Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge is located in the German city of Cologne, spanning the Rhine River. Together with the nearby Cologne Central Station, it forms one of the most important hubs in Germany’s and Europe’s railway networks. It is a grand and massive structure and an indispensable part of Cologne’s cityscape and the view of the Cologne Cathedral.

The bridge was constructed between 1907 and 1911, measuring 409 meters in length and 29.5 meters in width. Its most eye-catching features are the elaborately decorated portals, designed by the renowned Berlin architect Franz Heinrich Schwechten in the Neo-Romantic style, contrasting with the Gothic cathedral. On both sides of the approach to the bridge stand four equestrian statues of Prussian kings and German emperors from the House of Hohenzollern. On the eastern side of the bridge stands the sculpture of Wilhelm I, while the western side features statues of Friedrich III and Wilhelm II, symbolizing Prussian rule over the Rhineland.

The first love lock in Germany appeared in the late summer of 2008, hung on Hohenzollern Bridge. Couples would attach a padlock and throw the key into the Rhine River flowing north beneath the bridge, symbolizing eternal love. Within less than two years, the bridge was covered with love locks, and their number has continued to grow. To this day, German railways have tacitly allowed these locks to remain on the bridge.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Must-visit reason: Germany’s most romantic bridge

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Germany[Germany]

Province/State where the attraction is located: North Rhine-Westphalia [North Rhine-Westphalia]

City where the attraction is located: Cologne [Cologne]