Wroclaw Dwarfs Trail – A Dwarf Hunt for Groups of Friends

Little bronze dwarfs are Wroclaw’s most recognisable symbol. They sit on windowsills, by lamp posts and at shop entrances, and in the centre you’ll come across them at almost every turn. For a group of friends, they make a ready-made plan for an afternoon together: a trail around the Wroclaw dwarfs combines sightseeing, a bit of competition and plenty of photos.

Below you’ll find a tried-and-tested route through the Old Town – from Papa Krasnal to Most Piaskowy (Sand Bridge) – with game rules for teams, a sample plan for the day and an idea for an evening finale.

Where the Wroclaw dwarfs came from

The dwarf was the symbol of the Orange Alternative (Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), a movement that mocked the authorities with street happenings during the communist era. To commemorate those protests, Papa Krasnal was unveiled in 2001 on the corner of Świdnicka and Kazimierza Wielkiego streets. In 2005 the first five small figures, designed by Tomasz Moczek, appeared, and the dwarf population has grown year after year. Today there are hundreds of them, and new ones keep popping up.

The trail step by step

The whole route is a two- to three-hour walk around the centre, including time spent searching for the figures and stopping for photos. You can change the order of the stops as you like, but it’s easiest to start south of the Rynek (Market Square) and walk towards the Odra (Oder) river – that way the last stop is right next to Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island).

1. Papa Krasnal – corner of Świdnicka and Kazimierza Wielkiego

Start where the whole story began. Papa Krasnal is the biggest and oldest of the Wroclaw dwarfs, and he stands on the spot where the Orange Alternative held its happenings. He makes a good meeting point: he’s easy to find, and the whole group can squeeze in around him for a starting photo.

2. Syzyfki – Świdnicka Street

As you walk along Świdnicka towards the Rynek, look out for two dwarfs pushing stone balls in opposite directions. Their name refers to the myth of Sisyphus, and they’re a great subject for your first photo challenge: recreate the scene on a human scale.

3. Ślepak, Głuchak and the dwarf in a wheelchair – by the Town Hall

Next to the Ratusz (Town Hall) stand dwarfs that remind passers-by of residents with disabilities: the blind Ślepak, the deaf Głuchak and their companion in a wheelchair. Stay with them a little longer – this is one of the most moving groups of figures in the city. The dwarfs are meant to draw attention to the needs of people with disabilities in public spaces.

4. A free hunt around the Rynek

The Market Square and the surrounding streets are where the dwarfs are especially numerous. Give each team 20–30 minutes to search on their own: one point for every new figure, with a bonus for those hidden by doorways and on windowsills. While you’re there, drop by the Jaś i Małgosia (Hansel and Gretel) houses next to St Elizabeth’s Church.

5. Rzeźnik – Stare Jatki

A few minutes from the Rynek lies Stare Jatki (the Old Butchers’ Stalls), an alley where meat was once sold. Rzeźnik (the Butcher), a dwarf holding a small axe, recalls the history of the alley, and the Jatki themselves, full of galleries and workshops, are one of the most atmospheric corners of the Old Town. It’s a good place for a quick coffee break before the rest of the trail.

6. Szermierz – near the University

Then head towards the main building of the University of Wroclaw. Near the university you’ll find Szermierz (the Fencer) – like Syzyfki and Rzeźnik, he belongs to the first five dwarfs from 2005. While you’re here, you can pop into the baroque Aula Leopoldina.

7. Pracz Odrzański – by Most Piaskowy

The last stop is by the Odra. Walk past Hala Targowa (the Market Hall) to Most Piaskowy and look for Pracz Odrzański, whose name refers to the Wroclaw district of Pracze Odrzańskie. From here it’s just a few steps to Ostrów Tumski – if you get there before dusk, you’ll see the lamplighter we describe in our guide to Wroclaw at night.

How to turn the walk into a game

• Teams – split into teams of 3–5 people; each team needs one phone for taking photos.
• Scoring – one point for each dwarf on the route, two for a figure that isn’t on the list, and a bonus for the best group photo.
• Challenges – copy a dwarf’s pose, film a short sketch or, if someone in the group is celebrating a birthday, sing “Sto lat” (the traditional Polish birthday song) next to a figure.
• Time limit – set a finishing time at Most Piaskowy; teams that arrive late lose points.

Sample plan for a day with the dwarfs

• 15:00 – meet at Papa Krasnal and split into teams
• 15:30 – Syzyfki, the Town Hall and a free hunt around the Rynek
• 16:30 – Stare Jatki, the University and Most Piaskowy
• 17:30 – Ostrów Tumski and the announcement of the results
• 19:00 – dinner, followed by a party on a private tram

Grand finale on a party tram

After a few hours on your feet, nothing beats a ride on a tram that runs just for your group. On board there’s a professional sound system and club lighting, and the route is agreed individually, so the ride can end in the centre, close to the Rynek. A private tram makes a great finale for a hen party, a birthday or just a day out with friends – you’ll find the details on the TramParty Wroclaw page.

Practical tips

• Map – the official tourist portal visitwroclaw.eu has a dwarf catalogue with a map, and you can ask for a paper version at the tourist information centre at Rynek 14.
• Shoes and weather – the route runs over cobblestones, so comfortable shoes are a must; if it rains, cut down the list of challenges.
• Respect the figures – you can photograph the dwarfs up close, but don’t climb on them or try to move them.
• Festival – every September, the Dwarf Festival (Festiwal Krasnoludków) brings a parade and city games.

Frequently asked questions

How many dwarfs are there in Wroclaw?

Hundreds – and new ones keep appearing, so it’s hard to give a single up-to-date figure. Your best bet is the official dwarf catalogue, where the figures are marked on a map.

Where is Papa Krasnal?

On the corner of Świdnicka and Kazimierza Wielkiego streets, where the Orange Alternative once staged its happenings. He’s the first and the biggest of the Wroclaw dwarfs.

Can we hop on a party tram after the dwarf hunt?

Yes. The route and start time are agreed individually, and the ride can start from almost any tram stop. Package prices are for groups of at least 30 people, and smaller groups are welcome to send an enquiry.