Patrolek
Podwale 31/33
Patrolek, the police-officer dwarf at ul. Podwale 31-33, has stood guard outside the Lower Silesian Police Headquarters since 2014, baton in hand and always on duty.
Turn Your Walk Into an Adventure
Wrocław's streets are full of tiny hidden treasures. Every dwarf you discover gets added to your personal Dwarf Trail — a free collection of stamps, stories, and memories from your time in the city.
No rush — collect at your own pace.
No app download · Works on any phone
Story
Patrolek is Wroclaw's only dwarf in uniform. Standing guard outside the Lower Silesian Police Headquarters on ul. Podwale 31-33, this tiny officer keeps a watchful eye on everyone entering the building, clutching his baton and report pad with the solemnity of a true public servant. Legend has it that no crime has been committed in his immediate vicinity since the day he arrived.
History & Significance
Patrolek was unveiled on 24 July 2014 to mark the 95th anniversary of the Polish State Police. He was funded collectively by officers and staff of the Lower Silesian Police garrison as a gift to the city. A competition was held among police families to choose his name, and 'Patrolek' - a playful diminutive of 'patrol' - won by a wide margin.
Inspiration
The dwarf represents Wroclaw's long tradition of professional public service and pays tribute to the uniformed forces that protect the city. He joins other profession-themed dwarfs across the city - firefighter Pozarek, postal worker Pocztowiec, and traffic warden Straznik - as part of Wroclaw's colourful cast of working-class gnome heroes.
Fun Facts
- His name is a playful Polish diminutive of the word 'patrol', chosen in a naming competition open to police families.
- Unveiled on Police Day in 2014, he commemorates 95 years of the Polish State Police.
- Unlike most dwarfs funded by businesses, Patrolek was paid for directly by Lower Silesian police officers and staff.
- He wears a full uniform including a cap with an eagle emblem, a duty belt, and a report folder tucked under his arm.
- His closest dwarf neighbour is Stefan Namastek at a yoga centre just a few buildings away - an unlikely pair of companions on ul. Podwale.
How to Find This Dwarf
From the Swidnicka tram stop, head north along ul. Swidnicka and turn left onto ul. Podwale. The Police Headquarters building is on your right at number 31-33. Patrolek stands right at the main entrance, easy to spot from the pavement.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Patrolek dwarf in Wroclaw?
Patrolek stands at the entrance to the Lower Silesian Police Headquarters at ul. Podwale 31-33, a short walk north of the Swidnicka tram stop.
Why does the Patrolek dwarf look like a police officer?
He was commissioned by Lower Silesian police officers in 2014 to mark the 95th anniversary of the Polish State Police, so he naturally wears a full duty uniform.
How did the Patrolek dwarf get his name?
His name was chosen in a public competition open to police staff and their families. 'Patrolek' is a fun Polish diminutive of the word 'patrol'.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Located on a flat pavement directly in front of the police headquarters main entrance. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
300+ Dwarfs.
One City. Your Trail.
They're hiding on street corners, under bridges, perched on windowsills, crouching by fountains. Every dwarf you discover becomes a stamp on your Dwarf Trail — a free, personal record of your Wrocław adventure.