Cologne's Hohenzollern Bridge is famous not only because it is an integral part of the city's panorama, but also because lovers attach a lock to the metal railings of the bridge to prove their eternal togetherness and then sink the key into the Rhine. The size and design of the locks take on multifaceted forms, transforming the railing of the bridge into a colourful mosaic of metal.
The origins of this popular custom lead to Italy, where the phenomenon first appeared in Florence. From there it spread to the big wide world.
It therefore makes sense that in Cologne - the "northernmost city in Italy" - the ritual is taken to extremes and now there seems to be hardly any room left for more locks.
After the first love locks in Germany were placed on the Hohenzollern Bridge in 2008, countless locks now hang on the bridge. The extent of this has led to many a local farce, including when Deutsche Bahn (which owns the bridge) wanted to have the love locks removed for alleged structural reasons. However, love prevailed. After loud protests by Cologne lovers, new calculations showed that the bridge's statics were not in danger. Since then, locks have continued to be installed and photos taken. The fitting song was composed by the Cologne carnival band Die HÖHNER: Schenk mir Dein Herz.
The origins of this popular custom lead to Italy, where the phenomenon first appeared in Florence. From there it spread to the big wide world.
It therefore makes sense that in Cologne - the "northernmost city in Italy" - the ritual is taken to extremes and now there seems to be hardly any room left for more locks.
After the first love locks in Germany were placed on the Hohenzollern Bridge in 2008, countless locks now hang on the bridge. The extent of this has led to many a local farce, including when Deutsche Bahn (which owns the bridge) wanted to have the love locks removed for alleged structural reasons. However, love prevailed. After loud protests by Cologne lovers, new calculations showed that the bridge's statics were not in danger. Since then, locks have continued to be installed and photos taken. The fitting song was composed by the Cologne carnival band Die HÖHNER: Schenk mir Dein Herz.
Info
Eligibility
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
Directions
The love locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge are best reached via the entrance at the back of Cologne Cathedral. Past the Museum Ludwig and across Heinrich-Böll-Platz is the footpath onto the bridge. This means that the bridge can be reached in just a few minutes from the main railway station.
The Hohenzollern Bridge can also be easily reached from Cologne Deutz Messe station. The distance is 450 m.
The Hohenzollern Bridge can also be easily reached from Cologne Deutz Messe station. The distance is 450 m.
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