Ole Bolle, The Troll: Thomas Dambo’s Only Oregon Troll On the Northwest Troll Trail
In Oregon’s Tualatin Valley, a larger-than-life, gentle giant waits to be discovered. Ole Bolle, one of artist Thomas Dambo’s whimsical wooden trolls, invites travelers to step off the beaten path and into a world where art and nature meet.
Ole Bolle is located on the Nordic Northwest Campus in Tualatin Valley. This art installation, one of several hand-built trolls on Dambo’s Northwest Troll: Way of the Bird King, tells a tale of protecting nature and honoring our land, bringing awareness of the human impact on life in our watersheds and animal habitats. The Pacific Northwest trail features six giant hand-built Nordic troll characters, fashioned entirely out of recycled materials.
These art installations turn trash into treasured trolls who tell a tale of protecting nature and honoring our land. This is with a focus on understanding human impact on life in our watersheds and animal habitats. The project includes a companion story that will focus on restoration and preservation of riparian habitats in an approachable, fun way. It provides opportunities for youth and adults to learn, support, and make a difference in our environment.
Dambo’s high level of creativity drives the creation of highly interactive experiences, turning recycled materials to immersive, interactive, and awe-inspiring art. Today, he is known internationally for his larger-than-life troll sculptures. With 100 sculptures all over the world, these trolls have begun to have a life of their own, inspiring “troll hunters” to seek them out and fulfill Dambo’s vision of creating art that inspires people to get outside to explore, have adventures, and protect our natural spaces. The Way of the Bird King will be the first Dambo trolls to be placed in the Pacific Northwest, linking this region to the worldwide phenomenon.
Explore Ole Bolle and Other Treasures in Tualatin Valley
Start with a bite at Broder Söder, a Nordic-inspired cafe that serves a “smorgasbord” of food options, including their specialty, “Danish Pancake Balls,” open-faced sandwiches, and yes, Swedish meatballs. (Open daily for brunch and lunch)
Next, take a stroll through the campus to see the Ole Bolle up-close and personal. Watch how his eyes follow you everywhere you go, as he peeks into a house waiting for someone to enter. Accessibility: The path surface is made with fine gravel and the ground surface around the troll is comprised of bark chips and dirt. Please note that people using walking devices and wheelchairs may have some difficulty. (Open daily during daylight hours)
While on campus, visit the Nordic Finn Ware gift shop, featuring a selection of products from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, as well as Scandinavian handcrafted items. (Open daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Venture to downtown Beaverton to the art gallery at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. This public gallery features a art exhibits by regional and international artists whose art reflect diverse communities throughout the year. (Admission is free and is open Wednesday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m.)
After browsing the gallery, pop into Mama & Hapa’s Zero Waste Shop, an eco-friendly retail store that sells a variety of sustainable products, including soaps, skin care, makeup and more. (Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Across the street, Brazilian coffee shop Kitanda not only serves coffee, but also has wide array of Açaí bowls and smoothies, naturally gluten-free breads and sweet treats. (Open daily; hours vary)
Check in to the Hyatt House Beaverton, in the heart of Beaverton and near some of the city’s top dining spots, including Cedar Hills Crossing and Beaverton’s Restaurant Row. Hyatt House offers modern, spacious accommodations, as well as a complimentary breakfast.