“symbols of security, here the love locks are a symbol of romance”
At first glance the Hohenzollernbrücke railway bridge spanning the Rhine (Rhein) in Cologne may not appear to be a monument to love. An industrial sculpture of concrete and steel with high speed trains travelling in both directions over one of the World’s great rivers, impressive certainly, but romantic, surely not?
The Locks of the Love Bridge
Getting a little closer however even in the dull light of a December day it is possible to catch the glint of a different metal. As the eye begins to focus hundreds of thousands perhaps even a million or more padlocks become visible, fixed to the railings they stretch from one side of the bridge to the other.
The Deutsche Bahn owned Bridge
“Not exactly Romeo and Juliet perhaps more Klaus and Heidi”
All manner of shapes and sizes, most engraved with the names of the lovers that placed them there before throwing the key into the mighty Rhine. Not exactly Romeo and Juliet perhaps more Klaus and Heidi in a modern day Germanic city.
Colour in the sea of love
They stretch from one side of the river to the other, as far as the eye can focus, a metallic rainbow of colour in a variety of shapes, encrusted with gems and emblazoned with terms of endearment. Bicycle chains, horseshoes, strings of padlocks, handcuffs the splash of colour contrasting with the sombre materials of the bridge. Fixed there by married couples, single-sex couples, young or old couples, as diverse as the padlocks themselves, an ‘eternal’ testament to their commitment to one another.
So many locks
It is not only this city that has a ‘Bridge of Love Locks’ they are found in Rome, Valencia, Paris, they exist in Australia and Uruguay and Vancouver Island even has a trail of them. The inspiration for the idea is not altogether clear; many theories exist although it is thought to originate at the beginning of the current century.
The chains, padlocks and handcuffs theme had me wondering if there was a S&M origin to it somewhere but there is not any evidence either way.
Not everybody is enamoured by their presence and in most locations the padlocks are regularly removed by the authorities. The reasons given for this removal range from aesthetic, to damaging the heritage of a city or even the metalwork to which they are attached, the words “bah humbug” come to mind. Even the Cologne bridge has seen the railway company threaten to remove them until eventually relenting due to public pressure.
Re-evaluating the S&M connection
It seems unlikely that any of the others are as impressive as the Hohenzollernbrücke. Although predictably the majority of padlocks are amassed at either end and a little sparse in the centre, the number and variety of locks displayed is quite spectacular.
A different kind of declaration
“combination locks might be a good idea!”
As the key is thrown into the river after fixing the lock to the railings I also found myself wondering what happens if the couple part company. Have there been any instances of somebody turning up with a hammer and chisel to remove the padlock that still declared their undying love. It may seem a little cynical but cannot help thinking it must happen occasionally, a even more cynical friend who shall remain anonymous suggested combination locks might be a good idea!
As with any good opportunity that comes along there are always those around to benefit from it. Though not present this day there are usually a couple of padlock sellers on the bridge who will also engrave the necessary words of love into the metallic parchment of choice. The accordion player that was present this day however seemed preferable to me.
Whatever the origins of the tradition or the potential long term effects to the structure, the romantic in me found it quite heartening to see so many symbols of love in one place. Romance is not just alive in Cologne, with it’s love locks it is thriving!
Trains, love locks and an accordian player
My boyfriend and I just added our own lock this past Monday to the Hohenzollernbrücke. Just something sweet and romantic that we wanted to do while we were in Cologne together. <3
Wow that’s great Jen, did you take a picture of it, have you shared it somewhere?
Good to know, I’ll be adding this to my list of places with lovelocks. =)
It is quite a sight Nicole, I hope you make it one day soon.
