Hewelion the Lion – a tour along the Gdańsk Lions Trail
- Damian Brzeski
- 6 hours ago
- 13 min read
Wrocław has its dwarves, and Kraków its dragons. Gdańsk went a step further, creating its own unique character – the lion Hewelion.
These are not just cute figurines, but a well-thought-out tourist route that turns sightseeing into an exciting city game and tells the history of the city in an innovative way, combining legends with modern technology.
Who is Lew Hewelion from Gdańsk?
To truly understand the phenomenon of the Gdańsk lions, one must understand their identity. Hewelion is not simply a series of bronze casts. It is a figure with a name, a specific mission, and a history that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the city on the Motława River.
Inspirations: Jan Heweliusz and the coat of arms of Gdańsk
Where does the name "Hewelion" come from? It's a surprisingly elegant fusion of two pillars of Gdańsk's identity.
The first part, "Hewel-," is a nod to Johannes Hevelius, the brilliant 17th-century astronomer who made Gdańsk famous on scientific maps of Europe. The second, "-lion," simply means lion in English, the lord of beasts, who has proudly supported the city's coat of arms since the 15th century.
This dual inspiration is the foundation of the entire project. Instead of creating a generic lion trail or a niche astronomy trail, the creators combined these two worlds.
As a result, Hewelion has become the embodiment of Gdańsk's dual nature : on the one hand, the strength and pride of a historic port city, and on the other, its intellectual heritage and contribution to the development of science. This cleverly positions Gdańsk not only as a center of trade, but also as a city of science and enlightenment.
The symbolism and meaning of the figure of Hewelion the lion
The key to success was artistic vision. Tomasz Radziewicz, the Gdańsk sculptor and father of all figurines, deliberately abandoned the image of a menacing, heraldic beast.
His goal was to create a "fairy-tale character" who would serve as a friend, especially for the youngest audiences. Hewelion has a gentle, friendly appearance that practically invites interaction.
This style is crucial. Hewelion is not a monument we admire from afar.
He's an active storyteller and guide . Each figure, through his costume and props, tells the story of a given place in a remarkably accessible way.
One could say that it acts as a kind of "cultural translator": it takes complex historical facts – about the power of the Great Mill or the achievements of Hevelius – and translates them into the universal language of symbols.
This is how the line between textbook history and great fun is blurred.
The Hewelion Lion Trail in Gdańsk
The Hewelion Lion Trail project is a textbook example of a strategically planned and consistently implemented tourism initiative. Its history, organization, and artistic cohesion demonstrate how professionally a city's brand can be built.
The concept and development of the urban trail
The Hewelion Lion Trail officially launched in the fall of 2015. It's no secret that it was inspired by the enormous success of Wrocław's dwarves, who proved that small is beautiful (and can attract crowds).
The first sculpture was placed in the Gdańsk Zoo, which was symbolically presented as the place where the lion "came into the world" and set off on its urban journey.
From the very beginning, the project was conceived as dynamic and open . The trail is constantly being expanded, and the number of lions is steadily increasing.
It is a “living organism” that responds to the city’s development and establishes new partnerships, as in the case of Hewelion Prawnika, founded in cooperation with the University of Gdańsk.
Interestingly, the history of the trail also has its small dramas – some of the figurines were stolen, which only confirms that they have become a valuable and desirable part of the urban landscape.
The role of the Gdańsk Tourist Organization
The driving force behind the entire project is the Gdańsk Tourist Organization (GOT) . It is the originator and primary custodian of the trail. But its role extends beyond simply installing the sculptures. The GOT has created an entire ecosystem to support the project, demonstrating its modern and integrated approach to marketing.
This ecosystem includes:
Physical elements: the figures themselves and printed trail maps.
Digital tools: iLeo mobile applications and VisitGdansk Quests, which add an interactive dimension to the tour.
Partnership model: individual figurines are funded by institutions and companies (e.g. AMBEREXPO or Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk ) in cooperation with the city.
This multi-faceted model provides the project with stability and maximizes its reach.
The artistic vision of Tomasz Radziewicz
The trail owes its extraordinary artistic coherence to one man – the sculptor Tomasz Radziewicz, the author of all the figurines.
This distinguishes the Gdańsk project from many similar initiatives, where sculptures created by different artists often look like something from another world. Here, each new figurine, regardless of the donor, is part of the same charming "lion family."
