night view of Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne, Germany (von Noppasinw - Adobe Stock)

Born from tragedy, the tradition of clasping a lock with two lovers’ initials on a scenic bridge originated over a century ago in the small Serbian town of Vrnjacka Banja. During World War I, a schoolteacher, Nada and an army officer, Relja pledged their love to each other on a local bridge, Most Ljubavi or, “The Bridge of Love” by sealing a padlock with their names etched into it before Relja went off to war. However, while battling the Germans in Greece, Relja found a new flame and married her instead. Nada, in her grief, died from the betrayal. Upon hearing the tragic story, women started inscribing their names and their beloved names on a padlocks and clasping them to the bridge, starting the tradition of hope for locking in an everlasting romance.

This picturesque photo captures the iconic Ponte Milvio, one of the oldest bridges in Rome, Italy. Spanning the Tiber River, the bridge is renowned for its historic significance and as a romantic spot where couples attach love locks to its lampposts. The stunning stone architecture, complemented by lush greenery and a backdrop of modern buildings, highlights the harmonious blend of ancient history and contemporary life. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and romantics, Ponte Milvio offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Rome’s timeless charm. (von Samuele Gallini - Adobe Stock)

While Serbia is home to the original lovelock legend, the tradition didn’t rise to popularity until the 2006 film, “Ho Vogli Te” (I Want You) aired in Italy. In a popular scene taking place on the Ponte Milvio in Rome, where two sweethearts, Step and Babi, seal their love by writing their names on a padlock, attaching it to one of the streetlamps on the bridge before dropping the key in the Tiber River.

Since 2012, when the weight of the locks became an issue (some streetlamps even bent over) the city removed the thousands of padlocks on the Ponte Milvio and enforced a ban on adding more. Adding a lock can cost you a €50 fine. However, this hasn’t stopped determined couples as the tradition has resurfaced in recent years. It’s not uncommon to find people selling locks by the bridge and lovebirds sneaking theirs onto the bridge by the cover of nightfall. This tradition has spread across Europe and the world where padlocks on bridges create a collective mosaic of stories, shared dreams and wishes.

This stunning photo captures the romantic essence of Paris, with a vibrant view of the Eiffel Tower framed by the Seine River. The foreground features a section of the famous “love locks,” where couples leave padlocks as a symbol of their everlasting affection. The charming lamppost, bustling riverboats, and picturesque bridges enhance the scene, embodying the timeless allure of the City of Love. Perfect for travelers and romantics alike, this iconic Parisian setting showcases the city’s unique blend of beauty, history, and romance. (von Alexi Tauzin - Adobe Stock)

Pont des Arts | Paris, France

When in the city of lights and romance, a bucket list item is placing a lock on the most famous lovelock bridge: Pont des Arts, with your chéri, at least until recently. With over 700,000 locks, the bridge began to buckle under the weight and authorities had to remove the mesh panels covered with them. Beginning in 2008, it became tradition for couples to attach their padlocks to the bridge and throw the keys into the Seine River. While the Pont des Arts bridge can’t handle the weight of any more lovelocks and it’s illegal to add more, people have started placing them on other Parisian bridges, especially Pont de l’Archevêché near Notre Dame and Pont Neuf. Although it is tradition and quite romantic, the Pont des Arts is an example of the fate of many lovelock bridges across the world being weighed down by the power of love. Unfortunately, the weight can become dangerous and threaten to collapse the structure. An environmentally-friendly alternative is to do a digital lovelock with your sweetie.

This captivating image showcases the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany, a beloved landmark adorned with thousands of colorful love locks left by couples from around the world. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the bridge’s intricate steel structure and warm evening lights create a stunning visual experience. Spanning the Rhine River, the Hohenzollern Bridge is not only a key transportation hub but also a symbol of love and connection, making it a must-visit destination for travelers and romantics alike. (von Madrugada Verde - Adobe Stock)

Hohenzollernbrücke | Köln, Germany

Since 2008, an estimated 350,000 inscribed, painted or decorated padlocks have been added to the “Wall of Love” on the Hohenzollernbrücke, or Cathedral Bridge over the Rhine River. Near the majestic Köln Cathedral, the brightly colored locks bring brightness to the steel bridge. It is still a popular activity and with no regulations in place (yet). As you cross the bridge it is likely that you will see couples adding their lock, gazing out at the river or sharing a kiss as the key sinks to the bottom. The city of Köln has added a virtual lovelock bridge to its website where you can zoom in, choose a lock, and inscribe and personalize it. For more information, visit lovelockbridge.cologne/index.html.

Father Bernatek’s Bridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) in Kraków, Poland, is a stunning pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the Vistula River (Wisła). Completed in 2010, it connects the historic district of Kazimierz with the vibrant neighborhood of Podgórze. Adorned with countless love locks left by visitors, this architectural gem is a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering picturesque views of the city and its colorful buildings. The bridge’s sleek, modern design perfectly complements the surrounding historical charm, making it a must-visit location in Kraków. (von atosan - Adobe Stock)

Kładka Bernatek Footbridge | Krakow, Poland.

The Kładka Bernatek Footbridge, considered a bridge of love, was built under Podgórze Bridge and allows pedestrians to cross over the Vistuala River. It’s a romantic walk with gravity-defying sculptures and is easy to come across connecting the two popular districts of Kazimierz and Podgórze. Because of its easy access, it became a lovelock bridge quickly with thousands of locks lining its path. If you and your partner want to add a lock for unbreakable love, be sure to bring your own as they aren’t sold near the bridge. Sadly, like the other bridges, it’s rumored the city may cut away large portions of the locks in the near future. So, if you want to see the thousands of locks, or maybe even try to find the oldest one, visit soon.

Like two lovers, bridges connect two parts making them perfect symbols for love. As of 2024, there are 21 notable lovelock bridges around the world. While you may not be able to add a lock of your own to all of them, visiting these bridges before the locks get taken down, can be quite romantic as you are surrounded by the love stories of thousands of other hopeful couples.