Hidden creatures, expressive faces, and recycled materials: the Danish Artist Thomas Dambo Trolls are some of the world’s most spectacular outdoor art installations. In fact, they span the globe from the municipalities of Copenhagen to the western shores of Australia and now meet Pia the Peacekeeper, in our quiet community of Bainbridge Island.
You’ll have to hop on the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry to see this instance of the Thomas Dambo Trolls, nestled in Sakai Park just three minutes by car (there is limited parking on-site) or a half-hour walk from the ferry terminal. However, for cycling enthusiasts, there are two rental shops and an easy route to navigate by bike. Pia the Peacekeeper is an 18-foot tall troll, sitting awaiting its viewers, made from recycled wood, and holding court over a grassy meadow.
One of the best ways to enjoy this installation of the Thomas Dambo Trolls is by making a long trip to the island! The Eagle Harbor Inn, the only boutique hotel on Bainbridge Island within walking distance of the ferry terminal, is ideal for relaxing and refreshing. You’ll be a straight shot, about one mile to Pia the Peacekeeper, and can keep your car parked for free at the Inn. Our charming petit hotel offers five guest rooms and two townhouse lodging options, perfect for an array of vacations and visitors. Book your room today!
The Newest Addition of the Thomas Dambo Trolls
Exploring the outdoor installations of Danish Artist Thomas Dambo Trolls has become a hobby for many! There are more than 100 of these art installations throughout the globe. These magical woodland creatures are often tucked in the reaching corners of forests, hidden under bridges, and thoughtfully placed in open fields.
For those on the hunt for these fantastic art installations in Washington State, here’s a list of the five Thomas Dambo Trolls in the Northwest:
- Pia the Peacekeeper: One of the newest additions to the Thomas Dambo Trolls, Pia the Peacekeeper, can be found in Sakai Park on Bainbridge Island. This wooden creature resides just off the beaten path, tucked between a local elementary school and church, surrounded by trees.
- Oscar the Bird King: Located in Point Robinson Park on Vashon Island, Oscar sits over 20 feet tall with a crown of birdhouses and a beard of madrone branches. This island community known for its population of artists celebrated the arrival of Oscar and his recycled materials in the Fall of 2023.
- Bruun Idun: This installment of the Thomas Dambo Trolls is a feminine creature playing a flute in Lincoln Park in West Seattle. Each whimsical troll sculpture is part of an underlying environmental story, and here, Dambo connects his work with the story of Coast Salish tribal communities.
- Jakob Two Trees: About 20 minutes from Seattle proper, Jakob resides in Issaquah, a popular city suburb. He stands 14 feet tall between tall Evergreen trees with a necklace of birdhouses.
- Frankie Feet Splinter: It’s only fitting that the National Nordic Museum in Ballard is home to one of the Thomas Dambo Trolls. Frankie welcomes visitors to the museum, beckoning them to learn more about Nordic culture, history, and connections to nature.
For more information about these impressive installations in the Pacific Northwest, head to the Way of the Bird King website, which worked hand in hand with Dambo to bring these fascinating creatures to life in Washington State.
One of the Best Hotels on Bainbridge Island
For many, visiting all of the Thomas Dambo Trolls is a goal; on this interactive map, you can check off each installation you’ve seen! Our small community was so thrilled to welcome one of these art installations; there are now six in total in Washington State. When you begin your hunt for Pia the Peacekeeper, plan ahead and stay for an extended vacation to explore all that Bainbridge Island offers.
From stunning waterfront strolls and wooded trails to award-winning restaurants, cafes, and museums, our quiet island community has so much to discover. With our boutique hotel on Bainbridge Island as your homebase, you’ll be in the ideal location to explore all of the best things to do here. With five elegant and cozy guest rooms or two spacious townhouses, our island lodging is perfect for couples or families traveling together on this adventure.
Our downtown Winslow location is as walkable as it gets! Set out on foot for dining, shopping, and taking in all of this small-town charm. If you set out by car, everything is accessible within 15 minutes. While you could have an action-packed two to three-day getaway here if you plan for an extended vacation, you can leisurely explore all of the beautiful and peaceful activities on the island. We know it will be memorable; join us at our hotel on Bainbridge Island, and book your lodging today!