Radziewicz's vision, as we already know, was to create a fairy-tale character. His works are characterized by dynamism and expressiveness, as seen in the silhouette of Hewelion the Lawyer, captured running with flowing mane.
The artist's deep commitment to the project guarantees its creative future. Thanks to this unified vision, Tomasz Radziewicz has become not only a sculptor but also a guardian of Hewelion's identity.
Hewelion's lion figurines as city attractions
Hewelion's figurines are carefully thought-out objects that are simultaneously works of art, landmarks and information carriers, creating a completely new layer on the tourist map of Gdańsk.
Characteristics of the sculptures and their locations
Each bronze sculpture is approximately half a meter high and weighs between 30 and 50 kilograms . They are permanently mounted to the ground and monitored, demonstrating their value to the city. These are not temporary installations, but fully-fledged elements of the urban landscape.
The locations of the figurines were chosen strategically to guide tourists to key points of the city – both the obvious ones, in the heart of the Main Town, and those more distant, such as the airport or the business center in Oliwa .
In this way, the trail creates an alternative map of Gdańsk, encouraging exploration off the beaten path. It's a clever tool that naturally disperses tourist traffic.
How to recognize Hewelion? Stylings and attributes
Each Hewelion is different, and this is what gives the entire trail its strength. The figurine always appears in a style and with attributes that reflect the location it's in. So, the Hewelion at the airport wears pilot goggles, while the one at the stadium wears soccer cleats.
These props act as visual puzzles. A tourist, seeing a lion with a tablet and a sack of flour at the Great Mill, begins to wonder, "Why does he look like a businessman?" This question is a hook that draws them into the history of the place.
The attributes aren't just decoration—they're a starting point for discovery and learning . It's a brilliant gamification woven into the physical sculptures, transforming passive viewing into an active search for meaning.
Who are the most interesting Hewelion characters on the trail?
Following the trail of the Gdańsk lions is a journey through the city's history, culture, and present day. Each figurine has its own unique personality. The table below (suggested format for easy comparison) presents the most famous figures.
Hewelion Businessman at the Great Mill
Standing proudly by the Great Mill, Hewelion the Businessman embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Gdańsk. The lion, in its modern guise, holds a tablet in its paw, calculating the value of a sack of flour.
This seemingly anachronistic image is actually a remarkably apt commentary. Let's remember that the Great Mill, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 14th century, was the largest industrial plant in medieval Europe .
The juxtaposition of a modern businessman with a symbol of medieval power shows that Gdańsk has always been a city of innovation and trade.
Hewelion the Astronomer at Hevelianum
At the top of Gradowa Mountain, surrounded by historic fortifications, is the Hevelianum – a modern science centre.
It is at the summit of Gradowa Mountain that we encounter Hewelion the Astronomer. This is perhaps the most personal of all the figurines. The lion, equipped with a quadrant, embodies the figure of his patron, Johannes Hevelius.
He gazes at the sky, just as his namesake did centuries ago from his observatory. The location in the Hevelianum, which combines history with science, perfectly captures Hewelion's dual nature— lion-soldier and lion-scientist .
Hewelion Lotnik at the airport in Gdańsk
In the arrivals hall of Lech Wałęsa Airport, travelers are greeted by Hewelion the Aviator. Dressed in a leather jacket and goggles, he exudes enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. He is the perfect symbol for this place—a gateway to the world.
For those arriving, Hewelion Lotnik is their first, pleasant contact with the city. For those departing, it's their last, pleasant memory.
It embodies the dreams of travel that have fueled the development of Gdańsk for centuries.
Hewelion Sailor and Volunteer on Ołowianka
Ołowianka Island, the heart of the port city of Gdańsk, hosts two statues. The first is Hewelion the Sailor , who can be found near the museum ship "Sołdek."
In traditional garb, with an oar in its paw, it embodies the city's maritime heritage. Nearby, by the popular "GDAŃSK" sign, stands a second lion – Hewelion the Volunteer . With his paw outstretched in support, he symbolizes another important feature of the city: its spirit of social engagement and solidarity.
Hewelion Footballer at the Polsat Plus Arena stadium
Hewelion the Footballer waits in front of the amber Polsat Plus Arena stadium. Dressed in cleats, he strikes a pose ready to shoot.
