Now, not many of you may know this, but Copenhagen has been voted best city for cycling two years running by US sustainability experts Treehugger. I was surprised that it wasn't Amsterdam, as it seems to be more known for it's cycling, although I've actually never been there! Copenhagen has invested huge amounts of money in making this city 'cycle safe' and because of this it is now covered by 350km of cycle paths and lanes.
We began to explore the south of the city and crossed Knippelsbro bridge into Christianshavn. We decided that we wanted to spend the day exploring the south due to it's markets, canals and most importantly Freetown Christiania!
Christiania is a self-governing 'free town', established in 1971 on the site of a military barracks. After the military moved out, vast amounts of homeless people started to move into the abandoned buildings. It currently has 900 residents and covers 84 acres. Christiania has it's own flag (a red background with three yellow circles) and also it's own currency, Lon - even though Danish crowns are still accepted here. Walking through this town and seeing the wonderful coloured buildings and residents, it's fantastic to see that this place has not lost its community feel - even though Christiania is visited by people from all over the world! As you hit Pusher Street, the feel of town changes. Pusher Street, locally known as the 'Green Light District' is a street made up of huts selling hash. Now, Marijuana is still illegal in Denmark. Therefore, Pusher Street has strict rules for anyone wishing to pass through. The rules are:
1. Don't run! It's causes panic (speaks for itself due to the nature of the street)
2. No cameras! As I said, the distribution of Marijuana is still illegal.
3. Have Fun!
As we started to pass through the street, the feel of the town changes. The street, as I said, is made up of small huts selling Marijuana. The idea around Christiania distribution of hash is to stop the use of 'Hard Drugs'. The 'No Hard Drugs' policy was first established in the town in 1972 and remains in effect today, although evidence on the ground suggests that this isn't always abided by...The dealers are dressed in army camouflage, with balaclavas over their heads to hide their identity. Although the appearance of the dealers are very intimidating, they're running a business at the end of the day, so when it comes to the sale of hash to tourist or locals, their general persona changes..again, as this street is where the majority of the income for the town is made.
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Once you pass through Pusher Street, you hit the lake which takes up about half of the 84 acres in Freetown Christiania. Here, you will find most of the residents and their unique houses. It's amazing to think that this place is in the centre of a bustling city, because walking round this tranquil part of this town really makes you forget that. Christiania is one of the most unique places I've ever been, the sense of community in this place is second to known, the town has been allowed to grow and change due to the amount of tourists that pass through. The centre of the town is now a food market and has regular events hosted on the stage - there really is more to this place than just...drugs!
As you approach the exit towards the north of the city, you are reminded that "You are now entering the EU", a statement or promise that the residents of Christiania still fight on a daily basis for their self-governed, free lives here.
Regards, Dan.
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