Guide: subjective ranking of Wroclaw dwarves

Guide: subjective ranking of Wroclaw dwarves

June 11, 2025

Broclaw, a city rich in history and culture, hides unusual inhabitants in its nooks and crannies - dwarves! These small, bronze figures have become an integral part of the city's landscape, attracting tourists from all over the world and entertaining locals. Our adventure with Wroclaw's dwarves is not just a walk through the city, but a real journey into the history, culture and modernity of the capital of Lower Silesia. In this subjective guide we will take you to the world of these charming creatures, presenting our personal ranking of the most interesting dwarves that you absolutely must visit during your stay in Wroclaw. Get ready for a fascinating journey full of surprises, humor and unforgettable impressions!

Ad

Dwarves with history in the background

Let's start our adventure with the dwarves that not only entertain, but also carry an important historical and social message. First on our ranking is Papa Dwarf (Świdnicka Street, 50-067 Wrocław). He is the father of all Wroclaw dwarves, who can be found on Świdnicka Street, in the heart of the city. Papa Dwarf, unveiled in 2001, symbolizes the Orange Alternative movement - an anti-communist group that used absurdity and humor as a form of protest in the 1980s. To reach him, it's best to get off at the 'Renoma' stop (streetcar lines 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 23) and walk a few dozen meters towards the Market Square. Papa Dwarf, although 'naked', proudly struts and looks out into the street, reminding us of important events in the city's history.

Not far from Papa, at 1 Świdnicka Street, you will find the Sisyphus Dwarves. These two figures, pushing a ball together, symbolize the hardship of daily work and tenacity in pursuit of a goal. Sisyphers are a perfect example of how dwarves combine elements of fun and deeper reflection on human nature. This is the perfect place to tell children about mythology and the value of perseverance.

Another dwarf with a historical background is the Więziennik (Prisoner) Dwarf, which we can meet at 6 Prison Street. This figure, placed behind bars, refers to the history of the street and the former city prison from the 16th century. This is a great opportunity to tell children about the history of the city and the changes that have taken place over the centuries. It is worth noting the details - the ball at his feet and the funny expression on the face of the dwarf, who, despite his 'imprisonment', seems to be in a good mood.

When visiting these places, remember to be properly prepared. Comfortable shoes are key, as the route between these gnomes involves a lot of walking. It is a good idea to take water and snacks with you, especially if you are traveling with children. For the little ones, it will be a good idea to prepare a small notebook where they can collect 'stamps' or draw the dwarves they have visited - a great way to involve them in discovering the history of the city.

Dwarves with a wink

In the next part of our guide, we will focus on the dwarves that bring a smile to the faces of passersby with their appearance and location. Let's start with Życzliwek Dwarf (Rynek Ratusz 7/9, 50-438 Wrocław), which is located in the heart of the city - in the Wrocław Market Square, near the fountain. This friendly dwarf, holding a sunflower, promotes the idea of kindness and good human relations. It's the perfect place to take a commemorative photo and remind children of the value of being kind to others. It's easiest to find Życzliwek by heading towards the Zdrój fountain in the Market Square - it's a great landmark.

Nearby, on Świdnicka Street (stop 'Renoma'), the Tourist Dwarf is waiting for us. This charming figure, equipped with a camera, a city map and a packed backpack, perfectly captures the spirit of exploring Wroclaw. This is a great place to start or end your adventure with the dwarves, and by the way, visit the nearby Tourist Information Center, where we can get a map with the locations of the dwarves.

For those who are looking for a moment of respite, we recommend a visit to the Dwarf Chrapka (Kielbaśnicza Street, 50-132 Wrocław). This little sleeper, immortalized in his dwarf bedroom, reminds us of the value of a good rest. It's the perfect place for a short break from sightseeing, especially if you're traveling with younger children who may need a moment of relaxation.

We mustn't forget about the Sleeping Dwarf (1 Św. Mikołaja St., 50-125 Wrocław), which naps peacefully under a stone. This amusing scene is sure to amuse both children and adults. It is worth noting the details - the dwarf is wearing an outfit resembling a firefighter, which can be a starting point for a conversation about different professions.

When visiting these places, remember to be careful - dwarves are often located in busy parts of the city. It's a good idea to plan your route in such a way that, between each figure, you will find time to rest in one of the numerous cafes or restaurants around the Market Square. For children, a good idea will be a game of 'dwarf bingo' - let's prepare a card with various features of dwarves (e.g. 'dwarf with a hat', 'sitting dwarf'), which children must find while walking.

Keep in mind that dwarves are scattered all over the city, so consider buying a daily ticket for public transportation (available at kiosks and ticket machines), which will allow us to move freely between different parts of Wroclaw. This will allow us to visit more dwarves without getting overly tired, which is especially important when traveling with children.

Dwarves on the trail of love and adventure

In the last part of our guide, we will focus on dwarves that introduce us to love, adventure and everyday life of the city. We start with a charming couple - the Wromeo and Julianka Dwarves (Piotr Włostowic Boulevard, Wrocław), also known as Wroclovka. This romantic couple sitting on a red bench is a symbol of love and good relationships. It's the perfect place for a family photo or a moment of relaxation overlooking the Oder River. To get there, it's best to get off at the 'Most Piaskowy' stop (streetcar lines 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 23) and walk along the boulevard.

Nearby, on the same boulevard, we can meet the Oder Pracz Dwarf. This charming figure, busy washing clothes in the Oder River, reminds us of the old days and traditions associated with the river. This is a great opportunity to tell children about the importance of the Oder River for the city and its inhabitants.

For the adventurous, we recommend finding the Dwarf Advocate (Orator) at 4 Sądowa St. This eloquent dwarf, standing in front of the courthouse, can be the start of a fascinating conversation with children about law and justice. It is worth noting his attitude - confident and ready to defend any case.

Our dwarf adventure would not be complete without a visit to the Hippo Dwarf (Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1-5, 51-618 Wroclaw). This charming figure, located near the hippo enclosure at the zoo, reminds us of the importance of caring for animals. This is a great place to end our trip with a visit to one of the oldest and largest zoos in Poland.

When planning the route, remember to prepare properly. Comfortable shoes are key, as the distances between the dwarfs can be considerable. It's a good idea to take water and snacks with you, especially if you plan a full-day trip. For children, it would be a good idea to prepare a small camera or phone so they can document their dwarf discoveries themselves.

Visiting dwarves is not only fun, but also educational. We can use this opportunity to tell children about the history of Wroclaw, the importance of the Oder River or the variety of professions represented by dwarves. It's also a great opportunity to talk about values such as love, justice or concern for the environment.

Let's remember that dwarves are an integral part of the urban landscape. Let's respect them, let's not climb on them and let's not leave garbage around them. Let's teach children that these small figures are an important part of the city's cultural heritage.

At the end of our adventure, visit one of the many places in the city center where you can buy souvenirs related to the dwarves - from postcards to small figurines. This is a great way to take a piece of the magic of Wroclaw's dwarves home with you.

Discovering Wroclaw's dwarves is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. It combines elements of fun, education and active recreation. Whether you are in Wroclaw for a day or longer, the search for these charming figurines will certainly give you a lot of fun and unforgettable memories. We wish you a successful trip!

Similar articles

Ad