Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue

Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue

Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue
4.5
Write a review
About
Statue of Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" and his keeper unveiled on the 7th November 2015 by the Wojtek Memorial Trust to commemorate remarkable story of Wojtek and as a tribute to all brave men, women and children who fought in the World War II.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
The area
Neighborhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavored souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
65 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
20
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0

George B
Aberdeen, UK1,548 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Great story on the plaque which shows he was found as a bear cub in 1941 and made regimental mascot.
He went to Italy in 1943 with the Polish Regiment and carried ammunition to the front and was not phased by explosions.
After the war he moved to Edinburgh Zoo where he stayed for the rest of his life. A great story.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dec 2022 • Friends
This is probably the most popular statue in princes Street Gardens as it was so busy, everyone wanted a photo.
It is a beautiful and unusual memorial to world War 2 and the famous bear and its well worth visiting.
Written December 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sep 2018 • Couples
I love it. A tribute to a Polish bear who helped out in World War 2. The statue was cute and adorable. Don't miss it
Written October 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bibcay
Gateshead, UK4,384 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
This is a very emotional memorial to wojtek and the Polish who fought in war. There are some flowers next to it to pay respect.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BristolWalker
Bristol18 contributions
Dec 2015
This beautiful statue is already well known and loved world wide!
Such a moving story ! Easy access from Princess street, you can't miss it!
Written December 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thetravellingmanUk
uk9,668 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
This bronze statue of Wojtek and a fellow Polish Army soldier 'walking in peace and unity' is a relatively new addition to Princes Street Gardens, having been unveiled on the 7th November 2015.
Busy with people taking photographs alongside the bear during my visit, and I had to wait for my photo opportunity, but it was worth it!
Wojtek, dubbed the 'Polish Bear', was rescued as a cub in the Middle East in 1943, adopted by Polish soldiers, and helped them carry ammunition at the Battle of Monte Cassino.
The bear is also reputed to have enjoyed smoking, and drinking beer!
Wojtek was given to Edinburgh Zoo in 1947, where he spent the rest of his life. Wojtek died in December 1963 at the age of 21.
Well worth a visit, and reading up the full story.
Written August 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK23,076 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
When we were at the Festival Fringe last year, we saw an excellent show telling the story of Wojtek and knowing the Statues had now been unveiled in Princes Street Gardens, we made sure to visit. Representing not only the specific story, but also the important part paid by Polish troops in the Second World War. The Statues are sited on the high walkway close to Princes Street, about midway between the Scott Monument and St. Cuthberts Church. Go see the Statues and then read on line about this moving story.
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Regina113
Nottingham, United Kingdom13 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
A fitting tribute to ensure the story of Wojtek and the Polish Forces stays alive. Its impossible to resist giving the bear a pat and hug, and lovely to see little children enchanted by him. There is a book written by Aileen Orr which tells the story, well worth a read.
Written June 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Olga54
Edinburgh, UK36 contributions
May 2017
Impressive bronze statue of Wojtek, the brown bear adopted by the Polish forces in Persia during World War II, and which helped them during the battle of Monte Cassino by carrying shells for the artillery. He is seen here wth a Polish soldier: when he ended up being housed in Edinburgh Zoo after the war, he was always very excited when his former companions visited and spoke Polish to him. A wall beside the statue is inscribed with the motto used by the Polish forces during the war: For your freedom and ours.
Written May 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy B
Krakow, Poland131 contributions
May 2016 • Family
This bronze statue, one and quarter life size, by sculptor Alan Herriot, is in honour of the Polish soldiers that fought for freedom in Europe particularly in the battle of Monte Cassino. The monument is to be found on Princes Street Gardens, towards the far end away from the station.

This beautiful statue has a moving story of the bear cub being adopted by a Polish regiment stationed in the Middle East. Then moving with them across Europe, and living out its final years in Edinborough zoo.
It’s not just about the bear, it is also to commemorate the part the Polish played in the Second World War.
Easy access including wheelchars from Princess Street.
Written June 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 52
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue, Edinburgh

Frequently Asked Questions about Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue


Restaurants near Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue: View all restaurants near Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue on Tripadvisor

Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue Information

Excellent Reviews41
Very Good Reviews20
Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue Photos97