Erzherzog-Johann Bridge - Paris on 35mm Film!
 Nikon FE
 Ilford HP5 400
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Erzherzog-Johann Bridge

4.6
·52 reviews·Graz, Austria

A romantic bridge adorned with countless love locks, offering stunning views of Graz's Murinsel and Schlossberg.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden hour (sunrise/sunset)

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Erzherzog-Johann Bridge - Paris on 35mm Film!
 Nikon FE
 Ilford HP5 400
 All photos were taken by me.

Erzherzog-Johann Bridge

Best Time

Golden hour (sunrise/sunset)

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A romantic bridge adorned with countless love locks, offering stunning views of Graz's Murinsel and Schlossberg.

4.6
(52 reviews)

"The view is amazing with Murinsel on one side and the view of Schlossberg on the other side. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The bridge is a fantastic photo spot, especially with the Murinsel and Schlossberg in view. Capture the love locks too!

💖 Add Your Own Lock

Many visitors add their own love lock. You can often buy them nearby if you wish to participate.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Love Lock Spectacle

The Love Lock Spectacle

Entire length of the bridge

Thousands of padlocks adorn the railings, a testament to love and connection. A truly unique and romantic sight.

Schlossberg Panorama

Schlossberg Panorama

Western end of the bridge

Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Schlossberg fortress overlooking the city. Perfect for memorable photos.

Murinsel Perspective

Murinsel Perspective

Eastern end of the bridge

Gaze upon the futuristic Murinsel, an artificial island with a café and amphitheater. A striking contrast to the historic cityscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Locks

This unique bridge is adorned with countless love locks. While a charming sight, be mindful of the sheer volume and consider if adding your own is a priority.

Capture the Views

The Erzherzog-Johann Bridge offers stunning vistas of the Murinsel and the Schlossberg. Plan your visit around golden hour for the most picturesque photo opportunities.

Best Times

When
Golden hour (sunrise/sunset)
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today's Erzherzog-Johann-Bridge in Graz was the only bridge over the Mur for a long time. The once magnificent main bridge was replaced in 1965 by the simple, wide and car-friendly Erzherzog-Johann-Bridge. The relics of the historic bridge were disposed of in the Mur when the new bridge was built. In 1996, the International Cities Forum arranged for the recovery of a 2.7-ton Maskeron stone. Im...
graz.is.wow
214 likes • 7.6K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The bridge is a fantastic photo spot, especially with the Murinsel and Schlossberg in view. Capture the love locks too! Reddit

💖 Add Your Own Lock

Many visitors add their own love lock. You can often buy them nearby if you wish to participate. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Connects Key Areas

This bridge is a vital link between Kunsthaus and Graz's historic old town (Altstadt). Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The bridge is a fantastic photo spot, especially with the Murinsel and Schlossberg in view. Capture the love locks too! Reddit

💖 Add Your Own Lock

Many visitors add their own love lock. You can often buy them nearby if you wish to participate. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Connects Key Areas

This bridge is a vital link between Kunsthaus and Graz's historic old town (Altstadt). Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(52 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Erzherzog-Johann Bridge for its unique charm, particularly the vast collection of love locks. The stunning panoramic views of the Murinsel and Schlossberg are frequently highlighted as a major draw, making it a beloved photo spot and a romantic landmark in Graz. Some find the sheer number of locks overwhelming, but most appreciate its distinctive character.

"A combination place for culture, fun, nature, history and religion!"

Mehdy Zakeri

"A bridge on Mur River. Connects Kunsthaus to Graz altstadt. The view is amazing with Murinsel on one side and the view of Schlossberg on the other side. There are lots of padlocks on the bridge. Nice photo spot for travelers."

berke ayrancioglu

"love​ ​bridge​ need​ lock​ to​ left​there"

komon sermboonkrong

What People Like

Abundant love locks
Amazing city views
Romantic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Overwhelming number of locks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Erzherzog-Johann Bridge is centrally located in Graz, Austria. It's easily accessible on foot from the historic old town (Altstadt) and the Kunsthaus Graz. Public transport options like trams and buses stop frequently nearby, making it a convenient destination.

While direct parking on the bridge is not possible, several parking garages are located within a short walking distance in the city center. Consider the 'Parkgarage Hauptplatz' or 'Parkgarage Mariahilferstraße' for convenient access.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking across the Erzherzog-Johann Bridge is completely free and open to the public at all times. It's a public thoroughfare connecting two important parts of the city.

The bridge is accessible 24/7. You can visit and enjoy the views at any time of day or night, though nighttime visits offer a different, illuminated perspective of the city.

📸 📸 Photography

The bridge offers fantastic vantage points for photographing the Murinsel, the Schlossberg, and the charming Graz skyline. The love locks themselves also make for unique close-up shots. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for capturing the bridge and its surroundings. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The love locks are a popular tradition where couples attach padlocks to the bridge railings, often with their names or initials, symbolizing their enduring love. It's a romantic gesture that has transformed the bridge into a unique landmark. Reddit

The Murinsel is a unique artificial island in the Mur River, featuring a café and an amphitheater. It's directly connected to the Erzherzog-Johann Bridge, allowing easy access for visitors to explore its modern design and enjoy a coffee. Reddit

From the bridge, you get stunning views of the Murinsel, the historic Schlossberg with its clock tower, and the picturesque rooftops of Graz's old town. It's a perfect spot to orient yourself and appreciate the city's beauty. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families will find the Erzherzog-Johann Bridge an engaging stop. The sheer number of love locks is fascinating for children, sparking conversations about love and commitment in a visual way. The bridge also offers great views of the Murinsel, which has an amphitheater that can be fun for kids to explore, and the distant Schlossberg, which might pique their interest in castles. It's a safe and easy walk, perfect for a short break during a day of sightseeing. Reddit

Consider making a stop at the Murinsel for a snack or to let the kids run around a bit. The bridge itself is wide enough for strollers, and the views provide a good opportunity to point out different parts of the city. It's a simple yet memorable experience that adds a touch of romance and visual interest to a family outing in Graz.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Erzherzog-Johann Bridge is a goldmine. The iconic view encompassing the Murinsel, the Mur River, and the Schlossberg is a classic Graz shot. The love locks provide endless opportunities for creative close-ups and detail shots, adding a unique texture and narrative to your portfolio. Reddit

Aim for golden hour for the most dramatic lighting. The bridge's position also allows for excellent shots of the city skyline at dusk or dawn. Don't forget to experiment with different angles to capture the contrast between the modern Murinsel and the historic cityscape. The bridge itself, with its railings and the river below, can also be a strong compositional element.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Love Locks

The Erzherzog-Johann Bridge has become a canvas for countless declarations of love, adorned with thousands of padlocks. This tradition, where couples attach locks to the railings, often inscribing their names or initials, has transformed the bridge into a unique and romantic landmark. While the sheer volume of locks is impressive, it's a visual representation of the enduring human desire for connection and commitment. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the sheer scale of this romantic gesture, making it a memorable part of their visit. Reddit

While the locks add a unique charm, it's worth noting that they are a relatively recent addition to the bridge's history. The practice has become so widespread that it's now an integral part of the bridge's identity. For many, the opportunity to add their own lock is a significant part of the experience, symbolizing their own relationships and memories. Reddit

Architectural Significance and Views

The Erzherzog-Johann Bridge, named after Archduke John of Austria, is more than just a crossing; it's a vital link connecting the modern Kunsthaus Graz with the historic old town. Its design offers strategic viewpoints, framing iconic Graz landmarks. To the west, the imposing Schlossberg rises, crowned by its famous clock tower, providing a dramatic backdrop. To the east, the contemporary Murinsel, an artificial island housing a café and amphitheater, presents a striking contrast, showcasing Graz's blend of old and new. Reddit

This bridge is a prime location for photographers and sightseers alike. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, especially during golden hour, creates stunning photographic opportunities. The panoramic views allow visitors to appreciate the city's layout and its harmonious integration of historical architecture with modern design. It's a place where you can pause, reflect, and truly soak in the beauty of Graz. Reddit

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