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Christiania

Christiania, the famous freetown of Copenhagen.

This controversial area is loved by many but has been a turning point for strong debate. For visitors, the area is subject to safety concerns due to criminal activity and drug dealing. 

It is important to know that dealing, buying and possessing illegal substances in any form is against Danish legislation.

Read more about safety in Christiania below.

Creative housing Christiania was founded in 1971 when a group of people cut a hole in the fence to the military barracks in Bådmandsgade. Soon, the area was known for Pusher Street, where you could buy hash and pot – but no hard drugs – from various stalls. Today, many of the original settlers still live in the collectively controlled village, and the area has a clear 70s feel to it. A lot of the people living in Christiania built their homes themselves, giving the area an extremely interesting architectural feel. And you will find a variety of eco-restaurants, workshops, galleries and music venues offering all sorts of cultural experiences.

Christiania existed under special conditions for 40 years, with constant conflicts and clashes between the local Christianites and the Danish state.

After many years of uncertainty about the future of Christiania, an agreement was entered in 2011, which meant that on 1 July 2012, a foundation, the Foundation Freetown Christiania, was founded.

The foundation now owns the entire part of Christiania located outside the protected ramparts and leases buildings and land on the ramparts, which are still owned by the state. Part of the money is raised by selling the symbolic Christiania shares. Safety in Christiania It is important that you are aware that Christiania is not like any other neighbourhood in Copenhagen. According to Copenhagen police the area around Pusher Street is controlled by organised criminal groups. The residents themselves have adopted a set of rules for security reasons, which they strongly advise visitors to abide by. They discourage visitors from photographing, running and talking on the phone in the area, especially in and around Pusher Street. At the main entrance, you will find a sign listing the rules, which the residents also advise visitors not to photograph. Over the years, there have been reports of acts of violence linked to organised criminal activities, and it is advised to check the recommendations of the local authorities before planning a visit to Christiania. Read about current affairs from Copenhagen Police or visit their account on X . Guided tours Locals give guided tours of the area. Every day throughout the summer (26 June  – 31 August) and every weekend the rest of the year. This is a really good way to experience the special Christiania vibe. The guides have lived most of their lives here, and they give a personal tour of this alternative community. The tours are in English and Danish and start from the main entrance at 15:00. The price is DKK 40 in cash to the guide.

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Freetown Christiania Copenhagen: The Ultimate Guide to Plan Your Visit

Posted on March 28, 2022

Categories Art , Blog , Cultural Travel , Denmark , Europe

Have you ever heard of Freetown Christiania? If you love quirky places, alternative lifestyles, street art, or anything off the beaten path, you need visit when you travel to Copenhagen . Ever since I learned of Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, I knew that I had to visit.

Freetown Christiania is located in the heart of Copenhagen. It has such an intriguing history and it’s really unlike any other place in the world. Furthermore, it’s just so quirky, colourful, and even a bit alarming. You really only need to carve out about an hour to wander around, and you can always stay a little longer for lunch if you’d like.

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Table of Contents

What is Freetown Christiania?

Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous district in the borough of Christianshavn. It is an anarchist community on the site of a former military barracks, right in the middle of Copenhagen.

The Christiania residents follow counter-cultural beliefs based in the hippie movement, anarchism, the squatter movement, and collectivism. They fly their own flag, have their own currency, and sing their own anthem.

They don’t consider themselves part of Copenhagen, Denmark, or the European Union. Those living in Christiania don’t pay taxes. In recent years, approximately 900 people live in the commune, with even second or third generations of families growing up there.

A Brief History of Christiania

In the 1970s, homeless people started to live in the empty buildings of the abandoned military base. This was partially as a protest to the Danish government and also because there was a significant lack of affordable housing in Copenhagen.

In 1971, Christiania was officially established, as declared by Danish journalist, Jacob Ludvigsen. He wrote an article announcing the official proclamation of this new free town. He was also the co-author of Christiania’s mission statement:

The objective of Christiania is to create a self-governing society whereby each and every individual holds themselves responsible over the wellbeing of the entire community. Our society is to be economically self-sustaining and, as such, our aspiration is to be steadfast in our conviction that psychological and physical destitution can be averted.

What are the rules of Christiania?

Freetown Christiania is a free state that makes its own rules of governance. There aren’t many rules and laws in Christiania, except for a few key ones to note.

First, Freetown Christiania is a community free of violence. There are no guns, knives, or bulletproof vests. Also banned from the community: bikers’ colours, hard drugs, and stealing of any kind.

Don’t run in Christiania. Running promotes panic and fear. The residents won’t know if you are running from someone or something.

Christiania is a car-free zone. There’s a popular place to rent bicycles with carts on the back of them. Everyone I saw there either walked or rode a bike. It certainly keeps with the green and environmentally-friendly beliefs of the commune.

It used to be a rule that visitors could not take any photographs within Freetown Christiania. However, the rules are a little more relaxed now. Feel free to snap a few pictures, as long as you’re being sensitive about it. Don’t photograph any people without their permission. Take a few photos here and there, but don’t use this as a backdrop to elaborate photo or video shoots.

The Green Light District

The Green Light District, also known as Pusher Street, is the famous street in Freetown Christiania that used to be the centre of the drug trade in Copenhagen. However, the Green Light District is much different than it used to be. There used to be permanent stalls set up along this street for the cannabis trade. Then, there were numerous police raids of the community, over and over again.

It wouldn’t take long for the drug dealers to resurface after the raids. But, there are no longer permanent stalls. You will hear the odd hushed voice asking if you’d like to buy drugs. But, it is no longer encouraged in Freetown Christiania. After all, cannabis is illegal in Denmark and Copenhagen, and those within this hippie commune want to keep their community safe.

When I visited Freetown Christiania Copenhagen, you could take photographs everywhere except Pusher Street. This was unfortunate because some of the best street art was along this stretch, but I didn’t want to disturb anyone or violate the rules of the commmunity.

Nowadays, you can take photographs everywhere, just as long as you are respectful about it. Don’t use it as a backdrop for your selfies or take involved Instagram photoshoots here. If there are any temporary tables with drug deals happening, it makes sense to not take pictures of the drug dealers. Otherwise, you’re good to go.

There’s now a sign installed on Pusher Street that asks that people do not purchase drugs in the Green Light District. The residents really want to keep the community safe and free of future violence or police raids. Please be respectful and do not purchase any drugs here.

The Vibrant Street Art of Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is a paradise for lovers of street art. Bright and colourful paintings covered nearly every wall or surface. Keeping with a no-waste attitude, many works of art are created from reused materials.

Nothing in Christiania is wasted, even if it isn’t as attractive. Old tree stumps are left to rot as they can attract certain insects and birds, leaving a positive impact on the ecosystem.

Even if all you do in Christiania is walk around and appreciate the street art, it’s well worth the trip. People who live in Christianshavn often decorate their homes with all sorts of creative knick-knacks and colourful decor.

A Self-Guided Tour of Freetown Christiania

I wandered around the alternative community of Freetown Christiania early on a Sunday morning, around 10:00am. The main entrance features totem poles welcoming you to the commune.

On this brisk, March day, there really weren’t many other people around. I walked the streets on my own, seeing a random person or roaming dog on occasion. It was very peaceful and quiet.

I didn’t see any drugs for sale on Pusher Street, though I did see a few men setting up their stalls. The Green Light District was most likely much more action-packed later in the day.

I had an eerie feeling from time to time as I explored by myself. Christiania almost has a post-apocalyptic atmosphere in certain spaces. Muddy paths, crumbling structures, and messages spray painted onto plywood gave off unsettling vibes. With that said, I felt perfectly safe wandering around on my own.

When to Visit Christiania and My Experiences

You can visit Freetown Christiania anytime. It was very quiet and relaxed on a Sunday morning. If you’re looking for a busier or more bustling atmosphere, I suggest going there later in the day.

I’ve heard that the residents are super friendly and kind, but I didn’t see very many people around on a Sunday morning. Some people like to keep to themselves, but it is possible to strike up a conversation with some of the local residents for an inside perspective of life in Christiania.

If you’re seeking more energy and activity, I suggest visiting in the afternoon. However, Christiania is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen and more crowded later in the day. There are also music venues, art galleries, and skate parks in Freetown Christiania that you can experience as well.

Sadly, the fact that the Freetown Christiania commune has become a tourist attraction and has become more gentrified over the years has caused many original residents to move away. It’s become a really popular destination, and I can see exactly why. It’s just so unique and interesting. Please keep in mind that this is a residential area and not a tourist’s playground. Be respectful when you visit.

How to Take a Guided Tour of Freetown Christiania

If you would rather take a walking tour of Freetown Christiania Copenhagen, you can easily book one in advance. While it is easy to wander around on your own, a tour guide can provide additional insights from a local. You’re likely to learn many more interesting stories, history, and information than walking around on your own.

This walking tour is 1.5 hours long and you’ll learn all kinds of stories along the way. Please note that walking tours inside the gates of Freetown Christiania are not permitted. You’ll walk from Nyhavn towards Christianshavn, learning all of the details, history and stories. The walking tour stops at the gates of Freetown Christiania where you can freely go after the tour and explore on your own. Book your guided tour here.

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Keeping with the green and natural lifestyle, Freetown Christiania has lots of vegan and vegetarian food for such a tiny community. There are a couple of vegetarian restaurants in Freetown Christiania that cater to vegans, too.

Morgenstedet is a vegetarian restaurant in Christiania. The fully organic menu blends various cuisines from around the world as the chefs have different cultural heritages. The prices are reasonable and lower than other dining options in Copenhagen.

Grønsagen is another restaurant in town serving meat and veggie options at their buffet. You pay by how much food you put on your plate. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also available. Looking for more vegetarian and vegan food in Copenhagen? Check out my vegan guide to Copenhagen . And for the coffee lovers, I also have this handy guide to the best Copenhagen cafes .

Christiania Christmas Market

Although I didn’t visit around Christmastime, there is an annual Christmas market in Freetown Christiania. It’s held within Grey Hall, the centre of the community. You can purchase lots of handcrafted items, including Christmas decorations, jewelry, knitwear, cards, and other handmade wares.

You can also watch some of the crafts being made, chat to local artists and artisans, and grab a bite to eat. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the full experience of visiting Christianshavn on your visit, like wandering the streets and checking out the street art.

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Getting to Freetown Christiania

I walked to Christiania from my hotel, Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade . Walk past Nyhavn and across a bridge, and you’re almost there. It’s really easy to walk from Nyhavn to Christianshavn.

Alternatively, you can take the train to Christianshavn Station and it’s a short walk from there. With a Copenhagen City Card , you gain free public transportation. I used the train from one side of the city to the other, and it was great to not have to worry about buying any train tickets throughout my stay. There are so many other perks from buying the Copenhagen City Card , too, and I highly recommend it.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

I stayed at  Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade , a modern, no frills hotel in the middle of town. It’s inexpensive (around $100 Canadian a night) and has your basic needs covered: it’s clean, has a modern design, and has the essentials (bed, shower, bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi).

The hotel is right in the centre of it all. You can walk everywhere, and there’s a train station down the street. I took public transit from the airport to the subway stop and walked to the hotel (about an 8 minute walk). It’s the perfect place to stay if you have 3 days in Copenhagen: great price and great location.

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Frank Rebelo

Sunday 22nd of May 2022

I’m writing this as I sit in Cafe Nemoland waiting for out lunch. It’s noon on a Sunday May 22, 22. You’re correct, it is much busier later in the day. The sun is starting to come out and it’s quite busy. Stalls are up and busy. Definitely worth a visit.

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

Thank you for the update! I'm glad you had the chance to visit and enjoyed it. It's a very unique place!

Tuesday 5th of June 2018

Such a beautiful town, love the street art.

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Read This Before Visiting Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Welcome to my Freetown Christiania travel guide, one of the weirdest and most wonderful places I visited in Denmark (and possibly the world!).

This place is the total opposite to the rest of ordered, clean Copenhagen just across the bridge. As my tour guide on a walking tour told us, ‘if you have a spare hour here, drop everything and visit Freetown Christiania’. Of all the things to do in Copenhagen , this is for sure the most unusual.

