Guide: The 10 Most Frequently Visited Lion Hevelius Figures in Gdansk
June 11, 2025
Welcome to the fascinating world of Gdansk's Hevelius lions! Are you ready for an extraordinary adventure that will combine fun with discovering the history and culture of one of the most beautiful Polish cities? The Hevelius Lions, also known as Hevelions, are charming figurines placed at key points in Gdansk, which not only decorate the city, but also tell its fascinating history. In this guide, we will take you on a journey in the footsteps of 10 of the most popular lions, which delight both the youngest and adult tourists. Each of these small sculptures has its own unique personality and story, which you will discover during a walk through the picturesque streets of Gdansk. This is a great opportunity to combine pleasure with utility - sightseeing in the city with a fascinating city game that the whole family will enjoy. Get ready to discover the secrets of Gdansk, get to know its most important monuments and learn interesting facts in a way that will be remembered for a long time. Whether you are in Gdansk for the first time or returning regularly, the search for Hevelius' lions is a guarantee of great fun and an unforgettable experience. Ready for an adventure? Let's set off on the trail of Gdansk's lions!
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First steps into the world of Gdansk lions
Our adventure with Gdansk's Hevelius lions begins in the heart of the city, where the first four fascinating figures await you. The first stop is the Lion Hevelion - Volunteer, which you will find at Olowianka 1, near the famous 'Gdansk' sign and the Amber Sky viewing wheel. This charming figure, with a 4.9 star rating, symbolizes the spirit of volunteerism and community involvement. This is the perfect place to start your adventure and take your first souvenir photo. Remember that at the tourist information desk you can get a map with the locations of all the lions - an invaluable aid in your search!
The next point on our route is the Hewelion Lion - GOCC, located at Dlugi Targ 28/29. This unique statue, also with a 4.9 star rating, is located inside the Tourist Information building. It is worth remembering that it is only available during the center's business hours, so plan your visit well in advance. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the activities of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity in Gdansk.
Next, head towards Olowianka, where the Hewelion Lion - Sailor awaits you at the address Olowianka 80-980. This charming figure with a 4.7 star rating perfectly reflects the nautical character of Gdansk. Located near the Crane, one of the symbols of the city, the sailor lion with an oar makes a perfect backdrop for photos, especially at sunset, when the area takes on a magical character.
The last lion in this part of our tour is the Lion Hevelion - Mayor, which you'll find at 10 Paradise St. This latest of the figurines, with a 4.9-star rating, stands proudly in front of the entrance to the Madison Galleria. It symbolizes the city's mayors and is a great excuse to talk with children about the history and governance of Gdansk.
To fully enjoy the lion search, you should download the free 'iLeo' app, available for both iOS and Android. The app will not only help you locate all the figurines, but will also provide interesting information about each place where they are located. When you bring your phone close to a figurine, a message will appear on the screen with fascinating stories about the history of the place.
Remember that searching for lions is not only fun, but also educational. Each figurine tells a different story of Gdansk, so children learn about the history of the city in a fun way. This is a great opportunity for family discussions about the history, culture and modern life of Gdansk.
When planning your trip, take into account that some lions may be more difficult to spot, especially on sunny days or in crowds of tourists. Be patient and attentive - that's part of the fun! It's also worth remembering to wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the city in search of lions can take several hours.
Into the deep into the city in the footsteps of the lions
Continuing our adventure with Gdansk's Hevelius lions, we move on to more fascinating locations. The fifth point on our itinerary is the Lion Hevelion - Footballer, which you will find at 28/29 Długi Targ St. This friendly figurine, rated 4.9 stars, is located near the Energa Arena stadium. It's the perfect place to tell children about the rich history of Gdansk soccer and the importance of sports in the life of the city. It's worth noting that the figurine was recently moved to the other side of the stairs, so if you have older guides, you may need a moment to find it.
The next stop is Lion Hevelion - Lord of the Seas, located at the entrance to the pier in Brest (zip code 80-001). This statue, with a rating of 4.4 stars, perfectly captures the nautical character of Gdansk. It's the perfect place to take a short break and admire the Gdansk Bay. Unfortunately, we must point out that the figurine was recently stolen, which is a great loss for the city and tourists. Let's hope that it will soon return to its place.
