Tucked away in forests, parks, and neighborhoods throughout the Puget Sound, Washington’s troll sculptures invite visitors to explore creative public art in local communities. Beyond Seattle’s iconic Fremont Troll, visitors can discover five sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo as part of his NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King art installation. A sixth sculpture in Dambo’s Pacific Northwest troll installation can be found in neighboring Portland, Oregon.
Built from reclaimed wood and natural materials, these imaginative sculptures emphasize environmental stewardship. Scan Design Foundation, which aims to foster Danish American relations through cultural exchanges focused on sustainability, helped bring the sculptures to Washington for completion.
From Vashon Island to Issaquah and Seattle, take a self-guided road trip to see all the trolls in Washington State and discover the communities they call home.
At a Glance: Where to See Trolls in Washington State
- Bainbridge Island: Pia the Peacekeeper
- Issaquah: Jakob Two Trees
- Ballard Neighborhood, Seattle: Frankie Feetsplinters
- West Seattle: Bruun Idun
- Vashon Island: Oscar the Bird King
- Fremont Neighborhood, Seattle: Fremont Troll
Discover Washington’s Troll Sculptures
Pia the Peacekeeper
Located in Sakai Park on Bainbridge Island, Pia the Peacekeeper can be found just a short stroll from the entrance. Use this handy map from Bainbridge Island Parks for easy access. In keeping with the sustainability values represented by this Washington State troll art, visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transit to visit Pia. While on Bainbridge Island, don’t miss exploring the charming downtown district of Winslow with its galleries, wineries, and restaurants.
Getting to the island is half the fun. Hop on a scenic 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle’s Colman Dock or arrive by car via Tacoma to the south or the Hood Canal Bridge through Poulsbo to the west. Daily docking is also available for boaters.
Jakob Two Trees
Just 20 minutes east of Seattle, Issaquah is home to Jakob Two Trees. The first troll in Washington to feature a ponytail, Jakob’s hair is held back by a band crafted by the Snoqualmie Tribe. To find Jakob, make your way down the paved Rainier Trail, about a quarter mile from the Issaquah Community Center.
After your visit, take time to discover Issaquah’s outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and artistic community. Located at the base of the Issaquah Alps, hikers can enjoy trails throughout Tiger Mountain State Park, while mountain bikers can zigzag along miles of single track. One of Washington’s official creative districts, Issaquah also offers an abundance of local artists and boutiques. Annual events include the Issaquah Open Studio Tour, Salmon Days Festival, and Issaquah Reindeer Festival.
Oscar the Bird King
The namesake of Dambo’s Washington troll art installation, Oscar the Bird King sits among the trees in Vashon Island’s Point Robertson Park. On his head, a crown composed of birdhouses invites the winged creatures into the art. Nearby, birdhouse towers are decorated with strands of natural objects such as shells, feathers, and stones contributed by the community.
The island is known for its slower pace and agricultural roots. Visitors can enjoy beautiful trails, orchards, and events like CiderFest, Strawberry Festival, and Vashon Summer Nights.
Located in the Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma, you can reach Vashon Island by three different ferry routes: from West Seattle at the Fauntleroy Terminal, from Tacoma at the Point Defiance Terminal, and from the Kitsap Peninsula at the Southworth Terminal.
Also See: 3 Day Trips From Seattle by Ferry
Bruun Idun
Located in Lincoln Park, you can reach West Seattle’s troll via a paved path off the waterfront. Bruun Idun features a flute crafted by Muckleshoot artist Coyote, also known as John Halliday. To celebrate the values of stewardship and environmental management reflected in this Washington troll sculpture, Seattle’s mayor declared Aug. 25 “Bruun Idun Day.”
West Seattle is home to one of the city’s most loved beaches, Alki Beach. This sandy strip offers beautiful views across Elliott Bay. You can reach the neighborhood by water taxi from downtown or by car via the West Seattle Bridge.
Frankie Feetsplinters
Dambo’s final troll, Frankie Feetsplinters, stands in front of the National Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Frankie’s toothy grin welcomes visitors to the museum, which explores the cultural connections between the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and the Pacific Northwest. View objects from Nordic immigrants, see the Project Aurora light wall, and more.
A waterfront neighborhood along the Puget Sound in northwest Seattle, Ballard is home to trendy restaurants and hip retailers. The Ballard Locks, which connect Lake Washington and Lake Union, are free and an excellent spot to watch boats.
Fremont Troll
Considered to be the original Washington troll sculpture, Seattle’s Fremont Troll was installed in 1990 following an art competition. Today, you can visit this troll under the north end of the Aurora Bridge (George Washington Memorial Bridge). Four artists sculpted the troll, with the imagery inspired by Scandinavian folklore.
The Fremont neighborhood borders Ballard and is known for vintage stores and bohemian vibes. Visitors can also enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling the Burke-Gilman Trail, which will take them to another Seattle icon, Gas Works Park.
Washington State Troll Road Trip Itinerary
While you could attempt to see all the trolls in one day, a slower pace allows you to see more of each destination. For the best experience, plan to spend two or three days visiting all the trolls in Washington. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Day 1: Seattle and Issaquah
- Fremont Troll
- Frankie Feetsplinters
- Jakob Two Trees
Spend the morning visiting two trolls in Seattle before heading to Issaquah in the afternoon. Overnight in Seattle or Issaquah.
Day 2: West Seattle to Vashon Island
- Bruun Idun
- Oscar the Bird King
From Issaquah or Seattle, head to West Seattle to see Bruun Idun (conveniently located near the Fauntleroy ferry dock) before catching the ferry to Vashon Island. Overnight on Vashon Island.
Day 3: Vashon to Bainbridge Island
- Pia the Peacekeeper
Take the ferry from Vashon to Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula and drive to Bainbridge Island. After visiting Pia, overnight on Bainbridge Island or take the short ferry back into Seattle to end your Washington troll road trip.