Visit Gdansk

Do you want to explore our beautiful city from a different perspective? Give it a try, and you will discover that the other side of Gdańsk has a charm you won’t easily forget. Come to us, rent a boat, and let’s set sail!

Already have a boat? Fasten your life jacket and remember that on the water, the same rule applies as in life – the bigger one can cause harm! That’s why larger boats always have priority. Pay special attention to this at every bridge and walkway.

Now, let’s embark on the most stunning waterway tourist route – the Motława River. Read about what you can see while feeling the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face. We are confident that these experiences will be unforgettable for you.

The Cow’s Bridge and the Cow Gate

We’re heading to the right, and don’t lower your heads! We’re passing under the Cow’s Bridge – the oldest bridge in Gdańsk, currently designated for pedestrian use only. It connects Ogarnej Street to Spichrzów Island. In 1901-1902, the original wooden Cow’s Bridge was replaced with a bascule steel structure operated electrically. After World War II, it was filled with concrete and, like all other bridges in Gdańsk, made immobile.

Simultaneously, on the right, we pass by the Cow Gate. Its name comes from its original function – it was through this gate that Gdańsk’s butchers drove their cattle to and from the pastures, using the so-called Cow’s Footbridge (the Cow’s Bridge).

The Blue Lamb Granary

And on our waterway journey, another Gdańsk landmark comes into view – the Blue Lamb Granary, also known as Wisłoujście. It is located on Spichrzów Island, and its history dates back to the 16th century.

After the bombardment of Gdańsk by Soviet forces in 1945, the Blue Lamb Granary remained the only historic storage facility on Spichrzów Island with preserved features, including the facade, interior beams, and ceiling structure. From 1995 to 2008, repairs and conservation work were carried out on the building. Today, it is part of the Archaeological Museum and houses various exhibitions inside.

As you pass by the Blue Lamb Granary, you will also see the ruins of other granaries that did not withstand the test of time in such good condition.

The Frog’s Crow Marina

We say goodbye to the granaries, and on the horizon, the Frog’s Crow Marina comes into view. It is located away from the bustling city center, making it a cozy and intimate spot. Feast your eyes on the view of the old port. This is where the Old Motława River comes to an end, so we make a turn as well. Take a closer look at the small Popielny Bridge – it was built in 1643 and connected the Old Suburb with Spichrzów Island. It used to be a drawbridge, closed at night. As you already know, this bridge has also been made immobile in later years.

We continue our journey towards adventure! Look to the left and wave to our Boat&Bike marina!

Long Embankment, Galeon Lew

The Long Embankment, or Długie Pobrzeże in Polish, is nothing else but our Gdańsk promenade stretching along the entire Motława River – we pass it on the left side all the time. It used to be called the Long Bridge in the past. Here, you will find numerous historical gates as well as modern restaurants and shops. This place, often photographed from the Green Bridge or Spichrzów Island, serves as the most recognizable symbol of Gdańsk.

Docked here is also the very distinctive Galeon Lew. It is a ship stylized as a 17th-century galleon, with which you can sail from Gdańsk to Westerplatte and listen to interesting anecdotes about the Gdańsk shipyard from the guides.

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St. Spirit Bridge

Ahead of us is the rotating St. Spirit Bridge. It is a relatively new addition to our city, as it has been in operation since 2020. The bridge elements were constructed in a workshop and then transported by the Hetman tugboat from Elbląg to Gdańsk. The bridge features glass elements and is beautifully illuminated from below, creating an incredible effect after dusk. While strolling through Gdańsk, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the schedule for opening and closing the pedestrian bridge.

Exercise extra caution when passing here and do not cross during the opening/closing of the bridge. Patiently wait for the green light and admire the Gdańsk architecture around you.

The Crane, or Żuraw in Polish,

And here we have arrived at the symbol of Gdańsk – on the left, you can see our magnificent Crane. It is the largest medieval port crane in Europe, which also served as the largest water gate of Gdańsk. Currently, it houses a reconstructed and operational drive mechanism. The Crane was not only used for cargo handling but also for the raising and lowering of masts. Its functions evolved over the years – it lost its military significance, apartments were created inside it, and its role as a crane diminished. In 1945, a fire partially damaged its interior. Today, it is a part of the National Maritime Museum.

