![Amsterdam's Iconic Love Lock Bridge Location [2025 Update]](/en/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/20250730033451_love-lock-bridges-in.jpeg)
Amsterdam's Love Lock Bridge - Its Precise Location [2025 Update]
In the heart of Amsterdam, the Staalmeestersbrug bridge, which crosses the Groenburgwal Canal, has become a popular spot for couples to express their undying love by attaching padlocks. However, these love locks are not officially sanctioned by the city authorities.
Thousands of love locks, each marked with a sentiment of undying love, have been added to the sturdy black iron chains of the Staalmeestersbrug bridge. The bridge's picturesque view of the Zuiderkerk tower adds to its allure as a frequent photo spot for couples. Yet, it's not clearly indicated as an official designated love lock site.
The practice of attaching love locks to bridges is not new. Cities like Paris's Pont des Arts were once adorned with close to 1 million locks, but due to structural concerns, lock placement is now banned. Amsterdam, too, does not have a formally designated alternative site approved by city authorities.
The Staalmeestersbrug bridge is not immune to the removal of love locks. Systematic removal is ongoing, and when there are more than 13 padlocks on the bridge, they will be taken down. Adding a love lock to any of the bridges in Amsterdam is not advised due to potential damage and un-environmental friendliness.
The general consensus around the world is that love locks are largely unsafe, especially on historic bridges. Cities like Venice, New York, and Chicago have had similar issues. In May 2012, all the padlocks on the Staalmeestersbrug bridge were removed.
Interestingly, some cities have found alternative solutions. For instance, the Moscow council provided metal love lock trees along the Vodootvodny Canal as a special installation for people to hang locks on.
However, in Amsterdam, there are currently no official love lock bridges. Locals don't favour them, and the council routinely removes them. Love locks are viewed as vandalism by the authorities, and their presence on the Magere Brug ("Skinny Bridge") that crosses the river Amstel was also met with their removal.
Despite this, the tradition continues in some unofficial spots, with the Staalmeestersbrug bridge being a notable example. For couples seeking to leave a symbol of their love in Amsterdam, it remains a popular choice, despite not being an officially recognised love lock installation site.
Travelers visiting Amsterdam might choose to add a symbol of their love to the Staalmeestersbrug bridge, as it remains a popular unofficial spot for love locks, even though the city authorities view them as vandalism and routinely remove them. Conversely, the practice of attaching love locks to bridges is increasingly discouraged due to potential damage and lack of environmental friendliness, as seen in cities like Paris, Venice, New York, and Chicago.
