Yes — but with caveats. The walk is feasible for a fit person who enjoys longer walks: the distance between central Kraków (around the Father Bernatek Footbridge) and central Wieliczka is roughly 15–17 km depending on route. At a typical walking pace (4–5 km/h) that’s about 3.5–4.5 hours of continuous walking. Add the time to tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine (at least 2–3 hours) — so a full “walk + visit” will usually exceed a single half-day.
If you want an active half-day outing, a better option is to combine walking with a short train or bus ride (for example, walk part of the way then take public transport for the rest). Below you’ll find a few sensible options: a full walk for seasoned hikers, a mixed option (walk + train/bus) and the classic public-transport approach with a short walk near the bridge.
This entry uses local route experience, explains the Father Bernatek Footbridge as a link between Kazimierz and Podgórze, and gives practical tips for getting to the Wieliczka Salt Mine — all in a friendly guide format so you can plan according to your fitness and available time.
- Distance Kraków ↔ Wieliczka: about 15–17 km by roads.
- Walking on mostly flat terrain: about 3.5–4.5 hours one way (at average pace).
- Train from Kraków to Wieliczka (Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia station): about 20–25 minutes — the fastest, least stressful way to travel.
- Regional bus (e.g., lines running to Wieliczka): about 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Tourist Route): 2–3 hours; the underground temperature is roughly 14–16°C — bring a light sweater.
When to pick this: if you like long walks, have comfortable shoes, good weather and want the route itself to be the active part of your trip.
Plan: start at the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kazimierz) → riverside boulevards, Rynek Podgórski → continue on city routes through Bieżanów / Kraków East toward Wieliczka → arrive in central Wieliczka and enter the salt mine.
Time: 3.5–4.5 hours walking (depending on pace and breaks) + 2–3 hours for the mine tour. In practice this becomes a full‑day outing.
Practical tips: bring a water bottle, a light snack, comfortable shoes and a hat. Check the weather forecast — a long walk in extreme heat can be tiring. Plan breaks every 45–60 minutes: great short-stop spots are the riverside boulevards near the footbridge, Rynek Podgórski, and parks or stations along the route.
Why this works: it saves time and energy while letting you enjoy the walking atmosphere of Kraków and Podgórze, and still reach Wieliczka without rushing.
Sample half-day plan (recommended):
- Start: Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kazimierz). Quick look around: photos of the acrobat sculptures, river views. (20–30 min)
- Walk to Rynek Podgórski and the boulevards — short break, coffee in one of the riverside cafés or at Plac Wolnica / Miodowa. (30–45 min)
- Continue on foot to Kraków‑Bieżanów station or a nearby bus stop — this is roughly 4–8 km from the bridge depending on the route you choose.
- From Bieżanów you can catch a short train or local bus to Wieliczka (a few to several dozen minutes).
- In Wieliczka: visit the salt mine (2–3 hours) or enjoy a short walk around the market square and return to Kraków by train.
When to choose this: if you have limited time (half a day) and want to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine without the physical effort.
Plan: travel by train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia (about 20–25 minutes) or by regional bus (around 35–45 minutes), tour the mine (2–3 hours) and return to Kraków. You can also spend an hour or two before or after the mine visiting the area around the Father Bernatek Footbridge and Kazimierz — ideal for an afternoon coffee and photos.
Why it works: it’s the quickest way, saves energy, and still gives you the feel of both places.
Start: Father Bernatek Footbridge — photogenic arches, hanging acrobat sculptures and romantic padlocks on the railings. A perfect spot for warming up and taking first photos.
Kazimierz → Podgórze: a few minutes from the bridge are Kazimierz’s charming streets (Szeroka, Miodowa, Plac Wolnica) — a short stroll here adds historical context. Across the river, notice Rynek Podgórski and the ‘Plac Bohaterów Getta’ area — an interesting side of Kraków beyond the Old Town.
Through Bieżanów / Bieżanów‑Prokocim: these are residential districts where the route mixes urban character with patches of greenery and everyday local life. This is a good place for a longer rest, to refill supplies or catch transport (train station).
