Szcześciarze
Wojszycka 8
Szczesciarze are a pair of lucky dwarfs residing inside the 'Podkowa' restaurant, where one stands guard at the bar and the other watches over the accounts — rubbing their noses is said to bring good luck.
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Story
Szczesciarze are a lucky pair of dwarfs who decided that the best address in Wroclaw is inside a restaurant named after good fortune itself. Legend has it they arrived on a horseshoe-shaped comet one midsummer night, tumbling through the window of 'Podkowa' ('The Horseshoe') and declaring it their permanent home. Since then, they have split the workload sensibly: one guards the bar among the bottles, the other keeps a close eye on the bills. Give either of them a scratch on the nose, say the regulars, and luck will follow you all the way home.
History & Significance
The horseshoe has been a universal symbol of good fortune for centuries, and the pair of dwarfs known as Szczesciarze takes full advantage of that tradition. They live inside the 'Podkowa' restaurant, a name that literally means 'horseshoe' in Polish. The duo represents the broader Wroclaw dwarf custom of pairing a figurine's character with its sponsor's identity — in this case a lucky-charm theme perfectly matched to the venue's branding.
Inspiration
Szczesciarze draw their inspiration from one of the most enduring symbols of luck in Polish and European folk tradition: the horseshoe. Hung above a door or tucked into a pocket, a horseshoe was believed to catch good fortune like a net. By placing two dwarfs inside a restaurant bearing that name, the sponsor created a playful, self-referential charm — as if the restaurant itself is a lucky horseshoe, and the dwarfs inside are the fortune it has caught.
Fun Facts
- Two dwarfs for the price of one: Szczesciarze are a duo, making them part of the small but charming group of paired Wroclaw figurines.
- Rubbing their noses is said to bring good luck — a tradition that has left the tips of their little bronze noses noticeably shiny.
- Their name 'Szczesciarze' translates as 'lucky ones' or 'fortune favoured', making them among the most optimistically named dwarfs in the city.
- The bar-side dwarf is surrounded by bottles all day — arguably the most enviable posting in all of dwarf Wroclaw.
- Legend among locals says that if you scratch both noses in the same visit, your luck is doubled for a full week.
How to Find This Dwarf
The restaurant 'Podkowa' is tucked inside Wroclaw's city centre. Look for the venue's horseshoe signage and step inside — the dwarfs are stationed near the bar area rather than at the entrance, so venture beyond the door. The restaurant is within easy walking distance of the Old Town and can be combined with a broader dwarf-hunting walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Szczesciarze dwarfs in Wroclaw?
Szczesciarze live inside the 'Podkowa' restaurant in Wroclaw's city centre. One dwarf is stationed near the bar among the bottles, while the other keeps watch over the accounts area.
What do Szczesciarze look like?
Szczesciarze are a matching pair of bronze dwarf figurines. One is tucked among bottles at the bar, the other minds the cash — both with the cheerful expression typical of Wroclaw's dwarfs.
Why are they called Szczesciarze?
The name means 'lucky ones' in Polish, a perfect fit for dwarfs living in a restaurant called 'Podkowa' ('The Horseshoe') — one of the most traditional symbols of good luck in Polish culture.
Can you rub the noses of Szczesciarze for luck?
Yes — local legend says that scratching their noses brings good fortune, and the well-worn tips of their bronze noses suggest plenty of visitors have been trying their luck.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround Level
Located inside the 'Podkowa' restaurant at ground level. Standard restaurant access; wheelchair users should confirm door width with the venue. Access limited to restaurant opening hours.
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