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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Fremont Troll

A colossal 18-foot concrete troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle, lurking under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle's eclectic Fremont neighborhood.

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Fremont Troll
fremont.com, og_image_fremont.com

Where is the Fremont Troll located?

The Fremont Troll is located at 3405 Troll Ave N (at N 36th St) in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, tucked under the north end of the Aurora Bridge (also known as the George Washington Memorial Bridge).

How much does it cost to visit?

Visiting the Fremont Troll is completely free; there are no admission fees, tickets, or reservations required.

What are the hours?

The sculpture is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is the Fremont Troll known for?

It is an 18-foot concrete sculpture known for clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle and featuring a VW Beetle hubcap as a metal eye. The concept is based on the Norwegian folktale 'Three Billy Goats Gruff.'

Who built the sculpture and when?

The sculpture was built in 1990 by four Seattle artists: Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Fremont Troll is a massive public art installation located at 3405 Troll Ave N, tucked beneath the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge, also known as the Aurora Bridge. Standing 18 feet tall and weighing approximately 13,000 pounds, this concrete giant is a landmark of the Fremont neighborhood. The sculpture was created in 1990 by a team of four artists: Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead. It was born from a city arts competition in 1989 to revitalize the neglected space under the bridge. Constructed from a durable mix of rebar steel, wire, and ferrocement—a specialized cement typically used in boat building—the Troll is designed to withstand the elements. Its striking appearance is characterized by a shaggy texture and a shiny metal eye made from a Volkswagen Beetle hubcap. The figure is famously depicted as clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle, which visitors frequently interact with for unique photo opportunities. Drawing inspiration from the Norwegian folktale 'Three Billy Goats Gruff,' the sculpture transforms a previously bleak area into a whimsicaly quirky landmark. The community continues to support the site through the Friends of Trolls Knoll, a group dedicated to maintaining the surrounding green space. Every October 31st, the neighborhood celebrates with a mobile 'Troll-o-ween' party that begins under the bridge and wanders through other local art sites. Visitors can freely explore the sculpture at any hour of the day or night, as the site is accessible 24/7. Because it is a public installation, there are no tickets, reservations, or admission fees required to experience this iconic piece of Seattle art.

Visitor tips

  • The site is open 24/7, so feel free to visit at any hour to avoid crowds.
  • Bring your camera for a photo with the embedded VW Beetle and the troll's giant hand.
  • If visiting in late October, look for the 'Troll-o-ween' community celebration on October 31st.

Nearby context

The Fremont Troll is located in the heart of the Fremont neighborhood, an area known for its eclectic art and funky landmarks. It sits at the intersection of N 36th St and Troll Ave N, serving as a gateway to the other quirky art installations and community-driven green spaces like Troll's Knoll.

Sources

Evidence and links