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.
See landmarks like the medieval Crane, St. Mary’s Gate, and the sleek Museum of the Second World War reflected in the water.
Hop on a boat to Westerplatte or along the harbor for a close-up look at Gdańsk’s shipyards and coastal views.
Wooden barges, tall-mast replicas, and colourful facades create picture-perfect scenes. This was the stage for Gdańsk’s Hanseatic merchant trade for centuries.
Lurk around the embankments during summer evenings to check out outdoor dining, street performers, and music.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Short loops of the Old Port take 30 to 45 minutes, while trips to Westerplatte last about 90 minutes.
Yes, though fewer in number. Some operators use covered, heated boats in the colder months.
Parts of the waterfront have cycle paths, especially on the less crowded Ołowianka side.
Yes. Bars, beer gardens, and live music venues keep the promenade busy into the late evening in summer.
During festival season, you can board historic sailing ships or even attend a floating concert.
Local anglers fish from designated spots, mainly in quieter stretches away from heavy boat traffic.
