Ołowianka Footbridge
A modern bascule footbridge offering stunning Old Town views and a dynamic spectacle as it lifts for river traffic.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the bridge lift for boats
Ołowianka Footbridge
Best Time
See the bridge lift for boats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern bascule footbridge offering stunning Old Town views and a dynamic spectacle as it lifts for river traffic.
"Amazing feat of engineering; perfect place to click images for the Old Town."
⏰ Check the Lift Schedule
The bridge lifts every 30 mins. Plan your visit to catch this engineering feat!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Great views of the Old Town and river. Ideal for capturing Gdańsk's beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bridge Lift
Motława River
Witness this engineering marvel as the bridge's central span lifts, a dynamic spectacle connecting the Old Town to Ołowianka.
Old Town Views
Western side of the bridge
Capture postcard-perfect photos of Gdańsk's charming Old Town and waterfront from this scenic vantage point.
Cultural Connection
Ołowianka Island
Conveniently access key cultural sites like the Baltic Philharmonic and National Maritime Museum via this modern pedestrian link.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Schedule Awareness
Siren Sensitivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ Check the Lift Schedule
The bridge lifts every 30 mins. Plan your visit to catch this engineering feat!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Great views of the Old Town and river. Ideal for capturing Gdańsk's beauty.
👂 Siren Alert!
The bridge lift is loud. Be prepared for the siren if you're sensitive to noise.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Connects Old Town to Ołowianka's cultural attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Check the Lift Schedule
The bridge lifts every 30 mins. Plan your visit to catch this engineering feat!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Great views of the Old Town and river. Ideal for capturing Gdańsk's beauty.
👂 Siren Alert!
The bridge lift is loud. Be prepared for the siren if you're sensitive to noise.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Connects Old Town to Ołowianka's cultural attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ołowianka Footbridge as a modern engineering marvel and a convenient connector to cultural attractions. The scenic views of the Old Town are a major draw, making it a popular spot for photos. However, the loud siren accompanying the bridge's lift is a frequent point of contention for some.
"barely useful bridge with totally useless siren!!!! It is shouting very loudly 40 minutes of each hour. Even after midnight. Stop this annoying thing!!!!"
Peter
"The Footbridge to Ołowianka in Gdańsk is a modern bascule bridge connecting the Old Town to the island of Ołowianka, where some key cultural attractions, like the Baltic Philharmonic and the National Maritime Museum, are located. This pedestrian bridge was opened in 2017 and is a great addition to Gdańsk’s urban landscape.
As a bascule bridge, it can lift its central span to allow boats to pass through the Motława River. The lifting mechanism is both practical and visually impressive, adding a dynamic element to the area. The bridge offers a scenic walk with fantastic views of the Old Town and the waterfront, making it not only a convenient connection but also a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of Gdańsk."
Yarys
"The full timeline, each half an hour for the pedestrains"
Zack H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The footbridge is easily accessible from Gdańsk's Old Town, connecting directly to Ołowianka Island. You can walk to it from most central Old Town locations. It's a key pedestrian link for exploring the waterfront and cultural sites on the island.
While there isn't direct parking on the bridge itself, there are several paid parking lots available in the vicinity of Gdańsk's Old Town. Consider using public transport or walking if you're already in the city center.
Yes, the Ołowianka Footbridge is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. You can cycle across it to reach Ołowianka Island or explore the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, crossing the Ołowianka Footbridge is completely free of charge. It serves as a public walkway connecting two parts of the city.
The Ołowianka Footbridge is open 24/7 for pedestrian access. However, the bridge's lifting mechanism operates on a schedule to allow boats to pass.
The bridge lifts every 30 minutes to allow boats to pass through the Motława River. This is a key feature of its design and a point of interest for visitors.
The process of lifting and lowering the Ołowianka Footbridge takes approximately 30 minutes in total, including the time for boats to pass.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during daylight hours for clear shots of the bridge and the Old Town. Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting, but be mindful of the bridge's lifting schedule.
The western side of the bridge offers excellent panoramic views of Gdańsk's Old Town, including its iconic skyline and waterfront.
Absolutely! Photographing the bridge as it lifts is a popular activity. Ensure you have your camera ready as the process is quite dynamic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the siren during the lift can be quite loud, so be prepared for that with younger children. The bridge also offers a safe and easy way to access Ołowianka Island, where you can find more family-friendly activities like the National Maritime Museum. It's a scenic and convenient route for exploring.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the bridge as it lifts. This dynamic event offers unique angles and a sense of movement. Be ready with your camera as the process is relatively quick. The bridge also provides interesting architectural lines and reflections on the water, making it a versatile subject.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
Its regular lifting schedule means you can incorporate it into your exploration of the waterfront. Whether you're heading to a museum or just enjoying a leisurely walk, the bridge offers a convenient and picturesque route. It's a key piece of Gdańsk's pedestrian infrastructure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering and Functionality
The bridge's operation is a key attraction. It lifts every 30 minutes, a schedule that is both practical for river navigation and a point of interest for visitors. The mechanism is an impressive feat, showcasing the weight and precision involved in its operation. Travelers often note the visual spectacle of the bridge ascending, providing a dynamic element to the waterfront experience.
Beyond its mechanical function, the bridge serves as a vital pedestrian and cyclist link. It efficiently connects the historic Old Town with Ołowianka Island, home to important cultural institutions like the Baltic Philharmonic and the National Maritime Museum. This connectivity enhances the visitor experience by making these attractions more accessible.
Visitor Experience and Views
The experience of the bridge lifting is often described as a highlight. While some find the accompanying siren to be quite loud and potentially disruptive, others appreciate it as part of the bridge's operational character. Planning your visit to coincide with a lift can add an exciting dimension to your walk.
Its role as a connector is also highly valued. It's not just a bridge; it's a gateway to cultural exploration on Ołowianka Island, making it a functional and scenic part of any Gdańsk itinerary. The ease of access it provides to key attractions is frequently mentioned by visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit