Rheinkran, Harbor crane in Bingen am Rhein, Germany
The Rheinkran is a wooden harbor crane with a rotating dome covered in slate tiles and shaped like a bell. The structure originally stood directly at the water's edge and was used for loading and unloading river cargo.
A crane has occupied this riverbank location since 1487, marking centuries of commerce in Bingen. The wooden structure visible today was built between 1785 and 1787 to replace earlier versions.
The crane was central to Bingen's river trade for centuries and reflects how commerce shaped the town's identity. Visitors can see how this machine was woven into daily work life along the riverfront.
The crane stands near the Rhine riverside in Bingen's old town and is easy to reach on foot. Come during quieter times of day to observe the construction details and enjoy views of the river without crowds.
The crane operated using two large treadwheels that required multiple workers to turn simultaneously by pushing on a long lever. This reveals how physically demanding riverport work was and how coordination among teams kept commerce moving.
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