Discovering Cologne's Locks Bridge: A Guide To Getting There

Cologne's Love Locks Bridge, officially known as the Hohenzollern Bridge, is easily accessible from the city centre. The bridge is located near the Cologne Cathedral, and can be reached within ten minutes by walking from the train station or the Cathedral. The Love Locks Bridge is also accessible by U-Bahn, with the closest stations being Dom Hauptbahnhof (lines 5, 16, and 18) and Deutz Bahnhof (lines 1 and 9).

The history of the Love Locks Bridge

The Love Locks Bridge in Cologne, Germany, officially known as the Hohenzollern Bridge (or Hohenzollernbrücke in German), has become a famous landmark and tourist attraction. The tradition of affixing "love padlocks" to the bridge began in 2008, and since then, thousands of locks have adorned its railings, each representing a moment of love, friendship, gratitude, or fellowship.

The custom of hanging love locks on bridges is believed to have originated in Italy and has since spread worldwide. Couples inscribe their names or initials on the locks and attach them to the bridge, symbolising the strength of their bond. The act of throwing the key into the Rhine River below adds a sense of irreversible commitment to the ritual.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is not just a symbol of love but also an important transportation hub. It is one of Germany's busiest railway bridges, with around 1,500 train crossings per day. The bridge was constructed between 1907 and 1911 and inaugurated by Emperor Wilhelm II. Interestingly, it was the only bridge in Cologne that remained undamaged by bombs during World War II.

A stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge offers a panoramic view of the city centre, including the Cologne Cathedral, and the Rhine River. The bridge's illumination in the evening, along with the cathedral in the background, makes it one of the city's most popular spots for photography.

While the exact number of love locks on the bridge is unknown, estimates vary from 40,000 to several hundred thousand. The weight of the locks is not considered a safety concern for the bridge's stability, and visitors can still hang their locks to immortalise their love.

How to get to the Love Locks Bridge by U-Bahn

The Love Locks Bridge, or Hohenzollern Bridge, is easily accessible by U-Bahn. To get there, you can take U-Bahn lines 5, 16, or 18 and get off at Dom Hauptbahnhof, or lines 1 and 9 to Deutz Bahnhof. From either station, it's just a short walk to the bridge.

The bridge is located right behind Cologne Cathedral, with the footpath accessible by passing through Heinrich-Böll-Platz and Museum Ludwig. The bridge is also just a few minutes' walk from the main railway station.

The Love Locks Bridge is a popular attraction, with thousands of padlocks affixed to its railings by couples wanting to symbolise their everlasting love. It's a great place to take photos, with fantastic views of the city centre and the Rhine.

So, if you're planning to visit the Love Locks Bridge in Cologne, taking the U-Bahn is a convenient option. Follow the directions provided, and you'll be there in no time to lock in your love!

The best types of padlocks to use

To get to the Love Locks Bridge in Cologne, Germany, also known as the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can walk from the train station or the Cologne Cathedral and reach the bridge in about ten minutes.

Now, here are some tips on the best types of padlocks to use for love locks:

• Corrosion-resistant locks: It is important to choose a padlock that can withstand the test of time and weather conditions. The German lock company ABUS manufactures a corrosion-resistant, aluminium padlock called the "Love Lock", specifically designed for love locks.
• Decorative locks: Love locks are often colourful and feature romantic imagery or engravings. You can opt for a heart-shaped padlock or one with decorative elements that reflect your personal style.
• Customisable locks: Many couples choose to engrave their names, initials, or meaningful dates on their padlocks. Consider purchasing a lock that can be customised, or bring your own engraving tool to add a personal touch.
• Lock size: Love locks come in various sizes, from small to large. Consider the size of the bridge's railings or fixtures when choosing a lock. You want to ensure it is not too big or too small in proportion to the attachment point.
• Security locks: While love locks are not intended to be unlocked, you may want to consider a secure lock that is more challenging to cut or break. This can help ensure your lock remains in place for a longer period.
• Environmental considerations: In some locations, authorities have removed love locks due to safety concerns and aesthetic reasons. Consider using biodegradable alternatives, such as ribbons or daisy chains, to symbolise your love without causing potential harm to the bridge's structure.

What to do after attaching your padlock

Now that you've attached your padlock to the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, there are a few more steps to complete this meaningful ritual. Firstly, take a moment to admire your handiwork and the symbolism of your commitment forever etched onto the lock. This lock represents your love, friendship, gratitude, or any special memory you wish to commemorate.

