The Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) is a quick and very photogenic link across the Vistula between Kazimierz and Podgórze. Opened in 2010, it spans about 145 metres and has become a favorite place for walks — especially in the early morning and at dusk.
The steel arches are decorated with distinctive "acrobat" sculptures that look great both in wide shots and silhouette photos. It’s an ideal spot if you want to feel the city’s atmosphere without crowds, take nice photos and quickly move from one district to another.
45-minute route — a quick scenic loop: start at Wolnica Square, a short walk along Mostowa Street to the footbridge, spend 10–15 minutes taking photos and enjoying the view, then return along the Vistula boulevards on the Kazimierz side. Perfect if you want a taste of the area and a light lunch afterwards.
90-minute route — a walk through two districts: Wolnica Square → Mostowa → the footbridge → Podgórze Market Square (short stop by St. Joseph’s Church) → Ghetto Heroes Square → return along the boulevards to Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) or Miodowa Street. This lets you combine photo stops with a short exploration of Podgórze.
Key tip: make the route a loop instead of going back and forth. That way you see more, can rest on the boulevards and eat without rushing.
The middle of the footbridge is perfect for silhouette shots against the sculptures — we recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before sunset when the light nicely outlines the arches.
Morning (around 8:30–10:30) brings calm and fewer passers-by — ideal for "empty" frames and a peaceful walk. After dark the footbridge is attractively lit and city lights reflect on the river from the boulevards.
If you’re photographing with a phone, turn on HDR in high-contrast conditions between sky and silhouettes — it helps save details in shadows and highlights.
Quick snack: Plac Nowy (the Okrąglak) is a classic — zapiekanki and other street food. It’s a great option if you want something local and fast after a walk on the boulevards.
Coffee and something sweet: back in Kazimierz you’ll find many cafés along Miodowa Street and on Plac Nowy — perfect for a break before more sightseeing.
Lunch in a homey atmosphere: around Miodowa there are several friendly places serving Polish comfort food at reasonable prices — venues with homemade soups and traditional dishes suit a relaxed midday meal after a walk.
Varied cuisine: Miodowa also hosts places with Asian and international menus — if you fancy something different (for example Thai or sushi), take a look at menus before you go and check opening hours.
Podgórze — local vibe and dinner: Podgórze Market Square and its surroundings offer cozy restaurants and bars — a good evening option if you want to rest after the walk and enjoy a quieter atmosphere than busy Kazimierz. Examples nearby include Yatai Sushi on Rynek Podgórski and neighborhood bistros on the square.
Okrąglak at Plac Nowy — for classic zapiekanki and street-food vibes; an easy, authentic snack stop after strolling through Kazimierz.
Pierogi and traditional Polish dishes — look for well-rated pierogarnie and home-style restaurants on and around Miodowa and Szeroka streets; locals often recommend small family-run places for hearty portions.
Bigger or international choices — on Miodowa you’ll find restaurants serving Polish classics as well as Asian options. For example, Starka is a known spot for Polish and Jewish-inspired dishes in Kazimierz, while small sushi and ramen bars (like Yatai Sushi in Podgórze) are great for varied tastes.
Practical note: opening hours and availability change seasonally — it’s worth checking current opening times before you visit, particularly outside peak tourist season and on Sundays.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a bottle of water (it can be windy on the bridge and the boulevards), and a light jacket for the evening — the riverside is often breezier than the city streets.
Time: the whole loop with short stops typically takes 45–90 minutes; add time for meals if you plan a longer coffee or lunch.
Accessibility: the footbridge is for pedestrians and cyclists with separated spaces — you can cycle across, but during busy times it’s better to dismount and walk your bike.
Safety: it’s a safe daytime and evening walk — as always, carry identification and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded spots.
Morning (8:30–10:30): breakfast/coffee in Kazimierz → walk to Wolnica Square → cross Mostowa Street to the footbridge, take photos and stroll the boulevards on the Podgórze side.
Late morning / lunchtime (11:30–13:30): Podgórze Market Square and a short walk to Ghetto Heroes Square → return along the boulevards to Kazimierz or head to Miodowa for lunch.
Afternoon (14:30–17:00): explore Kazimierz’s nooks — Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street, small museums or cafés; relax before another photo loop.
Evening (17:30–20:00): golden hour on the footbridge → dinner in Podgórze or Kazimierz → evening walk along the boulevards and return.
How long does it take to cross the footbridge? - The crossing itself lasts a few minutes, but with stops for photos and a walk along the boulevards you should plan 30–90 minutes for the full experience.
Is the footbridge free? - Yes, crossing the footbridge is free of charge.
Is the footbridge accessible for people with limited mobility? - The bridge was designed for pedestrians and cyclists; accessibility can vary depending on the approach routes on each side — if you need detailed information about ramps and slopes, check city accessibility info or ask local information points.
Where can I pay by card? - Most larger restaurants and cafés on Miodowa and at Podgórze Market Square accept cards, but street food stalls at Plac Nowy may prefer cash or contactless payments — bring a small amount of cash just in case.
- Comfortable shoes and a light windproof layer,
- Phone with charged battery for photos, and a powerbank if you have one,
- Water and a small snack in case restaurants are busy,
- Cash and card — especially if you want a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy,
- Check opening hours of any specific restaurant you plan to visit.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge is a simple and pleasant way to experience two very different faces of Krakow in a short time. The route is ideal for people who have only a few hours and want to capture the city’s vibe — photos, walks along the Vistula and good food near the route will make the day memorable.
If you’d like, I can help create a personalized one-day plan for Krakow (pace, food preferences, photo spots) — tell me what you prefer: a brisk pace, relaxed food breaks or a photography-focused day?
