Old Harbor Crane

A unique monument of technology and architecture, one of the symbols of Gdańsk. A medieval port crane, which is also the city gate.
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Guided tours

Old Harbor Crane

Flexible cancellation conditions
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Official Private Guide
Suitable for children
Buy tickets
Flexible cancellation conditions
Duration: Tour 1 hour
Official private guide
Suitable for children
Buy tickets
Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Duration: 2.5 hours
Licensed guide
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Flexible cancellation conditions
Duration: 3 hours
Licensed private guide
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Plan your visit

How to get to Old Harbor Crane

The Gdańsk Crane, part of the Maritime Museum, is located in the heart of the Main Town in Gdańsk.  Walk around 5 along Długie Pobrzeże, enjoying the view of the Motława River, until you reach the Crane.

Stary Żuraw does not have a parking lot. You can use nearby parking spaces according to the paid parking zone in Gdańsk.

You can also get there by public transport. Take tram lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 or 11 and get off at the “Brama Wyżynna” stop. From there, it will only take a few minutes on foot to reach the Crane. You can also use the city bus, and the best stop will also be “Brama Wyżynna”.

Touring

What exhibitions will you see in Old Harbor Crane

Museum Exhibitions

The crane is part of the National Maritime Museum. There are exhibitions on the history of shipping, maritime trade and the Crane itself. You can see ship models, navigation tools, and learn more about port life in ancient times.

The Story of the Old Harbor Crane

The crane in Gdańsk, built between 1442 and 1444, is the largest and oldest preserved medieval port crane in Europe. It served not only for loading goods, but also as a city gate and defensive fort. In the 16th century, Żuraw ceased to have military functions and was transformed into a craft center. After its destruction in 1945, it was rebuilt and is now part of the National Maritime Museum. The monument combines Gothic technique with a unique drive mechanism, attracting history and technology lovers.

Crane Mechanism

The Crane mechanism is based on a simple but effective system. It consists of two pairs of wooden treadmill wheels. In order for the Crane to be able to lift loads from ships, such as mill wheels or wine barrels, it was necessary to set these wheels in motion. The mechanism worked thanks to the power of human muscles

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Touring with Children

Touring Old Harbor Crane with childrens

The Harbor Crane may be an interesting point for a walk with a child up to 3 years old, but the main attraction is the historic crane itself and the surroundings, which can provide pleasure for both adults and children of all ages. There are often playgrounds near the Crane where children can run and play.

Some parts of the museum can be tailored to younger visitors, offering interactive exhibits and fun presentations that engage the senses and provide an educational experience.

Young people may be interested in more detailed information about the history of the crane and the technology related to port operations and shipping. Thanks to the use of multimedia and realistic scenography, the exhibition allows for an immersive experience of history using all the senses.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Old Port Crane is a historic port crane from the 15th century, once used to load goods and erect masts on ships.

The crane is located on the Motława River, at Szeroka Street, in the central part of Gdańsk.

Originally, it served as a water gate and port facility for loading goods and erecting masts on ships.

The Old Harbor Crane was built between 1442 and 1444, so it dates back to the 15th century.

In addition to its reloading functions, the Crane served as a defensive gate and a place for erecting ship masts.

Yes, the interior of the Crane is available to visitors as part of the exhibition of the National Maritime Museum. It was opened after 3 years of renovation on April 30, 2024

In 1945, the Crane was set on fire, which resulted in the burning of wooden parts of the structure.

The reconstruction of the Crane took place in the 1950s and was completed in 1962.

The crane, as a key element of port infrastructure, had a significant impact on the development of trade and shipping in Gdańsk.

museum description

Old Harbor Crane

The Old Port Crane, known as Brama Żuraw, is a Gothic water gate and port crane from the 15th century, standing on the Motława River. It is characterized by two massive brick towers and a wooden mechanism that has been modernized many times. It is the oldest monument of this type in Europe, testifying to the rich maritime history of Gdańsk.

