Once a quiet mountain farm, Risen has been transformed by the energy of those who live there now – a legendary trio known as the Risen Bandidos: Arent, Nils and Walid. Together with our extended festival crew and community, they’ve turned this valley into a home for music, magic and connection.
Trollkauk doesn’t run on electricity alone – it runs on people. We are powered by volunteers, late-night dreamers, and a whole lot of DIY. Trollkauk is built, decorated, and danced into life by the people who come — artists, crew, dancers, makers, and you.
These are the people who build the stages, create Safe Haven, run the bar, and prepare breakfast for everyone. Some have been here since day one, others joined along the way — but together, they are the heartbeat of Trollkauk. We’re always around the site, so don’t be shy — come say hi!
TICKETS 2026
Esten Mortensen
Trollkauk’s fearless Chief of Controlled Chaos — the heart, engine, and original firestarter of the festival. Since the festival’s humble beginnings, Esten has been the one turning bold dreams into real experiences.
He’s the first to show up on site and the last to leave — often found with a tool in one hand and giving someone a big hug with the other. Esten builds stages, coordinates teams, solves problems, keeps spirits high and makes sure everything runs smoothly.
He doesn’t just make Trollkauk happen — he is Trollkauk.
Kristine Nyberg Todal
Kristine is Esten’s best friend and right-hand troll – and has been co-captain of Trollkauk since the very beginning. With years of festival experience and a calm-but-fierce presence, she keeps things grounded, flowing and full of care. She rocks the role as booking agent and makes sure artists are met with warmth, clarity, and a sense of belonging. From backstage logistics to the Safe Haven and beyond, Kristine is the steady hand behind the scenes that makes everything run smoothly.
Karen Elise Haugen
Karen is the powerhouse behind the festival’s visual identity. As head of design and social media, she’s responsible for shaping how Trollkauk looks, feels and flows — online and on site. From storytelling and branding to daily updates and dreamy visuals, Karen ties it all together with clarity, care and that signature Trollkauk spark. All while keeping the Troll Bar running smooth.
Maria "Ree" Sæheim Pedersen
Ree has been the guiding force behind our volunteer crew for years – the calm in the chaos, the laughter in between shifts, and the one who makes everyone feel right at home. This year, she’s joined by Simen, forming a true Trollkauk dream team. With her steady energy and heart of gold, Ree helps every volunteer find their flow, their joy, and their tribe among the mountains.
Simen Tobias Natvig Segerberg
As one half of our volunteer superhero duo, Simen has found his forever place beside Ree – and among all the trolls who make the magic happen. You’ll spot him everywhere: carrying, fixing, cheering, hugging, roaring! A happy troll in his natural element, ready to lend a hand, lift a spirit, or start a spontaneous laugh attack. If you hear a joyful “Troll roar” echo across the valley, that’s probably him.
Lars Jacobsen
Lars brings the heartbeat to Trollskogen — the groove that makes branches sway and moss come alive. He’s the kind of creator who turns wild ideas into reality, building moments that feel both ancient and futuristic. Whether he’s tuning sound, crafting an installation, or mixing tracks under the moonlight, Lars keeps the forest alive and dancing long into the night.
Kristiine “Kiira” Raud
Kiira is the spirit of the forest — playful, powerful, and full of light. With an eye for the unseen and a deep sense for vibe, she brings soul and softness to Trollskogen’s wild edges. Her touch turns sound into emotion and space into story. And when she steps behind the decks, she channels it all into sets that feel like a spell — glowing, grounded, and free.
Henrik Sæther
Henrik is the forest’s wizard — the one who makes lights flicker like northern stars and shadows move like they have a rhythm of their own. With a deep love for detail and an ear tuned to every pulse, he shapes the atmosphere of Trollskogen with precision and wonder. When he’s not hiding behind cables and cables of magic, you might just find him behind the decks, setting the forest on fire in his own hypnotic way.
Arent Andersson Todal
Arent is Kristine’s right-hand troll in the world of booking – making sure artists are supported, sorted, and ready to shine. But he’s just as likely to be found deep in Trollskogen, crafting soundscapes and atmospheres with the forest crew: Kiira, Henrik and Lars. Arent is what we call a true festival potato – always popping up where help is needed, whether it’s behind the scenes, between the trees, or beside the fire. Calm, kind, and quietly brilliant – Trollkauk wouldn’t be the same without him.
Marius Ask
If you’ve spent any time around Grünerløkka, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Marius before — whether as a barista at Kuro or as the cacao minister with Trond and the Tjommiene crew. Marius is a social, warm presence — the kind of person who “knows everyone” — and he spends much of his time building human connections and helping wherever he can.At Trollkauk, he works with the daytime program, men’s yoga, and — of course — a whole lot of dancing.
The OG Risen Bandidos
Arent Andersson Todal, Nils Røe and Walid Feghali <3
Together, we build, dream, organize, improvise — and make Trollkauk come to life.