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New Motława – Marina Gdańsk

Facing the Crane, if we turned right, we would enter the New Motława, where Marina Gdańsk awaits us, with the Kamienne Lock at its end. This marina is 290 meters long and is located along the Szafarnia waterfront. For many years, Marina Gdańsk has been participating in the Blue Flag program.

The Maritime Museum

However, we continue straight ahead towards the sun, and just on our right, we pass by the National Maritime Museum. The idea behind the museum was to create a port-museum complex integrated into the heart of the old Gdańsk port, including the Crane, the Ołowianka Granaries, waterfronts, and floating vessels. Unfortunately, only the Crane was rebuilt after the war damages, and that’s why it became the main headquarters of the museum. The current name, the National Maritime Museum, was given in 2013.

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Sołdek

And here we are, arriving at the biggest star on these waters – the ship Sołdek greets you on the right side. In the summer of 1989, it docked at the Ołowianka quay as a museum ship. It was the first seagoing vessel built in Poland at the Gdańsk Shipyard after World War II. From its first flag-raising in 1949 until the end of its service in 1981, Sołdek completed 1,479 voyages.

The Polish Baltic Philharmonic named after Fryderyk Chopin

Another gem of Gdańsk’s Ołowianka on the right is the Polish Baltic Philharmonic. It has its origins shortly after the end of the war in 1945 and started its activities in our neighboring city of Sopot. Today, it is the largest institution of musical life in northern Poland, attracting music lovers not only from the region but also from the country and around the world.

Łabędź Tower

Look to the left! We are passing by the Łabędź Tower, which was built on the foundations of the Fishermen’s Tower constructed by the Teutonic Order. The people of Gdańsk dismantled it and erected a round, four-story tower on the land-connected islet, with embrasures aimed towards the demolished castle. Currently, it houses the headquarters of the Polish Maritime Club. At this location on the Motława River, the Water Tram also has its stop.

AmberSky

The modern observation point in our city is the AmberSky Ferris Wheel. Its name refers to the natural treasure of the city, which is amber. For those who love to view their surroundings from a different perspective and seek an exhilarating experience, it’s a great place to admire the Old Town, the amber stadium, the shipyard with its historic cranes, the moraine hills, and even the distant Hel Peninsula.

Ahead of you is a drawbridge to Ołowianka Island. Remember to be cautious and give priority to larger vessels. Only proceed when you have a green light.

Museum of the Second World War

In the distance on the left, you are passing by the Museum of the Second World War, which was opened in 2017. Its centerpiece is the main exhibition located 14 meters below ground level, occupying nearly 5,000 square meters of space. The exhibition depicts the history of the civilian population living during World War II.

Shipyard Gdańska

Continue straight ahead towards the Shipyard! Have you reached the fork in the waterway? Under no circumstances should you enter the right branch, known as the Kashubian Canal. Venturing there can result in severe penalties and is dangerous for you. Keep to the left side and resist the temptation to enter the Kashubian Canal, as one of the penalties includes the confiscation of a deposit.

Navigate between the Galar Gdanski and the shipyard buildings on your right. It was here that Solidarity was born, a peaceful movement aimed at achieving freedom, democracy, and the unification of Europe. After World War II, in the devastated city of Gdansk, the first shipyard work began in 1945. Two years later, the state-owned company Shipyard Gdansk was established based on the former Imperial and Schichau shipyards. In August 1980, a strike in defense of Anna Walentynowicz, who had been dismissed from the factory, quickly became the beginning and part of a nationwide protest against the oppressive policies of the Polish People’s Republic.

Exercise caution around larger vessels and proceed towards the former Pontoon Bridge, now named the Bridge of the 100th Anniversary of Poland’s Independence. Execute a swift maneuver to turn around and once again experience the history of Gdansk while observing the Shipyard from the water level.

Make sure not to accidentally turn into the Kashubian Canal, which is now located on the left side. Attention! We are returning to our peaceful harbor the same way we came. You can now admire the previously seen landmarks once again!