Visiting Copenhagen? Check out my other blogs:

• 3 day Copenhagen itinerary
• Where to find cheap brunch and breakfast in Copenhagen

In this guide, I’ll share my Freetown Christiania tips and explain the area’s rules to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen

Freetown Christiania is a neighbourhood not far from the centre of Copenhagen which was founded in 1971 by a couple of hippies who were fed up of societal rules so decided to create their own community. Nowadays it’s known for its alternative vibe and is home to a thousand residents. Unusual things about Freetown Christiania include the fact that it’s green, car-free – oh, and there are drugs. Lots of drugs. While they’re technically illegal, they’re overlooked by the police and openly sold on the main street which is (not so subtly) called ‘Pusher Street’.

Accompanying the hippie vibe is a sense of solidarity and a focus on sustainable communities. There are also galleries and cafes in Christiania and it’s a place that’s become popular with tourists. I’m all about seeing different cultures and ways of life so I knew I was going right in…

Facts about Freetown Christiania 

• Renting and buying houses isn’t an option so you can only be given a home by the foundation who own the land.
• Despite the fact it’s now a chill place, for 40 years until 2012 it was full of clashes between the inhabitants and the rest of the city.
• Photos are banned along Pusher Street because locals don’t want images of drugs circulating.

What to expect when visiting Freetown Christiania 

Freetown Christiania is a really colourful place full of street art and despite the drugs and violent history, doesn’t feel at all scary or unsafe. I went as a solo female and loved visiting Freetown Christiania. It was busy and everyone was friendly. Follow my Freetown Christiania below and I’m sure you’ll love it, too. Pusher Street is so colourful . Nepalese prayer flags swing in the breeze and stalls sell weed like other markets sell trinkets. It’s the most surreal place!

Freetown Christiania rules

Because of the area’s turbulent history, there are a few guidelines for visiting. Observe these but don’t let them scare you. They aren’t enforced by law but will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Here are my Freetown Christiana tips:

DON’Ts for visiting Freetown Christiania 

• Take photos where you’re not allowed, for example Pusher Street. There have been cases of tourists having their cameras broken by angry locals. You’ll find other areas where you can like the Christiania Art Gallery South Pacific where most of my photos were taken. If in doubt, just ask.
• Run because can be associated with police raids and incite panic.

DOs for visiting Freetown Christiania 

• Eat. Try out Morgenstedet , an organic, veggie eatery with a pretty courtyard or  Spiseloppen inside a refurbed warehouse. This restaurant has a creative menu reflecting the home cuisine of the staff and chefs of 16 nationalities.
• Chat! The locals are very friendly provided you respect their rules. Talking to them will give you an insight into their culture.
• Go in the morning or afternoon if you’re a solo female because you’ll feel that bit safer. I felt very secure but I can imagine it being a bit more sketchy after dark.

I hope these Freetown Christiana rules are useful. You’ll feel perfecting safe if you follow them.

Don’t miss Nemoland!

Nothing to do with the Disney film, Nemoland is a cafe and concert venue. In the summer there are two open-air gigs every Sunday (6pm and 8pm) where you can get a taste of Danish music.

Getting to Freetown Christiania Copenhagen 

You can easily arrive by foot. From Nyhavn Harbour, cross the bridge and keep walking. Y ou’ll come to Christiania after about 15 minutes.

Freetown Christiania opening times

While there are no official Freetown Christiania opening times, I would recommend timing your trip before sunset. In the winter, you’ll want to visit in the early afternoon but during the summer, you’ll feel safe walking around much later in the day.

Tours of Freetown Christiania 

If you’re keen soak up the history when visiting Freetown Christiania, you can take a walking tour. Tours aren’t permitted inside Christiania but they’ll take you around the perimeters and tell you the facts then leave you at the gate so you can go inside. I decided against this option only because the tour didn’t finish ’til 4.30pm by which time it would be dark. If you’re visiting in the summer when it stays light longer, I think a tour would be a great idea. Consider a tour with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours . I did the general Copenhagen tour with them so I’m sure the Freetown Christiania one would be great too.

Thanks for reading my Freetown Christiana travel guide

If you liked it, please share it 🙂

See you next time for more adventures,

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

3 thoughts on “ Read This Before Visiting Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen ”

On contrary I found people are very unfriendly. Yelling at people who take photos. Also there is dirt everywhere, full of junkies, illegal drug sellers, … I advice rather to stay away and definitely don’t bring kids. It is not a hippie community rather a failed social experiment.

Sorry to hear this!

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• Christiania 13 Things To Know...

Christiania: Important Things to Know About Copenhagen’s Hippie “Free Town”

If you’ve heard of Freetown Christiania, the autonomous anarchist district in Denmark’s capital, it is probably due to the open cannabis trade that took place there for close to half a century. There’s a lot more to it than that, however. Below, Culture Trip city guide for Christiania will give you a run-down of the must-know things when it comes to visiting Copenhagen’s most hippie neighborhood.

Did you know you can now book trips with Culture Trip? Check out our full catalogue of once-in-a-lifetime premium itineraries and join us for some travel adventures.

Getting there

One of the best towns in Denmark, Freetown Christiania is located in the Christianshavn area and you can get there by metro, bus or bike. It is one of the prettiest and most interesting Danish cities subsections. Cars are not allowed within the district, so don’t bother driving. Get off at Christianshavn St and head southeast towards Dronningensgade; in approximately 15 minutes you’ll be entering the bohemian district. If you don’t want to walk all the way there, take bus 9A from Christianshavn St and get off at the next stop (Bodenhoffs Plads). Another way to reach Christianshavn St from the city center is to take bus 350S from Nørreport St.

What is Freetown Christiania?

The Green Light District

Christiania has been famous for many years thanks to the permanent stalls along Pusher Street—or ‘The Green Light District’, as it was once known—that sold all types of cannabis (illegal elsewhere in Denmark). Don’t get your hopes up about seeing this type of thing today, however, as the stalls have been forced to close due to conflicts surrounding drugs in the area. Violence has no place in the hippy community and many residents are campaigning to clear Christiania of all drug activity. Although whispers of marijuana deals can still be heard within The Green Light District, locals have appealed to the people of Copenhagen, asking them not to buy drugs in Christiania. After Pusher Street was closed, the city was covered in posters, created by the inhabitants, with the words reading, “help Christiania—buy your hash elsewhere”.

Photography

Up until recently, a sign confronted you the moment you entered Christiania. It read: “Dear friends, There are three rules in the green light district: have fun; don’t run—it causes panic; no photos—buying and selling hash is still illegal.” Taking photos at the Green Light District is now allowed but you should always ask people before photographing them, even if they’re just in the frame.

If you want to buy a little token to remember Christiania by, there are many options. T-shirts with the symbol of Christiania, jewelry, smoking pipes and many more items are sold at relatively low prices within the neighborhood. If these stands don’t satisfy your appetite for shopping, roam the pedestrian alleys and rummage through the clothes stores.

Cafés and restaurants

From breakfast and brunch to hamburgers and vegetarian restaurants , Christiania is a place to suit all food tastes. If you’re in the mood for pastries, head to Sunshine Bakery and taste a typical Danish kage (cake). Prices are quite low and all of the products are super tasty. Café Nemoland is famous for its juicy burgers and sandwiches, and you can also find coffee and desserts there. Vegans should definitely taste the dishes at Morgenstedet and at Grønsagen . Taste their delicious recipes, all made with fresh vegetables, while you relax in the super cozy atmosphere. Café Loppen serves vegetarian dishes inspired by Thai cuisine. All the dishes and drinks are organic, as this restaurant believes in healthy food without frills. Månefiskeren , open from Tuesday to Sunday, is a spacious café with quirky paintings on the walls. For the warm sunny days, the café has an outdoor area with large wooden tables you can share with locals. Smoking is allowed at Månefiskeren and there is even a pool table for those who want to brush up on their skills.

Music venues

There are plenty of live music venues in Freetown Christiania, each one with its own special atmosphere. Jazz lovers should definitely check out Jazzklubben. The small smoky bar hosts professional and amateur musicians, while on the Sunday jam sessions everyone is welcome to go on stage and play their favorite instrument. From Thursday to Sunday, the district is filled with music spilling out of Operaen café. DJs, acoustic concerts and jam sessions take place in the colorful café until after midnight. For concerts and performances, keep an eye on Music Loppen’s official website . Finally, if you want to enjoy a drink and listen to music at the oldest bar in Christiania, look out for Woodstock at the end of Pusher Street.

Science & Cocktails

Every second Tuesday evening, Christiania cinema ( Byens Lys ) gets packed with people who want to enjoy a chilled cocktail while listening to scientific presentations. Science & Cocktails has been running since 2010 and still holds a place in locals’ hearts. Experienced mixologists create unique cocktails, while researchers and scientists go on stage presenting intriguing topics. As it’s a non-profit organization, all the people who are involved in these special Tuesday evenings work on a voluntary basis and the result is awesome. The presentations are held in English and they often evolve into conversations between the guest speakers and the audience.

ALIS Wonderland

Among the restaurants, cafés and music venues in Freetown Christiania stands ALIS Wonderland, one of the Copenhagen’s most famous skateparks. Constructed 20 years ago by two friends that were born and raised in the hippie district, Wonderland instantly became a meeting point for Copenhagen’s skate community. Nowadays, not only does it continue to attract the city’s underground crowd, but many renowned skaters, photographers and street artists travel from abroad to attend events and competitions that take place in the wooden skate bowl.

What to see

Once you pass the area where the cafés and the restaurants are, there is an entirely different world to discover within Freetown Christiania. A canal, surrounded by trees and small colorful houses, separates Christinia from Copenhagen ‘s mainland. In a moment you will feel like you’re not in the middle of the city. Walk or bike along the water or simply sit down and relax on its banks.

Christmas market

In December, Christiania hosts its own Christmas market and is one of the best in town. Luckily for visitors, it takes place indoors. The smell of baked almonds and mulled wine from the stands welcomes you once you step inside. There you’ll find numerous stalls with clothes, jewelry, and handicraft décor items, while a band fills the place with tunes. When you’re done shopping, taste the local cuisine at one of the food stands.

Can’t help but submit to the Christmas spirit? You’ll love our wintery escape to Germany, stuffed with Bavarian treats, from markets in Munich, to a ticket to the underground beer scene in Nuermberg.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Visiting the eclectic enclave of Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen

Everything you need to know about the quirky commune of christiania ..

As anyone who has visited Copenhagen, Denmark knows, the city is constantly abuzz with a lively, vibrant energy 24 hours a day.

The Danish people and especially residents of Copenhagen pride themselves on their independent spirit and unique approach to life. You might enjoy a cozy coffee in traditional hygge style one day, go swimming at the city’s pristine beaches the next, and head out into the abundant wilderness for a camping adventure the following day.

From the city’s wholehearted embrace of all things green and ecological, to the herds of bicyclists zipping through the city streets commuting to work and school every day, to the eclectic modern architecture and burgeoning food and music scenes, Copenhagen is a widely recognised mecca for all kinds of outside-the-box thinkers.

And that bold and fearlessly independent spirit is especially apparent in the intentional community of Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen.

Freetown Christiania—usually referred to simply as Christiania—is a unique community founded on a disused military base right in the heart of Copenhagen.

The original residents of what is sometimes referred to as an “anarchist commune,” sometimes as an “autonomous intentional community,” pried open fencing surrounding the decommissioned base and started squatting there in the early 1970s.

The community grew, and residents constructed housing and soon declared themselves a separate and an open city.

And while such a contentious beginning of course prompted some scuffles with law enforcement and government regulators over the years—who unsurprisingly frowned upon Christiania’s embrace of all things marijuana and their (former) flouting of the national ban on cannabis—the community is the legal home to between 850 and 1,000 full-time residents today.

They live in wildly eclectic, often vividly painted houses constructed out of found lumber, discarded steel panels, and at least one house made entirely of discarded windows in their frames.

