Cologne Dazzles
They say that you never forget your first time – and for me that was in Seville. While strolling along in the unfiltered sunshine, sharp flashes of light caught my eye. This was it, this was what I had heard about: the bridge of locks, the bridge of hearts, a new trend that was somehow already a tradition.
For the uninitiated, lovers sign their names onto a padlock and then throw the key into the river below. Authorities subsequently remove the locks.
A few months later in Paris, I had my second taste.On the intimate Pont des Arts, in the world’s most romantic city, a string of metal locks shimmered from the railings.
Then I visited Cologne, where passion, not to mention, imagination runs wild.
Cologne doesn’t limit itself to padlocks. The Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge excels itself, not only in terms of the length of its name, but also in terms of declaring undying love.
Cologne Says It With Handcuffs
Hohenzollernbrücke has padlocks, alright. It also has handcuffs, tin cans, bicycle chains and padlock formations. Glitter, gold and gratuitous gemstone stickers. Wilting roses, weathered writing and rusting romance.
A modern blacksmith-of-love sits at one end of the bridge, carving initials into padlocks, while a rose-seller approaches from the opposite direction.
The Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge excels itself, not only in terms of the length of its name, but also in terms of declaring undying love.
Perhaps things have got out of hand, especially given that Federico Moccia only invented the “tradition” a few years ago as a handy plot device for his novel and subsequent film Ho Voglia de Te.
The Padlock Bridge, Cologne
Creative Padlocks
Love overflows in Cologne...
Ah, well. True love conquers all, as they say.
Or does it? Perhaps I’m not alone in raising an eyebrow of cynicism at so much symbolism.
Stencilled onto the tarmac walkway lies the following message: “Love is only a four-letter word.”
...but not for everyone
I travelled to Cologne as a guest of the Eurostar Explorer team, although as usual, all opinions are my own. I have no relationship with any padlock sellers, engravers, florists or gemstone sticker salespeople, which is probably just as well.
This post on padlocks in Cologne has also joined the happy ranks of the Lonely Planet’s Blogsherpa carnival Love on the Road, hosted this time at Barefoot Inked. Head over there to read more traditions about love from around the world.
True love conquers Cologne as a 4 letter word!
Peace… Love… & Harmony! ;-)
Bicycle chains …?
Great post! I laughed, I smiled and I cringed just a little. What a wonderfully weird and bizarre tradition! Great shots too!
Thanks for joining in on the carnival!
Sash
Barefoot inked.
I *love* it. I can’t wait to see my first. Amazing how something so recent can catch on so quickly and in different areas – it seems like it has been around forever. Great post for the carnival!
That’s a great post Abigail! I wrote one about the same bridge on the Europe by Eurostar site recently but haven’t managed to go see it for myself yet! I liked your post a lot so I’ve updated the post with a link to it too, see here: http://ow.ly/2yySD
Also, for your chance to win a year’s worth of Eurostar travel, remember to submit your explorers story to the site before Sunday 12th! Have a great weekend.
Thanks Tom for the link – and to everyone else for dropping by!
Azahar – the bicycle chains connect padlocks with different dates and cities written on them (I presume it represents something about love around the world – rather than bike theft and an unusual locking device…)
Hi Abigail,
Thanks for this great post. It was really fun to read! I’ve even shared it with my readers on my facebook fanpage (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hungarian-Girl/155217874200). All the best. :)
I seem to remember a similar place in Pécs.
sigh.. so romantic.. sigh sigh sigh. It would be funny though if ppl were are actually padlocked to the fence. I’d like to see how strong love is when the frostbite sets in.. mwuahaha :P
Suzanne – thanks!
Andrew – send a photo :)
Ciki – great evil cyber laugh ;)
LOVE this exhibit! Have to visit Cologne on business next week so I get a chance to see it :-)
Great – let us know if you get swept away with romance ;0)
interesting, thanks
You’re welcome @eastlandgrl
I saw the tradition on the Pont des Arts in Paris, after seeing it somewhere in America as well. It is shocking how fast this tradition has swept the world. Perhaps it’s because we’re so romance prone, even the most cynical of us. As if a lock on a bridge, or a pair of handcuffs, could ever secure what is one of the most undependable situations man can find himself involved in.
Pont des Arts simply made me feel more alone than anything else in Paris. Then again, as a photographer, I did enjoy the picture taking opportunities. So I suppose it wasn’t a total waste!
When I witnessed the love locks on the Hohenzollernbrücke bridge in Köln (Cologne) in the fall of 2010, someone had thoughtfully spray painted the following message on the adjacent pedestrian walkway:
“Was ist das für eine Gesellschaft in der das Symbol für Liebe ein Vorhängeschloss ist?” (What does it say about society when a padlock is a symbol for love?)
Does this, can this ritual or newfound tradition go too far? If so, what then?