The history of Wroclaw's dwarves dates back to the 1980s and is inextricably linked to the activities of the Orange Alternative - a happening movement that fought against communist censorship in an absurd way. At that time, paintings with the likeness of a dwarf in an orange cap began to appear on the walls of Wroclaw, covering anti-communist slogans painted over by the police. The dwarves became a symbol of resistance and freedom, and their image was used during street happenings organized by the Orange Alternative.

After the fall of communism, in 2001, the first bronze cast dwarf appeared on Świdnicka Street - Papa Dwarf. This inconspicuous figure, placed in the place where Orange Alternative happenings took place, gave rise to the whole family of Wroclaw dwarves. Papa Dwarf, also called the father of all Wroclaw gnomes, became a symbol of a new era for the city and the beginning of an extraordinary tradition that continues to this day.

Over time, dwarves began to appear in various parts of the city, and their number steadily increased. At first they were figurines funded by the city, but over the years private entrepreneurs, institutions and organizations also took the initiative. However, each new dwarf must meet certain criteria - it must be made of bronze, be of the right size and relate to the place where it is located.

According to local legends, the dwarves came to Wroclaw to help residents fight the Oder Dwarf, who tormented them with his pranks. The dwarves were tasked with catching and pacifying the Goblin, and as a token of gratitude the residents gave them a part of the city - the Great Underground World of Dwarves, where the gnomes officiate on a daily basis. This legend, although invented for the needs of tourists, perfectly fits the magical character of Wroclaw's dwarves and adds to their additional charm.

Today, dwarves are not only a tourist attraction, but also an integral part of the city's identity. They are a kind of link between Wrocław's turbulent history and its present, reminding us of values such as freedom, creativity and a sense of humor. For locals, they are a source of pride, and for tourists - a fascinating story that they can discover step by step as they roam the streets of the city.

Among the hundreds of dwarves scattered around Wroclaw, several deserve special attention due to their history, location or unique character. One of the most recognizable is the Papa Dwarf, located on Świdnicka Street. It was from him that the history of Wroclaw dwarves in their current form began. Papa Dwarf, as the first bronze dwarf cast in Wroclaw, has a special meaning - he symbolizes not only the Orange Alternative, but also the beginning of a new tradition that has become a permanent part of the city's landscape. His characteristic figure with a raised hand greets tourists and reminds them of the city's turbulent history.

Near the Market Square, at the entrance to the Wroclaw Town Hall, you can meet the Życzliwek Dwarf. This friendly figure, depicting a dwarf with arms spread wide, symbolizes the city's openness and hospitality. Życzliwek, as the name suggests, is friendly and welcoming, and his presence at the main entrance to City Hall is meant to remind people of the values that are important to the residents of Wroclaw. He is one of the most photographed dwarves in the city, and his strategic location means that he is often the first dwarf that tourists visiting Wroclaw encounter.

In the Market Square, by tenement number 13, you can come across the Tourist Dwarf. This charming figure depicts a dwarf with a backpack and a map, who, like many tourists, is trying to find his way through the maze of Wroclaw's streets. The Tourist Dwarf is particularly popular with visitors to the city, who often take photos with him, identifying with his role. He is also a symbol of Wrocław's touristic character and its openness to visitors from all over the world.

On Piotr Włostowic Boulevard, on the banks of the Oder River, you can meet the Oder Pracz Dwarf. This statue depicts a dwarf washing clothes in the river, a reference to ancient traditions when women washed clothes in the Oder River. The Oder Pracz is a reminder of the city's history and its inseparable connection with the river, which has shaped the lives of Wroclaw's residents for centuries. It is also one of the dwarves that is located a bit further from the center, encouraging tourists to explore lesser-known corners of the city.

Also on Piotr Włostowic Boulevard, you can find a pair of dwarves in love - Wromeo and Julianka, also known as Wroclovka. These two figurines, depicting the dwarves in a romantic pose, refer to the Shakespearean story of Romeo and Juliet, but with a Wroclaw accent. Wromeo and Juliana symbolize love and the romantic nature of the city, and their presence on the banks of the Oder River creates a charming corner frequented by couples in love.

At 1 Świdnicka Street, you can come across the Sisyphus Dwarves - a group of figurines depicting dwarves rolling a stone uphill together. This composition refers to the myth of Sisyphus, but unlike the original story, the dwarves work together, symbolizing the power of joint action. Sisyphus reminds us that together you can achieve more than alone, and that difficulties become easier to overcome when shared with others.

The search for the dwarves is one of the most popular attractions in Wroclaw, combining a tour of the city with a fascinating game of detective. In order to make it easier for tourists to find the dwarves, the Wroclaw authorities have issued a special map that indicates the places where these little figures can be found. This map is available at tourist information centers and online, allowing you to plan your sightseeing route even before you arrive in the city. It is worth remembering, however, that due to the ever-increasing number of dwarves, not all of them are marked on the official map.

The best way to discover Wroclaw's dwarves is to walk around the city unhurriedly, with your eyes open and a camera in hand. Dwarves often hide in unobvious places - under windowsills, on stairs, at building entrances or on lamp posts. Their small size makes them easy to miss, so it's worth looking carefully while walking. Looking for dwarves is a great opportunity to discover lesser-known corners of Wroclaw and look at the city from a different perspective.

The largest concentration of dwarves is in the city center, especially around the Market Square, Świdnicka Street and Solny Square. This is where you should start your adventure with Wroclaw's dwarves. Walking around the Old Town, you can come across such figures as the Życzliwek Dwarf at the entrance to the Town Hall or the Tourist Dwarf in the Market Square. It's also worth taking a look at Świdnicka Street, where you'll find Papa Dwarf - the first of Wroclaw's dwarves - and Sisyphus Dwarves, who roll a stone uphill together.

However, true dwarf seekers should not limit themselves to the center. Many interesting figurines can also be found in other parts of the city, such as on the banks of the Oder River, where you can meet the Oder Pracz Dwarf or the Wromeo and Julianka couple in love. Looking for dwarves outside the strict center is a great opportunity to discover less touristic, but equally charming parts of Wroclaw.

It is also worth noting that each dwarf has its own unique history and character, often related to the place where it is located. For example, dwarves located in front of banks often hold coins or piggy banks, those in front of restaurants may have food-related elements, and those in front of cultural institutions may have art-related attributes. Exploring these details and understanding the symbolism of the dwarves adds depth to the overall experience and allows you to get to know the city and its people better.

The search for dwarves is an attraction that will appeal to both adults and children. For the youngest, it's a fascinating treasure hunt that can turn an ordinary city tour into an exciting adventure. For adults, it's an opportunity to discover the history and culture of Wroclaw in an unusual way, as well as to take unique photos that will be a great souvenir of the trip.

Whether you manage to find all the dwarves or just a few of them, the search for these little figurines is an unforgettable experience that will remain in your memory for a long time. Wroclaw's dwarves, with their rich history and symbolism, are not only a tourist attraction, but also a key to understanding the soul of the city and its inhabitants.