A good portion of the area claimed by the community is green space as well, a sprawling parkland that straddles the canal or moat that separates two layers of the city’s old defensive walls.

Having such a singular community just minutes from the heart of a cosmopolitan center for tourism like Copenhagen naturally draws curiosity seekers and Instagram-hungry visitors.

In fact, Christiania is ranked as the fourth-most popular tourist attraction in Copenhagen and draws some 500,000 visitors each year.

And for the most part, the residents of Christiania don’t seem to mind visitors — indeed there are cafes, restaurants, and vendors hawking all kinds of goods there to the tourists who come for a visit.

However, if you go, there are few rules of the road you should be aware of.

This guide will tell you all you need to know to enjoy your visit to Freetown Christiania, including how to get there, what to see while you’re there, when to go, and how to make sure you don’t run afoul of the community members who call Christiania, Copenhagen home.

A little history

Christiania was formed out of the remains of a former military barracks called Bådsmandsstræde along with parts of the original city ramparts dating back to 1617.

In the early part of the 17 th century, King Christian IV ordered the construction of what was then a separate city called Christianshavn, built up from reclaimed beaches and small islands between the original city of Copenhagen and the island of Amager.

The ramparts were originally constructed to form a complete defensive wall structure on the reclaimed land, and eventually extended to surround the entire city over the course of the 1600s. By the 19 th century, Copenhagen had outgrown the western side of the ramparts and they were ordered torn down.

However, the walls on the eastern side, where Christianshavn faces the sea a short distance away across Amagen were allowed to remain.

To this day these walls along the east side of Freetown Christiania are considered one the best-preserved examples of surviving 17th-century defensive structures in the world.

The walls that form the outermost section of the ramparts have been dubbed Dyssen by the residents of Christiania and connect to the heart of Christiania via a bridge and a footpath on the northern end.

Among other historical points of interest in Freetown Christiania are four former gunpowder storehouses that line the walls and date back to 1779-1780. They are located at four of the five redans, which are the triangular defensive points built into the wall that extend out toward the direction of anticipated attack.

Incorporated into the walls and now the community of Christiania, they carry a fascinating history of their own that dovetails nicely with the overall history of the community.

The then-remote location was chosen for gunpowder storage following a 1770 explosion at the former gunpowder magazine located in central Copenhagen, an explosion that resulted in 50 deaths.

Following much the same reasoning, the Danish military in the 20 th century also used the remote area for munitions storage, a link to the past spanning the centuries and centering in Christiania, Copenhagen.

However, these days the residents of Freetown Christiania have turned a full 180 on the buildings’ former use as tools in the making of war, renaming the four of them Kosmiske Blomst (Cosmic Flower) Aircondition , Autogena , and Fakirskolen (The Fakir School).

Although a number of buildings within the former military base were designated as historically protected landmarks in 2007, over the years the residents of Christiania have made some minor alterations to them.

Another historical site of note that falls within the boundaries of Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen is the location of the last execution site in Denmark, the Københavns Gamle Henrettelsesplads  or Copenhagen Old Execution Space .

It is located at the Second Redan near the building that has been dubbed Aircondition. On this site following World War II, 29 convicted war criminals were executed.

The final time it was used for its original purpose was in 1950 when a high-ranking Danish collaborator who was convicted of working with the Gestapo was shot.

Although the wooden walls of the building are no longer there, the concrete pad that made up the structure’s foundation remains, and a drain for the blood of the executed is visible at the center. 

Up to and during World War II, the barracks the Danish military constructed in the former region of Christianshavn housed soldiers who were tasked with maintaining and storing ammunition and weapons.

The need for the barracks fell off steeply in the post-war years, and by the late 1960s the army began operations to shut the base. By 1971 the barracks and the surrounding lands were abandoned and closed off with fencing and barricades. 

But with the sprawling base area being guarded only sporadically by night watchmen, homeless people started moving in to the region and sleeping in the abandoned buildings.

By this time, neighbourhood residents had also begun prying open parts of the fencing surrounding the base and using the grassy areas as playgrounds for their children.

The birth of a community

The origins of how the community of Christiania, Copenhagen started, or at least the story behind who first accessed the base and began staying there long-term are somewhat muddy — most accounts say the founding of Freetown Christiania was organic and haphazard, while some claim that it was an organised protest against the government of Denmark due to a lack of affordable housing.

Either way, by September of 1971, a journalist named Jacob Ludvigsen , a former member of the Provo counterculture movement—which sought to provoke violent responses from the Danish government using non-violent baiting tactics—declared Christiania an “open city.”

In a widely-distributed article, Ludvigsen described how he and five compatriots had “conquered” what he termed “The Forbidden City of the Military,” and declared Freetown Christiania open for anyone interested in building up “a society from scratch.” 

“Christiania is the land of the settlers,” he wrote.

Later, in co-authoring the mission statement of Christiania, Ludvigsen said that the goal of the community would be “to create a self-governing society whereby each and every individual holds themselves responsible over the wellbeing of the entire community.”

Indeed, the ethos of caring for one another and community are important threads running through the history of Christiania.

The community members are deeply into yoga and meditation, and although hard drugs are forbidden, Ludvigsen and the community’s other founders extended a standing offer to people looking to recover from drug addiction in a non-judgmental, healing environment, especially, as Ludvigsen wrote, for “…the stoners who are too paranoid and weak to participate in the race” of modern life outside the walls of Christiania. 

Such tolerance and declarations of independence from duly-elected government authority comes with risk however.

Over the years various Danish governments have undertaken different tactics to try to reign in or evict the residents of Christiania, and the residents have not infrequently found themselves in direct conflict with police and other government forces.

In 2007, an effort by the Danish forestry department to demolish the remains of an abandoned building on the land claimed as part of Freetown Christiania caused an outcry among residents, who took the incursion by forestry workers escorted by police as intent to begin demolishing all the structures in the area and evicting the residents.

After the forestry workers and police entered Christiania, residents made improvised roadblocks, threw rocks and shot fireworks at police vehicles. 

Eventually the police stormed Christiania in force, used tear gas on the residents and made a number of arrests, including the arrest of one resident who sneaked past the police lines and dumped a bucket of urine and faeces on the police commander.

In total, 50 people were arrested, and prosecutors demanded heavy sentences, declaring in court that Christiania was in a “state of rebellion.”

This, despite the fact that the residents of Christiania had forged an agreement with the Danish defence ministry in 1994 to allow them to occupy the land and pay taxes and fees for water, power and garbage pick-up.

It wasn’t until 2011 when the residents of Christiania finally hammered out an agreement to buy the land at below-market prices that the community of Christiania was officially recognised as legitimate.

The first payment was made in 2012, making the members of the anarchic collective known as Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen part of the landed gentry. 

These days the residents of Christiania continue to be avid practitioners of meditation and yoga. The community is also home to a theatrical group that in the past has performed happenings across the city of Copenhagen.

Christiania, Copenhagen also celebrates LGBTQ rights and is home to Gay House, an autonomous institution that works as a center for LGBTQ activism and hosts frequent parties, cabaret and variety shows and theatre that is beloved in wider Copenhagen’s LGBTQ community.

Christiania and drugs

If you’d previously heard of Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, it’s most likely in reference to the enclave’s reputation for openly defying Denmark’s cannabis laws.

For years the community allowed the open sale of marijuana and hashish, and indeed the main thoroughfare where the cannabis trade was conducted is known as Pusher Street, although the council of Christiania prefer to call it The Green Light District.

Interestingly, for years the government and police of Copenhagen tolerated this situation, despite the fact that marijuana remains illegal in Denmark.

Some theorise that the sales were tolerated in Christiania because it meant that, although Christiania forbids hard drug use and sales, at least hash and marijuana peddling would largely be confined to one area. 

However, all that changed following a shooting death in 2016 when a man believed to be carrying the receipts of marijuana sales for the day pulled a gun during a routine stop and shot two police officers and a civilian.

He was subsequently killed in a shootout with the Danish version of a SWAT unit, but not before police had locked down the entire neighbourhood and the residents were stricken with fear.

Following this incident, the community elected to shut down the cannabis stalls of Pusher Street and did so the following day, requesting that visitors respect the community’s decision and buy their weed elsewhere.

Although cannabis sales in all likelihood continue there on the down-low, the shuttering of the open stalls reportedly has caused a 75 percent decline in the drug trade in Christiania.

Christiania rules of the road

So for the first-time visitor to Christiania, Copenhagen, the first rule to keep in mind is that, despite Christiania’s long-time reputation for openness and especially openness to cannabis, looking for drugs there is a big no-no.

Not only do police periodically patrol looking for illicit activity, the residents of the area have asked visitors to respect their desire to keep that kind of trouble outside the walls of the enclave.

In addition, the community has a list of nine hard and fast Christiania rules:

• No weapons, no hard drugs, no violence, no private cars, no biker colours, no bulletproof clothing, no sale of fireworks, no use of firecrackers or other incendiary devices, and no stolen goods.

Things to do in Aarhus: Let yourself be surprised by Denmark’s fantastic second city

Another thing to keep in mind is that residents prefer that visitors don’t run and indeed there used to be a sign announcing that rule as you entered; given the past difficulties with the law and with violent drug dealers, a person running in Christiania and especially on Pusher Street is capable of sparking a panic.

Getting there

As mentioned earlier, one of the unique and wonderful things about Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen is that it’s located within the city, making it easy to get to via a variety of transportation options.

That said, keep in mind that outside cars aren’t allowed into the community, so you might as well walk or take a short metro ride to get there. At the very least plan on parking some distance away if you do choose to drive.

From the city center at Norreport metro station catch the M2 train to Christianshavn station, just two stops away. From the station walk along Torvegade Street to the southeast two blocks until you reach Prinsessegade, where you’ll take a left. At the corner of Badsmandsstraede you’ll arrive at the bohemian community of Freetown Christiania.

If you choose to walk or cycle, it’s about a 2.3 km trip from Norreport, and offers a couple of cool famous sites to view along the way. Head to Fredericksborgadde and walk toward Amager, or southeast.

The street will soon change to Kultorvet, and you will continue past the Round Tower or Rundetaarn , until you reach the canal and cross over.

Next you’ll pass the gorgeous Christiansborg Palace with its 12th-century castle ruins. As you continue along the canal you’ll pass the impressive former stock exchange, the Borsen with its sharp, twisting spire.

You’ll cross another canal and soon reach the Christianshavn metro stop where you’ll take a left. Just a short distance along you’ll see the beginning of Freetown Christiania Copenhagen on your right.

Another way to get there is to take the 350S bus from Norreport to Christianshavn St. and walk southeast in the direction of Dronningensgade, about 10-15 minutes from the entrance to Christiania.

What to do in Christiania

Shortly after you enter the enclave, you’ll see the infamous Pusher Street right away, and possibly a sign asking visitors to refrain from taking photographs “because hash is still illegal.”

It’s likely that the ban on photos has been eased somewhat since the community shut down the open stalls, but nonetheless it’s still probably best to avoid photos in the Green Light District.

Even elsewhere in Christiania, as you seek out Instagram-ready moments to share with friends and family, keep in mind that this is people’s home, and they’re not likely to take kindly to being photographed as if they were animals in a zoo.

Be respectful and ask first, and most people will be happy to let you snap photos of them or their houses.

Keep in mind too that if you are interested in getting more of an insider’s view on the story of Christiania, there are usually people at the entrances offering their services as Christiania tour guides for a fee. 

Some must-see sights include the Christiania Community center with its brightly painted facade and outdoor art installations. Nearby you’ll want to check out the Alis Wonderland skateboard park, which was built by a couple of second-generation Christiania residents, friends who returned to create one of the most beloved skateboarding spots in the entire city of Copenhagen.

If you’re up for some music there are plenty of venues in Christiania for all tastes, including the Christiania Jazz Club and Children’s Theater , which hosts acts of all kinds, from jazz to hip-hop and more in an intimate atmosphere.

Loppen is another venue, more of a simple rock and roll hall featuring energetic shows and cheap beer, a favourite of locals and visitors alike. The Den Gra Hal is another great venue for concerts, lectures, and more.

