Hohenzollernbrücke (Cologne)

The Hohenzollern Bridge crosses the Rhine right next to Cologne Cathedral, linking the main station with Deutz station. With around 1,500 train movements a day it is Germany's busiest railway bridge and, together with the cathedral, defines the Cologne skyline.

At a glance

• Built: 1907–1911, inaugurated in 1911
• Function: railway bridge with pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides
• Famous for: tens of thousands of love locks on the railings
• Location: between the cathedral/main station and Deutz

History

A predecessor, the Dombrücke, stood here from 1859 but soon could not cope with the growing traffic. The neo-Romanesque replacement with tall portal towers was inaugurated by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1911. Four equestrian statues of Prussian kings and German emperors still flank the ramps. The bridge was blown up in 1945 and later rebuilt.

Love locks & views

Since the 2000s couples have attached tens of thousands of padlocks here, making it one of Europe's best-known love-lock bridges. The footpath offers one of the finest views of the cathedral and old town.