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Beboks in Katowice — Silesian bogeys that won over the city

In recent years, a new and very friendly element joined the industrial landscape of Katowice — the Beboks, small friendly creatures inspired by Silesian legends. They once scared naughty children, but today they are one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.

Unfortunately, city tourist information points currently do not offer a map with all the Beboks — you only get a checklist with spaces for stamps.

Who are the Beboks?

The word "bebok" comes from the Silesian dialect and means a bogey or spook that parents once mentioned to scare children:

"Don’t go there, or the bebok will catch you!"

In old beliefs, a bebok was a mysterious creature living in dark corners, basements, and forests. No one knew exactly what it looked like — that made children even more afraid and curious. The modern version you can meet on the streets of Katowice is different: it’s friendly, funny, and full of charm.

Frelka and Miglanc – Beboks returning from shopping, in front of the main entrance to Galeria Katowicka (3 Maja 30)

Katowice’s Beboks — art in public space

The idea to refresh the image of the bebok came from Grzegorz Chudy, a Silesian artist, painter, and illustrator known for promoting local culture. His designs inspired the small bronze Bebok figures that have been appearing around Katowice for the last few years.

Gajerek — a Bebok in an elegant suit, on the window ledge of a clothing store (23 G. Morcinka Street)

Each Bebok is different — it has a name, a personality, and often represents a specific district or place. You can find them in Nikiszowiec (a historic workers’ district), at the Rynek (main square), by Spodek (the UFO-shaped arena), and on Mariacka Street. They are made of bronze and are a bit like the famous Wroclaw dwarfs — but with Silesian spirit and character.

Doradziejka – a little female bebok holding a bundle of tax rules in one hand and an umbrella in the other, on the fountain at Grunwaldzki Square

The Bebok Trail in Katowice

You may hear about the Katowice Bebok Trail, but because there are many figures spread across the city, it’s hard to make a single walking route right now. You will find them in many areas — both near the center and farther away. Each figure has a small plaque with a description and a QR code that links to the story of that character (some pages may be in Polish; you can use your phone to translate).

Dentruś — a dentist Bebok, by a dental clinic (49 ks. P. Ściegiennego Street)

Bławatek — a Bebok holding a jar of honey, in front of Municipal Kindergarten No. 52 (15a K. Iłłakowiczówny Street)

Beboks — a symbol of modern Katowice

Beboks quickly won the hearts of locals and visitors. They became the heroes of books, souvenirs, and even board games. Their image is more than folklore — it’s a sign of how the region changed, turned old "fears" into pride, and made them something to smile about.

In this way, Katowice shows it can play with its own history, and Silesian culture is alive, modern, and full of humor.