The Father Bernatek Footbridge is one of those Krakow spots that blends everyday city movement with small, personal stories of visitors and locals. A walk here links Kazimierz with Podgórze and offers lovely views of the Vistula and the Wawel panorama.
For years the bridge’s steel mesh railings became filled with thousands of padlocks — symbols of declarations of love. It's a charming, very Instagrammable sight, but their presence also had concrete practical and safety consequences, which led the city to replace some railing elements and manage the old locks.
If you like local stories: some of the removed locks were taken down and there were plans to recycle them into commemorative pieces — for example a 'lovers' bench. It's an interesting example of how the city tries to balance tradition with safety.
The footbridge connects two distinctive districts — it's worth planning your route so you can combine the walk with a short visit to Kazimierz or Podgórze. In Kazimierz you can stop for coffee or a short museum visit; walking toward Podgórze, the Podgórski Market Square (Rynek Podgórski) and nearby streets are pleasant stopping points.
The best times for a stroll are early morning or late afternoon — then it’s less crowded, the light for photos is softer, and the temperature is nicer. If you are pregnant and want to avoid crowds, choose weekdays outside peak tourist hours.
Remember comfortable shoes and that it can be breezy on bridges and footbridges in summer — bring a light extra layer. If you plan to photograph the locks, keep in mind that locks are sometimes moved or removed during maintenance work.
In recent years the city carried out work to replace the railing infill and substitute the mesh for safer elements. As part of these works some locks were removed and new uses were planned for them — including melting them down to create commemorative city items.
That means the bridge’s appearance can change — some original locks may no longer be there, while others could reappear later in a renovated form. So if a "lock" photo is important to you, it's worth not postponing the visit indefinitely.
When you're pregnant, priorities when choosing a restaurant should be: quality of ingredients, the kitchen's ability to prepare dishes safely, and options with cooked, baked or grilled foods. Avoid raw fish, tartare, raw sausages and unpasteurized cheeses.
Well-reviewed, established restaurants are often a safe choice — they typically care about ingredient quality and can usually make small adjustments on request (for example, omit raw toppings). It's a good idea to call ahead and ask about availability of favorite dishes and possibilities to adapt meals to your needs.
Pay attention to access to a restroom, comfortable seating and wait time for the dish — during pregnancy comfort and prompt service are a real advantage. Reserving a table at popular places significantly increases your comfort.
Szara (Rynek Główny) — an elegant restaurant on the Main Market Square, known for carefully prepared dishes and attention to ingredient quality. The menu includes many cooked and baked options and smooth cream soups that are safer choices for pregnant guests.
Pod Nosem (ul. Kanonicza) — located at the foot of Wawel, often featured in guides. It serves classic yet refreshed Polish cuisine; the cozy cellar interiors provide comfortable conditions for a meal. Staff are usually willing to adapt dishes on request.
Starka (Kazimierz) — known for regional cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. The menu offers many cooked and baked dishes, and the place is popular among those who value traditional, hearty cooking.
If you prefer lighter, vegetable-based or vegetarian options, Krakow has many well-rated bistros and vegetarian restaurants — a good choice for expectant mothers looking for fresh, cooked vegetables and soups.
Choose well-cooked or well-done dishes: soups, roasted meats, one-pot meals. Avoid raw fish (sushi with raw fish), tartare, raw shellfish and unpasteurized products.
If you want to eat cheese, ask whether it is pasteurized. For deli meats, ask to have them heated or choose alternatives like baked or fried dishes.
Pay attention to the freshness of salads and vegetables — if the place is quiet, ask when they were prepared. For allergies or intolerances ask about preparation details and possible substitutes.
Don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations or to prepare a dish without a particular ingredient — a good restaurant will gladly help adjust the meal.
Assuming that all 'good' restaurants automatically serve only safe dishes — even top places may include raw elements like carpaccio or uncooked toppings. Always ask.
Not booking a table at popular venues — this can lead to long waits standing up, which is tiring during pregnancy. Book ahead and request an easily accessible table.
Eating quickly from unfamiliar street vendors in places where you don't know hygiene standards — if you have a sensitive stomach, choose trusted venues.
Ignoring signs of dehydration and fatigue while sightseeing — carry a water bottle, plan breaks and don't overdo long walks.
Can I hang a lock on the Father Bernatek Footbridge? - The bridge's appearance and rules have changed for safety reasons; at certain stages of work hanging locks was restricted. If this matters to you, hang a lock only where the structure is adapted and safe.
Is the footbridge accessible with a stroller and for people with limited mobility? - The footbridge is generally accessible, but check for current disruptions due to renovation; during works pedestrian routes may be temporarily redirected.
How far are the nearest restaurants from the footbridge? - The bridge sits between Kazimierz and Podgórze — in both directions you will find cafés and restaurants within a few minutes' walk, from quick snacks to full-service venues.
Not all locks have disappeared from the city — some were secured for conservation or proposed for artistic reuse (for instance, melting them to make a bench). It's an interesting way to blend a city tradition with the creation of tasteful keepsakes.
The footbridge is not only a place for romantic declarations — it is also an important pedestrian and cycle connection and a popular point on many Krakow walks, linking various routes along both banks of the Vistula.
Suggested short plan: stroll through Kazimierz (coffee, quick look around the streets) → Father Bernatek Footbridge (photo and relaxing by the Vistula) → lunch at one of the recommended restaurants (Szara, Pod Nosem, Starka) → short rest on a bench or in a park.
Checklist before you head out: water, a light snack, comfortable shoes, charged phone, your restaurant reservation number and any vitamins/medication recommended by your doctor. If you have dietary doubts — consult your pregnancy care provider.
If you found this text helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it can be especially useful for people planning a walk in Krakow while pregnant.
If you want to explore Krakow comfortably with local support, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more information and contact details are available on the guide's page.
