Yes — and comfortably, enjoyably, and full of photo opportunities. The Father Bernatek Footbridge is a short but striking link between historic Kazimierz and atmospheric Podgórze, making it an excellent backbone for a full-day walk. The route is flexible: you can do a short 45–90 minute loop or expand it into a full-day circuit with stops for museums, food and relaxing by the Vistula.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge opened in 2010 and has since become one of the most recognizable connectors between the two districts. The distinctive 'acrobat' figures on the steel arches are a favorite feature for photographers and walkers.
The bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists and is relatively short — crossing takes just a few minutes, but it’s worth lingering for photos and river views.
The bridge is often lit up for local and national social campaigns — evening lights can add a special atmosphere to your walk.
- Footwear: comfortable shoes — parts of the route run along the boulevards, which can be stony or slippery after rain.
- Weather: it can be windier on the bridge than between buildings — consider a light jacket or scarf.
- Water and breaks: plan a stop every 25–40 minutes, especially with children. There are cafés and food stalls along the boulevards and near Plac Nowy.
- Accessibility: the footbridge has ramps, so people with strollers and bikes can cross without stairs.
- Watch for events: on some days (runs, marathons, major events) sections of the boulevards or the bridge may be temporarily restricted — check local announcements before you set out.
Morning (8:30–10:30) - Start at Plac Wolnica or Szeroka Street; enjoy a relaxed coffee and a quick visit to nearby shops or synagogues (if you plan to go inside, check opening hours). Walk along Mostowa to the footbridge, take photos by the acrobats and enjoy the Vistula panorama.
Late morning (10:30–12:30) - On the Podgórze side, head down to Rynek Podgórski; take a short walk around the square, view St. Joseph’s Church, then visit the Ghetto Heroes' Square and the installation of empty chairs.
Lunch (12:30–14:00) - You’ll find many options in Podgórze or Kazimierz — from local bistros to street food. A classic quick local bite is a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy (the Okrąglak) — perfect for a leisurely outdoor snack.
Afternoon (14:00–17:00) - Second loop: walk the Vistula boulevards for different perspectives of the bridge and city, then return toward Kazimierz. You can visit a museum or gallery (for example small local museums or the Jewish Museum), or rest in one of the cafés on Miodowa or Szeroka.
Evening (17:00–21:00) - The golden hour on the bridge is just before sunset — return to the bridge for a photo session. After dark the bridge and boulevards often offer interesting light reflections. Finish with dinner at one of Kazimierz’s atmospheric restaurants.
- For a quick local snack: Plac Nowy — the zapiekanka stalls at the Okrąglak are a tourist classic and a fun on-the-go option.
- Cafés on Miodowa and Szeroka offer great coffee breaks between sightseeing; many open in the morning and reopen in the afternoon.
- In Podgórze around Rynek Podgórski you’ll find intimate restaurants serving regional and international cuisine — a good spot for a relaxed lunch.
- The middle of the bridge 45–60 minutes before sunset is a classic: the acrobat silhouettes against the sky make the best frames.
- After rain: look for reflections on the boulevards and at the bridge ramps for painterly shots.
- Surprise: the bridge is sometimes lit for social campaigns — if you’re there that evening, your photos will gain an extra dimension.
- Perspective: shoot from a low angle from the boulevards to create a dramatic contrast between the arches and the river.
- Mistake: trying to 'tick off' all Kraków’s sights in one day. How to avoid it: focus on one coherent loop (bridge → Podgórze → boulevards → Kazimierz) and allow time for stories and breaks.
- Mistake: no plan for breaks and food. How to avoid it: schedule a lunch stop or at least a reliable coffee point — it changes the day’s pace.
- Mistake: not checking city events. How to avoid it: check announcements about runs and street closures before you leave so you don’t lose time on detours.
Best time for photos? - Morning for empty frames, golden hour before sunset for dramatic light; in the evening the lit bridge looks very impressive.
Is the route long/tiring? - The bridge itself is short; the full loop with stops for food and sightseeing comfortably fills a day without rushing.
Can I go with a stroller or by bike? - Yes, the footbridge has ramps and is adapted for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
What to bring? - Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, a phone powerbank, a light windproof layer, and possibly an umbrella in the rainy season.
If you like this plan, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others discover Kraków in a pleasant way.
If you want the walk to include stories, historical context and to hit the best photo moments without guessing, consider booking a private guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can tailor the route to your interests and timing. Wishing you a great walk and many successful shots!
