The Lovers’ Bridge Connecting North and South Krakow

by abs.admin · November 25, 2015

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The Lovers’ Bridge, called so for the many love locks that adorn it.

Where is it?

The 145 meter-long Lovers Bridge (Polish: Kładka Ojca Bernatka) straddles the banks of the Vistula River and connects two of Krakow’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods It is a lovely place to walk or hang up a lock for your sweetheart. The bridge is east of the “horn” of the old Jewish Quarter. Running along Podgorska Street on the north side, and Nadwislanska Street on the Podgorze side. Due to the location, it offers breathtaking views of the Vistula promenade all year-round.

Lover’s Padlocks

A perfect day involving the Lovers Bridge includes a stroll through Kazimierz. Starting in Plac Nowy and threading southeast through the old brick buildings, perhaps with an ice cream or zapiekanka in hand. Then a long, slow walk across the bridge itself. Stop to examining the locks and imagining their unknown owners. They are identifiable by a few hand-carved initials. And their love immortalized between the bridge’s huge, curving abutments. Finally, a quiet stroll through the twisting streets of Podgorze to the south.

Yet Another Bridge!

Love locks on the Lovers’ Bridge.

The bridge began construction quite recently, in 2009, and opened to the public in 2010. Its official dedication is to the late Father Laetus Bernatek (1847-1927), who was instrumental in the construction of a nearby hospital in Kazimierz. So while not without its fair share of controversy – such as complaints the bridge is unnecessary, given its visible proximity to two other bridges with pedestrian crossing, as well as accusations it contributes to gentrification – the Lovers Bridge has become an iconic part of the Vistula promenade in the years since it was built, and new locks are constantly being added to the countless which are already there.

The bridge is open all hours. Furthermore there are many nearby attractions in both Kazimierz and Podgorze. These help make crossing the Lovers’ Bridge an experience you’ll always remember.

Images by Hannah Bialic for Absolute Tours