Gdansk – Motlawa River Embankment

If you pass through the Green Gate, you will find yourself on the waterfront, right on the Green Bridge. which connects the old Capital with Granary Island. This is the most famous bridge in the city of Gdańsk. The western abutment of the bridge lies under the Green Gate, which was to serve as a residence for the Polish kings.

The Motlawa River splits into two branches in the historic center of Gdańsk, creating beautiful scenery full of monuments, pubs, and relaxing places on the embankments.

On both sides you can walk along beautifully renovated pedestrian-only embankments and admire many interesting buildings.

Most of the ancient monuments can be found on the western embankment, closer to the historic center. The embankment is lined with tall, narrow houses with richly decorated gables, which once belonged to wealthy merchants. The historic center can be reached from the embankment through monumental water gates:

The entire area around the Motlawa is dominated by one of Gdańsk's iconic buildings, the Stary Zuraw, a historic crane used for loading ships.

The waterfront is separated from the historic center by a series of magnificent gates and portals, which are among the most famous landmarks in Gdańsk.

The Bread Gate is the oldest of the three preserved late Gothic water gates. It dates back to the 15th century and enchants with its Gothic architecture with typical pointed arches and heraldic emblems.

This gate is built of red brick, dates back to 1457, and leads to the city's most romantic street, filled with amber.

Stary Żuraw, sometimes also called Brama Żuraw, is an iconic Gdańsk landmark and one of the main symbols of the city. The Czech translation „Old Crane“ or „Gate with a Crane“ will sufficiently explain what kind of monument it is.

If you walk further north along the left bank of the river, you will see modern houses tastefully built in the original style of historic Gdańsk.

The eastern bank of the river forms the Granary Island, which can be reached easily via the Green Bridge after passing through the Green Gate. This part of the city was completely destroyed during World War II. Today it is the most modern part of the embankment. Architects have brilliantly combined the historic shapes of granaries with concrete, glass and metal. Here you will find luxury hotels and stylish restaurants overlooking the river.

A modern pedestrian bridge was built on the northern tip of Granary Island a few years ago. It rotates to allow yachts and ships to pass through. Watching this process is a popular attraction for tourists.

If you walk further north along the left bank, you will see the small island of Ołowianka on the opposite bank. Apart from the neon sign „Gdańsk“, you will find three main attractions here: a Ferris wheel, the very interesting Maritime Museum and the building of the Frederic Chopin Polish Baltic Philharmonic located in the former shipyard building.

The Gdańsk Ferris wheel is called AmberSky and takes you to a height of 50 meters in modern closed cabins. Since Gdańsk is built on a flat surface and there are no high-rise buildings in the immediate vicinity of the Ferris wheel, the view from here is truly impressive. In front of the wheel you will find the tourist-favorite sign Gdańsk, made up of giant steel letters.

Further north, near the Fish Market, is the Gothic Baszta Łabędź Tower. It was part of the medieval city walls and is now the headquarters of the Polish Nautical Club. In front of the bastion is a place where cruise ships depart.