Next, it's time to make your commitment irreversible. According to tradition, you must now throw the key into the Rhine River below. As the key sinks into the eternal waters, your bond becomes everlasting. This act symbolises the strength of your attachment and the irreversible nature of your devotion.

Take a stroll along the bridge and admire the thousands of other locks, each with their own unique story. You might even spot locks that have been there for over a decade. Reflect on the collective hopes and dreams that adorn this bridge, creating a beautiful mosaic of affection.

Finally, spend some time soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the scenery. The bridge offers a fantastic panorama of the city centre and the Rhine River. You can walk across the bridge to the Deutz side of the river, especially on sunny days, for a pleasant view of the city.

Other lock bridges around the world

The tradition of love locks can be traced back to a Serbian World War I romance tale and was popularised by the 2006 best-selling Italian novel-turned-film *Ho Voglia di Te* ("I Want You") by Federico Moccia. Here are some of the many other lock bridges around the world:

• Most Ljubavi, Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia: The love lock tradition reportedly originated here. The story goes that after a Serbian couple named Nada and Relja were separated during World War I, Nada died of a broken heart after Relja fell for another woman. Women then began inscribing their names and their partners' on padlocks and sticking them to the railings of the bridge where the couple used to meet.
• Punda Love Heart, Willemstad, Curaçao: Couples can lock in their love at this statue in the heart of the city, created by Carlos Blaaker in February 2017.
• Pont des Artes, Paris, France: Undeniably the most famous love lock bridge, attracting lovers worldwide. However, the placement of locks has been banned since 2015 as the weight of the locks caused the bridge to buckle.
• Father Bernatek Footbridge, Krakow, Poland: One of the most famous lovers' bridges in Poland. Legend has it that if a couple hangs a padlock on this bridge and throws the key into the Wisła River, their love will never die out.
• St. Maarten Causeway Bridge, Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten: This bridge has its own "love zone" with three giant heart-shaped installations covered in locks placed by tourists and locals.
• Magere Brug, Amsterdam, Netherlands: Also known as "the kissing bridge", sealing your love with a kiss while sailing underneath this bridge is believed to guarantee a never-ending partnership.
• Napa Valley Wine Train Love Lock Bridge, Napa, California: A small pedestrian bridge connecting the Napa Valley Wine Train station and the boarding platform where couples can declare their commitment.
• Makartsteg Bridge, Salzburg, Austria: Known as "Lovers Bridge", this bridge offers panoramic views of the city, including the Salzburg Cathedral and the hillside Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Mount Huangshan, China: There are several stories about how Mount Huangshan became China's most romantic mountain and home to a large collection of love locks. One tale involves doomed forbidden lovers, while others claim a connection to Yue-Lao, a patron saint of love in Chinese folklore.
• N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea: The railings of this tower are filled with locks from couples dreaming of enduring love. There are also artificial trees set up for additional locks and a special container for all the keys.
• Butcher's Bridge, Ljubljana, Slovenia: The go-to destination for lovers to place locks in Slovenia's capital. The bridge features statues of deformed creatures, a disembowelled Prometheus, and a shamed Adam and Eve.
• Luzhkov Bridge, Moscow, Russia: A padlock tree park with a sea of locks, many of which are red, and couples in their wedding attire.
• Čertovka Pedestrian Bridge, Kampa, Prague, Czech Republic: Couples enjoy leaving locks on this bridge, affectionately called "Prague Venice", which connects the famous Charles Bridge to the Lennon Wall in Lesser Town.
• Augusta Love Lock Bridge, Augusta, Georgia: Couples promise everlasting love at this bridge in the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.
• Staalmeestersbrug, Amsterdam, Netherlands: Boasts a spectacular view of the Zuiderkerk (the South Church of Amsterdam) that has been painted by several famous artists, including Claude Monet.
• Niagara Falls Love Locks Bridge, Ontario, Canada: A love locks bridge located behind the Embassy Suites hotel, which also sells locks.
• Schenley Park Bridge, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Popular with University of Pittsburgh students, colourful padlocks started appearing on this bridge in the early 2000s.
• Wedding Lock Bridge, Riga, Latvia: A small pedestrian bridge overlooking Riga's Freedom Monument where, according to tradition, couples place locks immediately after their wedding ceremony.
• Love Lock Sculptures, Loveland, Colorado: Loveland has an abundance of love lock sculptures. Once a sculpture is filled with locks, new ones are added, so your padlock will never be removed.

Frequently asked questions