Wawel Dragon statue and fire time. Tourist guide

One of the symbols inextricably associated with Kraków is the Wawel Dragon and the legend surrounding it. Based on an old legend recounted by Wincenty Kadłubek, a sculpture of the Wawel Dragon was created under Wawel Hill. Today, we describe one of the famous attractions. Where is the Wawel Dragon in Kraków? When and how often does the Wawel Dragon breathe fire on the Vistula Boulevards in 2025? Is it necessary to send an SMS to a phone number? What is the ticket price and where is Wawel Dragon in Krakow? See the Wawel Dragon fire times.

When does the Wawel Dragon breathe fire?

In theory, the Wawel Dragon sculpture breathes fire at five-minute intervals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, tourists visiting Kraków often complain that the dragon does not breathe fire. Why does the Wawel Dragon not breathe fire?

The gas and electrical installation inside the sculpture is prone to malfunctions. If it gets wet or the flame is extinguished by the wind, manual repairs and calibration of the control system are required. There are also issues with the electrical installation.

Malfunctions are usually fixed within 2-4 hours. After repairs, the dragon breathes fire irregularly. Therefore, it is easier to see the fire-breathing dragon on windless and rainless days. In February 2025, the gas installation inside the sculpture was overhauled before the tourist season, and all indications are that in 2025 the sculpture will stop breaking down and there will be no more problems with fire shows. You don’t need a ticket to see the show.

The Legend of the Wawel Dragon

The legend of the Wawel Dragon first appeared in the Chronicle of Wincenty Kadłubek at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. The dragon was said to be a legendary creature inhabiting the Dragon’s Den cave. The beast was said to terrify the inhabitants of Kraków and demand sacrifices in the form of cattle. Eventually, the ruler of Kraków ordered the dragon to be killed.

According to the legend, the dragon was defeated using a trick involving cattle skins filled with sulfur. Did the Wawel Dragon really exist? The dragon – of course not.

Every legend contains a grain of truth. A predatory archosaur is believed to have lived in the territories of modern Europe. A reconstruction of the dragon’s skeleton is located in the Biology Department building of the University of Warsaw.

The sculpture of the Wawel Dragon is located next to the exit from the Dragon’s Den at the foot of Wawel Hill on Czerwienski Boulevard stretching along the Vistula bend between Dębnicki Bridge and Grunwaldzki Bridge.

The easiest way to reach the Wawel Dragon is to walk from Smocza and Bernardyńska Streets. The sculpture is very close to the Main Square. There is no need to get there by public transport, let alone call an Uber or Bolt Taxi.

Where is the fire-breathing statue in Krakow?

The sculpture of the Wawel Dragon is located next to the exit from the Dragon’s Den at the foot of Wawel Hill on Czerwienski Boulevard stretching along the Vistula bend between Dębnicki Bridge and Grunwaldzki Bridge.

The easiest way to reach the Wawel Dragon is to walk from Smocza and Bernardyńska Streets. The sculpture is very close to the Main Square and Old Town. There is no need to get there by public transport, let alone call an Uber or Bolt Taxi.

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