An interesting tradition that I’ve noticed on my recent trips to Europe is that of lovers attaching “Love Locks.”  Couples will write their names or initials on padlocks and then affix them to bridges, gates, and fences to symbolize their love. I’ve noticed bridges are the most popular “love lock venue” and several bridges throughout Europe become inundated with thousands of the worded clasps. 

Although the origin of this practice is vague, the influence is widespread and it’s odd to see a bridge without the locks present.  Local governments have taken to passing legislation banning the act on specific bridges (usually due to preserve historical looks on famous bridges) but it doesn’t appear that couples are going to stop anytime soon.  More can be read about this phenomena here.

Love Locks in Wroclaw, Poland:

The locks in Cologne, Germany:

Love Locks in Salzburg, Austria: