Among Trolls and Thatched Cottages
Our latest escapade took us to Mariager, an enchanting town where time seems to have slowed, allowing us to explore, discover, and experience a world so rich with history and brimming with nature's beauty. In our previous post, we shared the vibrant wonders of the Rosenhaven - a world-class rosarium teeming with roses so beautiful they seem to be plucked straight from a fairytale.
With the thrill of the Rose Garden still lingering in the air, we wandered off to the nearby Munkholmanlægget, a cherished destination for the residents of Mariager. A lush oasis in the heart of the city, Munkholmanlægget, welcomed us with its array of attractions - a picturesque lake with a fountain, a charming little pavilion, and an abundance of greenery.
Right next to the Rose Garden, we stepped into the woods, evoking the sense of entering a whimsical world that could have inspired Tolkien. The children, their imaginations set afire, dashed ahead, exploring the fairy tale-like woodland. Streams burrowed through the terrain, creating tiny adventures at every turn, and a serene lake mirrored the changing skies.
Amid the grandeur of tall trees and dense foliage, a thatched little cottage nestled, adding a dash of mystery to our exploration. Known as Eremithytten, it is believed to date back to the times of the monastery, perhaps housing monks seeking solitude or even those overwhelmed by earthly desires. The mystic allure of the tiny abode left us fascinated and intrigued.
Further into the woods, a spring affectionately dubbed the 'Holy Spring' revealed itself. It was an old rock formation, still adorned with a sense of sacredness and stories of healing from bygone times. Our children were enraptured, their minds crafting tales of brave knights and beautiful maidens, weaving folklore into their play.
The hollow in a nearby tree trunk became Bear's new favorite spot, and he decided to inspect it thoroughly.
Ascending a hill, we came upon a Nordic-looking viewpoint, almost resembling a pagan church. From the hilltop, the world unfolded beneath us in a stunning panorama. The woods, the city, and the fjord beyond offered a view that felt like a reward for our adventurous climb.
And then, as we descended, the children's laughter filled the air. They had found a troll, a giant wooden one named Ivan Evigår. Created by Thomas Dambo, a renowned Danish artist famous for his troll sculptures, it seemed to stand guard over the woods. Made from recycled wood, Ivan was a testament to art's power to inspire and engage, sparking joy in our children's eyes. Dambo's trolls are scattered across Denmark, a treasure hunt waiting to happen for eager explorers.
Our day at Munkholmanlægget ended on a note of enchantment, our children bubbling with stories of the "troll they found". The memory of the forest's soft whispers, the mysterious cottage, and the joyous discovery of the troll joined the vibrant bouquet of rose scents from the Rose Garden, creating a fragrant memory of our day in Mariager.