Another of the unique draws that residents and visitors to Christiania enjoy is called Science and Cocktails at the community’s cinema, Byens Lys.

Talented mixologists will whip up delicious and imaginative cocktails for visitors there to enjoy as they listen to lecturers talk on all kinds of science-related topics. Often the free-form nature of Christiania spills over into the lecture hall, and the talks morph into freewheeling discussions with the audience. 

There are also any number of galleries, used and vintage clothing shops, and vendors selling all manner of tchotchkes related to Christiania throughout the community.

Keep in mind too that if you visit during the holiday season, Christiania plays host to one of the most beloved Christmas markets in Copenhagen — and don’t worry, it’s indoors!

You can enjoy a mulled wine and all kinds of Christmas cookies and treats as you shop the stalls for jewellery, clothing, and other artisanal handicrafts. 

Finally, after spending some time in Freetown Christiania’s bars, cafes, and shops, and enjoying the creative graffiti and other human-made beauty, don’t forget to cross over the Dyssebroen, the bridge that connects the main commercial part of the enclave to the Amager side.

This part of Christiania is wilder and greener, with lush grassy areas and trees, along with many houses. You can also find a number of platforms extending out over the water to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the natural area that the thoughtful residents of Christiania have protected for over five decades.

Restaurants and cafes

After you’ve built up an appetite with all the walking around, don’t worry because Freetown Christiania has plenty of dining options for all kinds of tastes. Given the enclave’s historic roots in hippie culture of the 1960s and 1970s, it’s no surprise that vegetarian and vegan options abound.

Some of the highest-rated restaurants include vegetarian restaurant Morgenstedet and Cafe Loppen , which specialises in vegetarian food inspired by Thai cuisine. Another great vegetarian choice for simple, down-to-earth food is Gronsagen . A

great place for people-watching and to look for a chance to strike up a conversation with a local resident of Christiania is Manefiskeren , a great cafe with outdoor seating at long, communal picnic tables and even a pool table inside if it’s too cold for dining al fresco.

Finally, for the unreconstructed carnivore, Cafe Nemoland offers tasty burgers and sandwiches, and is also renowned for its great coffee and creative desserts.

All in all, Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen is a wonderful and unique treasure. Local residents of Copenhagen as well as visitors flock to the enclave and with good reason.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen, it’s well worth taking an afternoon and an evening to stroll around, have some dinner, and catch a show in one of the most creative intentional communities in the world!

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Home » Europe » Denmark » Freetown Christiania: Copenhagen’s Colorful Hippie Haven

Freetown Christiania: Copenhagen’s Colorful Hippie Haven

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: June 2, 2021

“The less I own, the more freedom I have.”

Although our tour guide was articulating his personal philosophy, he might as well have been telling us the slogan for all of Freetown Christiania. In this self-proclaimed free state in the middle of Copenhagen, Denmark, no one owns their homes, the people police themselves, and all decisions are made by consensus. It’s been this way for 45 years now, and the residents—all 850 of them—have no intention of changing.

What is Freetown Christiania?

In 1971, a group of squatters took over this abandoned military base in Denmark’s capital. At the time, there was no sewage system, two water pumps, and plenty of space to set up a community independent of the government, if one were so inclined.

Inside the walled complex, the group of hippies and free thinkers implemented the concept of collective ownership, set up their own governing laws, and even developed their own flag and currency. Even today, as you pass in and out of the community, it’s clear the residents see their neighborhood as distinct from the rest of Copenhagen.

Read about more things to do in Copenhagen here

Christiania is now a bright mix of homes, cafes, art galleries, and workshops, many covered with colorful murals or accented by sculptures. There are even schools and a daycare for the 150 or so children who call the area home. There’s also plenty of open space, from courtyards and gathering places to the community’s beautiful lake that seems to attract just about everyone on a sunny day. And, like the rest of Copenhagen, there are bicycles everywhere.

Our guide explained that residents do everything they can to ensure that the space is used for “nature’s best use.” That best use could mean just about everything from comprehensive recycling to allowing certain trees to decay so they attract insects, which in turn feed birds.

A Walk Down Pusher Street

One of the most curious aspects of Christiania is Pusher Street. Signs in the notorious area warn that you that you are approaching the Green Light District, an open market for marijuana.

The two main rules on Pusher Street—don’t take photos, and don’t run (or people will think there’s a raid and chaos will ensue). Cannabis is still illegal in Denmark , so these rules are taken pretty seriously. I took out my phone to make a couple of notes on what our guide was telling us, and I was promptly scolded for even the appearance that I might be taking a photo.

Several dozen booths on Pusher Street sell different types of hashish, related paraphernalia, and even brownies. There is a lot of paranoia about police raids, so many of the booths are covered with tarps so that all you can see are the products offered and the seller’s (possibly gloved) hands. Even underneath the tents, many sellers wear masks.

Although the marijuana trade is illegal, our guide explained that the hash sellers play an important role in Freetown Christiania—it’s part of their job to help ensure that there are no hard drugs and no gangs in the community. They have to live in the community for three years before they’re allowed to sell so they earn the trust of the other residents.

Is this Utopia?

Freetown Christiania sounds ideal in a lot of ways. The residents choose who moves in (and kick people out, if they choose), most people agree on most things, they live according to their own rules, and they’re surrounded by natural beauty and art that they’ve made.

As an outsider visiting for a few hours, it’s impossible to know if it’s all as utopian as it seems. After all, Freetown Christiania is the second most popular tourist attraction in Copenhagen, so there is value in telling visitors that the communal principles really do work and in keeping up the quirkiness that makes the hippie commune worth visiting.

Over the years, the residents have often been at odds with the government in Copenhagen. Periodic police actions shut down Pusher Street, though it’s often up and running again quickly.

There has also been a process of what the government refers to as “ normalization ,” though the residents question the meaning of such a loaded term. So far, the normalization has required them to become landowners by way of the Foundation Freetown Christiania, which was set up in 2012, though they still don’t own their homes.

Visiting Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen

Christiania is in the Christianshavn area. It’s a lovely walk from the city center, or you can take bus 350S from Nørreport Street to Christianshavn Street.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy Christiania. Eat and drink in the community’s cafes and restaurants. Lounge by the lake, head to a concert, or join in an impromptu basketball game. You can even do what we did and attend one of the local-led tours (in Danish or English) for 50 kroner (about $7 USD) per person. Just make sure to follow the rules. (Tours are at 3pm daily late June-August and on weekends the rest of the year).

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Stanlee Mouse

Saturday 25th of May 2019

I wondered with cell phones what it's like now. I thought in 1998 the entire communities property was no car, no camera, no hard drugs? The cell phone may have changed things, or not remembering correctly.

It was 1998 when I visited Freetown Christiania,Copenhagen, Denmark in JUNE/JULY. I was following a band from America who kicked off a 35+ Summer tour (10 in Europe) in Christiana. The energy was high for the 50ish or so visiting from the U.S. We were happy to have 3 nights together in same venue (wooden shed) . When we got to Christina it was like entering the opposite world! Many of us on tour were living in SOMEWHAT similar communities back home, nothing quite like this! The Band seemed to be saying thanks to the 50 of us that made it over starting in this (seemingly) marvelous place. Things CAN GET ODD QUICKLY. First 2 days/nights were great. The Band played almost 6 hours each night. They also choose to take intermission during sunset/sunrise. Which makes SUMMER a good time to visit. Witnessing for the first time with 60ish people 40min of nightime/sunset, is quite a spectical for the locals. . We were an easily ammused group of tourist. After the 3rd night. We forgot at the time the only rules were no cars, no cameras, no needles. It almost went BAD QUICKLY whith a camera incident. So, great place to experience, but PLEASE BE CAREFUL. JUST DON'T BE DIRESPECTFUL. THINGS CAN GET PRETTY DARK IN A HURRY WITH LOCALS.

Laura Longwell

Sunday 26th of May 2019

The rule of no cameras certainly still applies on Pusher Street.

Alan Pettengill

Friday 12th of October 2018

I was just there and loved it. Peace.

Tuesday 25th of July 2017

Hi Laura! Freetown Christiania looks like a happy town for me :) The fact that police can not stop the selling of drugs in this colorful town, considering that there are no crimes or gangs or anything that endangers the lives of the people living in the area or even tourists, then perhaps it's good to just support the Hippie Haven and their businesses, right? I can't wait to visit the place soon, looks and sounds interesting!

Thursday 15th of September 2016

Wow. This is quite an interesting concept, and the fact that it's been around for 45 years is impressive. I want to go!

Christiania

Top choice in Copenhagen

Escape the capitalist crunch and head to Freetown Christiania, a hash-scented commune straddling the eastern side of Christianshavn. Since its establishment by squatters in 1971, the area has drawn nonconformists from across the globe, attracted by the concept of collective business, workshops and communal living. Explore beyond the settlement's infamous 'Pusher St' – lined with shady hash and marijuana dealers who do not appreciate photographs – and you'll stumble upon a semi-bucolic wonderland of whimsical DIY homes, cosy garden plots, eateries, beer gardens and music venues.

Before its development as an alternative enclave, the site was an abandoned 41-hectare military camp. When squatters took over, police tried to clear the area. They failed. The hippie revolution was at its peak and wave after wave of alternative folk continued to pour in.

Bowing to public pressure, the government allowed the community to continue as a social experiment. Self-governing, ecology-oriented and generally tolerant, Christiania residents did, in time, find it necessary to modify their 'anything goes' approach. A new policy was established that outlawed hard drugs, and the heroin and cocaine pushers were expelled.

The main entrance into Christiania is on Prinsessegade, 200m northeast of its intersection with Bådsmandsstræde. From late June to the end of August, 60- to 90-minute guided tours (50kr) of Christiania run daily at 1pm and 3pm (3pm weekends only September to late June). Tours commence just inside Christiania's main entrance on Prinsessegade.

Prinsessegade

Get In Touch

https://www.christiania.org

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Freetown Christiania: Best Things To See and Do (Copenhagen)

• Travel destinations
• Copenhagen , Denmark , Europe , Scandinavia
• Mónica Rodrigues Alves
• March 14, 2024
• No Comments

Article Index

Freetown Christiania, known as Fristaden Christiania in Danish or simply the Free City of Christiania, is Copenhagen’s hippie and controversial district. Renowned for the legalization of drug sales and consumption, it is also a vibrant hub of urban art and music.

When it’s said that Christiania is a nation unto itself, it’s meant quite literally! Christiania is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area. In practice, entering Christiania means entering a third country.

In fact, the Christiania community claims independence from Denmark and the European Union.

Now, for travelers heading to Copenhagen, there’s much to see and do in Christiania, from street art and music performances to impressive wooden structures.

Read on to explore Copenhagen’s most colorful neighborhood!

Best Things To Do and See in Christiania

What to see and do in Christiania? First and foremost, you need to know what you’re getting into when entering a place like Christiania. In other words, you need to be aware of what you might encounter in Christiania.

There are at least two entrances to Christiania, both properly marked from what I observed. By the way, these are the only photos you’re “allowed” to take, besides the sculpture of the wooden giant by Thomas Dambo, also located at one of the entrances.

Remember that people live in the area, so don’t behave as if you’re in a theme park.

The paths you can walk on are well marked, and there are closed gates that, of course, you shouldn’t cross without permission. It’s a matter of courtesy and common sense, not so much about the location but it’s worth a reminder.

Right at the entrance, you can see the wooden giant sculpture welcoming visitors. This is the most interesting area for those, like me, who appreciate urban art. I particularly enjoyed the graffiti on the walls and sculptures made from recycled materials in some gardens.

Then, on the main street, that’s where the hashish shops are, and everything is done quite explicitly. Cafes and bars are also in that area. You can browse through shops selling gardening supplies like pots and hoes, as well as handmade crafts.

When and How was Freetown Christiania Born?

Freetown Christiania, or simply Christiania, was established in 1971 in an area of the Christianshavn district in Copenhagen that had been abandoned after military use.

Some families seized the opportunity to live in the vacant houses.

Though without luxuries, they enjoyed a rule-free existence and didn’t have to pay for accommodation, as Christiania was an overlooked and disadvantaged area in Copenhagen.

In no time, other families and groups joined, creating, in an almost organic way, a hippie community with its own unique culture.

This included rules and norms agreed upon and respected by all members. And thus, Freetown Christiania was born

Where is the city of Christiania located?

Freetown Christiania is situated in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.

It spans an area of 34 hectares, incorporating greenhouses, gardens, shops, restaurants, schools, and workspaces.

How to get there?

I simply walked from the center of Copenhagen, crossing the Knippelsbro bridge.

After the bridge, expect a journey of approximately 10 minutes. Although I saw some people cycling in the nearby streets, I didn’t see anyone cycling inside Christiania.

So, if you’re thinking of going to this area of Copenhagen by bike, inquire in advance.

How much time is needed to visit?

If you’re just walking around the neighborhood, that is, seeing what Christiania is like, one hour is enough. However, there are bars and cafes, some with terraces, if you want to extend your stay.

If you enjoy urban art, you can easily be entertained in Christiania for a whole day, as there are several murals and artworks scattered all over the place.

Believe me, it’s well worth spending a good couple of hours exploring the urban art there.

How many people live in Freetown Christiania?

It’s hard to be certain as there are no official data, but it is believed that currently, around 1000 people live in Christiania.

What is the sign that separates Freetown Christiania from the rest of Copenhagen?

There is a sign that “officially” marks the boundaries of Freetown Christiania, and it is easily identifiable as it reads: “You are now entering the European Union.”

What to visit nearby

While exploring this reagion, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the War Museum, strategically located between the city center and the bohemian district of Christiania.

The War Museum offers a compelling journey through Denmark’s military history, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays.

It provides visitors with insights into the country’s involvement in various conflicts and its military evolution.

Accommodation

This area is not typically recommended for finding accommodation in Copenhagen.

At least, this applies to the average visitor. Therefore, in terms of lodging, I recommend choosing a more central hotel, such as those marked on this map.

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Christiania

• 8 Stay safe

Christiania is a self-governing "free town" established in 1971, a city within the city, on the site of a military barracks as an alternative to mainstream culture. Cannabis is sold openly on stalls, and smoked openly throughout the area, despite it being illegal in Denmark. Nonetheless it's quite safe and popular as a tourist site.

Get in [ edit ]

Christiania is car-free, and parking conditions outside can be hellish in good weather, so do what everyone else does and jump on a bike, if that doesn't cut it, take public transit; there are two options:

• Take the metro to Christianshavn station, from there it is about a 6-minute walk (500 m), when you exit the metro station continue straight ahead (south) until the second intersection (there is a furniture store on the corner) turn left down (east) Prinsessegade and walk a couple of hundred meters, you won't miss it, if you have any sort of idea what you are looking for.
• You can also bus opt for bus 9A, which stops right outside the entrance, it leaves from both Vesterport and the central station, about every 10 minutes for most of the day.

See [ edit ]

There are hundreds of buildings on Christiania, in all sorts of imaginative shapes, sizes and colours ranging from old army buildings dating back to the by-gone barrack days, to elaborate self-build homes. The best way to see them is just walking around sucking in the atmosphere. There is graffiti art everywhere, too. All the buildings have their own story. If you are friendly, open-minded, a bit lucky, and outside the main tourist season, you can sometimes get locals to tell you the, often amazing, stories of their particular house; otherwise the regular walking tours are a good introduction to the main sights.

• 55.67287 12.59827 1 Fredens Ark ( Ark of Peace ), Fredens Eng . The Ark is not only the largest building on Christiania, it is also the largest half-timbered house in Northern Europe. Built in 1837, It was originally the main building of the barracks, with sleeping and officers quarters. Today around 80 people live in the protected building, and the lower levels are home of the 'Rockmaskinen' club which has occational events and the community's social counseling (Herfra og videre)  
• 55.6741 12.6054 2 Mælkebøtten ( The Dandelion ), Langgaden . This cluster of buildings a good walk up Langgade, dates back to the middle of 19th century, and was previously the laboratory of the country department (Landetaten). The impressive gate-building is probably the finest of the old buildings on Christiania, and the wonderful contrast of the Buddhist Stupa in front makes a good photo, above the gate is King Christian IIV's gold monogram. The whole complex is protected.  
• 55.67604 12.60823 3 Vilhelms Bastion ( Børneengen ), Nordområdet . One of the old bastions of the fortification on which Christiania is built, and has a set of protected buildings. Kommandørhuset is a pretty, yellow, half timbered house which used to serve as a guard building, the eave on the eastern side was extended to allow for the soldiers to stay dry during rain. It was supposedly built and constructed by an Italian architect. Another protected building here is the Krudthuset , the oldest building on the mound from 1665, which used to be a gunpowder store but is now used as a residence. The area is now used for many activities for the local kids, with a riding school, stables and playgrounds.  

• Galleri Leonard , Sydområdet . Variable opening hours . Painter's workshop and exhibition in the ground floor of the "Loppen" building. It's run by a local artists, and sometimes a makeshift stage for small concerts.  

Do [ edit ]

Christiania is something of a powerhouse in Copenhagen's cultural life, especially on the alternative scene, and there will almost always be something going on, in one of the many club and venues dotted around the central part near Pusher street, or the open air scene on Café Nemoland (listed under drink). One of the most popular activities is simply buying some weed and consuming it at a chill spot.

• 55.6737 12.598 1 Alis in Wonderland , Prærieområdet . From humble beginnings with a small skate ramp founded by a skater-oriented community on Pusher Street (ALIS), this skate ramp - crafted by local skaters who were invited to build whatever they wanted after their old ramp was forced to relocate from noise complaints. The efforts turned into roll-ins, pool corners and oververts, and after a harsh winter took its toll with the ramp was in dire straits, friends were called back in - and many hours later the ramp was indoor, with inside and outside balconies and an exotic atmosphere with Hawaiian paintings and hammocks. The outside 'Wonderland' mural drawing from the familiar fairytale is an attraction in its own right.  
• 55.6738 12.5993 2 Christiania Jazzclub , Mælkevejen ( The 2nd building on your left after you enter Pusher street. ), [email protected] . W F 21:00-late . This Jazz club, housed in Christiania's children's theatre, has an amazing atmosphere. If you play any instruments, often you can go to stage and jam away at the late hours of the night after the band of the night have finished.  
• 55.6741 12.5973 4 Loppen , Sydområdet 4B , ☏ +45 32 57 84 22 , [email protected] . Is a rock club where various alternative bands play live. The room in the old artillery storage with low ceilings and sturdy dark wooden support pillars can fit up to 450 people. The low stage takes you face to face with the bands playing, creating an intimate atmosphere, much appreciated by local bands who often forgo bookings at bigger stages elsewhere to play there.  
• 55.6734 12.6005 5 Energiværkstedet ( the Energy workshop ), Mælkevejen , ☏ +45 20 84 87 12 , [email protected] . Part of a local association working with spiritual energies: Yoga, T'ai Chi Chuan, Aikido, massage, Shiatsu, body consciousness etc. There are a lot of lectures going on, but at no particular schedule except for regular Tai Chi sessions.  
• 55.6737 12.5994 6 The Opera ( Operaen ), Gaden , ☏ +45 32 57 29 09 . The Opera on Christiania, not to be mistaken by the more conventional Operahouse nearby, is a combined music venue, restaurant and bar, with a wide variety of bands playing. Hosts a blues night on Sundays.  

Buy [ edit ]

Christiania offers some truly unique shopping, apart from its (in)famous major export item: cannabis . If you want to bring home a really unique souvenir from Copenhagen, there are a bunch of interesting options here. In addition to stores listed below, there is also a Bazaar at the entrance to Pusher Street where you can buy everything from cannabis posters, to bongs and Jamaican clothing.

Despite efforts by the police to shut down the cannabis trade here, the selling is still going on relatively openly. The cannabis market in Copenhagen is estimated to around 1 billion kroner (€134 million) annually, and with Christiania still being the epicentre, neither is there much chance of the trade disappearing any time soon. But potential buyers should be aware that police occasionally patrol the area, and you could potentially be fined if you are caught possessing hashish. Harder drugs are however frowned upon on Christiania, and requesting them is a faux pas .

• Christiania Bikes , Mælkevejen 83A , ☏ +45 32 54 87 48 . M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-14:00 . Produces some unique handcrafted bikes, their signature bike has a boot in the front for goods, children or groceries.  
• Indkøbscentralen , ☏ +45 32 96 15 51 . W-M 08:00-20:00, Tu 12:00-20:00 . This store sells mostly organic groceries, some produced locally, e.g. organic cosmetics  
• Qsmedien ( The woman ironworks ), Mælkevejen 83 E , ☏ +45 32 57 76 58 . M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 11:00-15:00 . An iron workshop run by 3 women, mostly selling interior decorations and furniture cast of iron and glass.  

Eat [ edit ]

With some of the best vegetarian food you'll find anywhere in town, the residents love for everything organic, and the social responsibly (and socialism) so enshrined in the fabric of Christiana culture, that prices are kept at quite reasonable levels — especially considering the quality, Christiania is an excellent place for lunch and dinner. Often there is an open barbecue up on Pusher street dishing some yummy burgers and hot dogs.

• 55.6735 12.6014 1 Månefiskeren ( Moonfisher ) ( just behind Pusher St ), ☏ +45 3257 1456 . 10:00-00:00 . Relaxed café with room for both Christianites and people dropping by for a cup of coffee, a game of table football or billiards. Has some decent sandwiches and good cakes from time to time, but does not serve alcohol as joints are welcome.  
• 55.6738 12.5969 3 Spiseloppen , ☏ +45 32 57 95 58 . Tu-Su 17:00-22:00 . A nice restaurant where the menu changes daily, and according to what fresh foods are available during the different seasons. There is always a fish and a vegetarian dish on the menu, and the ethnic mix in the kitchen usually ensures an amazing variety throughout the week. Mains from 165 kr .  
• 55.67282 12.6002 4 Café Nemoland , Fabriksområde 52 ( by the end of Pusher street ), ☏ +45 3295 8931 . 09:00 - 21:00 (in summer until 22:00) . This lovely place is part outdoor beer garden, part concert venue, part indoor café, with possibility to eat outside. Creative decoration, and the most varied crowd you are likely to see anywhere in Copenhagen.  
• 55.6736 12.5992 5 Sunshine Bakery , Tinghuset 44E ( cnr Pusher St ). 24 hr . A kiosk and bakery hybrid with bread, cakes and sandwiches, coffee, tea, dairy products, soft drinks, cigarettes etc., both for take away, or enjoying at the outdoor benches in front of the bakery.  

Drink [ edit ]

• Café Nemoland , Fabriksområde 52 ( by the end of Pusher St ), ☏ +45 3295 8931 . 10:00-02:00 (weekends until 03:00) . This lovely place is part outdoor beer garden, part concert venue, part indoor café. Creative decoration, and the most varied crowd you are likely to see anywhere in Copenhagen.  
• Woodstock , Pusher Street . 09:00-17:00 . A pub with occasional live music. Breakfast, sandwiches, beer, soft drinks, alcohol, coffee and tea.  
• Månefiskeren ( Moonfisher ) ( Just behind Pusher street in Christiania ), ☏ +45 3257 1456 . 10:00–00:00 . Relaxed café. Has some decent sandwiches and cakes, but does not serve alcohol. Many organic available, and joints are welcome.  

Sleep [ edit ]

There is no public option for sleeping, unless you bump into someone willing to lend you a couch. The nearest hotels are in Amager or Downtown

Stay safe [ edit ]

This area presents a dramatic shift of mood from the rest of Copenhagen. Cannabis is being openly sold and consumed throughout Christiania, especially on Pusher Street, so be aware of that if you decide to bring children.

