How to See Portland’s Giant Troll
Beware what lurks in these woods. Long have I believed that the forests of the Pacific Northwest must contain magical creatures, or at least dinosaurs. Now I finally have not only confirmation but photo evidence. Fellow fearless explorers and novelty seekers, here is how to see one of Portland’s most recent attractions, a giant troll named Ole Bolle.
Signs will point you from the parking lot to the troll
Know before you go
It is free to see the giant troll. Donations are welcome.
Look for parking on Nordic Northwest’s campus in front of Nordia House and in the overflow lot to its right.
You can visit the troll anytime during daylight hours.
You won’t be able to see the troll from the road or the parking lot. Look for signs for the Troll Path from Nordia House. The paths are wide, flat, and even unpaved trails. The walk is not long, less than the length of a city block, and there are places to sit once you get there.
There are public restrooms in Nordia House.
The troll will stay in place for at least three years after its installation in 2023.
Ole Bolle looks inside a cabin
The Troll
Although a rare sight in Oregon, Ole Bolle is part of a thriving troll population. Danish artist Thomas Dambo has created over 100 trolls in locations around the world, now including Portland. The 19-foot Ole Bolle is one of six trolls that will be installed in natural areas around the Pacific Northwest as part of Dambo’s exhibit, Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King. Dozens of volunteers helped to construct Ole Bolle out of recycled wood, reflecting the artist’s commitment to repurposing discarded material to create interactive exhibits that spark the imagination. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s giant troll.
Like so many, I grew up with stories about malevolent trolls under bridges demanding payment, stealing children, and eating children. Defying the stereotype, Ole Bolle’s expression looks endearing and innocent as he lifts the roof of a cabin, possibly in search of a human-sized snack. Seeing him, there’s a sense that if he did eat someone, it would be in a curious and even friendly way rather than a bloodthirsty one. Stouthearted visitors can enter the cabin he is investigating.
Head to Fogelbo to find Portland’s troll
Fogelbo
Portland’s troll lives on the grounds of Fogelbo, a Swedish-style log house that would blend into a fairytale forest perfectly. Its name is Swedish for “bird’s nest,” a nod to longtime residents the Fogelquists, whose name means “bird on a branch.” Celebrated carpenter Henry Steiner and his son John built the log house between 1938 and 1940 using hand tools and materials sourced from Mt Hood. Henry Steiner is best known for his contributions to the construction of Timberline Lodge and over 100 cabins around Mt Hood. Fogelbo is a rare example of an urban residence built by Steiner and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
Fogelbo
Fogelbo’s interior is closed to the public but has tours periodically, offering the chance to see its large collection of Nordic antiques and art. Find a tour schedule here. Various small cabins and buildings have been added to the grounds, creating the feeling of a small village. It would be a very relaxing place were it not for the danger of trolls lurking in the woods.
Grounds of Fogelbo
Nordic Northwest
Find a restaurant, gift shop, and gallery in Nordia House
After seeing the troll, it’s worth stopping by Nordia House and having a look around. Inside you’ll find Broder Söder, a restaurant serving delicious Nordic cuisine for breakfast and lunch. The menu includes many seasonal vegetables and some of the best potato salad in town, not to mention the largest selection of aquavit on the West Coast.
Enjoy views of the back patio from Broder Söder
The restaurant is popular. I waited about 30 minutes for a table on a weekday afternoon. If you have a wait, consider checking out the art gallery down the hall and its rotating exhibits, most recently one showcasing the textiles of Icelandic artists. You can also browse the gift shop full of Scandinavian-inspired sundries, including some troll-themed products. Look for bulletin boards nearby with information on Nordic cultural events and offerings from Swedish movie screenings to Finnish conversation groups.
If you arrive by bus, you’ll have no trouble recognizing your stop
Getting there
Address: 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223
Nordic Northwest is in southwest Portland near Washington Square Mall. It’s about 20 minutes away from downtown. Parking is free.
The 45 bus line stops across the street from Nordic Northwest. The 76 and 78 bus lines have a stop about 0.5 miles away.
Enjoy your visit with Portland’s giant troll!
With love,
Emma
Explore nearby
Find excellent hiking trails in the parks of Portland.
Find more attractions and things to do in Portland.
