Father Bernatek Footbridge is one of those places in Krakow that connects two districts - Kazimierz and Podgórze - with a graceful steel arch over the Vistula. Since it opened it has become a favorite walking spot for locals and visitors, a place for photo sessions and... a simple urban tradition: love locks.
The span is about 145 meters between supports and was designed to offer views of the Vistula’s bends and the panorama of both riverbanks. It’s a great place to start the day in the morning light or to visit during golden hour in the evening, when reflections in the river add a bit of magic.
Attaching locks quickly became a symbol of the place - couples left a lock and threw away the key believing they had "sealed" their relationship. Unfortunately, over time technical problems appeared: a large number of locks weighed down the railings and caused damage, and some sections of the balustrade were torn away.
City authorities and residents discussed various solutions: removing and recycling locks, turning them into sculptures or relocating them to another spot. Some ideas include using the material to make a commemorative bench for lovers near the footbridge - a solution that combines sentiment with care for infrastructure safety.
Kazimierz and the footbridge are very well connected. The most convenient way from the center is by tram - lines heading toward Kazimierz let you get off near Plac Nowy or nearby squares, from which the walk to the footbridge takes 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point.
If you plan to use the tram, check the current timetable and line number before you go (it’s useful to have a city transport app or look at the information boards). Tickets can be bought at tram stop machines, in mobile apps or at some kiosks - remember to validate your ticket.
Morning: start with a walk across the footbridge while it’s still quiet. The soft, photogenic morning light and few passersby let you take nice photos without the crowd.
Late morning: stroll the boulevards on the Kazimierz side, visit Plac Nowy and try the famous zapiekanki. Plan lunch in one of the well-rated nearby restaurants.
Afternoon: cross to Podgórze, see Rynek Podgórski and the Ghetto Heroes Square. In the evening return to the footbridge for sunset - reflections in the Vistula create a special atmosphere.
Day 1: Kazimierz and the footbridge - explore synagogues, atmospheric streets and cafés. Take breaks for coffee at spots recommended by locals.
Day 2: Podgórze, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the river boulevards - look for viewpoints and less obvious photography spots.
Day 3: Take a tram to other parts of the city or relax on the boulevards - in the evening enjoy another walk on the footbridge and dinner at a popular restaurant.
Days 1–2: Get to know Kazimierz and the footbridge, try local specialties, visit markets and small souvenir shops.
Days 3–4: Spend time in Podgórze and along the Vistula - walk the boulevards, visit museums and memorials, and try less touristy cafés.
Days 5–7: Use quieter days for trips outside the center, museum visits, longer river cruises if available seasonally, or relaxed afternoons with coffee and a book by the river.
In Kazimierz you’ll find many venues ranging from traditional Polish cuisine to international restaurants. Choose places with good reviews and steady turnover - that usually means freshness and solid service.
Stable local favorites that often earn good opinions include Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern cuisine), Starka (Polish cuisine in a Kazimierz atmosphere) and the zapiekanki stalls at Plac Nowy. For morning coffee look for cafés known for quality coffee and a cozy vibe.
If you plan dinner after a walk on the footbridge, look for restaurants with a terrace or window seating facing the river - the view can complete a good meal.
If you want to be close to the footbridge and explore on foot, consider accommodation in Kazimierz or the Old Town. It’s the best base for those who like to go out in the evening and come back on foot.
For quieter nights, Podgórze can be a good choice - shorter distances to some attractions and an interesting local atmosphere.
Choose places with good reviews for cleanliness and location - central properties can be noisy in season.
The best light for photos on the footbridge is early morning and evening golden hour. At those times you’ll get soft light and nice reflections on the Vistula.
At night the footbridge is illuminated, offering different but equally attractive shots. If you shoot on a phone, enable HDR or manual exposure to preserve details in bright skies and silhouettes.
Remember safety: don’t lean too far over railings, avoid keeping valuables in easy-to-access pockets and watch for passing cyclists, because the bridge has marked pedestrian and bike paths.
The footbridge has gentle ramps, making it accessible for people with reduced mobility and for strollers. Keep in mind that in strong wind the surface can be slippery - appropriate shoes and caution are important.
Use common sense on the bridge: don’t climb the railings, don’t attach locks in inappropriate places and respect the city’s infrastructure.
Trying to take the "perfect" photo sometimes leads tourists to block pedestrians or cyclists. Plan the order of your shots and give way to other bridge users.
Another mistake is assuming locks can be left without consequence - some cities remove or relocate locks for safety and aesthetics. Instead of leaving metal behind, think of a souvenir that doesn’t harm infrastructure.
Forgetting a tram ticket can lead to fines - get a ticket or prepare your mobile app before you travel.
Can you leave a lock on the footbridge? The tradition exists, but local rules and city actions may affect whether locks are removed. Always check current notices and remember structural safety.
Is the footbridge open 24/7? The footbridge is generally accessible at all times, but weather conditions and maintenance work can limit access temporarily.
Is the tram a good way to reach the footbridge? Yes, tram plus a short walk is the most convenient option from the center - stops toward Kazimierz are close and get you there quickly.
If you have limited time, plan a loop walk: footbridge → Podgórze → boulevards → Kazimierz. You’ll see a lot without needless backtracking.
Check local cultural events - sometimes small concerts or city initiatives take place near the footbridge and are worth seeing.
If you want a memento, consider a photograph from a specific perspective (for example, a silhouette against the arch) instead of leaving objects that can damage city infrastructure.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media - you’ll help others plan their visit to Krakow.
If you want to explore Krakow without stress and learn local stories, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com - she can help tailor a route to your expectations.
