Chodziarz
Świdnicka 38A
Chodziarz stands with nordic walking poles near the Pogodynka meteorological column on ul. Swidnicka, Wroclaw's self-appointed champion of healthy walking.
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Story
Chodziarz — also known as Johnnie Walker and Zdrowik — is Wroclaw's most peripatetic dwarf. Equipped with nordic walking poles, he stands beside the meteorological tower (the famous 'Pogodynka') on ul. Swidnicka, always looking as though he is about to set off and visit all 800-plus of his bronze brothers across the city. Rumour has it he has the most impressive step-count of any dwarf in Wroclaw, despite never actually moving.
History & Significance
Chodziarz was installed on 26 September 2008, sculpted by Beata Zwolanska-Holod. He stands at ul. Gen. Romualda Traugutta 55 (near the Pogodynka column at the junction with ul. Swidnicka), approximately 1.2 km from the city centre. His three names reflect different aspects of his character: 'Chodziarz' means 'walker', a reference to nordic walking; 'Johnnie Walker' is the whisky brand famous for its striding figure logo; and 'Zdrowik' ('Health Dwarf') emphasises that walking is good for you.
Inspiration
Chodziarz was inspired by the growing popularity of nordic walking in Poland during the 2000s, and his placement near the Pogodynka — one of Wroclaw's most distinctive landmarks, a decorative meteorological column — makes him a natural patron of urban strolls. Beata Zwolanska-Holod gave him an energetic, forward-leaning pose that captures the spirit of purposeful movement. He is also sometimes read as a nod to the Johnnie Walker brand, with his striding posture mirroring the famous whisky logo.
Fun Facts
- He goes by three different names: Chodziarz, Johnnie Walker, and Zdrowik — each reflecting a different side of his personality.
- His location next to the Pogodynka tower makes him the unofficial mascot of Wroclaw's open-air strollers.
- Sculptor Beata Zwolanska-Holod gave him a dynamic, forward-leaning pose unique among the city's dwarfs.
- Installed in September 2008, he is one of the earlier bronze dwarfs to arrive in the city.
- Passers-by who pat his poles are said to be rewarded with the motivation to finally start that fitness routine they keep postponing.
How to Find This Dwarf
From the main Rynek (Market Square), head south along ul. Swidnicka for about 600m. The Pogodynka meteorological column stands at the junction of ul. Swidnicka and Promenada Staromiejska. Chodziarz is right at the base of the column. You cannot miss it — look for the distinctive metal weather tower with the dwarf at its foot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Chodziarz dwarf in Wroclaw?
Chodziarz stands at ul. Gen. Romualda Traugutta 55 (near the Pogodynka column at the junction with ul. Swidnicka), about 1.2 km south of the city centre.
Why does Chodziarz have three names?
He is called Chodziarz (walker), Johnnie Walker (after the whisky brand's striding logo), and Zdrowik (health dwarf), reflecting his nordic-walking theme and energetic pose.
Who sculpted Chodziarz?
Beata Zwolanska-Holod, one of Wroclaw's most prolific dwarf sculptors, created Chodziarz and installed him in September 2008.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Located on a wide pedestrian pavement along ul. Swidnicka. Fully flat and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
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