River Motława Cruises

River Motława | The Heartline of Gdańsk

Flowing through the historic core of Gdańsk, the River Motława is where centuries of maritime trade, shipbuilding, and waterfront life have played out. Its quays are lined with medieval gates, merchant houses, and the famous Crane, while modern museums and restaurants add fresh energy to its banks. Whether you stroll, cruise, or get a coffee, the Motława’s mix of old-world charm and working port bustle makes it one of Poland’s most picturesque riverfronts.

Why visit the River Motława in Gdańsk?

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Iconic waterfront sights

See landmarks like the medieval Crane, St. Mary’s Gate, and the sleek Museum of the Second World War reflected in the water.

Cruises to the Baltic

Hop on a boat to Westerplatte or along the harbor for a close-up look at Gdańsk’s shipyards and coastal views.

A living postcard

Wooden barges, tall-mast replicas, and colourful facades create picture-perfect scenes. This was the stage for Gdańsk’s Hanseatic merchant trade for centuries.

Buzzing riverside life

Lurk around the embankments during summer evenings to check out outdoor dining, street performers, and music.

Where is the River Motława located?

Guests tasting pierogi on a boat during Motława River cruise in Gdansk, with historic buildings in view.

The Motława flows through the heart of Gdańsk’s Main Town, with the most scenic stretch between the Green Gate and the Fish Market.

Starting point in city: Joins the Martwa Wisła near the harbor
Key central stretch: Green Gate to the Fish Market
Neighbourhoods: Main Town & Old Port

Things to do around the River Motława

Gdansk waterfront with historic buildings and a cruise boat on the Motlawa River.

Sightseeing boats and replica galleons depart from the quayside near the Green Gate. Popular trips include short loops of the Old Port, 90-minute rides to Westerplatte, and seasonal sunset cruises. Along the way, you’ll pass restored granaries, lift bridges, and working docks that still echo the city’s shipbuilding past.

Cruises in Gdańsk

Conductor leading the Baltic Philharmonic orchestra during a performance.

Other Activities

Walk the cobbled Długie Pobrzeże promenade for uninterrupted views of historic façades and moored ships, step inside the medieval Crane to see its giant wooden lifting mechanism, explore maritime history at the Cultural Centre, and cross footbridges to Ołowianka Island for the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and amber shops. In summer, riverside markets and festival stalls line the water, adding colour and energy to your walk.

A brief history of the River Motława

The Motława has been Gdańsk’s lifeline since at least the 10th century, though its major transformation came in the Middle Ages when it became the key artery of the Hanseatic League’s Baltic trade network. It carried grain, timber, salt, and amber to ports across Europe, while bringing back wine, textiles, and spices. The city’s defensive gates, riverside granaries, and port crane were all built to control and profit from this commerce. The river also saw turbulent moments, from Swedish invasions to WWII bombings that destroyed many waterfront buildings, later rebuilt in their historic style. Today, it serves both as a cultural attraction and an active waterway.

Plan your visit to the River Motława

Gdansk old town buildings along the Motlawa River with a historic ship docked.

River walks are open year-round. However, cruises generally run from April to October, with limited winter schedules.

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn offers the warmest weather, full cruise timetables, and lively evening scenes with street performers and terrace dining. Sunset brings golden reflections on the water, while early mornings offer quiet, empty quays for photography. Winter sees frosty riverbanks, fewer crowds, and steaming mugs of mulled wine in riverside cafés.

Seafood chowder served with bread on a lunch cruise from Gdansk to Westerplatte.

Riverside restaurants mix Polish classics with global menus.

Goldwasser Restaurant: Polish cuisine with a view of the Crane.
Brovarnia Gdańsk: Brewery with craft beers and hearty meals.
Targ Rybny: Seafood-focused dining near the Fish Market.

Luxury hotel room with elegant furnishings and large windows.

Hotels along or near the Motława keep you close to the action:

Budget: Hostel 22, World Hostel Gdańsk
Mid-range: Celestin Residence, Hotel Admiral
Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel, Hilton Gdańsk

Galar Cruise ship sailing through the Motława River in Gdansk, surrounded by historic buildings.

Wear sturdy shoes for the cobblestones, especially after rain, when they can be slippery.
A light windbreaker helps on breezy days, particularly during boat rides.
Choose a cruise with live commentary if you want stories about each landmark you pass.
Cross to Ołowianka Island for less crowded views of the Main Town skyline.
Time your visit to coincide with a bridge lift. It’s a distinctive Gdańsk spectacle.
For night photos, use the reflections from streetlamps and lit façades along the Długie Pobrzeże.

Interesting facts about the River Motława

Gdansk waterfront with historic buildings and pirate ship for lunch cruise to Westerplatte.

It once had floating warehouses: Goods were stored on barges moored mid-river when quay space was full.
The Crane could lift 4 tons: Operated by workers walking inside giant wooden treadwheels.
A festival hub for 750 years: St. Dominic’s Fair, one of Europe’s oldest markets, takes place right on its banks.
It has tidal influence: Despite being inland, strong winds and sea levels can raise or lower the river by several centimeters.
Rebuilt from ruins: Much of what looks medieval today was painstakingly reconstructed after WWII, following historic plans.
Amber trade central: The riverfront was the main departure point for Baltic amber bound for luxury markets in Italy and the Middle East.