The Six Forgotten Giants

קופנהגן, IL

The Six Forgotten Giants
The Six Forgotten Giants
Location
קופנהגן, IL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
55.64337, 12.34557
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Six Forgotten Giants are a series of large-scale wooden sculptures created by the artist Thomas Dambo, located in the natural outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark. These monumental figures, each given a unique name—such as Teddy Friendly, Oscar Under the Bridge, and Sleeping Louis—are constructed entirely from recycled wood, including scrap timber, old pallets, and wood from demolished sheds. The project was designed to encourage visitors to explore the lesser-known, scenic areas surrounding the city, effectively turning a walk in nature into a treasure hunt for art. Visitors can expect to find these giants nestled in forests, near lakes, or tucked under bridges, blending seamlessly into the landscape. This initiative is a prime example of sustainable public art, highlighting the potential of upcycled materials in contemporary sculpture. For those planning a trip, these sculptures are excellent places to visit for families and photography enthusiasts alike. If you are looking for unique trip ideas that combine outdoor activity with artistic discovery, the trail of the giants offers an immersive experience. Navigating the suburban landscape to locate all six requires some planning, but the reward is a quiet, contemplative interaction with both nature and creative ingenuity. As these sculptures are permanently installed in public spaces, they remain accessible year-round, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the recycled wood.

General information

The Six Forgotten Giants are a series of large-scale wooden sculptures created by the artist Thomas Dambo, located in the natural outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark. These monumental figures, each given a unique name—such as Teddy Friendly, Oscar Under the Bridge, and Sleeping Louis—are constructed entirely from recycled wood, including scrap timber, old pallets, and wood from demolished sheds. The project was designed to encourage visitors to explore the lesser-known, scenic areas surrounding the city, effectively turning a walk in nature into a treasure hunt for art. Visitors can expect to find these giants nestled in forests, near lakes, or tucked under bridges, blending seamlessly into the landscape. This initiative is a prime example of sustainable public art, highlighting the potential of upcycled materials in contemporary sculpture. For those planning a trip, these sculptures are excellent places to visit for families and photography enthusiasts alike. If you are looking for unique trip ideas that combine outdoor activity with artistic discovery, the trail of the giants offers an immersive experience. Navigating the suburban landscape to locate all six requires some planning, but the reward is a quiet, contemplative interaction with both nature and creative ingenuity. As these sculptures are permanently installed in public spaces, they remain accessible year-round, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the recycled wood.

Did you know

  • All six giants were built entirely from recycled materials, primarily wood salvaged from local sources.
  • Artist Thomas Dambo collaborated with local volunteers to construct the sculptures, fostering community engagement.
  • Each giant has a specific name and a unique personality trait integrated into its design.
  • The sculptures are placed in 'hidden' locations to encourage people to explore nature outside the city center.

History

The project was commissioned and executed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo between 2016 and 2017. Dambo, known for his focus on sustainability and upcycling, sought to create a public art installation that would draw attention to the beauty of overlooked natural spaces in the Copenhagen suburbs. By utilizing thousands of pieces of scrap wood, he aimed to demonstrate that waste materials could be transformed into meaningful cultural landmarks. The project was supported by local municipalities and community groups, resulting in a permanent installation that has since become a significant cultural attraction for both locals and international visitors.

Cultural significance

The Six Forgotten Giants represent a shift in public art, prioritizing environmental consciousness and community interaction over traditional gallery settings. By placing art in the wild, Dambo challenges the audience to engage with their surroundings, promoting a deeper connection to the local ecosystem. The project emphasizes the philosophy of 'trash is a treasure,' influencing contemporary discourse on sustainability and circular economies. Culturally, the giants serve as modern-day folklore, with each figure possessing a distinct character that resonates with visitors of all ages, transforming a simple hike into a narrative-driven adventure.

Geography and landscape

The sculptures are scattered across various suburban municipalities surrounding Copenhagen, including Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund, and Høje Taastrup. Unlike centralized city monuments, these giants are situated in diverse landscapes ranging from dense woodlands and quiet lakeside paths to open parklands and industrial-adjacent buffer zones. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the Danish landscape, and the sites are linked by cycling and walking paths. This geographic spread forces visitors to traverse the green belts of the metropolitan area, providing a comprehensive view of the region's natural and semi-urban geography.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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