Who is Hewelion? 

His name combines the surname of Johannes Hevelius and the English word “lion”. Each Hewelion has its own character and attributes related to the place where it stands. The Hewelion figurines were created by Tomasz Radziewicz, a sculptor from Gdańsk. 

Hewelions in Gdańsk: 

Astronomer - Stars? I know them all by name! I climbed Gradowa Hill carrying a huge astronomical quadrant and… now I have a beautiful view of all of Gdańsk. I look up at the sky, search for new planets and sometimes yawn because nighttime is the best time for stargazing. Maybe you could try spotting Ursa Major or... the Little Lion?


Bremek - I came to Gdańsk from Bremen, a city that has shared a friendship with Gdańsk for 50 years. I brought a special souvenir with me: miniature Bremen Town Musicians - a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster. Their story shows that together we can achieve great things. After all, friendship knows no borders! What kind of souvenir would you bring back from a trip to share with others?


Bimelion – I may be made of bronze, but I have quite a lot in common with cars! I was made from a material used to manufacture bearings, and the Bimet factory in Oliwa has been producing parts that cars could not run without for years. Bearing shells, bushings, bearings - sound mysterious? These inconspicuous components help engines run smoothly. Who would have thought that even a lion could have something to do with the automotive industry?


Mayor - I have my chain, I have my seal - I’m a first-class mayor! Hundreds of years ago, Gdańsk’s town hall stood right here. This is where the mayor made important decisions, kept things in order and... perhaps even came up with new holidays! Today, I make sure Gdańsk stays cheerful, colourful and never boring! What would you do if you became mayor for just one day?


Businessman - Grain was once milled here, but today you can discover real treasures. The Great Mill is now home to the Amber Museum, where you can find amber that is shiny, golden and... magical! As a lion with a head for business, I know one thing: amber is the most valuable currency on the Baltic coast! Maybe I’ll open my own souvenir shop here? I’ve even come up with a name: Lion’s Treasure. Sounds good, doesn’t it?


Brewer - Oops… You caught me with a mug of beer! Please don’t tell anyone. I know I’m a little lion and shouldn’t be doing this, but how can you visit Gdańsk without trying its beer?! Gdańsk is famous for its centuries-old brewing tradition. Can you believe that all kinds of beer were brewed in the city in the past, and at certain times the number of breweries reached the hundreds?

Fahrenheit - The temperature is rising! But don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Gabriel Fahrenheit — the man behind the temperature scale and thermometers - was born right here in Gdańsk. I’m his number-one fan. I even have my own scarf, although I still don’t know when I should take it off. So I wear it just in case - you never know what the scale will show!


Trader - I know every corner of St. Dominic’s Fair, from gingerbread stalls to stands full of sparkling trinkets! When needed, I lend a hand at AmberExpo, where there’s always so much going on that my paws ache from carrying goods. I love the sound of bells, the smell of freshly baked pretzels and colourful ribbons fluttering in the wind. I don’t have a permanent spot - a trader has to be wherever the action is! Today I’m selling amber buttons, tomorrow treasure maps. There’s always something in my pouch!


Accountant - Numbers, tables, calculations? I love them! I have special glasses for counting, a pencil sharper than my claws and a book full of important notes. Some people say accountants sit quietly at their desks... But me? I can count everything, from afternoon tea biscuits to the stars in the sky. Because good organisation is essential - even in a lion’s life!



Pilot - Take-off! Landing! Take-off! Landing! Phew... there’s always something going on here! Sometimes I dream of soaring through the sky... but nobody has invented wings for lions yet. Luckily, I have a pilot’s cap, the right outfit and the best view of the terminal - someone has to keep an eye on everything!


Sailor - The sea is in my heart, the wind is in my mane and I’m always ready for an adventure! I stand by the marina, watching for yachts returning from distant voyages - maybe one day a captain will invite me aboard. I’m waiting for my big sailing adventure, but for now I’m learning to tie nautical knots... although sometimes I end up tangling my own tail!


Neptune - Yes, it’s true - I have my very own trident! I was jealous of the Neptune statue on Długi Targ, so I got one of my own. Now I feel like the true ruler of the seas... or at least of city fountains and puddles. Who do you think has the most stylish trident in Gdańsk?


Footballer - My stadium home is a real marvel - in the sunshine, it shines like a giant piece of amber! One day, I’ll definitely play a match here, so I practise my dribbling every day, kick an invisible ball and do a proper warm-up. And now I’ll let you in on a little secret: if we’re lucky, we might spot the Lechia Gdańsk players - they train and play here every day!


Lawyer - Law is my speciality... At the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Gdańsk, I’m learning how to settle disputes and defend my arguments. Not every case is straightforward, but the most important thing is to know your rights and how to stand up for them. Can you persuade others to see things your way? 



City Councillor - When I put on my councillor’s chain, I immediately stand a little taller - because important decisions are made right here, in the New Town Hall! Councillors discuss what residents need: playgrounds, parks, schools and buses. I also contribute my ideas - sometimes I whisper a suggestion, sometimes I tap my paw on the table (gently!). What would you suggest if you had a seat on the City Council?


Shakespeare - I have a skull in my paw, a theatrical expression and a voice ready for a leading role! Although I don’t stand right outside the theatre, I imagine the stage, lights, curtain and applause every day. I know Shakespeare inside out - his kings, magicians and ghosts are good friends of mine! Now it’s your turn: stand like an actor! Make a face like a king! Spin around like a fairy! And hop - take a bow like a star of the stage!

Tourist - My backpack is bigger than I am - seriously, sometimes I get lost in it! My journey begins at Gdańsk Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Poland. From now on, I’ll explore Gdańsk step by step, paw by paw. Will you join me? I promise there’ll be no time to get bored!


Volunteer - I don’t raise my paw just for fun - I’m volunteering to help! I’m always where something good is happening. I like taking action, helping others, smiling and cheering people up. Volunteers help in many places - museums, festivals, cultural centres and sometimes... simply wherever someone needs a smile. I don’t have a cape or superpowers, but I know one thing: helping others is a big deal.


Holidaymaker - Attention, attention - a lion up high! I live on the 32nd floor of Olivia Star, where you can truly feel like you’re floating among the clouds! I have a sun lounger, sunglasses and my very own view of Gdańsk. What more could I want? Maybe some ice cream... or a cream-filled pastry? 


The Hewelion Trail - how does it work?

The Gdańsk Hewelion Lion Trail is available through the free Karta Turysty mobile app. After downloading the app for one of the two operating systems (iOS or Android), users can open the Sightseeing tab to discover a range of interesting facts shared by the little lion. How does it work? Whenever users come close to one of the Hewelion sculptures, a text message appears on their phone, with the lion telling the story of the place. The narration is designed to help the youngest visitors learn as much as possible about Gdańsk.

Tourist Card