Flexible cancellation conditions
Free cancellation up to 5 days
How does it work?
You can cancel free of charge up to 5 days before the tour date indicated on the purchased Voucher.
Cancellation up to 3 days before the tour date indicated on the purchased Voucher will result in a fee of 50% of the order value.  
You can change your reservation up to 5 daysbefore the tour date.
You can make changes to your reservation covering 50% of the order value up to 3 daysbefore the tour date.
To make a modification or cancellation, send a message with information to the address [email protected]
Changes made less than 3 days from the tour date will not be taken into account.
Cancellation of the trip less than 3 days from the tour date is non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24 hours
How does it work?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour date indicated on the purchased Voucher.
You can make changes to your reservation up to 24 hours before the tour date.
To make a modification or cancellation, send a message with information to the address [email protected]
Changes made less than 24 hours from the tour date will not be included.
Cancellation of the tour less than 24 hours from the tour date is non-refundable.

Touring Old Harbor Crane

Tour type
Flexible cancellation conditions
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Official Private Guide
Suitable for children

Take part in a fascinating journey through the maritime history of Gdańsk, where history and the sea intertwine in an extraordinary combination. Discover the secrets of the Old Crane, the “Sołdek” ship and the charming corners of the city during an expedition with an experienced guide.

 

  • Guided tour by a licensed guide
  • Admission to the Old Crane
  • Admission to the Old Crane

Plan your tours:

  1. Meeting at the Green Gate,
  2. The Green Bridge and a beautiful panorama of the city
  3. A walk along the Motława River
  4. The history of Granary Island
  5. Visiting the Old Crane with a Guide
  6. Crossing the ferry/crossing the drawbridge to Ołowianka Island
  7. Tour of the Sołdek Ship with a Guide
  8. Ride by ferry/cross the footbridge to the Old Town
  9. Ride by ferry/cross the footbridge to the Old Town

Organizer: Etours sp. z o. o.

Flexible cancellation conditions
Duration: Tour 1 hour
Official private guide
Suitable for children

Discover the oldest, preserved port crane from medieval Europe. Learn about the maritime secrets of this place and visit one of the most recognizable landmarks in Gdańsk.

  • Entrance tickets to the new exhibition at Stary Żuraw
  • Private guide service

Organizer: Etours sp. z o.o.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Duration: 2.5 hours
Licensed guide
  • The Royal Road with the Main Town Hall, Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court and beautiful tenement houses of wealthy townspeople
  • The Golden Gate, Torture Gate, Green Gate and other water gates
  • St. Mary’s Basilica
  • Mariacka Street, known for its beautiful buildings and amber jewelry sellers
  • Old Port with Crane, Ship “Sołdek”
  • The Great Armory and the bustling Piwna Street
  • Jan Hevelius Monument and the Great Mill
  • The oldest parish church in Gdańsk – St. Catherine
  • Church of St. Bridget, the symbol of Solidarity

Description:

We will start from the picturesque Długi Targ, where we will see the most important monuments, including: The court of Artus and Neptune, the guardian of the city. Then we will go to the monumental St. Mary’s Basilica, one of the largest brick churches in the world, to admire its magnificent interiors. Walking along the Motława River, we will stop at the Old Crane, which is the symbol of the Gdańsk port. We will end the tour at the Neptune Fountain and the City Hall, discovering the secrets of Gdańsk’s history.

  • Sightseeing with a licensed guide
  • Admission to St. Mary’s Basilica
  • Admission to the church of St. Catherine
  • Admission to the church of St. Bridget
  • Headset (for groups of more than 10 people)
  1. The tour will run with a minimum of 5 registered adult participants. If the required number of people are not gathered, we will refund your money.
  2. Guided walking tour
  3. We recommend adapting your clothing to the prevailing weather conditions.
  4. Organizer: Etours sp. z o. o.
Flexible cancellation conditions
Duration: 3 hours
Licensed private guide

Prepare for a magical journey through the history and culture of Gdańsk’s Old Town on a unique tour with a private guide. From enchanted streets to monumental monuments, every step will be full of fascinating stories and unforgettable impressions.

  • Guided tour by a licensed guide
  • Cancellation possible 5 days in advance
  • Admission to St. Mary’s Basilica
  1. Meeting at the Golden Gate,
  2. A walk along Długa Street – the most famous route in Gdańsk
  3. Neptune’s fountain
  4. Green Gate
  5. Green Bridge
  6. Old Harbor Crane
  7. St. Mary’s Basilica with admission

Organizer: Etours sp. z o. o.