Alter Krahnen, Medieval harbor crane at Krahnenufer, Trier, Germany
The Alter Krahnen is a stone crane standing at the Moselle riverbank in Trier, equipped with two large tread wheels and a rotating cone-shaped roof structure. The construction could turn 360 degrees and lifted cargo such as wine and metal directly from boats onto the dock.
Built in 1413 to replace an older pontoon crane that could not keep up with growing Moselle trade, this structure served the city for almost 500 years. It shaped the riverfront's appearance well into modern times.
Locals and visitors see this crane as a symbol of Trier's merchant past, standing right by the water where the connection between city and river trade remains visible. People walking by recognize in this structure the practical ingenuity that once made Trier an important trading hub.
The crane sits directly along the riverbank walkway and is visible at any time, so visitors can examine its appearance and construction at leisure. Walking tours of the historic harbor district offer the best way to learn more about how it worked and its role in the city.
Two massive tread wheels inside the crane were powered by people who had to walk inside them to lift heavy cargo. This original way of generating power remained unchanged for centuries and reveals how Trier moved goods before machines existed.
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