Hey, I am a resident of Cologne and love the colours of the bridge and your beautiful picture of the accordian player. Apropro your comment about authorities in many places taking locks down I thought I would share with you something quite wonderful that i saw in Moscow a few years ago. The authorities built iron tree “skeletons” so to speak for people to attach their locks to and the more people attach locks, the more colour and plumage is added and the tree “blooms” it looks wonderful, here you can see it more on this blog…
http://othermoscow.livejournal.com/6588.html
Hey all,
My man and I have made sort of a hobby of “lovelocking” all over the world. Recently we tried to hang a lock in Barcelona, seems they have all been removed. Just wondering if anyone knows what happened to them.
Thanks,
Leslie
I’ve been to Koln but how did I miss this bridge?! I love the idea of Love Locks. Knowing that people around the world have crossed the same path or bridge as you to solidify their feelings in love in a person and a city, I think is a beautiful gesture. The world really is a small village and it goes to show we all want the same thing – to be loved and have amazing experiences. When we travel, my partner and I always pack padlocks. We have placed our locks in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon so far! We actually kept the keys to these locks as a reminder of all the cities we left a piece of our heart in together. Maybe one day we might return to find them again but it’s really sad to know authorities snip these from time to time. I don’t think it is unaesthetic or damaging to the heritage of a city at all – I think it adds character and tells thousands of beautiful love stories.
Cristina recently posted..Why I turned down my dream job – Twice
Hi Cristina. Do you remember where you left the padlock in Lisbon?
There is a beautiful viewpoint near the Se and Alfama called Miradouro das Portas Do Sol. We placed it here although it’s quite an open space so probably not the best spot but my boyfriend and I choose spots in the city we love the most to lock our padlocks and this spot was our favourite. In Barcelona it was a local’s beach on the outskirts of the city so we found a hidden trail and placed it there. Because it’s off the tourist track it’s kind of our little secret, like we’re the only ones that know where to find it! And I doubt authorities will know either lol!
Cristina recently posted..Behind the Berlin Wall
Lover-ly idea isn´t it. There´s one in Sevilla and Malaga too with padlocks and dreams fastened to them.
Rachel recently posted..Monday Morning Photo – Plaza Mayor, Almagro
Really romantic and a lovely concept, especially impressive on this particular bridge Rachel.
wowwwwwwwwwwww amazing
It is indeed Neeraj
Just came across your post on Cologne’s Hohenzollern Bridge… It’s quite a sight to see the thousands of padlocks adorning the bridge! We also wrote about this bridge in our story on “Ideal Itinerary: A day in Cologne, Germany,” published in TravelAge West magazine: http://www.travelagewest.com/travel/europe/info/ideal-itinerary–a-day-in-cologne,-germany/
Sand in my Suitcase recently posted..Reveling in ruins on Voyages to Antiquity cruise
It is an amazing sight and the guy playing the accordian made it especially great to witness. Nice article too.
Beautiful,thanx lot for such great pictures.I’ve been koln once when I use to lives in Bochum but I never heard about this beautiful bridge with beautiful love locks.
In June my girlfriend visiting me from Boston and I would like to take her here.I saw one bridge in Paris also.
Can you please tell me where we can buy these locks and write our names on it???? Is there such shops near around the bridge??
Thanking you.
Hi Iain,
I can vouch for the fact that this phenomenon has reached Scandinavia, although of course not in the Germanic orderly fashion…I heard this started in Italy but cannot be 100% sure, it would be interesting to hear about the origin but anyhow here’s the Stockholm version (which incidentally is on a bridge offering a fabulous view of the city at sunrise, so worth a trip there for two reasons): http://grownuptravelguide.com/grown-up-travel-guide-daily-photo-stockholm-sweden
Cheers,
Andy
I’ve heard of this bridge before but never seen the photos. I am curious how many of these people are still together? Maybe that kills the romance of the place but it makes me wonder.
I have to admit I didn’t notice the locks at first but looking a little more closely, I saw them. Maybe that’s symbolic of what true love really is all about.
I know this bridge well as I used to enter the city of Cologne by train via this bridge for many times. Many years ago I also had the chance to watch the fireworks of New Years Eve high over this bridge. A very impressive moment. No love locks at that time, they seem to be a pretty new custom.
