Giants of Bernheim

Senior Marketing Director, Frances Fendig, takes a field trip out to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum to visit three gigantic woodland creatures that were supposed to decompose in 2022.

Words by Frances Fendig, Marketing Director

January 20, 2026

Photos by Frances Fendig

Little Elina, located at the end of the two mile forest giants trail. Photo taken on January 17th, by Frances Fendig.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, located near Shepherdsville, ranges across 16,000 acres and was founded in 1929. With over 40 miles of trails, a delicious café, and an abundance of picnic areas and lakes, Bernheim is the perfect place to spend an afternoon outdoors. Located amidst the greenery and pine trees are three giant sculptures that draw the attention of many visitors.

The giants, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, have become a popular attraction for visitors. Created to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Bernheim Forest, these giants are made from recycled wood and tower over hikers. Due to the materials they are made from, the giants will eventually decompose in the environment and leave no trace. Dambo finished his work in 2019 and expected the giants to decompose in the next three years fully. However, that did not go to plan. I took a trip to Bernheim on Saturday to see the giants in full action.

Little Nis sits in his usual spot, near the entrance of the park, watching over the lake. Photo taken on January 17th by Frances Fendig.

This is Little Nis, located right next to the entrance, welcoming visitors to the forest. He sits, crouching over the water and observes his reflection.

Giant statue, Mama Loumari, sits under a pine tree at the beginning of trail head on January 17th. Photo by Frances Fendig

This is Mama Loumari and she rests against a tree in the middle of the forest near an entrance to one of Bernheim’s many trails. She is said to be expecting another child and is resting while waiting for her other two children, Little Nis and Elina, who are busy exploring the forest.

Little Elina, located at the end of the two mile forest giants trail. Photo taken on January 17th, by Frances Fendig. (Photos by Frances Fendig)

Finally, this is Little Elina, the daughter of Mama Loumari and sister of Little Nis. In order to get to the site of Little Elina, you must walk through a winding, forest-covered trail that separates her from Mama Loumari. As you can see from the second picture, Elina’s hair has become home to many hair ties, ribbons, or feathers from hikers passing by. According to Bernheim’s official website, the feathers in Elina’s hair represent hope for Mama Loumari to have a safe pregnancy.

As the giants were installed back in 2019, shortly before the pandemic, they were only supposed to last three years before decomposing. If you visit Bernheim now, you will find that the giants are in great condition and still remain a consistent symbol of the sustainability mission of Bernheim Forest.

Visit bernheim.org for more information.

Donate to On the Record

$2370

$2500

Contributed

Our Goal

Donations are collected through The Publishers, duPont Manual High School's booster club for J&C. On The Record relies completely on sponsorships, advertisements, and donations to produce and distribute each issue. Please consider donating to our cause, and helping the student journalists of OTR amplify youth voices for years to come.

About the Contributor

Frances Fendig, Marketing Director

Frances Fendig is a senior and the Marketing Director for On The Record. This is her third year on staff and she is excited to spread OTR’s message to youth and create strong relationships with businesses across Louisville. In her free time, you can find her walking in Cherokee Park, reading, and hanging out with friends.