Father Laetus Bernatek Footbridge is one of the newer and most distinctive pedestrian-and-bike crossings over the Vistula River in Krakow. It spans roughly 145 meters and links Kazimierz with Podgorze, roughly on the site where the former Franz Joseph bridge once stood.
For guides and organisers of large groups it’s an excellent spot: easy to reach, free, and offering pretty views of the Vistula, Wawel and the buildings on both banks. The bridge has separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists and gentle ramps, so it is accessible for people with limited mobility.
Before you lead a large group (30-60 people), plan a few logistics - timing, meeting point, how you will present, and possible photo breaks. Below you’ll find a practical plan, lesser-known facts and a list of common mistakes with ways to avoid them.
The footbridge opened in 2010 and quickly became a favourite walking route for locals and tourists. The design was created by the studio of prof. Andrzej Getter. The structure consists of a curved load-bearing arch from which the walkways are suspended by cables.
The investment significantly improved connections between Kazimierz and Podgorze and was built, among other reasons, to relieve pedestrian and bicycle traffic from existing road bridges. The crossing was designed with safety and accessibility in mind, which is why it has separate routes for pedestrians and cyclists and gentle ramps.
The bridge is sometimes illuminated and used for city events - its colours may change to highlight socially important causes or celebrations.
The bridge is named after Father Laetus Bernatek, a Bonifrat (Brothers Hospitallers) whose work in Krakow was linked to medical care and charity. It’s not just architecture - it’s a piece of local history.
For photography groups it’s useful to know that the best shots are taken at sunrise and sunset. The light over the Vistula beautifully models the bridge silhouettes and Wawel panorama. The centre of the bridge gives a classic perspective, but interesting compositions are also possible from the river boulevards.
The city sometimes uses the bridge for short social actions and light installations. That means its appearance (lighting colour) can change in the evening - a great surprise for photographers, but also a reason to check in advance if your planned evening walk conflicts with an event.
Divide into subgroups - with larger groups it’s best to split participants into 10-20 person subgroups with an assigned leader. This makes crossing, photo stops and maintaining flow on the bridge much easier.
Time and day - schedule your visit outside peak tourist hours - early morning or late afternoon are usually calmest. On weekend evenings foot traffic can be heavier, so allow more time for passage.
Microphones and megaphones - for groups over 25 people a portable microphone or sound system is useful. That way you don’t have to stop in one place waiting for everyone to hear the story.
Route setup - set meeting points on both sides of the river. Agree on a fixed meeting spot (for example the steps by the riverside boulevards) and send a short message with instructions before departure.
Watch for cyclists - the bridge has a dedicated bike lane. Ask your group not to spread across the entire width and to give way to faster cyclists.
Gathering and introduction (5-10 minutes) - short information about the bridge, safety and movement rules. Divide into subgroups and appoint leaders.
Walk and architecture talk (10-15 minutes) - cross the bridge while discussing its construction and history. Stop every 20-30 meters so you do not block the whole crossing.
Views and photos (10-20 minutes) - time for pictures and brief comments about the Wawel panorama and the buildings of Kazimierz and Podgorze. Suggested photo spots: the bridge entrances and the middle section.
A short anecdote or curiosity (5-10 minutes) - share a local story, a legend connected to the area or a fact about the bridge’s namesake.
Conclusion and recommendations (5-10 minutes) - suggest nearby cafés, restaurants and the next stops on the route (for example Plac Wolnica, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, the riverside bend).
The Kazimierz and Podgorze areas offer many well-regarded cafés and restaurants that can accommodate larger groups with prior reservation. When planning a break, book in advance, especially during the high season.
Good options for group-friendly venues are the cafés and restaurants around Plac Wolnica and the streets of Kazimierz - these are popular choices for coffee breaks and group lunches. If you need specific recommendations matched to your group size and preferences, I can help choose suitable places.
For cultural stops nearby consider Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (a branch of the Museum of Krakow) in Zablocie, and the lively riverside boulevards where groups can relax after the walk.
Not planning time for photos - many groups block the bridge because everyone wants to take pictures in the centre. Solution: set short photo windows and encourage forming small subgroups for photos.
Lack of communication with participants - large groups easily disperse. Send a short instruction before the tour (meeting point, what to bring, approximate duration).
Forgetting about cyclists - standing on the bike lane can create dangerous situations. Always ensure pedestrians stay on the pedestrian side.
Mismatched pace - moving too quickly can tire less agile participants. Adjust the pace and offer short stops when needed.
Is there a fee to enter the footbridge? No - the bridge is a public crossing and use is free.
Is the bridge accessible for strollers and wheelchairs? Yes - it has gentle ramps and was designed with accessibility in mind.
Can you organise a picnic or set up stalls on the bridge? No - the bridge is an active pedestrian-and-bike crossing, so those activities are not appropriate. The riverside boulevards or nearby squares are better places for picnics or market stalls.
Do you need special permits for a large group? In most cases a formal permit is not required for a walk, but if you plan an organised event, amplification, or promotional activity it’s worth consulting the city’s space management in advance.
For a dramatic group photo with Wawel in the background, position yourselves slightly below the bridge centre on the Podgorze side. Different angles yield different frames - experiment a little.
Watch for evening illuminations - the bridge is sometimes lit in different colours for special occasions. That can be a delightful surprise for your group.
A small but appreciated detail: bring a bottle of water and some small rubbish bags. During the busy season the lack of public bins and toilets can surprise participants.
Father Bernatek Footbridge is an ideal spot for a short, attractive segment of a larger Krakow route - logistically convenient, picturesque and group-friendly. With good planning and subgrouping even 60 people can cross comfortably and safely.
If you are planning a route through Kazimierz and Podgorze and need help organising a tour tailored to a large group, I’m happy to assist. I recommend booking food venues in advance, bringing portable sound equipment and appointing subgroup leaders.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to book a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, please contact zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I look forward to meeting you on the trail!
