Bawarka

Story

Bawarka stands proudly on the Rynek at Ratusz 26, right outside the Bierhalle restaurant, holding a frothy beer stein high above her head like a toast to every passing visitor. She's one of the few female dwarfs in Wrocław, dressed in a traditional Bavarian dirndl with a tiny apron and braids, her cheeks rosy from the cellar's finest brew. Legend has it she samples every new batch that the nearby pubs serve and never finds one she doesn't like. If you lean in close, you might catch the faint aroma of hops and malt drifting from the restaurant behind her — and some locals swear she winks at anyone brave enough to order a dark lager.

History & Significance

Bawarka was installed on the Rynek in Wrocław, near Ratusz 26, as a bronze figurine sponsored by the Bierhalle restaurant. She was sculpted by Beata Zwolańska-Hołod, one of the key artists behind many of Wrocław's commercial dwarfs. Her name, meaning 'Bavarian girl,' reflects the Bavarian beer-hall theme of the sponsoring restaurant. The dwarf is part of the wider tradition that began in 2005 when sculptor Tomasz Moczek placed the first five dwarfs, inspired by the Orange Alternative movement of the 1980s. Bawarka belongs to a growing group of 'foodie' dwarfs scattered across the Market Square, each celebrating Wrocław's vibrant culinary scene.

Inspiration

Bawarka pays tribute to Bavarian beer culture, the tradition of craft brewing, and specifically to the Bierhalle restaurant that sponsored her. Bierhalle is a chain of Polish beer restaurants modelled on Bavarian beer halls, known for serving large steins of pilsner and wheat beer alongside hearty Central European dishes. The name 'Bawarka' is the Polish feminine form of 'Bavarian,' evoking images of Oktoberfest waitresses in dirndls carrying multiple steins at once. The dwarf stands right at the restaurant's entrance on the Market Square, greeting guests with the same warm hospitality the brand aims to embody.

Fun Facts

• She is one of the rare female dwarfs in a city where the vast majority of bronze figurines are male.
• Her tiny beer stein has been polished golden by thousands of visitors who rub it for good luck before entering the pub.
• The sculptor Beata Zwolańska-Hołod created many of Wrocław's most popular commercial dwarfs, including Bawarka.
• Locals have nicknamed the stretch of the Rynek near Bawarka 'beer alley' because of the concentration of pubs in the area.
• In winter, some visitors have been spotted placing miniature scarves around her neck to keep her warm during the Christmas market season.

How to Find This Dwarf

From the Rynek's central fountain (Zdrój), walk south-west toward the southern row of townhouses. Look for the Bierhalle restaurant sign at Ratusz 26 — Bawarka stands on the pavement right next to the entrance, just a few steps from the Ratusz building. If approaching from ul. Świdnicka, enter the Rynek through the south-western corner and keep the Ratusz on your left.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on the pavement outside the Bierhalle restaurant on the Rynek. The surface is cobblestone, flat and level. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.