Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern Bridge), Cologne

Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern Bridge), Cologne (must see)

The Hohenzollern Bridge is a railway and pedestrian bridge crossing the Rhine River. It was built to replace the old Cathedral Bridge that couldn't handle Cologne's increasing traffic. The Hohenzollern Bridge was completed in 1911 and functioned as a rail, vehicle, and pedestrian bridge.

The bridge was named after the House of Hohenzollern, who were German Emperors and rulers of Prussia. When the bridge was built, Cologne was part of the Rhine Provence of Prussia. Kaiser Wilhelm II inaugurated the bridge in 1911.

Equestrian statues of German emperors and Prussian kings flank each ramp. Statues representing Friedrich Wilhelm IV and Wilhem I are located on the Rhine's right bank. On the left bank, visitors will find Friedrich III and Wilhelm II statues.

During World War II, the Hohenzollern Bridge was one of Germany's most important bridges. Even though the bridge was subject to constant airstrikes, it remained functional. However, German engineers blew up the bridge as Allied forces approached on March 6, 1945.

The bridge was reconstructed between 1945 and 1959 and renovated in the 1980s. The cobblestones and tram tracks were preserved. Today, the bridge has walkways and cycle paths on both sides and a six-track railway.

Residents and tourists began adding love padlocks to the bridge in 2008. Couples add a padlock to the bridge and throw the key into the river to signify their love and commitment. By 2015, there were about 500,000 love locks on the bridge.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the best walks in Cologne, with great views of the city and the Cathedral.

Tip:
Visit in the evening, as you will see the whole city in lights and enjoy a completely different experience than daytime.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cologne. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern Bridge) on Map

Sight Name: Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern Bridge)
Sight Location: Cologne, Germany (See walking tours in Cologne)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Cologne, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Cologne

Create Your Own Walk in Cologne

Creating your own self-guided walk in Cologne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cologne's Architectural Landmarks Walking Tour

Cologne's Architectural Landmarks Walking Tour

Around 75% of Cologne was destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. Following such devastation, it meant that most of what was built immediately after the war came from the so-called “As quickly and cheaply as possible” school of architecture. Eventually, as the things settled, the architects were given the chance to build something that would really stand out.

Decades later, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Beer House Walking Tour

Beer House Walking Tour

In Cologne they say, "Kölsch is the only language you can drink." Brewed only here and nowhere else, Kölsch – a light beer, slightly bitter, bright yellow in color, and made of top-fermented yeast – is forbidden for production in any other part of Germany.

Each licensed brewery in the city makes its own variation of Kölsch, served traditionally in a tall, thin, cylindrical...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Cologne Introduction Walking Tour

Cologne Introduction Walking Tour

Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. It was founded as a Roman settlement on the Rhine in the first century, then known as the Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.

The name came from Agrippina the Younger, wife of Roman Emperor Claudius. She came from the area and petitioned the emperor to raise the status of her home to a Colonia--a city under Roman law. During the Roman period, it...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Cologne Shopping Tour

Cologne Shopping Tour

Calling the shops, whilst in Cologne, is the thing you definitely should not miss! One of the most popular shopping destinations in Germany, this “cathedral” city abounds in malls, designer stores and various national and international brand outlets fit to impress anyone and let you shop till you drop! Some people even make special trips to Cologne just to stroll and buy things to their...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Cologne's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Cologne's Historical Churches Walking Tour

The beautiful and historically rich city of Cologne has been around for over 2,000 years. For centuries, it has been regarded as a very important religious center.

The Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of its biggest attractions, is renowned as a symbol of Christianity and “a masterpiece of exceptional intrinsic value” (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The twelve Romanesque churches of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles