Copenhagen: Six Forgotten Giant Sculptures Tour by Bus

If you want something more playful than yet another canal cruise, this Forgotten Giants hunt around Copenhagen is a smart pick. I love the way the art feels like a treasure hunt, and I love that you are moving through real outdoor areas instead of museum rooms. One thing to consider: you will be on the bus for part of the time, so it is best if you are okay with a short travel between sculpture stops.

This tour centers on six giant figures by Thomas Dambo, built from scrap wood with local volunteers. You are not just seeing sculptures, you are also getting a peek at smaller, quieter nature spots around the city, in municipalities like Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund, and Høje Taastrup.

I also like that it is English-led and designed for people who do not want to figure out remote parking and driving. You meet at the tour office just two minutes from Copenhagen Central, then spend about four hours combining bus rides, guided time at each giant, and short walks through fields.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Six giants in one half-day: you see the full set without needing your own car
• Scrap wood, volunteer-built art: the project philosophy matters, not just the photos
• Short nature walks: some field walking is part of the fun
• English live guide: you get a guided flow, plus troll history when your guide shares it
• A real break built in: you stop for a short rest at Spisestedet Mosen

Why Thomas Dambo’s Forgotten Giants Feel Like a Copenhagen Treasure Hunt

Thomas Dambo’s Forgotten Giants are the kind of outdoor art that makes you slow down, look twice, and then look up. These giants were created to move art out of the museum and into everyday, often overlooked nature spaces around Copenhagen. The builders used scrap wood and local volunteer help, which gives the whole project a down-to-earth feel.

What I like about that approach is the match between theme and location. You are not hunting for famous monuments in a packed square. You are walking through fields and green corners where the sculptures can surprise you in the best way. The art also reflects Dambo’s broader practice, with experience making wooden sculptures from scrap and other recycled materials like plastic and even cardboard. If you are an art fan, it is a rare chance to see how playful creativity can start with what other people toss.

Getting Started at CPH-Tours & Tickets, Just Off Copenhagen Central

Your tour begins at CPH-Tours & Tickets. The office is only about two minutes from Copenhagen Central station, which is a big deal if you are already using trains and metro to get around.

Because there is no hotel pickup, you will want to plan to arrive a little early and settle your shoes before you meet the guide. If you are coming from the airport, give yourself extra time so you do not feel rushed. This is also where you can set your day up smartly by deciding what you want to bring for the outdoor part. Comfortable footwear matters here more than fashion.

The Bus Ride: Fast Route, Guided Stops, and Time to Reset

The tour is built around a bus that links multiple remote sculpture areas. That is not just convenience. It is what keeps the experience feeling doable for people who do not want to spend half their day driving and navigating rural roads.

On at least some departures, the bus experience is practical, with features like chargers and WiFi, and the option to bring snacks for the ride. That means you can keep energy up and avoid the classic mistake of arriving hungry and then feeling impatient during guided stops.

A small note: the bus time can feel like dead time if you do not like sitting. I recommend using that time to prep mentally for the next giant. Get your camera ready, and decide what you want to notice next, like placement in the landscape, how the sculpture relates to its surroundings, and how the artist uses scale to make you feel small.

Stop 1: Sleeping Louis, Your First Giant in the Field-Edge Atmosphere

You start with the giant named Sleeping Louis, and you get about 15 minutes for a guided visit. This is a great first stop because it sets the tone. You arrive, meet the guide’s explanation, then take time to look around at your own pace.

At this stage, I like to do a quick routine: first, spot the full shape from a distance. Then, move closer for details. Outdoor sculptures often reward this two-step method, because you catch different proportions and angles depending on where you stand.

Drawback to consider: because it is an early stop, you might still be getting warmed up. If you prefer longer first encounters, you may find yourself wishing you had a little more time to settle in before the tour moves on.

Hilltop Trine: A Guided Walk That Lets You Pick Your View

Next up is Hilltop Trine with around 20 minutes on site. The name itself hints that this is meant for viewing from a slightly higher perspective, and these types of placements are often about the relationship between the figure and the open space around it.

This stop is where the walking rhythm starts to feel real. You will likely spend time moving through nearby terrain to find the best angles. If the weather is damp or windy, go slow on uneven ground and fields. Denmark can be gorgeous and still weather-shifty, so dress for cool breezes.

The good part is that 20 minutes is enough to do both the guided look and a personal wander. You do not just snap photos and move on. You get to see how the sculpture sits in its environment.

Oscar Under The Bridge: The Longest Visit and a Change in Scene

Oscar Under The Bridge is your longest scheduled visit, with about 40 minutes. This is the stop where you tend to slow down the most, because the extra time gives you room to explore from multiple viewpoints and take in the setting.

Even if you are not sure what to look for, the guide’s presence helps you notice the big picture: scale, placement, and how recycled materials can be shaped into something playful and monumental. This stop also tends to feel like a mini pause in the tour flow, which is exactly what you want halfway through a half-day program.

Time tip: if you are traveling with a camera phone, charge it before you reach this stop. It is the kind of location where you will want a few angles, not just one shot.

