Cologne's Love Lock Locations: Where To Buy And Attach

where to buy love locks in cologne

The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany, is adorned with thousands of rainbow-hued love locks, making it one of the city's most famous attractions. The tradition of love locks is believed to have originated in Italy during World War I, where sweethearts affixed padlocks to bridges or fences to showcase their loyalty. Today, the Hohenzollern Bridge is the largest padlock bridge in the world, with an estimated 300,000 locks weighing over two tonnes.

While some consider the locks to be vandalism, others view them as a colourful addition to the bridge's industrial structure. For those wishing to participate in this romantic ritual, several shops in Cologne sell love locks, and some even offer engraving services.

Characteristics Values
Location Hohenzollern Bridge
Transport U-Bahn lines 5, 16, 18, 1, and 9
Nearby landmarks Cologne Cathedral, Deutz Bahnhof
Weight of locks 45 tonnes
Number of locks 40,000-200,000
Shops Souvenir shops in the city centre, near the main railway station

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Love locks near Cologne Cathedral

Love padlocks have become a popular way for couples to symbolise everlasting and unbreakable love. In the summer of 2008, lovers started to hang engraved padlocks on the railings of the Hohenzollern Bridge, near Cologne Cathedral. The tradition is that couples fix their lock to the bridge and throw the key into the Rhine River below, making their commitment irreversible.

Since then, thousands of locks have been hung on the bridge, with some estimates putting the number at several hundred thousand. The locks have become an integral part of the cityscape, and the bridge is now one of the city's most romantic spots.

If you want to add your own love lock to the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can buy a lock in several shops in the city centre, close to the main railway station. Some shops even offer an engraving service.

To get to the bridge from the cathedral, walk past the Museum Ludwig and across Heinrich-Böll-Platz to reach the footpath onto the bridge. It should take just a few minutes.

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Love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany, is adorned with thousands of colourful love locks, making it one of the city's most famous attractions. The tradition of affixing padlocks to bridges to symbolise everlasting love is believed to have originated in Italy during World War I. Since 2008, couples have been attaching engraved locks to the Hohenzollern Bridge and throwing the keys into the Rhine River below.

The locks come in various colours, shapes, and sizes, and designs, with some featuring stickers, ribbons, and even photographs. They are placed on wire grids that serve as inward railings between the pedestrian and bike path and the railway tracks, so they do not pose a safety risk. The weight of the locks is estimated to be around 45 tonnes, but this does not seem to affect the bridge's stability.

You can buy love locks in several shops in Cologne's city centre, close to the main railway station. Some shops also offer engraving services, allowing you to personalise your lock before attaching it to the bridge.

A stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge offers a fantastic panorama of the city centre and the Rhine River. It is a romantic spot, especially at sunset, and provides a unique perspective of the many river cruise ships passing underneath. The bridge is easily accessible via the U-Bahn lines 5, 16, and 18 (get off at Dom Hauptbahnhof) or lines 1 and 9 (get off at Deutz Bahnhof).

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Love locks in souvenir shops

Love locks are a romantic tradition believed to have originated in Italy during World War I. They are now found in many places around the world, including Cologne's Hohenzollern Bridge, where they first appeared in 2008. The colourful locks, which are engraved with initials and decorated with stickers and ribbons, are placed on the bridge's railings by couples as a symbol of their everlasting and unbreakable love. The key is then thrown into the Rhine River below, making the commitment irreversible.

Love locks can be purchased in several souvenir shops in the city centre, close to the main railway station. Some shops also offer an engraving service, allowing you to personalise your lock with a message, names, or a date. While some people view the love locks as vandalism, others feel that they add colour and soul to the bridge.

Shop 1

  • Location: In the pedestrian tunnel between Globetrotter and Karstadt, near Neumarkt.
  • Products: Sells love locks and may also offer an engraving service.

Shop 2

  • Location: Close to the main railway station.
  • Products: Sells love locks but does not offer an engraving service. Only permanent markers are available to write on the locks.

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Love locks engraved with initials

You can purchase love locks in several shops in the city centre, close to the main railway station. Some shops even offer engraving services, allowing you to personalise your lock with your initials or a special message. These locks typically come in various colours, shapes, and sizes, and you can further decorate them with stickers or ribbons.

Once you have your lock, you can join thousands of other couples who have affixed their love locks to the railings of the Hohenzollern Bridge. After attaching your lock, following the tradition, you would throw the key into the Rhine River below, symbolising your everlasting and unbreakable love.

While this ritual has sparked debates about vandalism and bridge safety, it remains a popular way for couples, both local and tourist, to declare their love in Cologne.

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Love locks in different shapes and sizes

Love locks are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with heart-shaped padlocks being the most common. They can be made of brass, aluminium, or steel, and typically feature engravings of couples' names, initials, and dates. Here are some examples of love locks in different shapes and sizes:

  • Heart-shaped padlocks: These are the most popular shape for love locks and can be found in various colours such as red, pink, blue, and black. They usually measure around 3.5" or 50mm and can be purchased with or without a key.
  • Double heart padlocks: These locks feature two interlocking hearts, symbolizing everlasting love. They are often made of brass or steel and can be personalized with engravings.
  • Single heart padlocks: Similar to the double heart locks, these locks feature a single heart design and are available in various colours. They can be purchased with or without a key.
  • Customized padlocks: Love locks can also be customized with photos, symbols, or special messages. These locks are often personalized with engravings or photos and can be ordered online or from specialty shops.
  • Mini padlocks: Smaller-sized love locks are also available, measuring around 3.86" x 1.75". These mini padlocks are often used for locking diaries, jewellery boxes, or small lockers.
  • Antique-style padlocks: Love locks can also be found in vintage or antique styles, featuring skeleton keys and a Victorian or antique finish. These locks add a touch of old-world charm to the gesture.
  • Keyless padlocks: Some love locks do not come with a key, emphasizing the idea of unbreakable love. These locks are often engraved with phrases like "Love You Forever" or "Wish Lock."
  • Coloured padlocks: Love locks are available in various colours beyond the typical red and pink. Colours like gold, silver, and rose gold can be found, often with a matte finish for a modern look.

Love locks are a unique way to symbolize love, friendship, or any meaningful connection. They can be purchased online or from local souvenir shops, depending on your location.

Frequently asked questions

There are many souvenir shops in the city centre, close to the main railway station, where you can buy love locks.

Yes, some shops offer engraving services.

Hohenzollern Bridge is known as the Love Lock Bridge in Cologne. You can place your love lock there and throw the key into the Rhine River.

The tradition of love locks is believed to have originated in Italy during World War I. Couples place padlocks on bridges or fences to symbolise everlasting and unbreakable love.

Yes, there are concerns about the weight of the love locks affecting the safety of the bridges. Some cities have issued bans, especially on listed bridges. However, in Cologne, the love locks are not considered a danger to the bridge's statics.

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