Old crane in the Lüneburg harbor — Attraction in Lüneburg

The Old Crane is a historic harbor crane located at Lüneburg's ancient Ilmenau port. The crane, which was built in 1797 and was one of the most powerful in northern Germany at the time, still characterizes the image of the Wasserviertel today and is regarded as a landmark. Lüneburg was first mentioned in medieval records in a deed signed on 13 August, 956 AD

The crane is constructed of a load-bearing wood framework.

Great atmosphere, stunning environment, and nice restaurants to eat or just have a beer are all must-sees if you're in Lueneburg. Today (June 24, 2023), we went on a weekend trip.

Lunenburg) is a charming and historic town on the Ilmenau River, bordered by the Lüneburg Heath in the North German state of Lower Saxony. The town is located about 50 kilometers southeast of Hamburg and is the capital of the district of Lüneburg, with a population of approximately 75,000 (2018).

So very beautiful, do visit. And lot of Restaurant...

The old crane is Lüneburg’s secret landmark. A crane on the Illmenau is mentioned for the first time in 1346. Two wooden carrying wheels – with which the crane once lightened heavy loads - are hidden inside this still fully functioning industrial memorial. When Lüneburg was connected to the railway network in 1846, the crane became redundant. Today this structurally engineered memorial is very close to the heart of Lüneburg’s inhabitants and lovingly tended. For more than 2,500 years, heavy loads were being lifted with the help of carrying wheels. Lüneburg’s crane was re-built in 1797 according to medieval plans. Time and again it is said that the hard work inside the crane was conducted by convicts. But this demanding work was actually done by skilled workers who were employed as stevedores at the warehouse on the opposite side.

You can only get inside the crane when taking one of the guided tours...

A short trip to Lüneburg is the natural consequence after visiting Lübeck. The salt that made Lübeck rich actually came from Lüneburg! At the former harbor in the water district (Wasserviertel), you'll find this "Old Crane," a (secret) symbol of Lüneburg. This is where the precious salt ("white gold") was shipped, bringing great wealth to the city during the time of the Hanseatic League. In the Middle Ages, the crane was an important tool for lifting heavy loads, especially salt bags, onto ships or onto land—thus allowing the salt to be transported further to Lübeck through the Stecknitz Canal. Two old ships can still be seen there. And there are plenty of lovely Cafés around the square - a true...