Riga Travel Forum

Labdien!

I recently discovered Riga's new tradition" where newlyweds clamp a padlock to a bridge and throw away the key in the river below. Are the padlocks removed after a while (for example, at the end of each year) or does the city leave them there?

I am asking because we will travelling to Riga for our 10-year anniversary this September and locking a padlock to a bridge seemed like an original way to mark the event.

Liels paldies!

We saw the same idea in many places in Italy. One bridge in Florence had a shiney brass sign in 2 languages (Italian and English) saying the practice was forbidden and padlocks would be removed, however on the Via dell' Amore between Manarola and Riomaggiore there was a lovers seat overlooking the sea complete with a cut out couple kissing. If you go to my Manarola page and then local customs there's a photo of same - sorry us oldies spoilt the photo - LOL

BUT SIRGAW,
Do you know about RIGA? That seems to be the question. I also would like to know?

They are removed every so often. Mine was put there four years ago and lasted two years before the bridge was cleared to make room for new padlocks.

It’s a Russian wedding tradition. They tend to clear the larger bridges once a year.

Last weekend I was in Arkady park (I am from Riga) and saw padlocks dated by 2002. They are removed but not every year. And it is not only Russian tradition as far as I know. There are a lot of Latvian names on these padlocks. It is always interesting to see them, to read and think- " How it is going with this couple?" :) If you have questions about Riga - you are welcome to ask :)

I didn’t say you have to be Russian to put your name on.

Thanks everyone for your answers! At least now I know what to expect.

We may look for a smaller bridge so our padlock stays there longer. ;)