Vanløse

Did Van Morrison ever imagine a song about a stairway would lead so many to Vanløse? He penned “Vanlose Stairway” while living here with his Danish girlfriend in the early 1980s. He often sat on the steps of the Vanløse station, contemplating life and love. Vanløse, one of Copenhagen’s 10 official districts, isn’t just a stop on Morrison’s personal journey. It’s a place steeped in history, nestled on the western edge of the municipality. A surprisingly small district, it covers under seven square kilometers and houses a population of around 36,000. Its name, Vanløse, intriguingly translates to “pasture of Archangelica Officinalis,” a nod to its past. Before Morrison, Vanløse attracted other artists. Paul Gauguin, the French Post-Impressionist, lived in a building called Bogholdergården on Bogholder Allé during his Copenhagen stay in 1884-1885. Danish artist Henry Heerup also called Vanløse home for many years, residing on Rødtjørnevej. Even film history has a footnote here. Hyltebjerg Church, a local landmark, makes a cameo appearance in the 1978 Olsen-banden film, “The Olsen Gang Sees Red”. Modern Vanløse has a bustling urban center around the metro station, a stark contrast to Morrison’s quieter days. Vanløse Torv, the cultural center, and the library add a contemporary touch. But pockets of green still exist, reminders of its namesake. Damhus Lake and Grøndalsparken offer tranquil escapes from the city’s hum. Vanløse, a blend of art, history, and modern life. It’s more than a district; it’s a tapestry woven with stories waiting to be discovered.