Bartonik
Sukiennice 3/4
Bartonik lives outside Lodziarnia Barton at Sukiennice 3/4 in Wroclaw's Old Town, perpetually mid-lick with his bronze scoop, representing the city's most cherished ice cream brand since 1971.
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Story
Bartonik is Wroclaw's most devoted ice cream fan, perched outside the window of Lodziarnia Barton at Sukiennice 3/4, a spoonful away from the city's best-loved scoop shop. He is always mid-lick, eyes half-closed in ecstasy, apparently undecided between the caramel and the pistachio. The story goes that Bartonik arrived in Wroclaw specifically because someone told him Barton had the best flavours in Poland -- and he has never left. On hot summer afternoons, a small queue of children forms to pose with him and compare notes on which flavour to order next.
History & Significance
Bartonik was installed in 2012 at Sukiennice 3/4 in the heart of the Old Town, beside Lodziarnia Barton. The ice cream parlour itself has been a Wroclaw institution since 1971 and has multiple locations across the city. Bartonik is one of the city's most photographed dwarfs, benefiting from the high foot traffic of the central Sukiennice arcade area.
Inspiration
Lodziarnia Barton is one of Wroclaw's oldest and most beloved ice cream brands, operating since 1971 with a menu that includes options for diabetics, allergy sufferers, and ice cream fans of all ages. The dwarf's character as an obsessive ice cream devotee is a loving tribute to the brand's long heritage and the city's passion for a good gelato on a warm afternoon.
Fun Facts
- Barton ice cream has been a Wroclaw institution since 1971, which means Bartonik is the brand ambassador of over 50 years of tradition.
- The lodziarnia's menu includes ice cream for diabetics, those with milk allergies, and gluten-free options -- Bartonik is an equal-opportunity enthusiast.
- He is one of Wroclaw's most photographed dwarfs, partly because his ice cream setup makes a natural prop for selfies on warm afternoons.
- The Sukiennice arcade where he lives connects the Market Square area to ul. Wita Stwosza, putting him on one of the most walked routes in the city.
- Barton's flagship location in Sukiennice has been a popular stop for generations of Wroclaw families -- so has Bartonik.
How to Find This Dwarf
Head to the Sukiennice arcade, which runs parallel to the south side of the Main Market Square. Bartonik is at number 3/4, right outside the Barton ice cream parlour. From the Market Square, look for the arcade entrance on the southern side and walk about 50 metres along the covered passage. The ice cream shop with its cheerful window display is hard to miss.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Bartonik dwarf in Wroclaw?
Bartonik is outside Lodziarnia Barton at Sukiennice 3/4, in the covered arcade just off the south side of Wroclaw's Main Market Square.
What is Bartonik holding?
He is depicted eating ice cream, forever mid-lick, in honour of the Barton ice cream parlour he guards -- one of Wroclaw's most iconic sweet shops since 1971.
Can I buy ice cream at Barton next to Bartonik?
Absolutely -- Lodziarnia Barton at Sukiennice is one of several Barton locations in Wroclaw and has been serving traditional Polish ice cream since 1971, with options including flavours for diabetics and those with allergies.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Located on the flat pavement of the Sukiennice arcade. No steps; the covered arcade provides shelter from rain. Fully accessible.
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