Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll is one of Seattle's most beloved pieces of public art, a giant, gloriously grumpy concrete sculpture of a troll lurking beneath the north end of the Aurora Bridge in the quirky, self-proclaimed 'Center of the Universe' neighbourhood of Fremont. Standing about 18 feet (5.5 metres) tall, the troll emerges from the ground clutching an actual full-size Volkswagen Beetle in one enormous hand, with a hubcap eye glinting menacingly. Created by local artists in 1990 to reclaim a dingy space under the bridge, it has become an iconic, much-photographed Seattle landmark that visitors clamber over and pose with.

It perfectly captures Fremont's offbeat, artsy character. It's completely free, open 24/7, and a fun, quick stop, kids love climbing on it. Combine it with Fremont's other quirky attractions, indie shops, and eateries. Bring a camera; the troll is endlessly photogenic, day or night.

Don't miss

• An 18-foot concrete troll under the bridge
• Clutching a real VW Beetle with a hubcap eye
• Iconic, much-photographed Seattle public art
• Free and open 24/7
• The offbeat spirit of the Fremont neighbourhood

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• It's free and open around the clock.
• Yes, that's a real Volkswagen Beetle in its hand.
• Kids can clamber on it, bring a camera.
• Combine it with quirky Fremont's shops and eateries.

A bit of history

The Fremont Troll was created in 1990 by a group of local artists who won a competition to rehabilitate the neglected space under the Aurora Bridge. Modelled on the troll-under-the-bridge of folklore, it quickly became a defining symbol of Fremont's eccentric identity.