Ołowianka

Ołowianka Island (pronounced roughly "oh-woh-VYAN-kah") is a small island on the Motława River in the center of Gdańsk, directly across from the medieval Crane and the Long Embankment. In a compact area it packs the rebuilt granaries of the National Maritime Museum, the museum steamship Sołdek, a red-brick former power plant that now houses the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, and a quayside with one of the best views of the Main Town skyline. It is an easy, free detour from the crowds of Long Market.

A short history

The name comes from lead (ołów in Polish): the island once held lead warehouses, the biggest called the Lead Court. Records of the site go back to 1404. From 1343 to 1454 it belonged to the Teutonic Knights' castle, and in 1454 King Casimir IV Jagiellon gave it to the city. It only became a true island in 1576, when a canal was dug across it.

Granaries multiplied over the centuries: three in 1499, seven by 1643. The 17th-century Royal Granary, designed by local architect Jan Strakowski, is the best preserved and is now a hotel. The Panna, Miedź and Oliwski granaries were rebuilt in 1985 and have housed the National Maritime Museum since 1989; look for the flood marks from 1745, 1775 and 1829 on the Panna facade.

From power plant to concert hall

The Gothic Revival power station on the island was built in 1896–1898 by the Berlin firm Siemens & Halske and originally lit about 6,200 light bulbs. After it was decommissioned, the complex was converted into the home of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, which now hosts concerts and conferences here.

Things to do on Ołowianka

• Visit the National Maritime Museum granaries.
• Board the SS Sołdek, a 1949 steamship and the first oceangoing ship built in postwar Poland.
• Catch a concert at the Baltic Philharmonic.
• Walk the quayside for views of the Crane and St. Mary's Church.

How to get there

The easiest route is the pedestrian drawbridge from the Fish Market (Targ Rybny) side, opened in June 2017. Its span lifts roughly once an hour to let boats pass, so allow a few extra minutes. The island is about a 10-minute walk from Long Market and 15 minutes from Gdańsk Główny station; Gdańsk Airport (GDN) is about 15 km away. Car access is via Kamieniarski Bridge, but parking is very limited. A seasonal ferry has linked the banks in past years; check the National Maritime Museum website for 2026/27 service.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, for the views alone. Strolling the island takes 30–45 minutes, and it is free and open around the clock. Add the museum and the ship and you have half a day. Late afternoon and evening bring the best light for photos of the illuminated riverside houses; in winter the quay can be windy and slippery.

Nearby

• The Crane (Żuraw) and the Long Embankment, across the footbridge
• Granary Island, a short walk south
• European Solidarity Centre, about 15–20 minutes on foot