Old Harbor Crane

Next available: Friday 3 July at 10:00

Maritime Gdańsk: Tour of the Old Crane, the "Sołdek" Ship and the city with a guide

Available languages: PL flag

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Official Private Guide
Suitable for children

from 840 PLN

Next available: Friday 3 July at 10:00

Old Crane in Gdańsk: Private Guided Tour

Available languages: PL flag

Duration: Tour 1 hour
Official private guide
Suitable for children

from 390 PLN

Bestseller! Gdańsk

Next available: Thursday 25 June at 10:00

The most important attractions of Gdańsk with a guide

Available languages: PL flag

Duration: 2.5 hours
Licensed guide

from 79 PLN

Bestseller! Kolar zdjęc z gdańska

Next available: Wednesday 1 July at 10:00

Old Town: The most important places in Gdańsk with a Private Guide

Available languages: PL flag

Duration: 3 hours
Licensed private guide

from 750 PLN

What exhibitions you will see

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

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.

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.