Are the love locks still hanging on Father Bernatek Footbridge? In short: for years they were an iconic feature, but in recent seasons the footbridge has undergone maintenance and changes to the railings and to how locks are handled. Before you go there for a romantic photo, it’s good to know a few facts and practical tips — especially if you’re traveling with a group of seniors or planning a tour with a licensed guide.
This article was written to help you plan a walk through Kazimierz and Podgórze, find the best viewpoints, know what to do with souvenirs, use senior discounts and arrange a tour with a professional guide so it’s comfortable and free of surprises. If you like — treat it as a checklist before you leave the hotel.
Father Bernatek Footbridge is a modern promenade linking Kazimierz with Podgórze. It has a characteristic load-bearing arch and two lanes: one for pedestrians and one for cyclists. Its span and design make it one of the most photographed places on the Vistula River.
The footbridge was opened to the public in 2010 and quickly became a popular walking route, but also a symbol of romantic gestures — which is how the custom of attaching locks began. In recent years works have been carried out to replace the infill of the railings and improve safety, which led to decisions about the locks.
If you care about a beautiful photo — the best times are early morning (peace and soft light) and the golden hour before sunset, when the Vistula and the buildings create picturesque reflections.
The custom of leaving locks on the railings was very popular, but over time it became a safety and aesthetic issue. Due to railing renovations and municipal regulations, the locks were collected and plans were made to manage them differently so they wouldn’t damage the footbridge structure or create hazards for passersby.
Ideas for reusing the locks included recycling, making sculptures or using the material to create a memorial bench for lovers. If a symbolic gesture matters to you — consider taking a photo, placing a small note in a wallet, or another form of commemoration that doesn’t endanger public infrastructure.
For visitors planning a souvenir: local initiatives sometimes offer alternatives — artistic installations, commemorative benches or exhibitions made from melted locks — check current news before your visit.
If you’re traveling with older people, plan a flat route with regular places to sit and options to shorten the walk. The riverside boulevards and Planty park are great, gentle sections, and access to the footbridge can be arranged to avoid steep climbs.
Use low-floor trams where possible — Krakow has a good tram network connecting the center with Kazimierz and Podgórze. A short tram ride during the day can save energy. For people with limited mobility, a taxi or a short transfer can make the day much more comfortable.
Schedule breaks every 45–90 minutes, plan light meals and have shelter options in case of rain. Choose morning or late-afternoon hours to avoid the hottest part of the day and large crowds.
Many Krakow museums and historic sites offer reduced tickets for people of a certain age (for example retirees) or based on other criteria. Discounts vary by institution, so always check conditions and carry ID that proves eligibility for a concession (ID card, pensioner card, etc.).
When planning a guided tour: some venues require advance reservation for group entries, and the fee for a licensed guide is charged separately. For Wawel Castle, for example, guide reservations and service fees for groups have specified rates and limits on group size, so larger groups must book the date in advance.
Good habit: buy tickets online where possible (less queuing and guaranteed entry for a chosen time). Many institutions run special discount days for seniors, and some museums offer events or days dedicated to older visitors.
A licensed guide is not just a storyteller — they provide a reliable plan, know the best visiting hours, can handle reservations quickly and can adjust the pace to the group, which is especially important when seniors are present. A guide also knows where to eat and where to sit to rest between stops.
When booking a tour with a guide, clarify: the number of people, the desired pace, availability of seating, need for breaks, and whether the group plans to enter specific museums (where separate ticket costs apply). For larger groups booking in advance is necessary — some places require notification days or even weeks before the visit.
If you’d like to use the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, you can find route options, sample programs and contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Private tours can be tailored in pace and content to the group’s needs, which is especially important when caring for seniors.
When buying tickets to popular attractions (Wawel, Rynek Underground, museums) it’s best to visit the venue’s official website and check reservation rules and discount policies. Many attractions sell timed-entry tickets — a convenient option for groups that need a predictable schedule.
For groups with a guide: confirm whether a venue charges an extra fee for guided tours and what the guide’s rate is. Some institutions have fixed prices for guiding services and limits on group size.
For seniors I recommend: keep a photo ID on you, wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat for sun and a small backpack with water. When planning breaks, choose a café or a bench by the Vistula — short rests will make the day more enjoyable.
Start: meeting point at Planty park or near the Main Market Square. A short walk along the Planty to the river boulevards, coffee and a rest before heading toward the footbridge. The riverside walk leads to the characteristic view of the bridge, ideal for photos.
Footbridge: a relaxed walk across the bridge, with notes on the site’s history and local stories. On the far side — a short break at Kurlandzki Boulevard or at one of the riverside cafés.
Podgórze: visit Podgórze Market Square, the Ghetto Heroes Square, then return across the bridge or take a short tram ride back to Kazimierz for a light lunch and to finish the route. Pace: planned breaks and shorter walking sections with seating so seniors can enjoy the visit without rushing.
Kazimierz and Podgórze offer a wide choice of venues, from the classic zapiekanki at Plac Nowy to intimate cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine. If you prefer well-known, highly rated places, choose spots recommended by locals and those with good reviews. For a short break try cafés on Szeroka Street or the many riverside cafés with Vistula views.
For senior groups it’s practical to choose places with comfortable seating, indoor restrooms and the possibility to reserve a table for larger groups. When planning lunch, consider waiting times — in high season popular restaurants can have queues.
If you want to taste local specialties: zapiekanki at Plac Nowy are a classic, and Kazimierz cafés are often known for cakes and a relaxed atmosphere. For an evening by the footbridge or riverside, choose a place with a river view — a lovely way to end the day.
Assuming the locks will always remain on the bridge. The custom was popular, but municipal decisions and renovations may have changed their status — don’t plan to leave souvenirs that might be removed. Instead choose a photograph or a small portable token.
Failing to reserve entry to popular sites or trying to visit with a large group without notification. Wawel Castle and some museums require group reservations — book ahead to avoid refusal of entry or being forced to split the group.
Being unprepared for the weather and wearing inappropriate clothing. Even in summer bring a lightweight layer for wind from the river and comfortable shoes. For seniors this is key to a more pleasant outing.
The footbridge as a point of cultural meeting: it connects two very different banks of the Vistula — Kazimierz with its deep history and Podgórze with a different urban story. It’s a place that nicely illustrates how the city blends layers of history and modernity.
Locks don’t have to disappear into a pile of metal — many resident-led ideas included artistic repurposing and material reclamation. Such projects show how communities can influence the shaping of public space.
Bridge architecture: the design based on an arch and cables is an aesthetic choice — it helps the bridge fit into the riverside panorama and offers good photographic compositions from different viewpoints.
Can I leave a lock on the footbridge? - The situation is variable — due to renovations and municipal decisions it’s discouraged to leave items that weigh down the railings. A commemorative photo is a better idea.
Do seniors get reduced tickets? - Many museums offer concession tickets; rules differ by institution. Always carry an ID and check the websites of the places you plan to visit.
Do I need to book a guide well in advance? - For larger groups and popular dates booking ahead is recommended. Private guiding allows flexible tailoring of the route to the group’s needs.
If this guide helped you plan your walk, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a pleasant and safe visit to Krakow. A nice photo from the footbridge or a short memory from the route is a great way to encourage others.
If you want to explore Krakow at an unhurried pace, with engaging stories and attention to seniors’ needs — contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. On zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you’ll find route options and contact details to arrange a convenient date and a route tailored to your group.
Good luck planning and enjoy your walk — Krakow has so many corners that it’s always worth coming back.
