Wrocław's Dwarfs: A Walking Tour of the Communist Era
Communist-era Wrocław through the dwarf movement: discover how activists used humour to defy censorship and control during the 1980–1990 decade. We trace their story across the Old Town—from the Main Market Square, Fredro Statue, and Salt Square to St. Elizabeth’s Church, ending on Świdnicka Street, where the first dwarf symbol appeared—and see how today’s hundreds of dwarf statues keep this spirit alive.
Basic Information
Total time
1h 45m
Language
English, Spanish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Aleksander Fredro’s statue, Market Square Nearest public transport: Oławska tram stop; Zamkowa tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Wrocław guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour suitable for people with reduced mobility and strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
What can you do when a regime you live under oppresses and controls every area of your life? What can you do when censorship does not allow you to express your beliefs and feelings? How do you fight when the power fight against is simply too great to give you any chance of winning? Here in Wrocław … dwarfs became the answer.
Do you know that dwarfs are one of the symbols of the city? Did you know that it all started under communism? These were the days when first dwarfs started to appear in the streets of Wrocław – then drawn on the walls, today as small statues. What did and do they mean? Why dwarfs? Join our Dwarfs and Communism tour to fully understand how Communism shaped us Poles, but also how we managed to fight it back with laughter. Absurd and surreal thinking became powerful weapons in the struggle through the tough post-war days.
During Dwarfs and Communism tour, you will have a chance to learn about Wrocław between 1980 and 1990. Discover the story of the struggle against Communism, hope, and fun despite all odds. Be ready for an exceptional dwarf hunt. You simply can not miss it!
The tour is also available on request as a private tour – book by email .
Highlights
- 1
Wrocław Dwarfs
Small bronze statues scattered around the city, a symbol of anti-communist resistance and local identity.
- 2
Communism in Wrocław
Learn about life under the oppressive regime in Poland during the 1980s and the fight for freedom.
- 3
Orange Alternative
An underground protest movement that used absurdity and humor to oppose the communist government.
- 4
Main Market Square
The medieval heart of the city, a vibrant square surrounded by colourful tenement houses.
5First Dwarf Papa Krasnal
The original monument commemorating the Orange Alternative movement, located on Świdnicka Street.
Map
Aleksander Fredro’s statue, Market Square Nearest public transport: Oławska tram stop; Zamkowa tram stop
Our customers said about us
Wroclaw
5.0Mario Javier
Very interesting story
Adam made the tour really interesting by showing us insight on how the past was not only in the city, but in Poland in general. Explaining all that while visiting some peculiar dwarfs made it extra curious. Very recommended!
Wroclaw
5.0Will
Great
A great review of Wroclaw and the insight to the little dwarfs please give me the app to see them outside of Poland
Wroclaw
5.0Will
Just brilliant
A really informative tour today put a totally new look and find perspective to Little Dwarfs all over the city please give me the app name to find them outside of Poland
Wroclaw
5.0Diogo Monteiro
I'd love meeting the Dwarves!
Me and some friends joined Petro and we had an amazing time! He was caring, very funny, and showed a lot of knowledge about Wroclaw and its dwarf. I super recommend it! Thanks again, Petro! <3
Wroclaw
5.0Elda
Interesting piece of history
You not only see cute little statues of dwarfs that otherwise you wouldn’t notice, but with this tour you get to know how really life was during communist regime. Michael was very engaging at making it all vivid for us and even recommended movies about the era, in case you feel like learning more. I am very pleased with the experience.
Wroclaw
5.0Kimi
Excellent tour
My Dwarfs walking tour by Adam who is a local was informative and interesting! he shared a lot on the post-war, communist history in the country. highly recommend.
Wroclaw
5.0Colin Mills
Dwarves galore
Lovely well paced walk around the beautiful city of Wrocław, viewing several of the dwarves, intertwined with the history behind them and communist Poland. Tour guide was knowledgeable, approachable, & had a good sense of humour. Would recommend.
