Wioślarz 1
Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 40
Wioslarz 1 leads the famous Osemka bronze rowing crew at Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 41, setting the pace for his seven teammates and coxswain Sterniczka Beata on Wroclaw's Odra riverbank.
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Story
Wioslarz 1 is the lead rower of the Osemka — the mighty bronze eight-strong rowing crew of dwarfs stationed on the Bulwar Politechniki Wroclawskiej at Wybrzeze Stanisława Wyspianskiego 41. As number one in the boat, he sets the rhythm for all who follow: his oar dips first, his shoulders lead the stroke, and the whole crew follows his pace. Dwarf enthusiasts say that Wioslarz 1 secretly considers himself the star of the installation — after all, he does go first.
History & Significance
The Osemka — eight rowers and coxswain Sterniczka Beata — was unveiled on 28 May 2016 at the Bulwar Politechniki Wroclawskiej, the riverside promenade renovated by Wroclaw University of Technology. The site has a rich sporting history: rowing competitions were held on this stretch of the Odra as far back as 20 August 1882. The sculptor is Beata Zwolanska-Holod, who named the coxswain figure after herself.
Inspiration
Wioslarz 1 sits at the 'bow' of the formation, the most prestigious seat in a rowing boat, traditionally occupied by the rower closest to the finish line. His placement honours the academic rowing tradition of AKS Politechniki Wroclawskiej and celebrates the university's decision to transform a neglected riverbank into a vibrant public space. The Odra River has always been central to Wroclaw's identity, and these ten dwarfs make that connection playful and tangible.
Fun Facts
- As the stroke-setter of the crew, Wioslarz 1 effectively 'controls' the rhythm of the entire Osemka — the dwarfs' race would be chaos without him.
- The Osemka was the second-largest dwarf group in Wroclaw when it debuted in 2016, and remains one of the biggest today.
- Rowing on the Odra at this spot dates to 1882, making this one of the oldest sporting sites in Wroclaw.
- All ten dwarfs in the crew were created by Beata Zwolanska-Holod, one of the city's most beloved dwarf sculptors.
- The real rowing club AKS Politechniki Wroclawskiej still trains at the boathouse next to the dwarfs — you might see live rowers going out while the bronze ones stay put.
How to Find This Dwarf
Walk to Wybrzeze Stanisława Wyspianskiego 41 along the Odra. From Plac Grunwaldzki, head west along the riverfront promenade for about 400 m. The Osemka crew is near the AKS boathouse. Campus access may require entering during open hours — the barrier is usually open on weekdays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wioslarz 1 dwarf in Wroclaw?
Wioslarz 1 is part of the Osemka installation at Wybrzeze Stanisława Wyspianskiego 41 on the Bulwar Politechniki Wroclawskiej, about 400 m west of Plac Grunwaldzki.
What is the Osemka dwarf group?
The Osemka is a group of ten bronze dwarfs — eight rowers (Wioslarz 1-8) and coxswain Sterniczka Beata — installed in 2016 to honour Wroclaw's rowing tradition on the Odra.
Who made the rowing dwarfs?
All ten dwarfs were sculpted by Beata Zwolanska-Holod and unveiled on 28 May 2016 as part of the opening of the Bulwar Politechniki Wroclawskiej.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Flat paved riverside promenade along the Odra. Access may be limited by a barrier at the university campus entrance.
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