Interestingly, instead of a ball, a large piece of amber lies in front of his paw. This clever move connects the world of sports with the region's most famous treasure, the "Baltic Gold."
Hewelion Mayor at the Madison Gallery
Before entering the Madison Gallery , we encounter Hewelion the Mayor. With a magnificent chain around his neck and a hammer in his hand, he leaves no doubt as to his role. Importantly, his location is no accident.
Archaeological research has confirmed that it was here, in the 13th century, that the first, still wooden, Gdańsk Town Hall likely stood. Hewelion thus stands guard over the cradle of Gdańsk's self-government.
Hewelion Actor, Councilor, Vacationer and Trader – other styles
The trail is full of many other imaginative incarnations of the lion.
Hewelion the Actor in a theatrical pose resides inside the Upland Gate, referring to the nearby Shakespeare Theatre.
Hewelion the Councilor in a robe guards the New Town Hall, the seat of the Gdańsk City Council.
Hewelion Wczasowicz relaxes on a lounger on the 32nd floor of the Olivia Star skyscraper, with a panoramic view of the Tricity.
Hewelion the Merchant is a unique figure because he's mobile. He brings his stall wherever trade flourishes—at St. Dominic's Fair or the AMBEREXPO trade center.
The newest on the trail is Hewelion the Lawyer , a dynamic figure in a toga, running towards the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Gdańsk, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge.
Other cities with city figurines
The Gdańsk initiative, while unique, is part of a broader trend in Polish tourism. The idea of creating trails of small sculptures was, of course, popularized by Wrocław and its famous dwarves.
This success inspired other cities to create their own local characters. For example, when traveling around Poland, we might encounter:
Rabbits in Gniezno, leading along the Royal Route,
Dragons in Krakow, referring to the most famous legend,
Gryfuses in Szczecin, related to the coat of arms of Pomerania,
Bachusiki in Zielona Góra, celebrating wine traditions,
Fairy tale characters (e.g. Reksio) in Bielsko-Biała.
This trend demonstrates how thinking about promoting cities is changing. Instead of relying solely on grand monuments, interactive, "collectible" experiences are being created.
Finding each figurine becomes a personal achievement that can be showcased on social media, generating free promotion. It's simply an effective gamification of tourism .
Interactive tour with mobile applications
What elevates the Gdańsk trail to a whole new level, however, is its advanced technology. Searching for Hewelions is not just analog fun, but a fully interactive experience.
iLeo app and Bluetooth Low Energy technology
The primary tool is the free iLeo mobile app, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. How does it work? When you approach the figurine with the app enabled, a notification will automatically appear on your phone.
At that moment, the lion "comes to life" and tells the story of the place. This is much smarter than QR codes because it doesn't require any action on your part—the message appears automatically, almost magically.
VisitGdansk Quests – a city game with Hewelion
Hewelion the Lion Trail is also part of a broader platform – the VisitGdansk Quests app. It offers a variety of city games in which Hewelions act as checkpoints or sources of clues, weaving explorations into even larger and more engaging scenarios.
A city game along the Hewelion Trail as a way to explore Gdańsk
The combination of physical sculptures and apps transforms sightseeing into a captivating urban game. It's no longer a simple stroll, but a mission with goals and rewards.
This format transforms tourists from passive observers into active players in the urban narrative. Furthermore, the knowledge gained through play is much more lasting.
The role of Hewelion in promoting the city's history and culture
Some takeaways? Hewelion the Lion is a multifaceted phenomenon. It's simultaneously public art, a tourist attraction, an educational tool, and the face of a modern marketing campaign.
The project effectively makes the rich and often complex history of Gdańsk accessible, fascinating, and simply cool.
Hewelion's ultimate success, however, lies in its ability to create emotional connections . Visitors, especially the youngest, learn more than just facts.
They embark on an adventure accompanied by a friendly lion. Such commitment transforms an ordinary trip into a treasured memory.
It's the most powerful form of promotion a city can provide. Hewelion doesn't just showcase Gdańsk; it makes you fall in love with the city.
Lew Hewelion in a nutshell: FAQ
Have questions about Gdańsk's most famous lion? Here you'll find quick and specific answers to frequently asked questions about the Hewelion Trail.
