Hohenzollern Bridge or the Bridge of Love is one of Cologne symbols. It is situated close to Cologne Cathedral. It has not always been so beautiful as now. Initially, there was a bridge of concrete and steel, which was named Cathedral Bridge. It was decorated with towers, arches, and statues, but the locals called it “Mousetrap” because of its reticulated structure. That bridge was not a pedestrian area, it has two lanes for trains and vehicles.

In 1907 the bridge was modernized because it could not manage all the traffic flow. So, Hohenzollern Bridge appeared in its place. It was called like that in honor of the Prussia royal dynasty.

The new bridge was a wonder of engineering because there were 4 railway tracks. Now about 1200 trains cross the bridge every day. That is why it is considered the busiest bridge in the city.

During the war this construction was damaged: in 1943 it was attacked with bombs, 2 years later it was completely destroyed. But the workers could restore the bridge for 3 years.

Hohenzollern Bridge was under rebuilding one more time in 1985 when the lines number became insufficient. As a result, it got two more tracks for trains, more comfortable lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. The differences in technologies are noticeable from below.

By the way, the bridge has the best view from the point of Cologne Central Station.