Wedelek

Story

Wedelek is one of the sweetest — quite literally — dwarfs in all of Wrocław. This cheerful little fellow perches at Rynek 59 on the southern side of the Market Square, greeting every passer-by with a mischievous grin and a bar of chocolate proudly held aloft. Legend among the dwarf community has it that Wedelek once sampled every single chocolate in the Wedel shop window in a single night, and has been standing guard over the entrance ever since — partly out of devotion, partly because he ate so much chocolate he couldn't move. His bronze surface gleams brightest where visitors rub his chocolate bar for sweet luck, and on warm summer evenings you might swear you can smell cocoa wafting from his tiny bronze hands.

History & Significance

Wrocław's bronze dwarfs trace their origins to the Orange Alternative (Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), a peaceful protest movement founded in the city in 1986 by Waldemar Fydrych. Activists painted dwarf graffiti on walls as a form of absurdist, nonviolent resistance against the communist regime. Decades later, the city honoured this legacy by commissioning bronze dwarf statues throughout Wrocław. Today over 300 dwarfs dot the city. Wedelek was among the first wave, installed in 2005 and sculpted by Tomasz Moczek — one of the original five placed around the Rynek.

Inspiration

Wedelek is a sweet tribute to E. Wedel — Poland's most iconic chocolate and confectionery company, founded in Warsaw in 1851 by Karol Wedel. For over 170 years, Wedel has been synonymous with premium Polish chocolate, famous for its Ptasie Mleczko (Bird's Milk) marshmallow bars and its rich drinking chocolate. The Wedel shop at Rynek 59 in Wrocław, right where Wedelek stands guard, is one of the brand's flagship locations. The dwarf's name is a playful diminutive — 'little Wedel' — and his chocolate bar mirrors the treats waiting inside the shop behind him.

Fun Facts

• Wedelek's name is a playful nod to Wedel — Poland's most iconic chocolate brand, famous since 1851
• He clutches a bar of chocolate, making him arguably the most delicious dwarf in Wrocław
• He was part of the original 2005 batch of five dwarfs placed around the Rynek
• Rubbing his chocolate bar is said to bring sweet luck — notice how shiny it is from thousands of happy touches
• Wedelek is one of the most photographed dwarfs in Wrocław according to local tourism surveys

How to Find This Dwarf

From the Wrocław Town Hall in the centre of Rynek, face south and walk towards the row of colourful townhouses. Head to building number 59 on the southern arcade. Wedelek sits at ground level, just to the left of the entrance — you'll recognise him by his chocolate bar and the crowd of people jostling to snap a photo. If arriving from the west via ul. Świdnicka, turn right once you enter the square and follow the southern edge for about 100 metres.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on a flat pavement along the southern arcade of the Market Square. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.