Wieliczka: the town centre, the market square and the mine entrances (Daniłowicz Shaft / Regis Shaft) — after arriving by train or on foot it’s a short walk to the visitor entrances.
Kazimierz (at the start): plenty of cafés and small restaurants around Miodowa and Plac Nowy — you’ll find quick breakfast and coffee options at Plac Nowy, plus local street‑food like zapiekanki (Polish open‑faced baguette pizzas). Cafés to consider: Forum Przestrzenie by the river, Cafe Camelot or one of the many small coffee shops on Szeroka street.
By the bridge and the boulevards: the riverbanks are great for a sandwich and water; it’s a peaceful escape from city traffic and offers good photo spots. Forum Przestrzenie often has drinks available on the riverside terrace.
Along the route (Bieżanów): small shops and neighborhood cafés are useful for topping up supplies before continuing.
Wieliczka: near the market square and the mine entrance you’ll find restaurants serving local dishes. After the Tourist Route you’ll probably appreciate a hot meal — the town center has several places offering traditional Polish cuisine and quick bites.
Shoes: choose comfortable, well‑broken‑in footwear. Even if you only plan part of the route on foot, walking on asphalt will tire your feet more than expected.
Luggage: avoid carrying large suitcases. A small backpack with water, snacks, a powerbank and a light jacket is enough. In the mine you’ll want something warmer — the underground temperature is steady and lower than on the surface.
Hydration: carry water, especially on warmer days. There are shops and cafés along the way, but it’s better to have a bottle close at hand.
Road safety: outside the boulevards you’ll walk along urban streets — obey traffic lights and use sidewalks. Not all stretches are clearly signposted for pedestrians outside the city centre.
Book tickets in advance — during peak season and at weekends Tourist Route slots can sell out quickly. Visits are usually in guided groups and the tour takes about 2–3 hours.
Mind the timing: if you plan to walk much of the way and still visit the mine the same day, set off early in the morning. A late start can leave you short of time for a relaxed visit.
Clothing: the mine’s temperature is around 14–16°C — even in summer bring a thin sweater. Flat‑soled shoes are recommended — the route includes stairs and sometimes damp sections.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is not fully accessible for visitors with major mobility limitations — the Tourist Route includes stairs and narrow passages. If you need accessibility information, contact the mine’s staff before your trip.
On the walking route keep in mind that sidewalks are not always continuous — some sections go along city streets and local roads. Planning your route via a map and choosing streets with sidewalks makes the walk more comfortable.
Children: shorter options (a walk to Podgórze, ice cream at Plac Nowy, return by train) are best for families with young children. A full walk to Wieliczka is tiring for the youngest.
Do I have to walk the whole time? - No. The most practical approach is to mix walking with a train or bus. Walking parts of the route helps you get to know the city better, but it’s not mandatory.
Can I return by train from Wieliczka to Kraków? - Yes, Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia station has regular train connections to Kraków (about 20–25 minutes). It’s a convenient return option.
How long should I allow for the mine? - Minimum 2 hours for the standard Tourist Route; 2–3 hours is a safe allowance for visiting and possible waits.
Do I need a guide for the city walk? - No — the urban route between the bridge and the further districts is easy to do independently. If you’d like the history and stories behind the sites, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private guided walks tailored to your interests.
- Morning coffee in Kazimierz → walk across the Father Bernatek Footbridge → riverside boulevards and Rynek Podgórski → train from Kraków‑Bieżanów to Wieliczka → salt mine tour → return by train to Kraków. (Well‑organised half‑day).
- Evening start at the bridge: short walk and sunset photos, dinner in Kazimierz, save the mine for another day. (So you don’t tire yourself out in one day).
- For active visitors: cycle out of the centre to a suburban point, combine bike + train + mine — an option for those who like varied movement.
- Check the weather and bring water plus light rain protection.
- Book your ticket to the mine if you plan to enter the same day.
- Wear comfortable shoes and pack a small backpack with essentials.
- Consider the mixed route (walk + transport) if you want to finish the trip within half a day without rushing.
- If you’d like help planning a route to match your pace (shorter, longer or family‑friendly) — let me know; I’m happy to advise on the best itinerary and places to stop.
