Fremont Troll

Whether or not you agree with the Chamber of Commerce’s assertion that the Fremont is the “center of the universe,” it’s irrefutable that the north Seattle neighborhood is home to some of the city’s more bizarre—and beloved—sights.

Huddled under the Aurora Bridge at North 36th Street is a 16 foot, 2-ton troll. The giant troll statue, constructed of concrete, reinforced steel and discarded auto parts (his eye is a hubcap), celebrates Seattle Scandinavian heritage and love of quirky public art.

And yes, that is a real Volkswagen Beetle he’s holding, complete with California license plates.

The troll was designed and built by local artists as part of an early 1990s initiative to revitalize the sagging economy of that particular part of Fremont, which was falling prey to garbage and drug dealers.

It worked.

Under the one-eyed guardianship of the Fremont Troll, new boutiques, bars and cafes have sprung up, and the previously-creepy spot beneath the bride has become one of Seattle’s most photographed corners.

The troll is great fun to visit. Climbing on him is encouraged, although of course, at your own risk (he is made of concrete), although few brave it the whole way up to the top of his grizzled head. Look for where 36th Avenue (labeled “North Troll Avenue” nearby) dead-ends under the bridge. It’s a must-stop for artsy or cheesy photo ops; he's become an icon here.

HelloSeattle Tip: The statue is "open" 24/7, although going during daylight is encouraged (while the area's cleaned up a lot, you might not be so bold as to trust the troll to protect you in the evenings).

- by Caren Gussoff Sumption, Seattle Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Caren Gussoff Sumption

Caren Gussoff Sumption is a freelance writer and editor from Seattle, WA. She's written for USA Today, the Seattle Times/NW Source, MSN and AOL, and her fiction has been published worldwide. She received her MFA in writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.