Spisestedet Mosen Break: Refuel Without Losing the Day

After Oscar Under The Bridge, you get a short break at Spisestedet Mosen, scheduled around 10 minutes. Because food and drinks are not included, this is not a sit-down meal. Think of it as a quick reset to use the facilities, grab water, or pick up a snack you can eat on the go.

I like having this break built in because the tour is partly outdoors. A short stop helps you avoid the late-afternoon slump that can make the last sculptures feel rushed.

Practical move: if you plan to buy something, keep it simple. You want a quick grab, not a long decision. And if you already brought snacks for the bus, you can use this break to top off with something warm or a drink.

Little Tilde and Thomas on the Mountain: Two More Guided Stops with Different Feel

Then the tour continues with Little Tilde (about 20 minutes) and Thomas on the Mountain (about 40 minutes). This pairing works well because you get contrast. One feels like a lighter, quick encounter, while the other is where you often feel the wow factor of scale and placement.

Thomas on the Mountain is the second longer visit. If you like “stop and look” experiences, this is the stop where you can linger. Take a moment to observe how the sculpture changes as you shift your position, especially if it sits higher relative to paths or open ground.

For Little Tilde, use the shorter time to focus on the basics: listen to the guide, then spend your own time finding your favorite angle. Short stops can be surprisingly satisfying when you treat them like mini photo walks with a single clear goal.

Friendly Teddy by Thomas Dambo, Number 14 Style Finale

The final sculpture on the list is Friendly Teddy by Thomas Dambo, labeled as number 14. You get about 20 minutes for this last guided visit before returning to the meeting point.

This end stop matters because it gives you closure. If the earlier giants felt like puzzle pieces, the finale is where you wrap the theme together, noticing how the project’s playful spirit stays consistent across different locations.

Timing-wise, 20 minutes is enough to see it properly and still rejoin the group without stress. The bus ride back is then your chance to think about what you liked most and maybe point out your favorite giant to whoever you are traveling with.

What to Wear and Bring for Outdoor Giant Sculptures Around Copenhagen

This is an outdoor tour, and even though the bus handles the distance between sites, you still do walking through field-like areas to uncover the giants. That means you should pack for uneven ground and weather swings.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with grip for paths and field edges
• A light layer or jacket, even in pleasant months, because open areas can feel cooler
• A camera or phone with enough space, and ideally a power bank
• A snack option, since the day includes guided stops and you may want fuel between them

You might find this tour works best when you dress in a way that lets you move. Copenhagen is friendly to walking, but these sculpture sites are not inside.

Price and Value: Is $135 Worth It for Six Forgotten Giants?

At $135 per person for about four hours, this tour is not the cheapest thing you can do in Copenhagen. But it is also not trying to be. You are paying for access to six remote sculpture sites, guided visits at each one, and the bus transportation that links everything smoothly.

Here is what you get for the money:

• A live English guide who organizes the route and shares context
• Bus transport between multiple municipalities around Copenhagen
• Guided time at each giant, so you are not just wandering randomly
• A short outdoor walking component that turns the day into a real scavenger hunt

Food and drinks are not included, so you will likely spend a little extra for a snack or drink at the break. Still, the overall value is strong if you do not have a car or you do not want to spend your time figuring out how to reach six separate outdoor sites.

I also think $135 makes sense if you are the kind of traveler who likes “multiple hits in one outing.” This is the type of tour where doing it yourself would be possible, but it would cost time, energy, and potentially some wrong turns.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Prefer Something Else

This is ideal for:

• People who like quirky art with a real-world setting
• Travelers who want to see Danish nature near Copenhagen, not just inside the city core
• Anyone who wants an English-led day that reduces navigation stress
• Families and groups who enjoy playful challenges like hunting for sculptures

It might be less ideal if:

• You dislike sitting on buses for chunks of time
• You want very minimal walking, since field-edge paths are part of the experience
• You expect a long, leisurely meal day, because the food stop is short and not included

If you fall in the middle, you can still have a great time. The key is to treat the tour like an outdoor art outing, not like a museum tour. You are meant to move, look, and find.

Should You Book the Copenhagen Six Forgotten Giants Tour?

I would book it if you want a half-day that feels different from the usual top-10 checklist. The combination of guided art stops, a real outdoor setting, and the scrap-wood volunteer spirit behind the Forgotten Giants makes it feel both fun and meaningful.

I would skip it only if you hate walking on uneven outdoor ground or you get cranky when a plan includes multiple stops. If you are flexible and curious, you will likely enjoy the way each giant adds a new angle to the same creative idea.

FAQ

How long is the Copenhagen Six Forgotten Giants tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at CPH-Tours & Tickets, which is about 2 minutes from Copenhagen Central station.

Is there a guide, and what language is the tour in?

Yes, the tour includes a live guide, and it is offered in English.

Do I need to bring food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. There is a short break at Spisestedet Mosen, but you will need to handle your own purchases.

Is transportation included?

Yes. The tour includes bus or coach transportation between stops.

How many Forgotten Giants sculptures are you visiting?

You visit six Forgotten Giants sculptures during the tour.

Is it easy to pay and get a refund if plans change?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also offers a reserve now and pay later option.