Love locks of Cologne

Last updated: October 24, 2026

“I’d like to know that your love Is love I can be sure of So tell me now, cause I won’t ask again Will you still love me tomorrow?” – Amy Winehouse, (originally The Shirelles) One of my favourite sights of the city of Cologne is the love lock bridge. Better known as the Hohenzollern Bridge, hundreds of rainbow hued love locks make it a sight to behold and it is one of Cologne’s well known attractions. The romantic tradition of love locks is believed to have originated from Italy during the World War I when sweethearts affixed padlocks on bridges or fences to show their loyalty to one another. This delightful ritual is still kept alive in many places across the world and the 400 meters long Hohenzollern Bridge happens to be the largest padlock bridge in the world. It is one of the first places that I had fallen in love with in Cologne and I had taken a long time to call the city home. What I love about the Love Lock Bridge (apart from the sweet tradition) is how the multi coloured padlocks brighten up an otherwise  spartan industrial structure of concrete and steel with high speed trains travelling in from both sides over one of the world’s greatest rivers, Rhine. Recommended Read: The curious case of eau de cologne

While on a sunny day, the locks resemble hundreds of butterflies clinging on to the metal mesh, on a gloomy grey day they add surprising and much needed pops of colour. The locks stretch from one end of the bridge to the other spanning completely over the Rhine and they come in all shapes, designs and vows. Gemstone encrusted, swan shaped, plain sturdy ones, bicycle chains, handcuffs, tin cans and wilted roses dot the bridge and golden, silver and glitter bedazzle the viewers. Tradition dictates that the lovers should throw the keys of the padlocks after fixing them on the bridge and Cologne’s visitors and locals participate in this habit with equal fervour. As beautiful as it sounds, this burden of love on the bridge is unbelievably heavy and experts estimate that the padlocks weigh over two tonnes. Fixed by married couples, couples in love, same sex couples, young and old, the love locks add a whopping 2 tonnes of weight to the bridge, raising much concern among the city’s civic authorities. Thus, the love locks are removed occasionally to sustain the tradition and what is more impressive, is the intriguing and growing collection of thousands of keys lying on the river bed of the Rhine. You may also like: A camellia spring day in Cologne Unbelievable and controversial..and that is the crazy little thing called LOVE.

P.S – This blog post is part of the weekly series called the Cologne Diaries. Every week, Maverickbird will take on a new theme, emotion and beauty of an expat life at our home in Cologne.

More from Germany: Aachen, Monschau and Bonn RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE

The Story of the Hohenzollern Bridge Love Locks

The Hohenzollern Bridge opened in 1911, was destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt afterwards. Today it is one of the busiest railway bridges in Germany, with a pedestrian walkway on each side. Around 2008, couples started fixing padlocks engraved with their names and dates to the fence between the walkway and the tracks, then throwing the key into the Rhine as a symbol of everlasting love. The habit snowballed – the locks now stretch for hundreds of metres and add tonnes of weight to the fences. Deutsche Bahn, which owns the bridge, has tolerated the locks, making Cologne one of the most famous love-lock spots in Europe after Paris removed its Pont des Arts locks.

How to Add Your Own Love Lock

1. Buy a lock: souvenir and hardware shops around the Cathedral and the main station sell padlocks; some shops near the Old Town offer engraving.
2. Personalise it: engrave or write names and a date with a permanent marker.
3. Choose a spot: the walkway on the south side (facing the Old Town) is the classic location.
4. Lock it and toss the key: tradition says you throw the key into the Rhine – please make sure nothing falls onto the railway tracks.
5. Take a photo with the Cathedral behind you.

Best Time and Photo Spots

• Sunset and blue hour: the bridge and the illuminated Cathedral look magical from the Deutz side.
• Rheinboulevard (Deutz): wide steps along the river with the classic skyline view.
• KölnTriangle viewing platform: a paid rooftop deck in Deutz with panoramic views over the bridge and Cathedral.
• Close-ups: early morning is the quietest time for lock details without crowds.
• Christmas season: combine with Cologne’s famous Christmas markets nearby.

Things to Do Near the Hohenzollern Bridge

• Cologne Cathedral – climb the 533 steps of the south tower for views.
• Museum Ludwig – modern art right next to the bridge.
• Old Town (Altstadt) – Kölsch beer halls along the river.
• Chocolate Museum – a short walk along the Rhine.
• Farina Fragrance Museum and 4711 House – learn about the history of Eau de Cologne.
• Rhine river cruise – short sightseeing cruises leave from the riverbank below the Old Town.

FAQs

Where are the love locks in Cologne?
The love locks are on the Hohenzollern Bridge, the railway and pedestrian bridge across the Rhine right next to Cologne Cathedral.

Is it free to visit the Hohenzollern Bridge?
Yes. The bridge’s walkways are open 24 hours and free to visit; you only pay if you buy a lock.

Where can I buy a love lock in Cologne?
Souvenir and hardware shops near the Cathedral and Cologne main station sell padlocks, and some offer engraving.

Are love locks allowed on the Hohenzollern Bridge?
Deutsche Bahn, which owns the bridge, has so far tolerated the locks, although it has raised concerns about the extra weight.

What is the best time to visit the Cologne love lock bridge?
Sunset and blue hour are best for photos with the lit-up Cathedral, while early morning is quietest.

Tagged Cologne Germany, Expat life in Germany, germany tourism, Germany travel blog, Hohenzollern Bridge Cologne, india travel blog, Love lock bridge cologne, solo female backpacker from India