has become a beloved destination for visitors seeking a magical encounter with environmental art and nature.
A brief summary to Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo
- Skolevej 9A, Dragør, 2791, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors, ideal for photography and a more contemplative experience.
- Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven forest terrain; the path to Bjarke involves walking through woodland with natural obstacles.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the sculpture and the stone circle from different angles; the interplay of light and shadow changes throughout the day.
- Respect the sculpture by not climbing on it; the artwork is designed for observation and interaction at ground level to ensure its longevity.
- Check Thomas Dambo's Trollmap website to learn about other trolls in the region and plan a troll-hunting adventure across Denmark.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car and Parking
From central Copenhagen, drive south toward Dragør (approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic). Park at Fælledvej Parking, located near Skolevej in Dragør. From the parking area, follow the forest path toward the open green area; a small trail on the right leads to the stone circle where Bjarke awaits. Parking is free and available year-round.
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Public Transport
Take the S-train or regional train from Copenhagen Central Station toward Dragør (approximately 30–40 minutes). From Dragør Station, walk or cycle approximately 1.5–2 kilometers to Skolevej. The final approach involves forest paths; allow 20–30 minutes walking time from the nearest road access point. The route is accessible but involves natural terrain.
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Bicycle
Cycle from Copenhagen toward Dragør via the coastal route (approximately 20–30 kilometers, 1–1.5 hours depending on fitness and route). Dragør is well-connected by cycle paths. From Dragør town center, cycle to Skolevej and access the forest path on foot. Bicycle parking is available near the parking area.
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Guided Tour
Join organized troll-hunting tours departing from Copenhagen that include Bjarke Cirkelsten and other sculptures by Thomas Dambo in the region. Tours typically run 3–4 hours and cost approximately 300–500 Danish kroner per person. Booking through local tourism operators or Thomas Dambo's website is recommended for current availability and schedules.
Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo
The Vision of Thomas Dambo
Bjarke Cirkelsten is the work of Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist and environmental activist who has dedicated his career to transforming discarded materials into monumental public sculptures. Dambo operates on a simple but powerful philosophy: in nature, there is no landfill, and everything can be recycled. His approach to art challenges conventional notions of waste and value, turning abandoned wood, used pallets, and found materials into figures that inspire wonder and reflection. Bjarke Cirkelsten, completed in 2020, represents the 62nd troll in Dambo's ever-expanding "Trail of a Thousand Trolls," a global phenomenon that has captured imaginations across continents.The Sculpture and Its Setting
Located in a forest clearing near Dragør, south of Copenhagen, Bjarke Cirkelsten depicts a kneeling troll with a broad, friendly smile. The figure is rendered entirely from reclaimed wood, its form carefully shaped to convey both strength and gentleness. What makes Bjarke particularly distinctive is the monumental circle of stones arranged before him—a formation that appears to be the result of the troll's own laborious work. The sculpture sits within this stone circle, as if frozen mid-task, suggesting an ongoing dialogue between the figure and the natural world. The surrounding forest provides an intimate setting, with the troll emerging from among the trees as a guardian of the woodland realm.Myth, Magic, and Visitor Experience
Local folklore surrounding Bjarke Cirkelsten has grown into a rich tapestry of magical narratives. Visitors are drawn to the site not merely to observe a sculpture, but to participate in an experience infused with wonder. The stone circle itself has become central to the troll's mythology—some visitors believe that walking around it three times with closed eyes will grant a cherished wish, while others report sensing mysterious forces at work within the formation. These stories, shared among visitors and across social media, have transformed Bjarke into more than a static artwork; it has become a living legend that invites personal interpretation and imaginative engagement.Environmental Art and Sustainability
Bjarke Cirkelsten exemplifies Dambo's broader commitment to environmental consciousness through art. Every element of the sculpture—from its wooden body to the stones in the circle—speaks to a philosophy of working with nature rather than against it. The use of recycled materials serves a dual purpose: it reduces waste while creating beauty, demonstrating that discarded objects possess inherent value and potential. The sculpture's location within a natural forest setting reinforces this message, positioning art not as something separate from nature, but as an integral part of it. Visitors to Bjarke are implicitly invited to reconsider their relationship with materials, waste, and the natural world.A Global Phenomenon
While Bjarke Cirkelsten is rooted in Danish soil, it is part of an international movement. Thomas Dambo's trolls now inhabit locations across Europe, North America, and beyond, each one adapted to its local landscape and cultural context. The trolls have inspired troll-hunting expeditions, geocaching adventures, and a worldwide community of enthusiasts. Bjarke's presence in Dragør has made the small Danish municipality a pilgrimage site for art lovers, nature seekers, and those drawn to the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship. The sculpture's popularity demonstrates a growing appetite for public art that engages with sustainability and invites participatory, imaginative experiences.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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