Dwarfs of Wroclaw

February 9, 2026

Wrocław Dwarves (Wrocławskie Krasnale) are not just a tourist attraction, but a true symbol of the city, combining art, history, and the spirit of resistance.

History of Appearance: Dwarves as a Protest

The appearance of dwarves in Wrocław is connected to the political movement “Orange Alternative” (Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), which was active in the 1980s. During the communist regime, activists used absurdity and humor as a form of protest.

When the police painted over anti-government slogans on the walls, artists drew dwarf graffiti over the spots. This mocked the system: it was hard to seriously explain why the police were arresting people wearing orange hats or fighting drawings of fairytale creatures.

The very first dwarf to appear on the city streets as a bronze sculpture is “Papa Dwarf” (Papa Krasnal). It was installed in 2001 on Świdnicka Street—the exact place where the “Orange Alternative” activists used to gather.

Unlike his small followers, Papa Dwarf is quite large and stands on a pedestal shaped like a big thumb.

Dwarfs of Wroclaw. Best Family Photographer in Wroclaw Anna Tsukanova

How Many Are There Now?

It is almost impossible to give an exact number of dwarves, as their population is constantly growing. New dwarves are installed not only by the city, but also by private companies, hotels, and ordinary residents.

Today, there are over 800 figurines in Wrocław.

There is a special map and mobile applications for “hunting” dwarves.

The highest concentration of dwarves is in the city center, so you will definitely spot them. The main thing is to look closely.

How to Search for Dwarves?

There are several options. In my opinion, the most interesting way to search for dwarves with kids is a dwarf map, which can be purchased in a souvenir shop.

Such maps are available in many shops. Personally, I really like the version with stickers. It will be even more engaging for children. Below, I will show an example of such a map.