Travelwriticus recently posted..Garden of the folk life museum in Graz, Austria
Wow and we thought that Pecs in Hungary had the biggest collection we had seen…. though with Germany efficiency they seem very organised in nice straight lines…;-) http://www.thetravelroom.net/pecs.php here’s our not quite as dramatic photo! also showing a Hungarian laisez-faire as to the lock placement!!
Ted and Dani recently posted..Sarajevo; Historic, tragic…where to now? – The Travel Room’s Travel Blog
Hey Iain,
Great site! Keep it up,
Let us know if you ever feel like doing guest post. We’re always looking for new writers.
http://www.thisboundlessworld.com
Thanks!
D
Thanks Dan I would definitely be interested in posting on your site one day soon.
It really looks like the rainbow of locks out there. The number of locks gives an impression that may be the whole world is in love.
rashmi recently posted..Traveling on a Budget in the Land of Movie Stars
Its a great place to visit Rashmi and the locks, provide plenty of colour and ga ve me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Thanks for commenting
This is amazing! So many padlocks, I think the passers will enjoy watching different colors and types of padlocks!
Martha33 recently posted..Acne Treatment
I know I did Matha, such an amazing site to visit. Thank you
I’ve not seen such colourful ‘love locks’ before; especially love the accordian player pic!
Natasha @ Wandering Kiwi recently posted..Destination Uzbekistan: Bukhara
Thank you Natasha I am glad you liked them, the accordian player really deserved a medal out playing in the cold and rain!
That is so cool, and much fuller than Pont des Arts in Paris! Great photos.
I have a feeling Paris is one of the paces the locks are regularly removed, glad you enjoyed the post
H Iain,
We had a post on the “Locks of Love” in Italy http://www.europeupclose.com/article/padlocks-of-love/
It is certainly an interesting phenomenon.
Thank you for sharing your won post on Bridges with Love Locks Terri
i’ve seen locks on bridges before, but never this many! I want to go now! I used to live very near to Cologne, but never made it there! next time
Jade – OurOyster.com recently posted..24 Hours In Cape Town – The Only Guide You’ll Need
It is quite hard to imagine how many locks are actually here Jade easily hundreds of thousands, I hope you get to visit there soon.
Great post and photos! Despite the fact I’d been in Köln many many times before, I’d never crossed the Hohenzollernbrücke *on foot*. At the end of September, I’d finally seen for myself about the things in your post. And thanks to your post, I’ll be looking to write in the future a post with some big differences and with a different view in mind.
This might not be a problem by the sheer number of locks on the bridge – I do think, however, there are more locks on the “Dom” (Cathedral) or west side than there are locks on the “Deutz” or east side. Thanks again, Iain!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..Pier 14, Port of San Francisco
Thank you Henry I hope you really get chance to witness the padlocks yourself and look forward to a your interesting take on it once you everntually do. I think you are probably right about the distribution of the locks on both sides of the bridge.
I’ve only ever been on this bridge from the railway side, so I’ve never seen the locks. However, it does remind me of a legend we had at William & Mary about the Crim Dell bridge: If a couple kisses at the crest of the bridge, they will be bound together forever. From personal experience, I can attest it’s only a myth.
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That’s a cool legend Curt really sorry you can vouch for it only being a legend, thanks for sharing it all the same.
That is great! For some reason, I’ve always liked this bridge. Yes, it is industrial and seemingly cold but it has a flowing grace about it – at least in my eye. The locks are a fabulous addition.
No I think you are right Jim, it maybe functional and industrial in appearance but it has a certain Germanic charm, interesting enough, though might not have written a post about it save for the padlocks to be honest
I’ve seen something similar in Minsk although the bridge was much smaller. I wonder how many different places this tradition takes place in?
Rob recently posted..Perth – The Heartbeat of Western Australia
Not sure Rob although relatively new already quite a few places, the ones mentioned in the post are just some of them.
