The bridge near Munich Zoo looks like it is quite new to the tradition of securing padlocks to something to signify a couples never-ending love…
Apparently this originated in a novel by Italian writer Frederico Moccia – trust such a romantic gesture to come from Italy! It can be seen across Europe, and I have seen locks on bridges in Copenhagen, London and France… If it’s not cluttering up something historical, and bringing a little cheer to something mundane, then I don’t really have much of a problem with it, and it’s definitely colourful! I guess padlocks are easier to remove than tattoos as well, nothing a pair of wire-cutters can’t easily dispose of!
A walk along such a bridge takes forever though as the children insist on reading each and every one.
This was our favourite…!
Pia says
oh, these would make anyone smile. wonder how i’ve missed the ones in london! must look out for them next time.
bavaria says
Thanks Pia, hope they are still there, let me know if you see them! :)
Michelle Twin MUm says
Ohh never heard of this before, what a lovely idea. Mich x
bavaria says
Thanks Michelle :)
helloitsgemma says
I like this – I may go off and start my own on some fencing round the corner.
I love your Silent Sunday too – can’t beat a giant snail
bavaria says
Thanks Gemma (take a picture of your padlock if you do!) :)
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
Isn’t that a lovely idea. Have just looked at the website from Laura. That may well be a good pressie for my husband’s birthday. But would I want him to keep it or leave it on a bridge. We could take it to Sweden!
Reminds me of the dummy tree which I never did manage to see in Copenhagen.
bavaria says
Sweden has one very very very huge bridge that might work?!? You might also see Dummy Tree’s in Sweden too! :)
Laura says
Great post, and love the Pinky and Brain lock, not seen that one before!! The tree you mentioed in Russia I think was probably one of the ones on the Luzhkov bridge, which are not real trees but metal sculptures the authorities installed along the bridge as sites for people to lock their love without damaging existing sculptures :) (Which is what we aim to do here in the UK via http://www.lovelocksuk.com!) :D
bavaria says
Hi Laura, thanks for popping over! I am actually really pleased that the tree in Russia is a pretend tree, I was feeling quite sorry for it! Will pop over and have a look at your site, love the sound of it! Responsible locks of love! Emma :)
Rollercoaster Mum says
I remember seeing this in Cologne – it’s fascinating – makes the bridge colourful too!
bavaria says
Thank you! It does doesn’t it? :)
Jazzygal says
Wow, I hadn’t heard of this at all. very unusual!
xx Jazzy
bavaria says
Thanks Jazzy :) xx
Helen from The good life mum says
Oh i have seen this on Tv its so lovely and unique
bavaria says
Thanks Helen, it seems to be gaining popularity everywhere! Emma :)
Mrs TeePot says
In Paris there’s some bridges like that too! I think it’s a lovely idea. That’s a great one too!
bavaria says
Thank you Mrs Tee! Funny how these ideas take shape and before you know it, everyone’s doing it! :)
Frankie Parker says
What a fab idea, i have never seen or heard about it before.. Better than graffiti any day….
bavaria says
Thanks Frankie! Hope you’re well :) xx
MsCaroline says
These can be seen in Seoul along the Cheonggyecheon River pathway. There are two stairwells that lead from street level down to the river path that are absolutely covered! Might need to go back and look more closely at what’s written on them!
bavaria says
Thank you Caroline! Yes you must! Would love to know whether they are love tokens or wish tokens as I read somewhere that the meaning changes slightly on these locks in the Far East… Emma :)
mari says
Oh I love it! Padlocks a bit of illegality and eternal love! Perfect recipe for Love I’d say … do you think that was supposed to say Brian and was a mistake?
bavaria says
Ah, you see I always thought he was called Brian for years!! No, Pinky & The Brain is a cartoon about two lab rats and their plans for world domination! Sounds odd. It is! When are you off to Italy? :) xx
Mama Syder says
What a lovely idea! I wish we had something like that over here x
bavaria says
@Mama Syder & Another Goldfish, I saw them on Tower Bridge last year when my sis was doing the Marathon… They might not still be there though, but it might be worth a look! Emma :)
Another Goldfish says
I love local landmarks like this. Where is the bridge in London? I’ll have to make a point to visit next time I’m down?
sarahmumof3 says
ohh I have never seen this done before but it is a very sweet idea
bavaria says
I thought it was quite cute too :) Thanks Sarah!
Midlife Singlemum says
I’ve seen this before and I think it’s a lovey idea.
bavaria says
It is a sweet idea! Saw one picture of a poor tree absolutely covered in locks in Russia though, can’t imagine it will be able to take much more weight before it topples over! :)
Kelloggsville says
Brain finally pulled yey!
bavaria says
Even if it was Pinky ;) Made me laugh anyway! :)