Some of the cannabis sellers are employed by gangs. Do not take photographs in or near Pusher Street, or you will be confronted by a local pusher or gang member, with threats of violence. None of them wants to be identified by the police, which means they have to keep a low profile. They keep an eye out for policemen or journalists working undercover. That said, if you respect the nature of this unusual environment and its rules, you should be okay. Exercise common sense by keeping an eye on your surroundings and belongings, and keep a low profile.

No matter how relaxed Christiania might seem, possession and sale of cannabis are still illegal in Denmark. While the police very rarely manage to make their way into Christiania proper, those wishing to take cannabis out with them should be careful: if you don't want to risk arrest, don't bring anything illegal outside the Free State's borders.

Respect [ edit ]

You won't find any rules carved in stone or typed-up in bylaws, but Christiania has been around for some time, and they don't tolerate some things. The following rules are generally accepted by everyone:

• No cars are allowed in Christiania
• No weapons are allowed in Christiania (this includes defensive items like pepper spray and bullet-proof vests)
• No hard drugs are allowed in Christiania (eg opiates, cocaine, ecstasy, etc)
• Do not take photos inside the Green Light District (Pusher Street) – this is where weed is openly sold.
• Be respectful. Many people live in Christiania. It's open to visitors, but never forget that you're their guest.

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1. Visit the Christiania Craftsmanship Display

2.stroll past amelienborg, 3. visit gallopperiet, stadens exhibition hall for kunst, 4. visit sanctum grå hal.

Image: By rminedaisy. Unsplash

5. Vist Trivoli Gardens

6. look at loppen.

Image: By Annie Spratt. Unsplash

7. Stroll through Christiania Strand Park

8. tour the old execution site in copenhagen 1946-1950, 9. dine at noma, 10. enjoy bicycle rides on the popular paths.

Image: Kristijav Arsov. Unsplash

11. Investigate Christiania Bryghus

12. tour pusher road, 13. visit the previous military sleeping shelter of bådsmandsstræde, 14.check out the christianshavns vold, 15. stroll around stupa.

Image: Christiania. Wikimedia Commons

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Christiania

Page updated 2022-10-26

The famous Danish freetown Christiania was founded in 1971 when a group of hippies took over abandoned military barracks and their surrounding along the Christianshavn canals and developed the area to an alternative society with own set of rules, independent of the government.

This social experiment that included collective ownership has over the years developed and established its semi-legal status. Today the enclave's user rights have been terminated by Danish state.

The commune today is partially self-governing, and its members pay taxes to the state, but it still applies own rules such as no cars, no stealing, no guns, no bullet-proof vests, no hard drugs. The stands on the famed slash infamous Pusher Street, where until 2004 one could buy hash openly at, are today gone, but cameras are still not allowed here. The ban on smoking in public spaces is not respected here, though.

Christiania has its own flag, and even currency, Løn (hence, the Danish crowns are accepted here). Many houses, built, painted and decorated by their first inhabitants, became historical objects.

The approx. 850 citizens of Christiania work as artisans (carpenters, blacksmiths), and the famous Christiania Bikes (bicycle trailers) are produced here. The inhabitants drive also meditation centra, cafés, restaurants, and a couple of music night clubs. The Solvognen Theatre Group has until 1983 performed happenings, also outside the Town.

Christiania is unique; one of its kind in the world, and for many people became a symbol of Danish liberal lifestyle.

The Town can be entered through the two main entrances.

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Christiania Copenhagen’s Counterculture – Things to do nearby [Guide]

Many people are drawn to visit this interesting enclave when in Copenhagen. We’ll take you through all you need to know about Christiania Freetown Copenhagen. This self proclaimed free state is run by the locals and boasts a distinctly alternative vibe . Those living here in the commune shun many western ideals – such as capitalism – and strive to be free from restricting structures. 

• 1 About Christiania Denmark
• 2 The locals 
• 3 Christiania Alternative Culture and Community
• 4 Freetown Christiania Rules
• 5 Christiania district: for what type of travellers?
• 6 Freetown Christiania – Things to do nearby 
• 7 Where to stay in Christiana Area
• 8 Christiania Restaurants – Where to eat
• 9 How to get to Christiania Copenhagen
• 10 FAQs – Freetown Christiania
• 11 Conclusion
• 12 Related articles:

About Christiania Denmark

The small commune of about 875 residents has proclaimed itself as completely independent from the state. It was founded in 1971 on the former military barracks of Badsmandsstraede. Some claim that it was a result of student protests and uprising during the period, others say it was the citizenry’s answer to the issue of homelessness in Denmark at the time.

Although it was envisioned by its founders to be a place where the residents are “responsible for the wellbeing of the entire community ” the ideal was far from the reality – Christiania soon became an enclave for squatters, anarchists and infamous for its open trading of cannabis. 

The locals 

Because of its growing negative reputation and the violence in the area, it was closed down by the residents themselves in the spring of 2011. However, it was reopened and is one of Denmark’s popular and unique tourist attractions.

Residents of the community are called “Christianits” and the official currency is the Lon, although the Danish Krone is also accepted as legal tender. Guided tours are being offered to visitors who would want a glimpse of a community that thrives on an “alternative lifestyle.” Similar to other communities, Christiania does have a thriving commercial life , with a number of local shops and businesses, and even its own archive. 

Christiania Alternative Culture and Community

Scandinavia often gets a reputation for being cold  – and that’s not just the weather. Unfortunately, we can’t change the northern climate. But we do hope to be able to show that the culture can indeed be warm and vibrant.  

While Norway, and Sweden remain somewhat culturally rigid, Denmark, embraces alternative lifestyles and eccentricity. Its true, Danish style and design are still largely slaves to function. This minimalism extends beyond the aesthetic. It seems Danes have taken it upon themselves to accommodate the desires of the most people possible.

While at first Danes may appear standoffish and distant, rest assured, they are just respecting your personal space. When approached, most Danish people are remarkably accommodating and friendly. This ability to accept alternate paths extends to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. 

On the outskirts, there lurks a collective of anarchists living in relative peace and prosperity. This haven for the dispossessed and downright different is known as Freetown Christiania.

Freetown Christiania Rules

• The center of Freetown is the appropriately named Pusher Street. Here, you can witness (but we recommend to not partake in) open air trading of the green herb. But, one of Christiania’s strict rules is a ban on hard drugs .
• Also known as Copenhagen’s “Green-light District” , here you can hash it out with a shopkeeper and find something to their liking. While not legal, the police tend to look the other way. However, the general adversarial nature leads to an air of secrecy. Most of the dealers wear masks, or have a cloth blocking their shop windows. To avoid confusion, it is important to refrain from taking pictures. 
• Don’t  run on Pusher Street. 
• There is ubiquitous signage alerting tourists to the area’s rules. It is always wise to avoid an anarchist’s bad side.
• Remember always to be respectful and do not treat the area like a sideshow. These people take pride in their homes, and their unique way of life. They are used to visitors, and are usually more than happy to chat, but not so pleased when you invade their privacy (no photos without asking) (i.e. or property (stay on the beaten paths).

Christiania district: for what type of travellers?

This is for those who are comfortable with a little grit , who won’t be intimidated by alternative lifestyles, or who are purely curious . 

Far from perfection, Freetown has a history of violence. From biker gangs to police raids, Christianites have seen it all. The fact they continue to stay is a testament in itself. Everyone should see it. It will make you question your ideals and test your resolve. Is it really anarchist? All the rules beg to differ. Is it dangerous? Not regularly. Anyone interested in an alternative Christiania Copenhagen perspective will enjoy a short stroll down Pusher Street.

Freetown Christiania – Things to do nearb y 

Top attractions

• In the center, there is a stage that often hosts community events , and a small coffee shop. There is no shortage of characters and art to capture the imagination. Christiania is strange, and they plan to keep it that way.
• Check out the Christiania Christmas market . Like its locals, this market is a one of a kind. You’ll find unique little gifts and trinkets here that can’t be bought in stores. 
• Relax in the vibe. The time is now to visit the world’s best-known anarchist enclave. The Christianites are always at odds with city officials, police, and themselves. But there is a calmness engulfing the Freetown. Inside Christiania, there is a likewise relaxing and “green” vibe. There are small shop s selling souvenirs, and usually playing reggae music.  
• Stroll and enjoy the quirks . I find walking around the surrounding islets is truly transcendent. Here you can see multi-million dollar homes across from crumbling shacks. It’s not like the government hasn’t offered to help. The people choose to live their own way, and that’s good enough for most. 
• Walking around Christiania’s larger area will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle. You’ll see a distinct lack of cars, and an above-average quantity of large bicycles with a huge basket in the front. These utilitarian rollers are now known as “Christiania bikes.” Christianites use them to move their children, pets and sometimes, all their earthly possessions.
• Photograph the unique architecture. Christiania also has some of the most unique architecture in Copenhagen. A far cry from modern Scandinavian construction, Christiania survives on ingenuity and elbow grease. Rusty signage and old-world carpentry are all the rage. A long walk around Christiania can change your perspective on what you truly need to survive.

Where to stay in Christiana Area

Top budget hotel

The Bedwood is located at 63c Nyhavn which is only 0.9kms from Christiania. This gorgeous period property boasts exposed beams, quirky corners and a cool bar. Bike hire is also available, and you are a stone’s throw from the action on Nyhavn. 

• Price  – A private double room in July will cost around £130 including a private bathroom.
• In the low season, expect to pay around £80. There are also shared dorms available, starting at just £17 in the low season for a mixed dorm.
• How to get there? From central station, you can take bus number 26 for about €2. Metro too is a similar price – get off at Kongens Nytorv

Top comfy hotel

Copenhagen Stand is just 0.7kms from Christiania. Housed in a quirky 19th century warehouse, the hotel has a communal lounge complete with Nintendo Wi. 

• Private rooms in July start at about £150
• You can get the same in the off season for about £120
• How to get there? Kongens Nytorv Metro Station is only 400 metres away . 

Top luxury hotel

The closest luxury hotel to Christiania is the Marriott. It’s 5 minutes to central station, with great views of the waterfront. An on site grill and bar welcome the weary tourist

• A standard room for 2, no matter what season, will start at around £220. Breakfast is good, but expect to pay around £20 a head 

Christiana best youth hostels

We mentioned the charming Bedwood Hostel in Nyhavn, but you can also get some much cheaper deals at hostels around Indre By, Copenhagen, too.

Check out the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel , just 500 metres from Indre By. Here, a shared dorm will set you back just €20, or you can get a private room from €60.

Or, there’s also the Hostel Jørgensen , less than a kilometre from Indre By. Rooms start at around €50, there is free wifi and free breakfast 

Christiania Airbnb & B&B

Want to experience true Christiana? The hotel’s we’ve listed are nearby, the neighborhood of Christianshavn right next too is a great place for an AirBnb or Bnb stay. Local homes can be a great way to get to know the area. You can get a cosy apartment all to yourself starting at about €80 per night,   or save more money by sharing with a local. Check out all there is to offer in Christianshavn on Airbnb right here

Christiania Restaurants – Where to eat

• Sunshine Bakery . This perfect munchie spot for locals serves up sweet treats, pastries and buns. 
• Spiseloppen . This locals favorite is housed in a stone warehouse with cosy decor and treats diners to a mix of local and international cruising
• M orgenstedet . Another well loved favorite. This vegetarian restaurant in a little cottage perfectly fits the bill 

How to get to Christiania Copenhagen

From Nyhavn, just walk across the  Inderhavnsbroen from Nyhavn. To  get to Nyhavn from central station, simply take the train to Nørreport Station.

FAQs – Freetown Christiania

What is bevar christiania.

Bevar Christiania means Free Christiania in Danish. The government  sometimes threatens to shut the place down. Support the cause by purchasing a Bevar Christiania shirt or sticker! 

What does the future of Christiania look like?

Perhaps the government marginalized Copenhagen’s undesirables to the hinterlands of Christiania. Perhaps, economics will rule the day (as it so often does) and Christiania isn’t long for the scrap heap.  Perhaps, the Christianites are the future, eagerly embracing sustainability and minimalism in a world growing weary of overconsumption. After a visit to Christiania, you may start to wonder if we are the crazy ones. Some visitors don’t like it. That’s the point. Freetown is for thinkers, observers, artists, and the uncertain.  The Christianites don’t want approval, pity, money, or power. They simply want to live by their own terms. Exist with them for a little while, and make up your own mind.

