Amsterdam's Love Lock Bridge Location: An Updated Guide as of 2025
In the heart of Amsterdam, a once common sight of love locks adorning bridges has faded away. The city authorities have taken a firm stance against this practice, viewing it as an act of vandalism that can potentially cause damage and pose a risk to the safe operation of bridges.
One of the most popular locations for love locks was the Staalmeestersbrug bridge, which stands proudly against the backdrop of the Zuiderkerk tower. However, in May 2012, all the padlocks on this bridge were systematically removed due to the number of locks exceeding 13, a threshold set by the authorities [1].
The Magere Brug ("Skinny Bridge") crossing the river Amstel and the small bridge in the center of the Vondelpark were also not immune to this trend. Their love locks were removed due to the same reasons [2]. It's worth noting that the bridge in Vondelpark may not be removed as often due to its size and lack of boats.
The authorities in Amsterdam are not alone in their stance. Cities like Moscow have special installations for love locks, but Amsterdam does not. This global consensus around the world is that love locks are largely unsafe, especially on historic bridges, due to the potential for structural damage [5].
Amsterdam locals generally oppose love locks for these reasons. The removal of love locks costs the city time and money, but the city has chosen to prioritise the safety and integrity of its bridges over the sentimental value of the locks.
In an effort to preserve the memory of these love locks, artist Henki B. collected over 1900 locks from around the city and transformed them into an art installation called *Saved Loves of Amsterdam*. This unique piece serves as a testament to the love stories once locked on the bridges of Amsterdam, while ensuring the safety and beauty of the city's historic structures [3].
So, if you're planning a visit to Amsterdam and considering leaving a love lock on one of its bridges, think again. There are **no official love lock bridges in Amsterdam** where adding a padlock is allowed. Your love story may be better off immortalised in a more enduring and safe way.
Travelers visiting Amsterdam may find it surprising that there are no official love lock bridges in the city where adding a padlock is allowed, as love locks have been systematically removed from popular locations due to potential damage and safety concerns. Instead, Amsterdam encourages preserving the memory of love stories in more enduring and safe ways.
