Father Bernatek Footbridge is a modern pedestrian-and-cycle crossing over the Vistula River that links Kazimierz with Podgórze. It stands where an older Podgórze bridge once was and quickly became one of Krakow’s distinctive landmarks.
The structure features a steel arch with two parallel decks - one dedicated to pedestrians and one for cyclists. The arch measures about 145 metres and the overall construction weighs over 700 tonnes. The footbridge opened to the public in autumn 2010 and is named after Father Laetus Bernatek.
For visitors it’s a convenient and attractive connection between Kazimierz and Podgórze — an easy orientation point on a walking route and a great lookout over the Vistula and the city skyline. The bridge is accessible, with gentle ramps and good connections to the surrounding sidewalks.
The footbridge fits perfectly into a weekend stroll: it’s a short, pleasant segment that links two quite different neighbourhoods — the lively Kazimierz and the calmer, increasingly vibrant Podgórze.
In the evening the bridge takes on extra charm thanks to subtle lighting — many couples and photographers choose it for romantic sunset pictures or night shots. The bridge is also sometimes illuminated for city events and special occasions.
It’s an excellent spot for a short break during a longer riverside walk: the view of the river, barges and Wawel’s silhouette is a good excuse to sit down, rest and plan the next stop on your route.
Start: Kazimierz - begin, for example, at Plac Nowy; try local snacks or have a coffee in one of Kazimierz’s cozy cafés. The neighbourhood has a unique atmosphere, cobbled streets and plenty of spots to linger before you continue.
Head to Mostowa Street and cross the footbridge — the walk across takes only a few minutes, but pause for photos and the river view.
On the other side: Zabłocie and Oskar Schindler’s Factory - within a short walk you’ll find the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum (ul. Lipowa). This is a good historical stop — allow about 1–1.5 hours if you plan to visit the museum.
Next: MOCAK or Cricoteka - depending on your interests you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) or Cricoteka; both are located in the Podgórze/Zabłocie area and are easily reachable on foot.
Return: Podgórze Market Square and the river boulevards - walk through Rynek Podgórski and stroll the boulevards heading back toward the footbridge. Returning via the bridge at dusk gives you one of the most atmospheric city views.
Route time: at a relaxed pace the whole plan can be completed in 2–4 hours depending on how long you spend in museums, dining or taking photos.
Kazimierz and Podgórze offer many options for every taste and budget — from small cafés to cozy restaurants.
Starka (Kazimierz) - an atmospheric restaurant serving Polish cuisine with a modern touch; a good choice for a hearty lunch or dinner after sightseeing.
Alchemia (Kazimierz) - an iconic spot with an artistic vibe, often featuring live music; great for a relaxed evening after walking around the district.
River barges and restaurants along the Vistula - in warmer months check out one of the barge-restaurants on the boulevards — a pleasant way to sit by the water and see the city from a different angle.
For quick local snacks - look for zapiekanki and small bars near Plac Nowy; these toasted open-faced sandwiches are a Kazimierz street-food classic.
Getting there: the easiest way is by tram or on foot from the city centre. Kazimierz is well served by trams and the walk from the Main Market Square takes about 15–25 minutes.
Opening hours: the bridge is a public space and free to visit any time of day. It’s especially pretty for photos and atmosphere in the evening.
Cyclists and pedestrians: respect the separate lanes — the footbridge has distinct paths for walkers and cyclists, so stay aware of traffic.
Accessibility: gentle ramps make the bridge accessible for people with reduced mobility and for strollers.
Safety: as with any riverside spot, be careful near railings when taking pictures. Watch your step on slippery surfaces in rain or frost.
Love-lock tradition: attaching padlocks to railings has become a local custom, but use common sense and respect the city infrastructure.
Kazimierz - synagogues, atmospheric cafés and an open-air gallery of Krakow’s Jewish history.
Ghetto Heroes Square and the Zabłocie area - places of memory and history that go well with a visit to Schindler’s Factory.
Vistula boulevards - pleasant riverside walks with many resting spots and places to eat.
Is the footbridge free to use? - Yes, crossing the footbridge is free of charge.
How long does it take to cross? - The walk across takes just a few minutes, but plan extra time for photos and enjoying the view.
Can you attach a padlock here? - Padlocks are popular, though keep in mind the need to respect the structure and possible removal by city services.
Is the bridge safe after dark? - The bridge is lit at night; basic urban safety rules still apply — watch your belongings and avoid isolated spots late at night.
Can cyclists use the bridge? - Yes, there is a designated cycle lane; both pedestrians and cyclists should be cautious and follow the rules.
Are there toilets nearby? - Public toilets are available in Kazimierz and near some museums; cafés and restaurants also provide facilities for customers.
Best time to visit? - Early evening around sunset gives beautiful light over the river, but a daytime visit is great for exploring nearby museums and neighbourhoods.