Is Freetown Christiania safe?

You may be thinking this area of town must be the refuge Copenhagen’s worst: the killers, the users, the pushers, the insane, the homeless etc. It’s not. Christiania is one of the most unique cultural experiments in recent history. It is a popular tourist destination, a concert venue, and an art exhibition all in one. 

What happened to Christiania?

The Freetown movement began in 1971, when a few “hippies” squatted in an abandoned army barracks to protest the price of housing. Now over 40 years later, Christiania constitutes a sort of countercultural paradise. These anarchists paradoxically have a community council, and pay rent and utilities. Christiania is hardly the cesspool a square pessimist would imagine. They have rules and the Christianites largely abide. They have had their share of problems, like any community, but amid constant turmoil, Christiania survives as a symbol of Danish tolerance.

Which city was previously known as Christiania?

Oslo Norway was known as Christiania from 1877 to 1925.

What time does Christiania open?

There are no official opening times for Christiania, but it is a little bit friendlier during the day. That’s not to say it’s unsafe at night, but be sure to not wander around alone 

A noted venue for Copenhagen’s gay community, a revered destination for music, and a source of inspiration for the Danish literati , Christiania illustrates the Danes affinity for tolerance.

I will not go so far as to say acceptance. The fact that Christiania remains despite occupying, what would now seem to be, very pricey real estate, says the Danish government values some things a bit more than money.

Related articles:

• Denmark Hotel Copenhagen : Top Accommodations by Neighbourhoods & Budget
• 10 Things To Do In Denmark That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else
• Visiting Copenhagen with Kids
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Christiania Guide (Copenhagen Attraction)

Christiania is one of the most famous areas of Copenhagen. It’s a free-spirited district that the locals refer to as “Freetown Christiania”. It works as a commune and approximately 800 people live there. Christiania receives plenty of tourists too, ranking as the fourth most visited place in Copenhagen.

• 1 History of Christiania
• 2 How to get there
• 3 What to do in Christiania
• 4 Safety in Christiania
• 5 Staying near Christiania

History of Christiania

Christiania is located right in the middle of Copenhagen. It used to be a military area but was then abandoned. Hippies went in to live there, and they created the Freetown Christiania in 1971.

The Freetown is completely managed by the people living there. Their system is based on consensus democracy, and the highest authority in Christiania is “Fællesmødet”, a tradition where any citizen can show up and voice his or her opinion.

It is possible to move to Christiania, but it can be difficult. You have to apply to live there, and money is not a huge factor in getting in. The existing citizens decide how many new people can move in each year. Since many Danes and foreigners are interested in the place, it is difficult to secure a spot for permanent living. However, anybody can come in and visit Christiania if they choose to.

For a long time, there have been conflicts between Christiania and the Danish government. A big reason is that Christiania has been a center for the illegal drug trade in Copenhagen – although mostly just limited to marihuana. This was tolerated for many years, although there have always been occasional threats from the government to remove the Freetown. But tensions seriously started to arise in the mid-2000s.

Christiania briefly closed down for visitors in 2011, but now it is open again and things have calmed a bit. The Freetown profits from tourism, providing tours, dining options, merchandise sales, and much more. It is the fourth most visited attraction in Copenhagen and gets approximately 500,000 visitors per year.

Christiania became more internationally known in recent years, due to higher tourism in Copenhagen, and thereby word-of-mouth among travelers. Also, famous musician Lukas Graham is from Christiania and this has also brought some attention.

As of 2013, the same rules and laws apply to Christiania as the rest of Denmark. This continues to be the case in 2023.

How to get there

While there are some issues between Christiania and the Danish government, and while we don’t intend to take any sides in this, we highly recommend going to Christiania. Maybe you will love it, or maybe you will hate it. But it’s unlike any other any other area in Denmark, and it’s very interesting to talk to the locals there. The nature in the Freetown Christiania is also wonderful, like an oasis in the city of Copenhagen, which is otherwise full of urban developments.

So going there definitely makes sense, and we recommend it – but how do you get there?

Since it’s quite central in Copenhagen, you can probably walk there, depending on where you are staying.

Christiania is located within the Christianshavn area of Copenhagen. It is one of the city’s wealthiest areas if we look aside from Christiania.

You can get to Christianshavn – and thereby also Christiania – with metro lines 1 and 2. You can also take a bus to get there, or rent a bike and ride there yourself. There are many options.

Read more about public transport in Copenhagen here .

What to do in Christiania

It is completely free to enter Christiania. You can go in and walk around. Please notice that  taking photos is generally not allowed . A lot of people do that anyway, but the locals don’t like it, and you will also notice signs saying you shouldn’t take photos. For the same reason, we are not showing pictures from inside Christiania here in this article, simply out of respect for their rules.

A walk around Christiania can take hours, and you will undoubtedly find interesting things to do on the way.

You can pay and get a tour from one of the locals. You can also get into the main house in Christiania and get insights into the culture of the Freetown.

Aside from that, just enjoy nature, go for a picnic, get a beer, sit down at one of the restaurants, and walk around for a few hours and enjoy the sights. Socialize a bit if you can – with other visitors and with locals. You can probably get away with buying cannabis if you want to, something that many visitors do – it’s a huge attraction in Christiania, since it is a very open-minded area. But be aware that it’s illegal according to Danish law and that the police are allowed to check your possessions if they notice anything suspicious.

Safety in Christiania

Christiania has issues with organized crime and the illegal marihuana trade. However, aside from that, it’s a safe place if you behave properly. Respect the locals and don’t do anything illegal, or anything that is considered against the social rules. If you do that, you’ll be just fine. If there is a police raid going on at the marketplace – something that happens occasionally – just stay clear of the action. There have been occasional shootings in the area where drugs are sold, so probably best to stay clear of that area too.

Staying near Christiania

Check our guide on where to stay in Copenhagen . Here you will find several hotel recommendations, some of which are near Christiania. It is always expensive to find a hotel in Copenhagen, no matter which one you pick, so it’s best to make sure you find a place that is actually worth the money. In our guide, you get the best recommendations.

Enjoy your time in Copenhagen, and particularly your Christiania visit!

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Christiania

Christiania, copenhagen.

The almost sanctuary like, urban space, that today forms Christiania, is the third most visited tourist attraction in Copenhagen. It is not only one of the most discussed locations and topics over the last few decades. The more than 150 buildings are of course a lucrative deal for the government to own, which is why there’s been so much fighting about the district over these past years. Here you can find everything from theatres and smaller music venues , to cafes and restaurants , and grassy areas to sit, lie and relax at. You can also jog around the big lake that is part of Christiania, and experience some of the beautiful nature within Copenhagen.

The main entrance is located on Prinsessegade, from where you can get to within 5 minutes of walking from Christianshavn Station. The piece of Danish history that is Christiania consists of a total of 32 hectares (79 acres) and its more recent and turbulent history can be traced back to the 1970’s. Note the home made sign that welcomes you to Christiania, and when you leave it states that you are ‘ now entering the EU ‘.

Christiania, Copenhagen’s sanctuary

As we know and see it today was founded in 1971, where residents to the nearby rental apartments stormed the fences and barriers into the old, abandoned military areas. Their main driving forces were to get light, air and a playground for their children in the middle of the densely populated district of Christianshavn.

This was an alternative society based on resident democracy, freedom, ecology and love – so all in all, they had their hopes and ambitions up for their new district, Christiania. Today, more than 40 years later, they have persisted and held their ground – kept their homes. Through harsh times, bright times, and status as a social experiment have all led to the excitement that surrounds Christiania today, which is also what the residents here does not want to give up on!

Because despite its way of free thinking, and root to the flower child’s of the 1960’s and 1970’s, we can’t ignore the fact of all the illegal hashish and marijuana trading that is going on the appropriately named Pusher Street , located in the middle of Christiania. From here, some of the city’s thugs and kingpins are shoveling money into their own pockets with the obvious, public sales of light drugs. Even if the police close the shops, the people just stand around waiting for them to leave again.

Do not take pictures at Pusher Street – the kingpin’s does not want their faces publicly displayed, so if you don’t want to get in trouble, just keep your camera off and do not try to sneak into taking a picture anyway, they are not to be trifled with!

Getting there:

We recommend walking from Christianshavn Station. Get to the station by either taking the Metro towards the Airport/Vestamager, or taking either bus 350S from Nørreport Station or bus 2A from Copenhagen Central Station. Walk north from here through Prinsessegade. You can’t miss it!

Concerts at Christiania

Christiania is a beloved place among the music interested masses. With more than 5 different music venues of various sizes – the largest, indoor ‘Grey Hall’ has hosted names like Bob Dylan and Red Hot Chili Peppers, with small intimate concerts with only around 900 attendees.

The music venue (and restaurant for that matter) Loppen is among the oldest and most legendary music venues in Copenhagen as well! Here, a great number of concerts are held every week, with many people showing up to see what’s going on.

Throughout the high season – from April/May to September/October Nemoland Café are hosting free outdoor concerts, where over the years many famous Danish (and Scandinavian) bands have visited the stages and had a great time! Christiania is very rich on music and culture, and we can recommend a visit here! Yes, people might be smoke a joint or two, but they are minding their own business, and are from all places in the society – both bricklayers, carpenters, businessmen and women, politicians, the military and everyone visits this haven.

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Christiania

Christiania: En fristad midt i København.

Det kontroversielle område er elsket af mange, men har været omdrejningspunkt for heftig debat. Besøg kan være behæftet med en sikkerhedsrisiko på ground af kriminel aktivitet og handel med stoffer.

Det er vigtigt at vide, at det i følge dansk lovgivning er ulovligt at sælge, købe og besidde stoffer i enhver form.

Læs mere om sikkerhed og Christiania længere nede.

Christianias historie strækker sig helt tilbage til 1971, hvor en gruppe slumstormere klippede hul i hegnet til Bådsmandstræde Kaserne. Og hurtigt blev fristaden kendt for Pusher Street. I dag bor mange af de oprindelige indbyggere stadig i den kollektivt styrede landsby, og området har da også en umiskendelig 70'er aura. Der bor omkring 1000 mennesker fast på Christiania, og hvert år besøges fristaden af cirka en halv million gæster.

Fonden Fristaden Christiania

Christiania eksisterede under særlige vilkår i 40 år med konstante konflikter og sammenstød mellem de lokale christianitter og den danske stat.

'Normaliseringsindsatsens' begyndte i 2004, og i 2011 blev der indgået en aftale, som betød, at den 1. juli 2012 blev Fonden Fristaden Christiania grundlagt.

Fonden ejer nu hele den del af Christiania, der ligger uden for de beskyttede volde, og lejer bygningerne og arealerne inden for voldene af staten.

Det er lykkedes Christiania - til dels ved salg af folkeaktier - at samle de 76 millioner kroner, som det koster Fonden Fristaden Christiania at blive herre i eget hus.

Tipier og bananhuse Kreative selvbyggerhuse i alskens former og farver er strøet med gavmild hånd over hele området, og du kan finde flere økologiske spisesteder. Værksteder, gallerier og spillesteder byder inden for til alternative, kulturelle oplevelser og indkøbsmuligheder. Fristaden er smukt beliggende langs voldene og du kan gå en fin tur langs fristadens yderområder. Din sikkerhed Det er vigtigt, at du er bevidst om, at Christiania ikke er som andre bydele i København. Området kan være råt og navnlig miljøet omkring Pusher Street udpeges af politiet til at være styret af organiserede kriminelle. Christianitterne selv har vedtaget regler, som de af sikkerhedsmæssige årsager opfordrer besøgende til at overholde: De fraråder gæster at fotografere, løbe og tale i mobiltelefon på området, især i og omkring Pusher Street. I løbet af årene har der været flere voldelige hændelser, som kædes sammen med organiseret kriminalitet, og det er anbefalet at orientere sig på Københavns Politis hjemmeside eller på X , hvis du planlægger at besøge Christiania.

Se Staden med guide På en rundvisning kan du få indblik i den helt specielle kultur på Fristaden. Rundviserne har levet det meste af deres liv på Christiania, og hver især giver de et personligt indblik i det alternative samfund. På turen kommer du forbi Gallopperiet, Bananhuset, Christiania smedje , Bøssehuset , børneteatret og en række af de spændende selvbyggede huse, der gør et besøg på Christiania til en unik oplevelse. Rundvisningerne foregår på dansk og engelsk.

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2 Days in Copenhagen? Follow This Guide!

P lanning a quick weekend getaway to Copenhagen? With only 48 hours to spare in Denmark’s charming capital, you’ll want to make the most of your time here.

The Danish capital may be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to world-class museums, cutting-edge design, historic landmarks, and cozy cafes.

I spent a memorable weekend discovering the best of Copenhagen that I coupled with nearby Malmo in Sweden, and I’m excited to share my 2-day itinerary to help you map out your own adventure.

This guide includes top attractions like Tivoli Gardens as well as some lesser-known spots like Norrebro, and some local favorites that will give you a taste of authentic Danish hygge.

Copenhagen 2-Day Itinerary Summary

No time to read the full post? You can check out the highlights below, or scroll down for all the details.

Day 1: City Center

1. Stroll down Strøget Street for shopping and cafes.

2. Explore Rosenborg Castle and see the crown jewels.

3. Wander through Nyhavn district and have lunch by the colorful canals.

4. Visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park at night when it sparkles with lights.

Day 2: Alternative Copenhagen

1. Take in the hip vibe of Freetown Christiania.

2. Climb the tower of the Church of Our Saviour for panoramic views.

3. Learn about Danish design at Design Museum Denmark.

4. Relax on a laidback canal tour around the city.

5. Grab drinks and soak up the atmosphere in Christiania.

2 Day Copenhagen Itinerary

Day 1 morning: explore norrebro and superkilen.

For your first morning in Copenhagen, fuel up on coffee and pastries in Norrebro. This multicultural neighborhood has hip cafes, international eateries, and an energetic vibe.

While wandering the trendy cafes and diverse eateries of Norrebro, you can fuel up before tackling the many wonderful things to do in Copenhagen .

After breakfast, head to Superkilen Urban Park to soak up the international essence of the neighborhood. An urban park designed by architects to celebrate diversity, Superkilen features objects and artifacts from 60 different nationalities around the world.

Go for a jog, chat with locals, and enjoy the quirky installations like neon signs from Russia and palm trees from China. It’s the perfect place to soak up the international essence of Norrebro.

Day 1 Afternoon: Rosenborg Castle, National Museum, and Nyhavn

After working up an appetite wandering Tivoli, make your way over to Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish crown jewels and artifacts. Marvel at the ornate ceilings and royal furnishings as you explore this Renaissance castle.

Don’t miss the Treasury exhibition in the basement, where you can admire the crowns and jewels up close.

Next, dive into Denmark’s history and culture at the National Museum just around the corner. It houses everything from Viking ships to medieval religious art. Be sure to see the bronze Sun Chariot from the 3rd century BC – it documents an incredible array of ancient Nordic bronze works.

Once you’ve had your fill of history, take a scenic stroll over to Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront district. Snap some photos of the colorful gabled townhouses lining the canal.

Stop for an open-faced smoked salmon sandwich and a Carlsberg beer at one of the restaurants with outdoor seating. Wave to boaters passing by as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere along the waterfront.

Day 1 Evening: Torvehallerne Market and Tivoli at Night

For dinner, make your way over to Torvehallerne Market, just a short walk from Nørreport Station. It’s an indoor food market with over 60 vendors selling fresh produce, artisan breads, cheeses, cured meats, chocolate, and more.

Grab ingredients for the perfect picnic dinner or try samples from some of Copenhagen’s top eateries and food shops.

Once you’ve eaten, end your first day back at Tivoli Gardens. The amusement park takes on a magical atmosphere at night when over a million twinkling lights illuminate the grounds.

Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel or Rollercoaster for an epic view of the city lights before watching the nightly fireworks show over the lake. It’s the perfect way to end an evening in Copenhagen.

A Copenhagen packing list should include multiple layers for keeping warm at the Torvehallerne Market and Tivoli Gardens.

Day 2 Morning: Christiania and Church of Our Saviour

On your second day, fuel up on coffee and head over to the infamous Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood with art galleries, eateries, and music venues.

Wander along the car-free streets and canals, taking in the creative and free-spirited vibe. Don’t miss wandering down Pusher Street, where independent stalls and stands now sell handmade goods after the area’s former seedy past.

Next, climb the winding 400 steps to the top of the Church of Our Saviour’s spiral tower for stunning panoramic views of Copenhagen.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Sweden across the Öresund Strait. Don’t worry – you can take a breather on the landings on the way up. Trust me, battling the steps is worth it for the sweeping city vistas.

Day 2 Afternoon: Design Museum Denmark, Canal Tour, and Christiana

After you’ve caught your breath, cross over the bridge to Slotsholmen Island for a taste of Danish design at Design Museum Denmark. View iconic furniture like minimalist chairs, as well as exhibits highlighting Denmark’s leadership in modern design principles and architecture.

Then embark on a laidback canal tour to relax and enjoy Copenhagen from the water. Cruise by The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, the Black Diamond library, and the colorful houses of Nyhavn. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings while basking in Copenhagen’s charm from a new vantage point.

Once you return to land, take some time to browse the trendy shops and boutiques on Strøget and grab a smørrebrød for a late lunch. Duck into Royal Copenhagen if you want to take home some signature Danish porcelain.

Spend your final hours back at one of my favorite spots – Christiania. Explore the creative DIY homes and soak up the communal, bohemian atmosphere. Don’t miss grabbing a craft beer at Månefiskeren, sitting by the canals taking in street music performances before you have to jet off.

Extend Your Stay-Best Things to do in Copenhagen

If you have more time to spend in Copenhagen beyond 2 days, there are plenty more neighborhoods, museums, and activities to enjoy. Here are some top recommendations:

⭐️ Wander through the grounds of Kastellet and see the historic windmill overlooking the water. Kastellet is a 17th century star-shaped fortress with lovely green spaces and architecture.

⭐️ Rent a bike and cycle to see more of the city’s layout and scenic harbor views. Biking is the perfect way to cover ground like the beaches at Amager Strand.

⭐️ Visit Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, a short train ride outside the city. It’s an impressive Renaissance castle surrounded by gardens and lakes.

⭐️ Tour the Carlsberg Brewery to learn about the history of beer making and sample their famous pilsner.

⭐️ Relax at the beaches along the Amager coastline or in the gardens of Frederiksberg Palace.

⭐️ Head further afield to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or medieval castle Kronborg in Helsingør. Both easy day trips by train.

⭐️ Attend a jazz concert at Jazzhus Montmartre, which hosts local and international jazz musicians.

How to Get to Copenhagen

Copenhagen has an international airport, so you can easily fly directly into the city. There are also train and ferry options if you want to arrive overland from other parts of Europe.

Some options for getting to Copenhagen:

✈️ Flight – Copenhagen Airport is located just 8 km from the city center, with quick and easy transport links via train, metro, bus, or taxi. Many international airlines offer direct flights.

🚊Train – Copenhagen Central Station has direct trains from cities like Hamburg, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Stockholm. Rail travel provides scenic views of the Danish countryside.

⛴ Ferry – Take the ferry from Oslo or a ferry and train combination from London or Amsterdam. Perfect for enjoying sea views.

Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Crowd-Free Destinations

Where to stay in copenhagen.

With only 48 hours, you’ll want to stay as centrally as possible to maximize sightseeing time. Here are some top neighborhoods and hotels to consider:

📍 Tivoli/City Hall – For attractions like Tivoli Gardens, City Hall, and Strøget. Stay at Hotel Alexandra for luxury right beside Tivoli.

📍 Nyhavn – To be along the iconic colorful waterfront. Try 71 Nyhavn Hotel for canal views.

📍 Nørreport – For cafes, shops, and easy transport. Wakeup Copenhagen is an affordable design hotel.

📍 Vesterbro – Trendy area with cafes and nightlife. Stay at urban-chic Axel Hotel or Generator Hostel .

On a budget? Do what I did and book cheaper accommodation in Malmo, just 30 minutes away from Copenhagen over the Oresund Bridge. It’s ideal for combining your trip to Copenhagen with Malmo so you get to see both cities.

Final Tips for Making the Most of 48 Hours in Copenhagen

To recap, spending 2 days in Copenhagen is best done by…

• Exploring top attractions like Tivoli Gardens and Rosenborg Castle, balanced with local favorites like Christiania

• Visiting museums and landmarks during the day, and enjoying Tivoli Gardens at night when everything is illuminated

• Strolling and cycling along charming streets like Strøget and Nyhavn

• Sampling authentic smørrebrød, pastries, and other Danish cuisine as you go

• Ending your last day relaxing in Christiania with a craft beer along the canals

I hope this 2 day Copenhagen itinerary helps you experience the highlights at an enjoyable pace.

With this handy guide, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of your weekend getaway in Denmark’s fairytale capital. Just don’t forget your camera – so many Instagram-worthy moments are waiting to be captured in Copenhagen!

You Haven’t Seen Rome Until You’ve Visited These Epic Landmarks

Friday, April 26, 2024 10:15 am (Paris)

Copenhagen's Christiania neighborhood has forced the 'Pusher Street' drug dealers out

Tired of clashes between gangs vying to control the drug market, the residents of the autonomous enclave of Christiania have made the cobbled street where the dealers used to operate impassable.

By  Anne-Françoise Hivert   (Malmö (Sweden) correspondent)

Time to 3 min.

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"Pusher Street" is no more. On April 6, in a festive atmosphere and glorious sunshine, residents of Copenhagen's self-governed Christiania neighborhood dug up the cobblestones of one of Denmark's most famous streets. After a new wave of violence, which claimed three lives in less than three years, the "Christianites" decided to destroy the hundred-meter-long alley once and for all, and to expel the "pushers" – or "dealers" in English – by removing their stalls, made from sheet metal and wooden pallets, which had made the area a tourist attraction.

Nearly 770 adults and 220 children live in the enclave. Families turned out to the event, described as "historic," bustling about to the sound of Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd) over the loudspeakers. They passed the cobblestones from one hand to another and piled them up in a courtyard. Some kept one as a souvenir. Others filmed the scene on their phones, for the first time defying the signs painted on the walls by the drug dealers, who have banned taking pictures in Pusher Street.

Wearing a fluorescent orange Lycra T-shirt and black jogging pants, Klaus Danzer fought back tears. Originally from Germany, the 59-year-old carpenter has lived in the neighborhood for about 30 years. Two years ago, he became the face of the Nok er Nok – "enough is enough" – movement. It was created after a 22-year-old Christianite was killed on Pusher Street on July 3, 2021, "probably by mistake," according to Danzer, who had known the victim since she was a child.

A collective decision

In October 2022, a 23-year-old man was shot twice in the head not far from the alley. Then, on August 26, 2023, a shootout broke out. It was around 7:30 pm, and the neighborhood was packed. A man with gang connections was killed. Four bystanders were wounded, including two foreign tourists. The next day, residents gathered at Den Grå Hal, a concert hall where Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and Metallica have all performed. They decided to close Pusher Street.

It isn't the first time locals have tried to get rid of drug dealers. "This time it's different because the decision didn't come from the top, and we have the support of the state and the city," said architect Mette Prag, one of the neighborhood's spokeswomen. Copenhagen Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen and Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard Thomsen came to have breakfast with the residents on April 6, before each leaving with a cobblestone.

The government has promised to invest 14.3 million kroner (almost €2 million) in renovating the district and building 15,000 square meters of low-cost housing. It marks a small revolution for Christiania, whose residents have always opposed state intervention, seen as an attempt at normalization.

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