Kayaks and pedal boats on the Motława

Kayaking and pedal boating on the Motława

Gdańsk, a city with an incredibly rich history and a unique location by the Motława, offers tourists countless ways to spend their leisure time. One of the most original and relaxing ways to discover the charms of the city is a kayaking or pedal boating expedition on the picturesque river, which has played a key role in the lives of Gdańsk residents for centuries. The close proximity of the Marina Club hotel, located at Szafarnia 10, makes the water adventures even more attractive and accessible for every guest. In this article, we present the history of the Motława, attractions related to water excursions, and other interesting places near the Old Town that are worth visiting during a stay in Gdańsk.

Motława – the river that shaped the history of Gdańsk

Motława is a river with a rich past, whose significance for the development of Gdańsk is hard to overestimate. Since the Middle Ages, it has been the main communication and transport route connecting the city with the Baltic Sea and facilitating trade with all of Europe. It was along the Motława that the famous Gdańsk Crane was built, the oldest preserved port crane in Europe, which in ancient times was used to load and unload goods brought by ships. This river also played an important role in the city's defense, evidenced by numerous fortifications and water gates, such as the Green Gate and Mariacka Gate. Today, the Motława is primarily a tourist attraction, and kayaking and pedal boating represent an original way to explore it.

Kayaking and pedal boating – active recreation with a view of heritage sites

Kayaking or pedal boating on the Motława is an excellent opportunity to see Gdańsk from a different perspective. The water route allows you to admire the city's most important monuments from the water's edge, making this experience extremely picturesque and unforgettable. During such an excursion, you can take a close look at the aforementioned crane, pass the Granary Island, where restored historic granaries are located, and float past modern apartment buildings that harmoniously blend with the city's historic landscape.

For families with children, pedal boats are an excellent option as they are stable and safe, while also providing plenty of fun. Those seeking a greater dose of adrenaline might opt for kayaking, which offers more freedom of movement and allows access to less accessible corners of the river.

Importantly, kayak and pedal boat rentals are very close to the Marina Club hotel – just a short, 5-minute walk to reach one of the starting points for such excursions. After finishing your water adventure, you can return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest or continue exploring the surrounding attractions.

Water route – what will you see during the trip?

During your rafting on the Motława, pay attention to a few key points:

• Granary Island – formerly the commercial center of Gdańsk, where goods from all over the world were stored. Today, it is a place where history meets modernity – restored granaries host luxury apartments, restaurants, and museums.

• Ołowianka – an island located on the opposite bank of the Motława, home to the National Maritime Museum and Baltic Philharmonic. This is a perfect place for a short stop and a walk.

• Historic water gates – the Green Gate, Mariacka Gate, and Staganiarska Gate are characteristic elements of Gdańsk's architecture that are best admired from the river's perspective. Each of them tells a different story and played an important role in the life of the old city.

Other attractions near the Old Town

During your stay in Gdańsk, it is worth not only taking advantage of the water attractions but also visiting other interesting places located near the Old Town. Here are a few suggestions:

• St. Mary's Basilica – the largest brick church in the world, built in the 14th century. From its tower, there is a breathtaking view of the entire city.

• Long Street and Long Market – the city’s representative artery, where the most important monuments can be found, such as the Main City Hall, Artus Court, and Neptune's Fountain.

• European Solidarity Centre – a modern museum commemorating the history of the