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
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
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 no matter the weather. High or low temperatures, rain or snow is not a reason for us to cancel our tours. We are always here for you. The only reason for cancellations are extreme weather conditions (like heavy storms…), guide's sudden sickness or no minimum number of people (5) to run the tour, but we will always let you know using the data you provided during registration for the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option of 18€ per person or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
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