The seventh lion on our list is Lion Hevelion - Businessman, which you will meet at 80/001 Great Mills Street. This figurine, rated 4.8 stars, is located near the Amber Museum. It depicts a lion with bags of flour and a tablet, symbolizing the combination of tradition and modernity in the business aspect of city life. It's a great opportunity to tell children about the history of trade in Gdansk and its importance to the city's development.
Next, we head towards the Hevelianum Center, where the Lion Hevelion - Astronomer awaits us. This figurine, also with a rating of 4.8 stars, refers to the figure of John Hevelius, the famous Gdansk astronomer. This is a great place to get children interested in science and tell them about Gdansk's contribution to the development of astronomy.
The ninth point on our tour is the Lion Hevelion - Tourist, which you will find on the grounds of the Gdansk Zoo (zip code 80-328). This charming figure, rated 4.2 stars, is located near the main entrance to the zoo. This is a great opportunity to combine a lion search with a visit to the zoo, which is sure to please the little ones.
The final, tenth lion on our list is the Lion Hevelion Fahrenheit, located at Dlugi Targ 14/16. This figurine, with a rating of 4.5 stars, refers to the figure of Daniel Fahrenheit, the famous physicist and inventor born in Gdansk. Although some consider it the least successful, it is certainly worth a visit to close the collection of all ten lions.
It is worth remembering that the search for lions is not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about different parts of the city. Moving between the figurines, you will have the opportunity to see the most important monuments and attractions of Gdansk. Remember to take photos at each lion - a great souvenir of your trip!
To make your search easier, use the iLeo app, which will not only help you locate all the figurines, but also provide interesting information about each place. Remember, however, that sometimes the app can run unstable, so it's a good idea to carry a traditional map with you as a backup.
When planning your route, take into account that some lions may be more difficult to find due to their location or surroundings. This is a great opportunity to teach children patience and attentiveness while exploring the city. Also, remember to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes - the search for all ten lions can take all day!
Summary of the lion adventure in Gdansk
At the end of our fascinating journey in the footsteps of the Hevelius lions of Gdansk, it is worth summarizing the most important aspects of this extraordinary adventure. Searching for the ten figurines located in different parts of the city is not only great fun, but above all a unique opportunity to get to know Gdansk from a completely new perspective.
Each of the lions visited - from the Volunteer by the Olowianka, to the Sailor by the Crane, to the Astronomer by the Hewelianum Center - tells a different story of the city. This is an excellent way to introduce children (and not only) to the rich history and culture of Gdansk in an accessible and engaging way. It is worth noting that the figurines are not only a tourist attraction, but also an educational element, encouraging a deeper understanding of the city.
When planning a trip in the footsteps of the lions, remember a few practical tips. First, it's worth getting a map or downloading the iLeo app, which will make your search much easier. Some lions, such as the one at the Tourist Information at Dlugi Targ, are only available at certain times, so it's a good idea to check the opening hours of each facility in advance.
The lion search route takes you through different parts of the city, from the historic center to modern neighborhoods, giving you a broad picture of Gdansk. This is a great opportunity to combine the search with a visit to other tourist attractions. For example, while you are at the Lion Hewelion - Tourist, you should plan a visit to the Gdansk zoo, and while searching for the Lion Hewelion - Footballer you can see the Energa Arena stadium.
Keep in mind that the search for the lions can take a whole day, so you should plan adequate breaks for rest and meals. There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of each figure where you can recuperate. For example, while you are at the Lion Hewelion - Businessman near the Great Mills, take advantage of the offer of local cafes and restaurants serving traditional Gdansk delicacies.
For families with children, searching for lions is a great opportunity to create your own city game. You can prepare task cards to fill out at each lion, or organize mini-competitions for the most interesting photo with the figurine. It's a great way to keep kids interested throughout the day's tour.
It's also worth remembering to properly prepare for the tour. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the route between the lions can be up to several kilometers. On sunny days, don't forget headgear and sunscreen, especially since some of the lions are located in open spaces, such as Lion Hevelion - Lord of the Seas at the pier in Brest.
Finally, remember that searching for lions is not a race. Each figurine is an opportunity to stop, observe your surroundings and talk about the history and culture of Gdansk. It's a great time for family discussions and discovering the city's secrets together.
We hope this lion adventure will stay in your memory for a long time and encourage you to visit Gdansk again. Each season brings new opportunities to discover the city, and the lions of Hevelius are always waiting to tell their stories to the next generation of explorers. We wish you a fun and unforgettable experience on your Gdansk adventure!
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