Strøget

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Strøget, Copenhagen's pedestrian zone. April 2005.

Strøget (literally "the straight" or to wander) is a carfree zone in Copenhagen, Denmark. This popular tourist attraction in the centre of town is the longest pedestrian shopping area in Europe.^[1]

The street is bounded on the west by Rådhuspladsen ("The City Hall Square"), the central town square by Copenhagen City Hall, and on the east by Kongens Nytorv ("The King's New Square"), another large square at the other end. But the Strøget area is actually a collection of streets that spread out from this central thoroughfare. These streets, in order from Rådshuspladsen to Kongens Nytorv, are as follows:

Frederiksberggade
Gammel Torv / Nytorv
Nygade
Vimmelskaftet
Amagertorv
Østergade

Many of the city's most famous and expensive stores, such as Illums Bolighus, Magasin du Nord, the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, and chain stores, are located along the strip. There are also a multitude of souvenir shops and fast food outlets.

Strøget was created in the 1960s when cars were beginning to dominate Copenhagen's old central streets. Municipal politicians wanted to ensure some areas remained carfree. Since then it has become a model often emulated elsewhere. Danish architect and urban planner Jan Gehl has been instrumental in the creation of this pedestrian zone.

For many years in the late 20th century, tourists on Strøget enjoyed the spectacle of a large man in full Viking costume, directing them to one of the sweater markets. Today, there is a variety of street entertainment.

The west end of Strøget at Rådhuspladsen is a short walking distance to Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen's Central Train Station. At the east end of Strøget at Kongens Nytorv are located the Royal Danish Theatre and the exclusive d'Angleterre Hotel. Kongens Nytorv is a short walking distance to the popular Nyhavn area, Langelinie and Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence.