The Fremont Troll is a Seattle landmark. Do you remember seeing it in the 10 Things I Hate About You movie?
Emerald City has a wide selection of curious and unknown tourist attractions. Hidden under the Aurora Avenue Bridge, you can find an 18-foot car-eating troll. Constructed almost 30 years ago, the Fremont Troll has become a local legend.
This is all you need to know before visiting the Seattle Fremont Troll:
1. It’s free
If you’re on a budget, visiting the Troll is 100% free and the perfect place to spend few hours. The Fremont neighborhood is also a great place to take a stroll or have a cold beer.
2. It appeared in the 10 Things I Hate About You movie
The Troll made its first big-screen participation in the 1999 romantic comedy movie 10 Things I Hate About You. It appeared in a brief scene with Joseph Gordon Levitt and Larisa Oleynik.
3. It was constructed in 1990
The Troll was sculpted by a team of four artists led by Steve Badanes 3 decades ago, after winning the Fremont Arts Council competition for designs to improve the freeway underpass, which then was a dumping ground.
Badanes said the idea for the troll came from the Norwegian fairy tale Three Billy Goats Gruff. It was constructed over Halloween, so the community pays tribute to it every October 31st with a “Troll-o-ween party.”
4. Parking can be a difficult
The Troll is located under a bridge at the dead end of a street so that that parking can be difficult. We recommend you to get there using public transportation. Parking spots can also be found in the Fremont neighborhood, but you’ll have to walk for a few minutes to get to the Troll.
5. The Troll has been vandalized many times
With just over 30 years of age, the troll has gotten spray painted multiple times, and one incident involved it getting green fingernails, tattoos, fangs, and a green eye.
Where: Under the Aurora Ave. Bridge, sometimes called the George Washington Bridge at N. 36th Street.
Featured image from Shutterstock.