Around the world, couples are locking up their love – literally – with padlocks. Better known as love locks, these padlocks can be custom-designed or simply bear a pair of scratched-in initials. But no matter how they look, the love lock ritual remains the same: Set the lock on a fence, bridge or cable in a romantic spot, declare your undying love for each another and throw away the key as a symbol of a love that can never be broken.
If you’re looking to lock up your love with your significant other, don’t miss these seven hot spots for love locks.
Seoul, South Korea
In South Korea’s capital city, couples flock to Namsan Tower to lock up their love at the top of the mountain. The practise is so common that officials installed extra tree-like structures to give couples more space for their locks. It used to be a tradition that couples would throw the key down onto the mountainside after placing their locks on the fence, but a Postbox of Love now offers an environmentally friendly way for couples to throw away their keys.
Paris, France
It makes sense that one of the world’s most romantic cities would have a special place dedicated to lovers. In Paris, love locks can be found on the Pont de l’Archevêché, a bridge that overlooks the Seine. You’ll also find plenty of love locks on the Pont des Arts, also on the Seine.
Montevideo, Uruguay
If you and your soulmate are travelling to Uruguay, you can place your testament to your everlasting devotion at the Fountain of Love in Montevideo. According to the fountain’s sign, legend has it that couples who place a love lock here will return together and enjoy a love that’s forever locked.
Huashan, China
Huashan is one of China’s five sacred mountains, and the dramatic climb is also home to a multitude of golden love locks with red ribbons. While these locks can also symbolise good luck or health for loved ones, it’s also common for couples to make the trek together to lock up their love and throw away the key.
Cologne, Germany
Tens of thousands of locks have been left on Cologne’s Love Locks Bridge, where lovers can throw the key into the Rhine River.
Napa Valley, California
Couples who love wine as much as they love each another can leave a love lock in California’s wine country. The Napa Valley Wine Train has a small foot bridge dedicated to love locks.
Prague, Czech Republic
Along the Vitava River and near Charles Bridge, you’ll find fences and gates are adorned with these metal love tokens. Love locks are also popular on a pedestrian bridge near the John Lennon Wall.
(Main image: hojusaram used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
