Wedelek

Story

Wedelek is one of the sweetest — quite literally — dwarfs in all of Wrocław. Perched at Rynek 59 on the southern side of the Market Square, this cheerful bronze figure has been greeting visitors and locals with a chocolatey smile since 2005. With a mischievous grin and a bar of chocolate proudly in hand, Wedelek is a delicious nod to Wedel, Poland's most beloved confectionery brand. He embodies the playful, sugar-coated spirit of Wrocław's dwarf tradition — a tradition born from the city's anti-communist Orange Alternative movement of the 1980s.

History & Significance

Wedelek was among the first wave of bronze dwarfs installed in Wrocław in 2005, sculpted by Tomasz Moczek. His name and chocolate bar are a sweet tribute to E. Wedel — the iconic Polish chocolate company with roots going back to 1851. The dwarf tradition itself traces its origins to the Orange Alternative (Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), a peaceful protest movement founded in Wrocław 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, but Wedelek remains one of the original five and among the most visited.

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

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