Father Bernatek Footbridge is one of those Kraków spots that combines a pleasant walk along the Vistula with a slice of local tradition. About 145 metres long, it links Kazimierz with Podgórze and quickly gained the reputation of a "love bridge" — couples used to attach padlocks with initials and toss keys into the river. It’s a great stop for a short walk, photos and continuing your tour through two fascinating neighbourhoods.
The bridge’s inauguration, sculptures nearby and distinctive design make it a worthwhile point on any Kraków map, and its location naturally extends a sightseeing route: from Kazimierz’s synagogues and cosy cafés, across the footbridge, to the sights and interesting corners of Podgórze.
The footbridge was opened in the early 21st century and soon became a place where residents and visitors left metal padlocks as a symbol of everlasting love. Over the years thousands of locks appeared on the railings — visually striking, but causing technical and safety problems. Due to damage and safety concerns the balustrades were renovated and many locks had to be removed. Rather than scrap them, the city decided to give them a new life — one idea was to use the metal to create a "bench for lovers" to be placed near the bridge.
Today the bridge connects not only the Vistula’s banks but also the story of a popular city tradition with creative, more sustainable ways to preserve its memory.
A short and pleasant route starts in Kazimierz. Stroll the streets of the neighbourhood, stop by the synagogues and visit Plac Nowy where local snacks are a must. Walk down to the river and cross Father Bernatek Footbridge — pause for photos, admire the surroundings and the sculptures by the bridge. On the Podgórze side you can head toward the Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta), explore historic corners and walk along the riverside boulevards.
This loop lets you travel at an easy pace and leaves time for coffee or a light meal at a nearby café. If you have more time, extend the route to Wawel Castle or continue along the Vistula — the area is full of hidden spots worth discovering.
The most beautiful moments are early morning and late afternoon — the light is best for photos and the stroll feels more intimate. The bridge can be romantically lit in the evening, but expect higher foot traffic on weekends and during the tourist season.
If you want calm photos, come right after sunrise or on a weekday before lunchtime. If you prefer to soak up local life and atmosphere, choose late afternoon or a Sunday walk.
The footbridge is open to everyone and there is no entrance fee. It is a shared pedestrian-and-cycle route, so watch for cyclists — don’t block the full width of the path, especially when taking pictures. Crossing the bridge usually takes 10–20 minutes; allow extra time if you plan photos or a rest.
For families: railings and the surface were designed with safety in mind, but keep an eye on children so they don’t run near the edge or climb on the barriers. On windy days the bridge may feel more exposed — bring an extra layer.
If you’re with a stroller or bike, the footbridge allows easy passage, though be mindful during busy times.
Kazimierz and Zabłocie are full of great cafés and restaurants. Good options near the bridge include cosy Kazimierz cafés, small bistros in Zabłocie and places along the river boulevards. These are ideal for a break after your walk — choose spots with strong visitor reviews if you care about quality and service.
If you want something special, consider small patisseries serving local pastries and good espresso, or restaurants offering regional and international cuisine — reservations can help at weekends.
At the end of the walk, check out the food stalls and eateries around Plac Nowy where you can taste classic Kraków snacks and local flavours.
Can you still attach padlocks to the bridge? During renovations the traditional places for locks were cleared and many locks were removed for safety reasons. The city has proposed alternative solutions, including the idea of a bench for lovers that would incorporate some of the removed locks as a commemorative element. While new locks occasionally appear, mass fastening is discouraged because it may threaten the structure and is often prevented by city services.
What happened to the removed locks? The decision was made to reuse parts of the locks in artistic or commemorative projects to preserve the memory of the tradition while improving safety and aesthetics. Local authorities and organisers involved residents in choosing concepts for the future use of these items.
Can you throw keys into the Vistula? We strongly advise against throwing keys or other objects into the river: it pollutes the environment and can be dangerous. If you want a symbolic gesture, consider alternatives such as a small journal entry, a photo or using the commemorative space the city has designed.
Thinking the bridge is only about the locks — treat the footbridge as a stop on a route: also visit nearby museums, synagogues and the riverside boulevards rather than limiting your visit to a single photo.
Blocking the pathway for photos — remember the bridge is used by pedestrians and cyclists. Step to the side or ask a companion to help with photos instead of standing in the middle.
Throwing keys into the Vistula — it may feel symbolic but harms the environment. Keep the key as a memento or use official city initiatives if you want to mark your relationship publicly.
Over the years the locks on the footbridge amounted to several tonnes — that is why the idea emerged to repurpose the material. Instead of discarding it, the city and local organisations took steps to preserve a memory of the tradition in the form of small urban furniture.
There are also sculptures near the bridge by a local artist, which give the place an extra artistic dimension and enrich the walk. The "bench for lovers" project involved architecture students and local engineers, with concept selection carried out with resident participation — a good example of community cooperation in shaping public space.
If you plan a walk in Kraków, Father Bernatek Footbridge is worth adding to your itinerary: it combines lovely views, easy access from two popular districts and an interesting local story. Share this article with friends if you think it will help during their visit to Kraków.
If you prefer to explore the city with someone who knows local stories and can tailor the route to your interests, you are welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your walk and many beautiful photos!
