The Father Bernatek Footbridge is one of the most recognisable and photographed spots in modern Krakow. It links historic Kazimierz with the lively district of Podgórze and offers wide views of the Vistula River, Wawel Castle and the bridge's distinctive steel arch structure.
It’s an ideal place for a short but impressive stroll — perfect for families with children and teens, couples and solo travellers. The bridge has separate walkways for pedestrians and cyclists, gentle ramps that make it easy for prams, and spot lighting that creates a nice evening atmosphere.
For many visitors the footbridge is the start of a circular walk: photos on the bridge, a short riverside stroll, coffee at a nearby café and further exploration of the neighbourhoods — all within a 45 to 90 minute window.
45-minute route (quick view loop): start at Plac Wolnica, walk along Mostowa Street to the footbridge (5–7 min), spend about 10 minutes on the bridge for photos and to admire the sculptures and river panorama, return along the Kazimierz boulevards and finish at Miodowa Street or Plac Nowy for a light lunch or coffee.
90-minute route (two districts, fuller experience): Kazimierz — Plac Wolnica, Szeroka and Miodowa; cross the footbridge; Podgórze — Rynek Podgórski, St Joseph’s Church, Square of the Heroes of the Ghetto; return along the Kazimierz boulevards and finish with dessert or coffee. This plan allows time to rest, take photos and pop into a family-friendly café.
When you book a private tour, tailor the pace to your group: longer stops on squares for the little ones, a short story at key sights and a planned café break make for happy children and adults alike.
Around the footbridge and along the route through Kazimierz and Podgórze you’ll find many venues that welcome families. Recommended spots often mentioned by visitors include Kładka Cafe right by the bridge (Mostowa), Cafe Manggha with views of the Vistula and Wawel, and local club-cafes with play corners like Famiga or LikeKonik.
For families with infants, choose cafés with changing facilities and high chairs; some places also run workshops or activities for children. Kinokawiarnia KIKA and several venues listed in municipal 'family friendly' programs are reliable options when you want comfort and extra attractions.
If you’re with older children or teenagers, pick cafés with good Wi-Fi, communal tables and a strong coffee menu — adults can relax while teens have a comfortable space to hang out.
Best time for the walk: mornings from about 8:30 to 10:30 for calmer photos; the golden hour at sunset is great for pictures but can be crowded. In the evening the bridge is lit and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
What to watch for: it can be windy by the river — bring a light jacket. Pedestrian and bicycle lanes are separate on the bridge, but when it’s busy keep children close.
Prams and accessibility: the bridge has gentle ramps and was designed with accessibility in mind, although space can be limited at peak times — plan a café break with pram access.
Reservations and breaks: popular cafés fill up at weekends — if you want a relaxed pause, reserve a table or choose less-touristy times.
Keeping kids engaged: short photo tasks for children (for example, find three types of bridges, count the arches, take a portrait with a sculpture) help maintain interest along the route.
Trying to see 'everything' in one day — it’s better to pick one neighbourhood and enjoy it. The footbridge is a great starting point for a short outing, not a destination you need to rush through.
Not reserving a table at popular cafés — weekend queues can break the flow of your day, especially with small children.
Leaving things unattended while taking photos — boulevards and bridges are places where it’s easy to get distracted, so keep an eye on belongings.
Assuming the 'love locks' will stay forever — the city has undertaken maintenance and discussions about the locks, so don’t treat them as a permanent fixture.
The footbridge features an impressive steel arch construction and opened in 2010 — it quickly became a modern symbol of riverside walks in Krakow.
Suspended walkways create a contrast between the modern structure and the historic riverbanks on both sides — that’s one reason the spot photographs so well.
The city has carried out updates and public discussions about the padlocks and the appearance of the railings, so what you see on the bridge can change with the season and municipal decisions.
Is the footbridge free? Yes — crossing is public and free of charge.
Is the footbridge accessible for prams and people with disabilities? The bridge was designed with gentle ramps and allows pram access, although space may be limited during peak periods.
Can I bring my dog? Yes, many people walk dogs on the bridge — remember a leash and to clean up after your pet.
Where are the nearest toilets? The easiest options are toilets in nearby cafés or in the Galeria Kazimierz shopping centre if you need a changing table or guaranteed facilities.
Is the route suitable for teenagers? Yes — the mix of views, cafés, street food at Plac Nowy and the Kazimierz vibe makes the route attractive for teens as well.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or post about your walk on social media — it’s a great way to help others plan a family-friendly stroll in Krakow.
If you prefer a walk tailored to your needs — the pace of your children, activities for teenagers, and planned food breaks — consider a private tour led by guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and the private tour offer are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
