Fremont Troll
A colossal concrete troll lurking under the Aurora Bridge, clutching a real VW Beetle. A quirky Seattle icon!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Fremont Troll
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal concrete troll lurking under the Aurora Bridge, clutching a real VW Beetle. A quirky Seattle icon!
"Such a cool, beautiful little place to visit. You and your loved ones will be sure to enjoy this place- especially the kids."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Climb the new stairs for a unique perspective and capture that iconic troll selfie!
🚌 Easy Public Transit
Take the bus! It drops you close by and saves parking hassle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fremont Troll
Under the Aurora Bridge
A colossal, concrete sculpture of a troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle. A must-see Seattle icon!
Troll Knoll Forest
Adjacent to the Troll
Explore a charming forest with a giant moss turtle and a mushroom garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Fremont Troll Stairs
On the Troll
Recently added stairs provide easier access to the top of the troll for unique photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Troll
Best Time for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Climb the new stairs for a unique perspective and capture that iconic troll selfie!
🚌 Easy Public Transit
Take the bus! It drops you close by and saves parking hassle.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
Don't miss the Troll Knoll Forest and the giant moss turtle nearby.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking can be tough; consider public transport or be patient.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Climb the new stairs for a unique perspective and capture that iconic troll selfie!
🚌 Easy Public Transit
Take the bus! It drops you close by and saves parking hassle.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
Don't miss the Troll Knoll Forest and the giant moss turtle nearby.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking can be tough; consider public transport or be patient.
✨ Free & Fun
It's a free attraction, perfect for a quick, memorable stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Fremont Troll as a unique, free, and fun Seattle attraction, especially for families and photographers. The addition of stairs has improved accessibility, and the nearby Troll Knoll Forest adds to the charm. While parking can be difficult, public transport is a convenient alternative. It's considered a quirky must-see that captures the spirit of Fremont.
"Such a cool, beautiful little place to visit. You and your loved ones will be sure to enjoy this place- especially the kids. It has a trail that you walk through and info about the trees and their importance in our world. There is also a turtle there where you can sprinkle some water on it and a make a wish. The flowers are so beautiful. It is very relaxing and peaceful.
My family and I went early in the morning which is a perfect time to go, we had the whole area to ourselves, we really loved it. Please be respectful of the surrounding residents, the trail and garden statues- no littering or destruction of property- help keep it clean and beautiful."
Mrs. D
"This lovely fellow just wants some company. He has an amazing view down there, and is kind as can be. Stop by and say hi, just be careful, he's been known to crush vw beetles in his hands."
Stacy Thornton
"Looked awesome! I loved how they fixed & cleaned it up very nicely! Added stairs going up to the top. Plus they added the Troll Knoll Forest with the Mushroom garden and the butterfly paradise and the giant moss turtle. My grandkids enjoyed the rain water barrel with the watering can so that they can water the plants too. Thank you to whomever fixed it up and made it more pleasurable to visit. I took my son who came up from California to visit me and I felt such pride to see him and his nephew & nieces climb and play in such a beautiful place!"
Jeanie Pacheco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fremont Troll is located under the Aurora Bridge at Troll Avenue. Public buses are a great option, often dropping you very close to the troll.
Several King County Metro bus routes serve the Fremont neighborhood. You can check their schedules and routes online or use a transit app to find the best option from your location. Many routes will get you within a short walking distance.
Street parking is available in the Fremont area, but it can be limited and competitive, especially on weekends. Be prepared to circle for a spot or consider alternative transportation.
While possible, it's a significant walk (over 3 miles). Taking a bus or rideshare is generally more practical for most visitors.
Navigate to Troll Avenue NE, Seattle, WA. The troll is situated directly beneath the Aurora Bridge. Be aware that street parking can be difficult to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Fremont Troll is completely free! It's a public art installation, so no tickets are required.
The Fremont Troll is an outdoor sculpture and is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photos.
Absolutely not! The Fremont Troll is a free attraction, making it a budget-friendly stop for any Seattle itinerary.
Yes, with the addition of new stairs, you can now safely climb onto the Fremont Troll for a closer look and great photo opportunities.
Yes, as an outdoor public art piece, the Fremont Troll is accessible and visible year-round, regardless of the season.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and softer light, making for better photos. Weekday mornings are particularly good.
Yes, you can get great shots from the ground looking up, or by climbing the new stairs to get closer to the troll and its VW Beetle.
Any smartphone or camera will work well. The key is good lighting, which is why morning visits are recommended.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near bridges due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Try posing as if you're being held by the troll, or capture the troll with the Aurora Bridge in the background. The new stairs offer a unique vantage point.
🎫 🌳 Nearby Attractions
Adjacent to the troll is the Troll Knoll Forest, featuring a giant moss turtle and a mushroom garden. Fremont itself is known for its unique shops and art.
Yes, Gas Works Park is a short distance from the Fremont Troll and offers great city views and green space for a picnic. +1
The Troll Knoll Forest is a small, peaceful park area next to the troll, featuring a large moss-covered turtle statue and a garden, perfect for a quiet moment.
Fremont has a vibrant food scene with many cafes and restaurants. You can find everything from quick bites to sit-down meals in the surrounding neighborhood.
Fremont proudly calls itself the 'Center of the Universe,' a quirky title reflected in its public art and independent spirit, including the Fremont Troll.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for memorable photos and a fun break from more traditional sightseeing. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid peak crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. 📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
+1 The best light is typically in the morning, so plan your visit accordingly. The addition of stairs allows for varied perspectives, from ground-level shots to elevated views. +1 Don't forget to explore the surrounding Troll Knoll Forest for complementary artistic elements and natural beauty. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Creation of the Fremont Troll
The troll is famously depicted clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle, adding a touch of surrealism to the scene. This iconic detail has made it a popular spot for photos and a symbol of Fremont's quirky character. The surrounding area has seen improvements over the years, including the addition of stairs to make the troll more accessible and the development of the adjacent Troll Knoll Forest.
+1Its placement under the Aurora Bridge has given it a unique, somewhat hidden, yet prominent presence in the neighborhood. The Fremont Troll has become a landmark, drawing visitors from all over who come to marvel at its scale and unique artistic vision. It embodies the artistic and unconventional spirit that Fremont is known for.
Experiencing the Fremont Troll: Tips from Visitors
+1Beyond the troll itself, many visitors are delighted by the adjacent Troll Knoll Forest, which features a giant moss turtle and a mushroom garden. This area offers a tranquil contrast to the troll and is a hit with children.
The surrounding Fremont neighborhood is also worth exploring for its unique shops and cafes, adding to the overall experience. While the troll is a highlight, remember that parking can be a challenge. Many Redditors suggest utilizing public transportation as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit