Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark
On Your Own Shore Excursion
By Tom Ogg
Pusher Street, Christiania,
Copenhagen, Denmark
Christiania
started back in 1971 when some hippie types moved into
abandoned army barracks. Since communes and alternative
government forms were emerging, Christiania was named
"Freetown" and was viewed as a social experiment.
Christiania quickly became the focus of hippies everywhere
and the 85 acre compound evolved into its own community. In
1989 lawmakers passed the "Christiania Law of 1989" which
basically gave authority over Christiania to the state by
transferring responsibility from the municipality of
Copenhagen. This , in effect, gave the residents of
Christiania a free reign in self government.
Drugs were
a basic part of the original culture and stayed a part of
Christiania where the cannibis trade was wide open for
decades. Most recently, the authorities have tried to
convince Christiania residents to not openly trade hash in
the streets of Christiania and to consider maybe paying
taxes. Neither idea is popular with the residents and there
have been violent confrontations between the police and the
residents of Christiania.
However, a
visit to Christiania is quite safe and a very unique
experience. The difference between the residents there today
and the hippies of the 1960s is not noticeable. You will see
some real characters on your visit. Here is how to get
there.
The Church of Our Savior
Spire is Seen on the Left
As you walk
past the the Amalienborg Palace along the canal you will see
the spire of the Church of Our Savior. Christiania is
located right next to the church.
The Church of Our Savior
From the Foot of Nyhavn
When you
arrive at Nyhavn, cross a bridge and continue to the foot of
Nyhavn where you will see the spire again.
The Bridge to Christiania
Continuing
up the channel past Nyavn you will see this bridge that
spans the canal. You can walk across the bridge and continue
along the road until you reach the canal that heads towards
the Church of Our Savior.
The entrance to the area of
the Church of Our Savior
Eventually
you will come to a gate that you can enter to walk to the
Church of Our Savior. Head towards the church.
The Entrance to Christiania
Just past
the church you will see what looks like a park. This is the
main entrance to Christiania.
Welcome to Christiania
Welcome to
Christiania. You will find residents that will give you a
guided tour around Christiania, which is excellent if you
are a bit uneasy wandering around on your own. As you
penetrate Christiania you will eventually make your way to
the mai area of town. This is known as "Pusher Street"
Pusher Street
Pusher
Street has several stores, shacks and bars that are all very
interesting. While hash is not being sold as aggressively as
before, you will undoubtedly be approached to buy some.
While you will see some very different types here, you are
very safe.
One of the Main Stores in
Christiania
Be
forewarned that if residents see you taking pictures they
will attempt to confiscate your camera. A guy that worked t
this store tried to confiscate mine, but I pretended
innocence and he gave up.
One of the bars in
Christiania
Be sure to
visit the area with the outdoor bars. There is always
entertainment taking place around this area, which may be a
band, singer or some other street act. You find your visit
to Christiania interesting and memorable, especially if you
lived through the hippie era, or want to see what it was
like.
The Church of Our Savior
If
you have the time to explore the Church of Our Savior (very
close by) you should do so. The walkway to the top of the
spire is located on the outside of the church and can be
climbed all the way. You can return to downtown Copenhagen
by simply reversing the trip over.