I love that bridge! When I visited I think my favourite thing on it was the axle grinder for the broken hearted
Great photos!
Laurence recently posted..Three French Castles, and the death of a lion
I missed the axel grinder Laurence or else I would have mentioned it, not as observant as I thought, sort of makes the hammer and chisel comment redundant!
Fascinating cultural phenomenon in Cologne. It would be neat to hear some of the stories of the people who placed their locks on the bridge and to learn what percentage are still together after a few years. I’d like to believe the bridge locks have some magical power to keep happy couples together.
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..Green Global Travel’s Top 20 Wildlife Photos of 2011
Great point Mary, it would be amazing to hear some of the stories from the people that have a padlock on the bridge, maybe I should research that for a future post
and agree it is nice to think that those padlocks maybe mystically keeping people together somehow.
We have been to Koln numerous times and NEVER seen the locks on the bridge – we had no idea! Thanks for sharing, it’s nice to read something about Koln that goes beyond the Kolner Dom. Cheers!
Cam recently posted..19 Epic Adventures by Travel Bloggers in 2011
Thanks Cam just goes to show even with quite a bit of time to explore you can always find something new in almost every destination, Kolner Dom…… what’s that?
I visited Cologne for the first time in June and the Love Locks on the Hohenzollernbrücke are just one of the many things that I love about the city. Enjoyed your background and perspectives.
Thank you Cathy, I was not able to spend too long there Cathy as was staying outside the city itself. I only had time to visit the Christmas markets, Cathedral and bridge. I do hope to get back and thank you for commenting.
Nice, colourful photos, Iain! These locks are an interesting phenomena of, well, early 21st century culture, I suppose. But the words ‘love’ and ‘lock’,… well, they just don’t go together well, I think.
Sophie recently posted..The Hollywood Gang Hideaway
Thanks Sophie concentrated on the variety of padlocks as they complimented the story, I found the concept fascinating and quite surprising it is such a recent phenomenon. If you come up with a suitable alternative to lock I’ll happily change it
No, no, that wasn’t a reflection on your story and photos (which I really enjoyed), but rather a philosophical pondering on the need to lock love. The locks are decorative, and as such interesting additions to a bridge, fountain, etc… but the idea behind them gives me a slight sense of claustrophobia.
Sophie recently posted..Blaze – and vacationing at home
You are fine Sophie I did not take it as a slight on the post and not offended, please don’t think I am
interesting to hear how you reacted to them though.
Wow, I’ve seen smaller versions of this in the Baltic countries, but never to this extreme level. Very cool
Brooke vs. the World recently posted..The Hardest Lesson I Learned in 2011
It really is impressive Brooke I would not even like to hazard a guess to how many actual padlocks are on the bridge. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Love the photos especially the accordion player. What a great face!
santafetraveler recently posted..Santa Fe Recipes: Chef Louis Moskow’s
Thank you, quite the character to be out playing the accordian on a wet and cold December afternoon.
Hi Iain! Love this post, and the pictures are fantastic. I stood on this bridge in 2010 and was equally as fascinated with the locks
Hope you had a great Christmas!
Hey Candace so glad you liked it, especially as you have actually visited the bridge makes it all the more special. Just amazing looking through them all isn’t it., so many it’s a little mind blowing. Happy New Year to you
This is so cool! I’ve heard of similar bridges elsewhere in the world, and I always find the photos fascinating. I could easily spend hours on that bridge just looking at all the locks and messages!
Amanda recently posted..My First Adventure of 2012 – I’m Going to Canada!
Thanks Amanda it is quite cool to browse through the many padlocks, it would have been great to really have a few hours to wander along the bridge and read the messages on the many locks and other paraphernalia attached to the railings. I hope you have a great New Year, Canada will be amazing, awesome destination.
I love this idea so much i have had made these double heart brass padlocks.
http://www.loveheartlocks.com.au
Lol despite the obvious self promotion and advertising Ron going to accept this due to its relevance