Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A walk or bike ride through Christiania is a great way to see how this com-
munity lives. When you leave, look up—the sign above the gate says, “You
are entering the EU.”
Smoking Marijuana:
Pusher Street was once lined with stalls selling
marijuana, joints, and hash. Residents intentionally destroyed the stalls in
2004 to reduce the risk of Christiania being disbanded by the government.
(One stall was spared and is on display at the National Museum.) Walking
along Pusher Street today, you may witness policemen or deals being
made—but never at the same time. You may also notice wafts of marijuana
smoke and whispered offers of “hash” during your visit. And, in fact, on
my last visit there was a small stretch of Pusher Street dubbed the “Green
Light District” where pot was being openly sold (signs acknowledged that this
activity was still illegal, and announced three rules here: 1. Have fun; 2. No
photos; and 3. No running—“because it makes people nervous”). However,
purchasing and smoking may buy you more time in Denmark than you'd
planned—possessionofmarijuanaisillegal.Withtherecentpolicecrackdown
on marijuana sales, the street price has skyrocketed, crime has crept into the
scene, and someone was actually murdered in a drug scuffle near Christi-
ania—problems unthinkable in mellower times.
