Crane. Branch of the National Martime Museum — Attraction in Gdansk

The Żuraw Crane in Gdańsk is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a powerful symbol of its rich maritime history. Located along the Motława River in the Old Town, this medieval crane is part of the National Maritime Museum and stands as a reminder of Gdańsk’s role as a major port in the Hanseatic League. Built in the 14th century and restored in the 15th century, the Żuraw functioned both as a cargo-loading crane and as a city gate. It could lift up to 2 tons at a time, powered by workers walking inside large wooden wheels, creating a pulley system.

Its unique architecture, with a large wooden structure jutting over the river, draws visitors fascinated by its historic engineering. Today, the Żuraw is open to the public, offering a glimpse into its mechanisms, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Gdańsk’s waterfront from the top. This crane was originally used to load goods and erect ship masts, emphasizing the city's deep connection with the Baltic Sea and...

A building with a unique appearance that catches the eye.

Ticket price: 26 PLN. Combined tickets are available and the visit takes approximately half an hour. The first wooden crane was built in 1367 and the current brick building in 1444. As well as its role as a port crane, the building also served a defensive purpose, with two towers on either side and cannons installed inside. It also served as a gateway to the city.

Like much of Gdańsk, it was severely damaged during the Second World War, but has since been restored to its former glory. It is now a museum containing representations of life at the time, including the mechanisms that made it work ( men walking inside two large vertical wheels were able to produce the energy needed to lift heavy loads...

Would love to have given this tourist attraction a much higher score, because it is fascinating and so unique. However, the staff totally ruined the experience for us. They were rude (one snatched the help sheet I was using out of my hand), unhelpful and at one point argumentative to the point that I actually suggested to one of them that they brush up on their customer care skills, as there was none evident. A smile costs nothing and the argument was so pointless and petty. If you go, enjoy a marvel of engineering, but don't expect anything...