Germany Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne, north side

There are far fewer pedestrians on this side of the bridge (north side), making it a great place to take photos.
However, there are significantly fewer love locks on this side of the bridge.

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.