Alter Kran, Bingen

The Old Bingen Rhine Crane is a wooden tower treadle crane in Bingen on the Rhine dating from around 1787. The harbor crane with rotating jib and domed roof stands next to the former customs administration on the former harbor site.

The crane house is a half-timbered construction made of oak beams, the outer walls consist of wooden boarding. The rotating, bell-shaped crane dome is slate-roofed and finished with a tower sphere. The boom consists of a massive oak beam together with supporting beams and is covered with lead foil. Already in the 15th century a crane is handed down here. An inscription found in 2007 on a pedestal stone indicates that the foundation stone was laid on August 7, 1487. It is said to have been built in only 78 days.

The wooden structure of the current crane could be dendrochronologically dated to 1785-87. After a further renovation in 1819, the crane was decommissioned in the second half of the 19th century. The structure was saved from demolition in 1907 by the new monument protection law in force at the time. Badly damaged during the Second World War, the crane was restored from 1950. In 2005, a comprehensive restoration was carried out. In 2007, a water basin with a connection to the Rhine was built in front of the crane.

The crane was driven by human power via two large running wheels. The upper part of the dome with the load arm could be turned by two to four crane servants via a large lever. Primarily, wine, salt and grain were loaded here. Bingen had the stacking rights for the latter two. With the Oestricher Kran in the Rheingau and the Andernacher Alten Krahnen 90 kilometers downstream, it is the last pedal crane on the banks of the Rhine.

Since June 2008, it has been possible to experience the crane in operation. Demonstrations can be booked through the Bingen Tourist Information Office, during which members of the Bingen am Rhein Monument Society show the "Old Crane" in its function. Wine barrels are hoisted from land to water and vice versa.

The Rhine Crane has been part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.