Editor’s note: This article was published in Grand Traverse Scene magazine’s Summer II 2025 issue. Pick up a free copy at area hotels, visitor’s centers, chambers of commerce or at the Record-Eagle building on Front Street. Click here to read GT Scene in its entirety online.
Immerse yourself in the Realm of Trolls and Norse mythology at Punzel Scandinavian. Nestled within a 90-acre wooded area in Buckley, visitors wander its fairy tale domain and shop for traditional Norse treasures.
The late Judy Hauser established the one-of-a-kind attraction, birthing three generations of imagination and love for their Swedish heritage.
“Judy was a visionary, a woman with a limitless imagination and the artistry to go with it,” said long-time Punzel customer Sally Jo Winek.
Today, Punzel is owned, operated and preserved by Judy’s granddaughter Karli Hauser. The mythical Northern Michigan destination which arose 40 years ago still enchants visitors. Gnomes, trolls and elves still make their home here in Tidendal Woods.
Closed in 2019 due to Judy’s retirement, Karli reopened the site in 2024. “It’s about telling my own story and adding to hers,” she said.
As a young girl, Karli spent hours in her grandmother’s studio watching her create all manner of things. But the younger Hauser had her own artistic magic. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. She’s now mistress of the studio and directs her talents toward reviving Punzel.
“My grandmother used to say that she didn’t have a business philosophy, but a philosophy of life,” Karli said. “It’s about people. My mission is to inspire people through imagination and to give them a refuge. It was always my place of peace and inspiration.”
Visitors begin fairy tale adventures at the Daisy Circle. “Jumping the portal allows you to see the magic around you,” she said.
From Troll Lodge’s heart-shaped pond to Smigwit the elf’s nest to fairy godmother Hilda’s Pond, Punzel’s five structures and water features grew from Norse culture and legends. Many outdoor features were built by family members, including Karli’s father, Kurt, others were constructed by friends and neighbors who found joy in creating the enchanted world.
“They all brought an artistic touch,” Karli said. That’s part of Punzel’s charm, she said. “Everything has a handmade touch. Clearly time and effort were put into every nook and cranny. It sparks the imagination, even inside the shop.”
Karli has devoted the last two years to recovering and renewing Punzel from the inside out. Former customers should not be disappointed. Like in Judy’s era, Punzel shop shelves are packed top to bottom with items reflecting Swedish customs and arts.
There are scores of gnomes waiting for a home. “We have really small, hand carved gnomes to stuffed wool gnomes and outdoor gnomes,” Karli said.
There are trolls, and dala horse statues hand carved, hand painted in Sweden. The brightly colored dala is a tradition originating in the 17th century.
Karli said Swedes favor handmade items and items made from natural materials. Shoppers find this affinity reflected in the shop’s Norwegian sweaters, handmade ornaments and felted wool, classic Finnish glassware, handprinted Swedish linens and clogs painted in the centuries-old Norwegian decorative rosemaling style.
During the update process, Karli discovered her grandmother had left her a happy surprise. “The attic had tons of inventory,” she said. “Some things are not manufactured any longer and old customers knowing that snapped them up.”
She continues to add the attic treasures to existing and new stock. “I think there’s more now than ever before,” she said. And more is on the way. Karli anticipates receiving large orders from Scandinavia in June and August. Customers can expect fresh displays of ornaments and tomten (household elves).
According to the American Swedish Institute, tomten dress in grey robes and woolly red hats. They resemble gnomes but take part in more duties than their lookalikes and are linked to the contemporary Elf on the Shelf.
In Punzel’s former heyday, Judy served gourmet lunches made of traditional Nordic foods and edible flowers. Judy also conducted tours suffused with folklore. Karli plans to revive both in the future. Currently, visitors may enjoy self-guided tours of the grounds for a $2 fee.
Be forewarned: Those exploring Lodespar Mountain might encounter the ever-cranky troll Drekel or forest elves living secretively among the toadstools.
Punzel Scadinavian
8720 County Road 633
Buckley, MI 49620
Hours Wednesday — Saturday 1— 5 p.m.
Magic@punzels.com (231) 263-7427
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