Germany Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne, south side

The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It spans the Rhine River near the Cologne Cathedral and is known for its impressive steel structure and the thousands of love locks attached to its railings. Originally built between 1907 and 1911, it was heavily damaged in World War II and later rebuilt. Today, the bridge is used by trains, cyclists, and pedestrians, offering great views of the Cologne skyline.

The fence which separates the railway track on the bridge from the pedestrian walk is over and over covered with so-called lovelocks. They are an interesting view and if you take a closer look, each one tells its own story.

For stunning photos of the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, shoot during golden or blue hour for warm light and reflections. Use a tripod for long exposures at night to capture light trails and smooth water. Frame the Cologne Cathedral through the bridge’s arches or use the love locks as a foreground. For unique angles, shoot from the opposite riverbank or low under the bridge. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and bring a polarizing filter for vibrant colors and reduced reflections.

To reach the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, take a direct train from Dortmund to Köln Hauptbahnhof, which takes about one to one and a half hours. From the central station, it's a short five-minute walk past the cathedral toward the Rhine. If you're already in Cologne, you can take a tram or bus to Dom or Deutz/Messe and walk from there. A city ticket costs around three euros, or you can use the Deutschlandticket for unlimited regional travel.