Hewelion the Lion Figures in Gdańsk

The Hewelion lion figures in Gdańsk are a free city trail of small bronze lions hidden around the Baltic port city, from the historic Main Town to the beach, the zoo and even the airport. Each lion wears a different costume – sailor, pilot, astronomer, soccer player, lawyer – so tracking them down turns sightseeing into a treasure hunt. If you are looking for things to do in Gdańsk with kids, this self-guided trail is fun, easy to combine with the main sights, and completely free.

Where is Gdańsk and how to start?

Gdańsk lies on Poland's Baltic coast, about 3 hours by express train from Warsaw. Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport has direct flights from the UK and many European cities. The best starting point is Long Market (Długi Targ) in the Main Town, around a 15-minute walk from Gdańsk Główny station. The city's main tourist information center at Długi Targ 28/29 can give you a printed map of the lions.

The story behind Hewelion

The trail was launched in 2015 by the Gdańsk Tourist Organization. The first lion, the Tourist, appeared at the city zoo. Lions have supported Gdańsk's coat of arms since the 15th century and decorate many of its buildings. The name Hewelion (heh-VEH-lee-on) blends the surname of Gdańsk's famous 17th-century astronomer Johannes Hevelius with the English word "lion". All the figures were cast in bronze by sculptor Tomasz Radziewicz; each is about 50 cm (20 in) tall and weighs 30–40 kg.

Where to find the lions

According to the city, 18 Hewelions had been installed by June 2026. In and around the Main Town look for:

• the Sailor and the Volunteer on Ołowianka island by the Motława River,
• Fahrenheit on Long Market – a nod to the Gdańsk-born inventor of the thermometer scale,
• the Brewer on the Long Embankment,
• the Businessman next to the Great Mill,
• the City Councillor outside the City Council building,
• Bremek, unveiled on June 24, 2026, in the Forum Gdańsk courtyard to celebrate 50 years of partnership with Bremen,
• the Astronomer at Hevelianum on Grodzisko hill.

Further out you'll find the Tourist at the Oliwa Zoo entrance, the Ruler of the Seas by Brzeźno pier, the Soccer Player outside the stadium, the Pilot in the airport arrivals hall, the Lawyer at the University of Gdańsk campus (2025), and the Vacationer on the 32nd floor of the Olivia Star skyscraper.

Tips for families

The central lions can be covered on foot in two to three hours, mixed with landmarks such as the Crane, the Great Mill and St. Mary's Church. Save the zoo, beach and airport lions for separate outings by tram or train. The figures are small, so kids love spotting them first; each has a plaque describing its character. Most of the route is stroller-friendly, though you'll hit cobblestones in places.

Practical information

As of October 2026, lions in public spaces are free to visit at any time. Figures inside buildings – the airport, the paid Olivia Star viewing deck, the Forum Gdańsk courtyard or the zoo grounds – follow those venues' hours and rules. The trail keeps changing: some lions have been moved or removed (the Ruler of the Seas was stolen in 2016 and later replaced), so pick up a current map before you go. Is it worth it? For families, absolutely – and adults enjoy the quirky details too.