Gay area copenhagen

By Lars Henriksen, the Chairperson of Copenhagen Pride 

Around 1850 the old fortifications around the centre of Copenhagen, that had for centuries both safe-guarded the metropolis and at the same time kept it from expanding, fell. Moats and ramparts no longer served in contemporary war, and over the next 30 years, most of it was demolished and opened the city towards West, North and South, creating new boom-town neighbourhoods across the bridges that had since olden times connected the Medieval City across the moat to its suburbs.  

The area between the old and the new part of town is also where 150 years ago an entertainment area developed, that formed the basis of a gay community. This is where people met, bridging the gaps between classes, sexualities and gender and to this day, Ørstedsparken – part of the old fortifications, remains a sought-after cruising area during summer nights.  

 The bridges have given their names to the neighbourhoods: Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro – and beyond Sønderbro: Amager.  

To understand and benefit from Copenhagen – understanding the lay-out is vital.  

Vesterbro is the gentrified, hipster-heavy hood, with loads of juvenile families and children – an