Earlier this month I was in Frankfurt for a short trip to pick up my niece. On my free afternoon, I happened to cross the Eiserner Steg, a pedestrian bridge that takes you from the city center to the museum quarter. This bridge is loaded—and I mean loaded—with padlocks.
I’ve heard of these kinds of padlock bridges, where sweethearts fasten a lock to the bridge as a token of devotion. These locks are in all different sizes and colors, and each is engraved with names and dates. You’ll find bridges like these across France and Germany and in Seoul, Dublin, Florence and even on a little bridge here in Gdansk.
I know it’s a bit of a source of controversy: Some city officials see it as vandalism or litter, but I just can’t be that cynical. I love how the locks add a sense of story and individuality to something as utilitarian as a city bridge—and the storyteller in me can’t help but wonder about all of the people represented by each lock…who are these couples? How did they meet? Are they still together?
And then: Where are the keys? I suspect thrown into the river, but one never knows.
You’ve just got to wonder, don’t you?
Here’s to a romantic day, full of stories and symbols.
On vacation in Seattle, WA, my boys and I spotted this phenomenon on the pedestrian bridge that leads to the Island Ferryboats. Thanks for clearing up that little mystery!
We left ours on Pont d’Arches in Paris. They were very lightweight pretty ones but the beggars on the bridge were selling real heavy ones. The Police just could not catch the beggars as at the first sign of the Gendarmes, everything was pushed into a rucksack, slung on their backs and they just stood looking out over the Seine. Quite entertaining but such a shame for the bridge!!!
xx
BTW We have been married 27years, still as daft with each other as ever and yes, we threw the (tiny) keys into the river!!! We hope that when the padlocks are cleared from the bridge, which they do periodically, our padlocks will stay in place!
you can see them here: -http://bishopsmate1.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/paris-4-love-locks-bridge.html
xx