In the center of Copenhagen, there is a community called Christiania that is self-managed. Consequently, we are discussing a free city.
In fact, as soon as you step inside, you feel as though you are entering another universe. There are certain guidelines to follow, but everyone is welcome.
It’s not allowed to take pictures. Since it is stated virtually everywhere, I didn’t feel like doing any safety-related testing. It’s also advised against running to prevent any frantic actions.
For what purpose? Because the sale of cannabis on the street is legal, or at the very least tolerated. Every year, an increasing number of visitors visit this unique neighborhood.
Facts about Christiania
Along with colorful residences, there are pubs, cafés, and concert venues. A true throwback to the hippy era. Each of the druggists has his or her own small shop. A barrel is generally sufficient. This is by far the most unique neighborhood I’ve had the opportunity to see thus far.
A collection of hippies, artists, and jobless people began to inhabit the land of a derelict barracks in Christianshavn around the end of the 1970s. These locals have simply prepared a charter and declared the perimeter’s freedom.
That’s all there is to it. Christiania, the Free town, was founded. A city inside a city with around 900 residents and a land area of 34 hectares.
The city has its own citizens’ assemblies, flag, and currency. Isn’t that crazy?. It also boasts a bakery, a road service, a school, a printing plant, a cinema, and, of course, free radio.
Another startling fact is that in Chritiania, private property does not exist; the homes are owned by the community.
Residents and visitors must follow the nine fundamental laws, which ban the carrying of firearms, hard narcotics, automobiles, aggression, and theft. Everything I anticipated when I heard the phrase “Freetown”.
Things to do or see in Christiania
The Selling of Canabis
If I may say so. It’s strange to phrase it like this, yet that’s the first thing that comes to mind. We travel to Christiania to discover how different it is from home (or from anywhere else).
It intrigued me to discover medicines everywhere, like if we were visiting a pharmacist. I’m not a fan of this type of consumerism, but it’s worth a look.
Street Art
Street Art is everywhere throughout the neighborhood. It’s a genuine gallery. They are practically everywhere, making the environment quite vibrant.
Skateboarding
Christiania features a big skatepark that is open to all tourists for free.
Christiania Art Gallery
Christiania is a little town with lots of street art, murals, and artisan fairs. The Christiania Art Gallery, which is centrally located and offers picture opportunities as well as information on the artists who created it, is evidence that the streets are vibrant and busy.
The Art gallery is owned by a couple of South Africans. They purchased this house back in 2018 to showcase their works. There are many things to buy, and there are always enjoyable things to do with friends or family, such live jazz, food stands, and weekend barbecues outside.
Concert venues
In Freetown Christiania, there are several concert venues, each with an own vibe. Jazz enthusiasts should listen to Jazzklubben without a doubt.
Professional and amateur musicians perform in the small, smoke-filled pub, and everyone is welcome to join in on the Sunday jam sessions by getting up on stage and playing their instrument of choice.
From Thursday through Sunday, the Operaen cafe’s music fills the area. The vibrant café hosts DJs, acoustic performances, and jam sessions until late. On the official Music Loppen website, keep an eye out for concerts and performances.
Finally, go to Woodstock at the end of Pusher Street for a drink and some music in Christiania’s oldest pub.
Cafes and Restaurants
Christiania is the place to go for everyone, offering everything from brunch and breakfast to burgers and vegetarian eateries.
Visit Sunshine Bakery if you’re in the mood for pastries and try a traditional Danish kage. All of the things are quite tasty, and the pricing are pretty reasonable. Famous for its flavorful burgers and sandwiches is Café Nemoland. Desserts and coffee are also available.
The meals from Morgenstedet and Grønsagen should definitely be tried by vegans. While you unwind in the incredibly comfortable environment, sample their delectable meals, all of which are cooked with fresh veggies.
Thai-inspired vegetarian meals are served at Café Loppen. Since this restaurant promotes nutritious eating without unnecessary frills, all of the food and beverages are organic.
Månefiskeren is a large cafe with original paintings on the walls that is open Tuesday through Sunday. The café includes an outdoor space with big wooden tables that you may share with the locals on those hot, sunny days.
Månefiskeren allows smoking, and those want to practice their game can even use the pool table.
Is Christiania Safe?
It is crucial that you abide by the Dos and Don’ts posted at the gates before entering Christiania. Here are some tips on how to avoid running or using your phone when entering Christiania.
Additionally, visitors are not permitted to take pictures or videos within some areas of Christiania. Keep looking for the signs allowing you or not to take pictures.
When I visited Christiania, I had a professional camera, but was only using it in areas outside posher street or the jazz club.
There are other parts of the town with a lot of picture opportunities likes the art gallery, the graffiti’s or the Tibet Temple. I wouldn’t recommend to visit Charitiania if it is dark, or late at night.
How to get to Christiania?
Freetown Christiania is a neighborhood in Christianshavn that is accessible via bike, bus, or metro. Don’t waste your time trying to drive because cars are not permitted in the area.
After getting off at Christianshavn St., continue southeast toward Dronningensgade; the bohemian district is reached after approximately 15 minutes.
Take bus 9A from Christianshavn St. and get out at the next station (Bodenhoffs Plads) if you don’t want to walk the entire distance. Take the bus 350S from Nerreport St. to go to Christianshavn St. from the city center.
Final thoughts: Is Christiania worth it?
In the next few lines, I will try to give you my honest opinion and thoughts about Christiania.
This visit was really fascinating and even enriching for me. It helps you to step outside of your comfort zone and become acquainted with a whole other culture. You will never have the impression that you are in Copenhagen.
Seeing these Canabis sellers on every corner made me feel uneasy at first. We constantly persuade ourselves that it is unsafe and that something bad will happen to us. However, I did not feel unsafe during my visit.
What concerned me the most in the end was finding myself outside of my tiny comfort zone, despite the fact that I was reared in cotton wool.
As a precaution, I would not go there at night, even though the concerts appear to be a good place to be.
After a visit of Christiania, I hugely suggest going to Reffen, a lovely street food market located about 10 minutes away.
