What is the Breckenridge Troll? - Meet Isak Heartstone.
Nestled in the scenic town of Breckenridge, Colorado, lies an enchanting piece of public art that has captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors and locals alike. The Breckenridge Troll, also known as “Isak Heartstone,” is a massive sculpture (15 foot tall) made of reclaimed wood that has become an iconic symbol of the town’s unique artistic spirit. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo as part of his “Troll Project,” the Breckenridge Troll is an impressive example of how public art can transform a community and draw people together in a shared experience of wonder and enchantment.
In this guide, we’ll explore the origins, construction, and cultural significance of the Breckenridge Troll, and discover how it has become a beloved attraction in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Where is the Breckenridge Troll now?
The Breckenridge Troll, also known as “Isak Heartstone,” is situated on a hiking trail on the Illinois Creek Trailhead, which is about a 15-20 minute hike from the Welcome Center in Downtown Breckenridge.
Visitors can also access the trailhead by taking the Breck Free Ride bus to the Ice Rink stop. Once at the trailhead, visitors can follow the marked trail to the site of the sculpture – so called Trollstigen Trail.
How long is the hike to the Breckenridge Troll?
It is about a 1-mile easy, out and back, hike from the Stephen’s C West Ice Arena parking lot on Boreas Pass Rd.
If you do not want to do entire 1-mile loop, you can simply walk up to the troll in about 10 minutes. It is about 0.25 miles total.
Breckenridge Troll Artist
The Breckenridge Troll was constructed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo as part of his “Troll Project” – a series of public art installations that he has created around the world. The project began in 2012 and has since grown to include over 60 large-scale sculptures made from reclaimed wood, all inspired by the rich folklore and mythology of Dambo’s Scandinavian heritage.
Each troll is unique and designed to fit its surroundings, whether in urban or natural environments. The project is known for its sustainable approach to art-making, as Dambo sources his materials from local sources, such as scrap yards, construction sites, and fallen trees, and incorporates them into his designs.
The Breckenridge Troll, also known as “Isak Heartstone,” is one of the most popular and well-known installations in the Trolls Project.
What is the history of Breckenridge Troll? - From Local Secret to National Sensation - How the Troll Captivated the Nation's Attention
The Breckenridge Troll was moved from its original location to a new site on the Illinois Gulch Trailhead in the fall of 2019. The sculpture was originally installed in August 2018 on a plot of private land in the quiet Wellington neighborhood. As it quickly became a popular attraction, it drew large crowds and caused parking and noise issues for the community.
In response, the town of Breckenridge worked with the artist, Thomas Dambo, and the Breckenridge Creative Arts organization to find a new, more suitable location for the sculpture. The Illinois Gulch Trailhead was chosen as the new site, and the sculpture was dismantled, transported, and reconstructed there in a way that preserved the original design and character of the piece.
Photo by BreckCreate
Breckenridge Troll Hike
The Trollstigen Trail was built to be a one-way, directional trail to help access and flow of hikers to Isak.
Hike in the Summer
The trail is well–marked and maintained, generally flat with a gradual (but minimal) incline that offers scenic views of the surrounding forested areas. It includes a
mix of dirt, stone pavers and wooden planks.
Hike in the Winter
You can still access the hike in the winter, but be cautious because the trail is not maintained during winter months. Trollstigen Trail can be icy, snow packed, muddy, and/or slick.
Photo by BreckCreate
Breckenridge Troll Parking
If you are planning to visit the Breckenridge Troll, there are several parking options available depending on the time of year and the day of the week.
Parking is available at the Ice Rink parking lot on Boreas Pass Road, which is the closest parking location to the Wellington Trailhead, where the sculpture is located. The Town of Breckenridge highly discourages visitors to park there (traffic issues) and recommends to park on Main Street (paid parking) and walk up the hill to the Trollstigen Trail.
Visitors should also be aware that parking and traffic regulations are strictly enforced in Breckenridge, so it is important to pay attention to signage and park only in designated areas to avoid fines or towing.
To avoid parking issues altogether, visitors can also take the Breck Free Ride bus, which stops at the Ice Rink and drops off passengers within a short walk of the Wellington Trailhead.
