The Crane
The Crane is a medieval harbour crane that was used to shift cargo and step masts — driven by human treadwheels. Rebuilt after the wartime destruction, today it is a branch of the National Maritime Museum and one of the most recognisable emblems of Gdańsk.
The Long Embankment and Ołowianka
- The Long Embankment — a promenade along the Motława with terraces, ships and a harbour atmosphere
- Ołowianka — the island opposite with more of the Maritime Museum and the museum ship "Sołdek"
- Water trams and boat trips — to Westerplatte and around the harbour among others
- Granary Island — rebuilt granaries with hotels, restaurants and footbridges
Amber on ul. Mariacka
Right by the quayside begins ulica Mariacka — one of the loveliest streets in Poland, with its stoops and house terraces and dozens of workshops and shops selling amber. It is the natural continuation of a walk from the Crane towards St Mary's Basilica.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- The Motława quayside, the Main Town
- The Crane
- A branch of the National Maritime Museum — ticketed
- Boat trips
- Water trams and boats to Westerplatte among other places
- From the Long Market
- A few minutes on foot
- Best time
- The evening — the quayside is lit
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours with a walk
When to go
The quayside wakes up and the first boat trips start.
The height of the season, crowds on the Embankment and every boat trip running.
Atmospheric, with mist over the Motława and fewer people.
Raw and atmospheric; some boat trips are suspended.
Other sights in Gdańsk
Straight-line distances from „The Crane and the Motława" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The Crane and the Motława within walking distance or a short drive.