What is Hewelion the Lion? : It is the figure of a small lion, the hero of the city tourist trail in Gdańsk, which in the form of bronze figurines tells the history of the city.
Where does the name Hewelion come from? : It is a combination of the name of the famous astronomer from Gdańsk, Jan Heweliusz , and the English word "lion" , meaning a lion.
Why is the lion the symbol of Gdańsk? : Lions have been an important element of the coat of arms of Gdańsk since the 15th century, symbolizing the strength, courage and royal dignity of the city.
How many Hewelion figurines are there in Gdańsk? : The number is constantly growing; currently there are about 20 figurines on the trail, and new ones appear regularly.
Who is the author of all the sculptures? : All the figurines were designed and made by one artist, the Gdańsk sculptor Tomasz Radziewicz.
Where was the first Hewelion placed? : The first figurine, Hewelion the Tourist, was unveiled in 2015 at the Gdańsk Zoo.
What material are the figurines made of? : Each sculpture is cast in bronze.
How big are Hewelions? : They are about 50 cm tall and weigh between 30 and 50 kilograms.
Is there an official trail map? : Yes, paper maps can be obtained at tourist information points, and the route is also available in dedicated mobile apps.
Is there a fee to visit the trail?: No, following the Hewelion Trail is completely free. Entrance fees may apply to some of the buildings where the figures stand.
Is the trail good for kids?: Absolutely. It's designed primarily with families in mind, turning exploring into an engaging game and a fun exploration.
Is there a dedicated mobile app for the trail? : Yes, it's the free "iLeo" app that uses Bluetooth technology to interact with the figures.
How does the "iLeo" app work? : When you get close to the figure, the app will automatically detect its signal and the story of the place, told by the lion, will appear on your phone.
Which Hewelion doesn't have a permanent location? : Hewelion the Merchant is the only mobile figure that appears in various places related to trade, e.g. at St. Dominic's Fair.
Where can I find the highest Hewelion? : Hewelion Holidaymaker rests on the observation deck on the 32nd floor of the Olivia Star office building in Gdańsk Oliwa.
How does Hewelion differ from Wrocław's dwarves? : The main difference is artistic coherence (all the lions were created by one artist) and deeper, double roots in the city's history (the figure of Heweliusz and the coat of arms).
Can I buy souvenirs with Hewelion? : Yes, mascots, gadgets and publications with the image of the lion are available at tourist information points and souvenir shops.
Who is the newest lion on the trail? : One of the latest additions is Hewelion Prawnik, located at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Gdańsk.
Can I fund my own Hewelion?: Yes, the project is based on a partnership model, and the Gdańsk Tourist Organization is open to cooperation with companies and institutions.
Are the figurines secured in any way? : Yes, they are permanently attached to the ground, covered by insurance and, in most locations, video surveillance.
Is "Hewelion the Lion Trail" the only name for this route? : Although this is the official name, many guidebooks and conversations use a popular abbreviation: Gdańsk Lion Trail .
How is a single Hewelion sculpture created?: Each Hewelion sculpture is a small work of art. The process begins with an idea and ends with the bronze casting. Each cheerful lion is individually designed, which is what gives this unique Gdańsk attraction such a cohesive character.
Is there a figure on the trail commemorating Daniel Fahrenheit? : Of course, it's Hewelion Fahrenheit . You'll find him on Długi Targ with a distinctive thermometer in his hand, a tribute to the creator of the temperature scale.
How does the lion tell the story of the places where it stands? : It works in two ways: visually, through its unique attributes, and digitally. Thanks to the iLeo mobile app, when you approach the figure, the lion tells the story of the place directly on your phone screen.
Where can you encounter Hewelion the Merchant? : He's the only mobile lion. He appears wherever trade flourishes, such as during St. Dominic's Fair or at the AmberExpo Exhibition and Congress Center .
Who exactly is responsible for the appearance of the lions? : Gdańsk artist Tomasz Radziewicz is responsible for the coherent, fairy-tale vision of the project – he is the creator of all the figurines on the trail.
Who else is involved with the Hewelion Trail project?: It's the result of teamwork by many people from the Gdańsk Tourist Organization. Various names have appeared in project materials over the years, including Bartosz Barski and Arkadiusz Gniewkowski , who were involved in its development.
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