The two crosses appeared in multiple variations in nearly all flags that have been used to represent the city, and the royal five-pointed crown was added after King of Poland Casimir IV granted the privilege of using it in May 1457.

The idea of a flag for Gdańsk can be traced to the 13th century, as some ships flew banners that were similar in design to some elements representing the city, though the low quality of the drawings and reproductions make precise identification difficult.

[3] This rectangular flag was used by troops fighting in the Battle of Grunwald,[1] which took place in 1410, as is noted in the work of the historian Jan Długosz.

[1] It was also used by ships of the time, including the Peter von Danzig, a large carrack in the fleet of the Hanseatic League.

[1] While under the control of Nazi Germany during World War II, the use of the city flag in Gdańsk was discontinued.

The current flag consists of a red field, with a gold five-pointed crown above two white crosses, arranged vertically.

[6] Unlike in some other versions of the device, the upper cross does not enter the crown, but rather is positioned below it; this is also reflected on the city's arms.