Wrocław Dwarfs – history, number and map 2025

The Wrocław Dwarfs are not just a charming photo motif – they are one of the city’s most distinctive symbols. These small bronze figurines combine the history of resistance, art, and Wrocław’s trademark sense of humor. Today, they form a unique urban ecosystem scattered across streets, bridges, and courtyards.

📜 A brief history of Wrocław’s dwarfs

Their origins date back to the 1980s, when the Orange Alternative – an art and protest movement led by Waldemar “Major” Fydrych – used dwarf graffiti as an ironic symbol of freedom. Painted figures replaced censored anti-communist slogans, turning absurdity into a form of peaceful resistance. The tradition took a physical shape in 2001, when the statue of Papa Dwarf was unveiled on Świdnicka Street.

Since 2005, the idea has returned in miniature bronze form thanks to sculptor Tomasz Moczek. His small figurines began to appear all over the city – each with its own name and story – creating one of the most original urban art projects in Europe.

How many dwarfs are there in Wrocław?

As of November 2025: there are 1,014 dwarfs located in Wrocław, and a total of 1,373 including those outside the city and artistic projects.

Number of Wrocław dwarfs and those outside the city (November 2025)

Category	Count
City dwarfs (Wrocław)	1,014
Other documented sources	+90
OFF-Dwarfs by Jerzy Kosałka	+16
Other initiatives and projects	+9
Missing or relocated	+45
Emigrant dwarfs – Poland (other cities)	+112 (104 +
Emigrant dwarfs – abroad	+44 (32 + 12)
Hitzacker (Germany)	+43
Total	1,373 dwarfs

You can find Wrocław’s dwarfs in nearly every part of the city – from the Old Town and Market Square to Krzyki, Nadodrze, and the area around Centennial Hall. Their distribution shows just how deeply this tradition has rooted itself in Wrocław’s urban landscape.

🗺️ Map and dwarf trail in Wrocław

Hunting for dwarfs is a full-fledged city game and one of the most joyful ways to explore Wrocław. The Wrocław Dwarf Map helps you locate hundreds of figures scattered across the city – from the Market Square and Cathedral Island to outer districts and parks. Interactive maps and mobile apps make it easy to plan your own sightseeing route and discover all of Wrocław’s dwarfs step by step.

📍 Interactive online maps

The easiest way to check where to find dwarfs in Wrocław is to use the interactive map available online. It shows up-to-date locations, photos, and descriptions – a perfect tool for visitors who want to plan their dwarf-hunting walk. Interactive map: wromap.pl.

📱 City game and mobile app

The most popular way to play is through the Wrocław Dwarfs app – available for Android and iOS. It lets users compete with others, upload photos of discovered dwarfs, and earn points. A great option for families who want to explore Wrocław in a fun, interactive way.

• Download from Google Play
• Download from App Store

🗺️ Paper dwarf map

For souvenir lovers, there’s a colorful paper map titled “Dwarfs in the Center of Wrocław” – complete with descriptions and stickers. It’s a great way to start a family walk along the dwarf trail. The map is available at the tourist information points on the Market Square (Rynek 14 and Sukiennice 12).

Tip: start your walk at the Market Square and Świdnicka Street – this is where Papa Dwarf stands, the best starting point for your dwarf-hunting adventure. You can find dozens of dwarfs in a single day!

🏆 Fun facts and records about Wrocław’s dwarfs

The following data comes from local publications, city sources, and reliable tourist materials. While not every figure is officially confirmed, they illustrate the scale and diversity of Wrocław’s dwarf universe.

• Oldest dwarf: Papa Dwarf – the first statue unveiled in 2001, marking the symbolic beginning of the dwarf trail.
• Average size: Most dwarfs are around 20–30 cm tall, though some artistic installations are much larger.
• Smallest dwarf: In 2014, an experimental micro-dwarf smaller than a grain of sand was created in Wrocław. (tvn24.pl)
• Dwarfs abroad: Figurines have also appeared in other cities, including Hitzacker, Germany – as a symbol of friendship between the two towns.
• Most photographed: Among the most popular are Syzyfki on Świdnicka Street and Życzliwek on the Market Square. (ttgpolska.pl)
• New themed dwarf (2025): Krasnalka Frekwencja – a figurine encouraging voter participation.

👴 Papa Dwarf – the very first dwarf in Wrocław

Papa Dwarf is the oldest and most iconic figurine of them all. Installed in 2001 on Świdnicka Street, it commemorates the legendary Orange Alternative movement and its leader, Waldemar “Major” Fydrych. Wearing a hat and cloak, he symbolizes freedom and humor – values that still define Wrocław’s spirit today.

Many visitors begin their dwarf trail with Papa Dwarf. He stands near the former underground passage and the Wrocław Puppet Theatre. Over the years, more figurines have appeared around him, making Papa the symbolic “grandfather” of all Wrocław dwarfs.

📍 Location: the corner of Świdnicka and Kazimierza Wielkiego Streets, near the pedestrian crossing. This is the official starting point of the Wrocław Dwarf Trail.

Wrocław’s dwarfs have a life of their own – new ones appear, some “emigrate” to other cities, and others mysteriously disappear. This constant change makes the city feel alive, with each new figure adding another chapter to its story. Recent data (2025) confirms that Wrocław remains the dwarf capital of the world – a symbol of lightness, humor, and local identity recognized far beyond Poland’s borders.

Source: elcia.wroclaw.pl
Data as of November 2025

Frequently asked questions about Wrocław’s dwarfs