Isak the Troll Breckenridge: Location, History & Visiting Tips

Isak Heartstone - that's his name - caused more drama than a reality TV show. And honestly? The whole story is wild.

Last time I visited him, there were like 20 people waiting to take photos. This is after they moved him to a harder-to-find spot. Before? It was absolutely insane.

How Isak Ended Up in Breckenridge

Back in 2018, the Breckenridge Festival of Arts commissioned Danish artist Thomas Dambo to build something for the festival. He builds these massive trolls from recycled wood all over the world - it's kind of his thing.

The plan? Temporary installation. Few weeks, maybe a month.

What actually happened? Isak became the most photographed thing in Breckenridge after the ski slopes.

The Heart Stones (This Part Gets Me Every Time)

Here's the sweetest part of the whole story.

When Thomas Dambo was building Isak, three local girls showed up with heart-shaped stones they'd found. They wanted the troll to have a heart.

So he literally built those stones into Isak's chest. That's why he's called Isak Heartstone. A giant wooden troll with actual stone hearts from local kids.

I mean, come on. That's adorable.

When Isak Became "Too Popular"

Originally, Isak lived near the Riverwalk Center. Super easy to find. Right off the main path.

Problem was, EVERYONE found him. We're talking hundreds of people daily during peak season. Instagram went nuts. #IsakTheTroll was everywhere.

And some neighbors? They were NOT happy.

The Neighborhood Drama Nobody Talks About

Here's what actually happened, according to Thomas Dambo himself:

"The problem is to my understanding, that some people park in a nearby residential area, and it has upset a small group of local citizens because of the extra cars on the streets."

Basically, tourists were parking in residential areas, being loud, leaving trash, treating someone's neighborhood like Disneyland.

I get it. I'd be annoyed too if my quiet street suddenly became troll central.

But instead of fixing the parking situation, some people wanted Isak gone entirely.

Then Someone Attacked Him

This is where it gets really messed up.

In 2020, vandals literally attacked Isak. Broke his arms and legs. Just destroyed parts of him for no reason.

Like, who attacks a wooden troll? What's wrong with people?

The whole town was pissed. Even people who complained about parking were like "okay, that's too far."

The "Save Isak" Movement

By 2021, town officials decided Isak had to go. They cited "safety concerns" and "maintenance costs."

Thomas Dambo freaked out. Posted this on social media:

"HELP ME SAVE ISAK HEARTSTONE!!"

Thomas went full social media campaign mode. Posted everywhere about how they were removing his troll just three months after completion.

His argument? The troll was built to last. Would take three years minimum for weather to cause real damage. This wasn't about maintenance - it was about complainers winning.

Locals started petitions. #SaveIsak trended. People who'd never cared about public art suddenly REALLY cared about this troll.

Where Isak Lives Now (And How to Find Him)

Good news: Isak survived. They moved him instead of destroying him.

He's now on the Trollstigen Trail (which literally means "Troll Path" in Norwegian - perfect, right?).

Exact location: 1103 S. Ridge St, Breckenridge, CO 80424

How to find him:

• Park at the ice skating lot (free parking!)
• It's a super easy 1/4-mile hike
• Trail is marked and maintained
• Takes maybe 10 minutes walking slow

Honestly? The new location is better. Less crowded, prettier setting, actual trail instead of random neighborhood.

Plot Twist: There's Another Troll

Here's what most people don't know - Isak isn't alone in Colorado anymore.

Thomas Dambo came back and built Rita the Rock Planter near Victor (close to Cripple Creek).

Why? Because despite all the drama, Isak brought insane tourist traffic to Breckenridge. Other towns wanted in on the troll action.

Finding Rita:

• Head to Victor via CO-67S toward Cripple Creek
• Sharp right onto CO Rd 87 (wide dirt road)
• She's at the Little Grouse Mountain trailhead
• Way less crowded than Isak

Rita's holding a watering can and "planting" rocks. She's actually cooler than Isak in my opinion, but don't tell Breckenridge I said that.

The Real Lesson Here

Isak's story is basically what happens when art becomes "too successful."

Town commissions art to attract visitors. Art attracts TOO MANY visitors. Town tries to remove art. Internet loses its mind. Compromise happens.

Now Isak has a better home, tourists still come (but it's manageable), and Breckenridge learned to plan for Instagram-famous installations.

Tips for Visiting Isak

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon. Fewer people, better light.

Winter visits: Trail can be icy. Bring microspikes.

Photo tip: Everyone takes the same shot from the front. Walk around back for unique angles.

Respect the troll: Don't climb on him. He's been through enough.

Make it a loop: Visit Isak, walk around Breckenridge, hit up other Breckenridge spots.

Why This Whole Thing Matters

Thomas Dambo's goal is to build 1,000 recycled trolls worldwide. Each one tells a story about the place it lives.

Isak's story? It's about a community struggling with success. About art that worked too well. About finding balance between locals and tourists.

And about three little girls who gave a wooden giant a heart.

That's pretty Colorado if you ask me.