Freetown Christiania

Christiania is an interesting visit, away from the standard tourist perspective of Copenhagen. From original art to music and craft, Christiania is open to all as an alternate self-sustaining community.

Cute local community in copenhagen. Loved the vibe and people. Bought a beautiful bracelet from one of the local vendors. Definitely a must see on your trip!

This is a truly strange tourist attraction. And, I use that term,"Tourist Attraction," lightly. It is said that this place is the home to many of those who live an alternative lifestyle in Copenhagen. They claim that this area is completely beyond the rules and the laws of Copenhagen. In some ways, that is pretty easy to see as the main street is lined with people selling weed and hash, which is still illegal in Denmark. Copenhagen is not Amsterdam. Though a bit sketchy, this city within a city is very well maintained. I am sure there is some other story going on here. ...One that we will never know. This being said, what you will find here is some of the best street art and graffiti that you will witness anywhere across Copenhagen. Of course, it is clearly stated all over the place, "No Photos." But, I'm guess that is more to keep the people dealing drugs safe and off the radar than anything else. One of the funny/interesting things I find about this location is that tour buses actually pull up to it. I don't know, maybe it's just me me, but if you are truly embracing an alternative lifestyle that all seems rather intrusive. Nonetheless, this is an interesting place. Even if all you do is look at the great street art, it is worth the visit.

It's a community. The street art is colorful, but I didn't feel as if I needed to come here. I wouldn't want a bunch of tourists clogging the streets of where I live. Fun Fact- The flag is a red banner with three yellow circles that represent the dots in each i in "Christiania."

Christiania, the squatter camp turned utopian nation within a nation, was a pretty cool little community. For those unaware with its history, it's pretty fascinating. A former military barracks that was abandoned was eventually taken over by squatters who then created their own Freestate, which led to actual acknowledgment from the government. The community (about 1000) live by their own rules, which there are three main ones- 1. No Photography on Pusher Street (green light district) 2. No Running 3. Have fun Pretty simple, and I dutifully followed all three until I left and "headed back to the EU" (as the exit says). We jumped off the hop on hop off bus at a site near here, then ventured over a few blocks to the entrance. We had actually passed the back side of it while on the boat tour. It definitely gave us the image of a hippie commune, as from the water we could see a bunch of fully naked people on the shore. Once we did enter Christiania, it was a whole lot of graffiti (which I love), organic shops, and lots of weed/hash for sale out in the open (as many others have stated). I don't partake, but I'm also not offended or afraid of seeing it. The vibe was chill, it was sort of like Venice Beach in the early 90s, plus the community of Burning Man, mixed in with the convenience, availability and openness of herb like Amsterdam. We walked around for about 45 minutes, then left. It was interesting, but not a "must do". It was more interesting to learn about the history and tolerance of the place.

We were told by one of the guides to check this place out, but I felt weird walking through it. It's a place where people live and a place where, what the locals call, for people to smoke weed and do their thing without having it smell throughout other parts of the city. I do think it's cool that they allow this to be in one part of the city so that people who are artists, free thinkers and with the hippy vibes can be here, in peace. I didn't care for it and felt bad walking through and seeing how people live here. It's not exactly a touristy place and how would you like it if someone came to where you live and observe you like animals? Personally, just leave them alone and let people do their thing, that's just how I see it.

Freetown Christiania, is a home to about 1000 residents in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. Christiania is a mix of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries, music venues, cheap and organic eateries, and beautiful nature. This place is open to public but there are some simple rules, like "No Photography inside of this city." Its one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen and is visited by thousands of people daily. A lot of the people living in Christiania built their homes themselves giving the area an extremely interesting architectural feel. They discourage visitors to photograph, run and talk 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 advice visitors not to photograph either. You really don't need a tour guide to visit this place, if you take the Hop on Red Double Decker Buses, you can get dropped off right in front of this city. Visiting this place is a MUST and dedicate a good half a day to this very unique place. And YES, you can find (and smell) marijuana all over this place and the people may look a little alternative, but remember this is an actual home to these people so try to keep an open mind and enjoy the experience!

It was my last day in Copenhagen and I was wandering around the streets and neighborhoods enjoying the weather and just being on vacation, when I remembered a friend recommending I pay Christiania a visit. It is free to visit/walk-through/whatever, and certainly quite an experience. I was told the most important thing to know is that photography is not allowed, due to the free selling and smoking of pot. Which is unfortunate, because the street art and murals are eye popping and gorgeous! There are merchants and sellers on the streets, little restaurants and stores. I didn't stay very long or spend much time in the area. I simply walked through on my way to another museum and enjoyed the sights and the experience of this unique community. And I am really glad I took the time to do that. Visit this one of a kind place when you are in Copenhagen!

This is an interesting place that's completely opposite of all of Copenhagen. It's not owned by the government and pretty run down. We were told by our tour guide that this is a community and that we're not allowed to take pictures. I have no idea why this is a tourist site because I would recommend just walking by real quickly and not making eye contact. It's people's actual lives that you're "intruding" on, not a museum. While it is unique, I felt very awkward walking through.

What a unique and special location! You feel like your part of local life when you step in the town! It's safe and people are very friendly! Good times

What started as a social experiment back in 1971 has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Denmark. Christiana is a society within a society: they pay rent to the community and the state for water and electricity. The people have great freedom of expression -- artistic and otherwise -- and you can find artsy/quirky wares for sale here from t-shirts, jewelry, beanies, smoking paraphernalia, etc. After you've passed through the residential houses and open air cafes, you'll come across the Green Light district. Three rules to live by here: absolutely NO PHOTOS, don't run and have fun! I now understand when they say that the Danes are very open minded and tolerable people, because right here, are numerous make-shift stalls where you can buy pot, hash and other soft drugs. Legally? who knows. Amsterdam ain't got nothin on Copenhagen. My friend and I thought since we're here, we might as well uh, support the local economy. We were both new to the "trade", so we decided this would be our own social experiment. My uptight little Virgo self didn't wanna give in, but then we found ... space cookies. These kind were more the crispy but still taste fresh even after two days. After chatting up someone for advice on how much quantity to consume to get the desired effect, the guy looked at us funny and said "wait, you're from California, you guys invented 420. Uh .... riiiiight" My conclusion from this social experiment? it's cheaper to get a buzz here than getting drunk at a bar. So, 3 stars for the experience but it really isn't my thing. Plus, I prefer my cookies a bit more chewy.

Bevar Christiania! Gee, I didn't have a clue I was entering an actual micro-nation when I stepped into Christiania in the Christianhavn area of Copenhagen. My only awareness of this hippie-dippy commune was a snippet of Rick Steves's episode on Copenhagen. Sounded fascinating - a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood of 85 acres that was founded in 1971. There aren't any direction signs to lead you there. You just start to notice a lot more graffiti on the buildings until you happen upon the main entryway off Bådsmandsstræde. It looks kinda like Fred's junkyard business on "Sanford and Son" blended with Woodstock. Groovy, man. There is the distinct aroma of cannabis in the air. Lots of public art made from what looks to be recycled materials. A full itinerary of music performances to be found deeper in the 'hood. No map to be found so good luck with that. All I did was roam. With my camera well hidden since there are big signs of cameras with a red slash on them. There is a visitors' center, so the 850 residents are not complete anarchists. They even sell their own T-shirts and sweats emblazoned with their flag - three yellow circles on a field of red. I wonder what their micro-national anthem is... I vote for Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" because I think they may have paved paradise, put up a parking lot.

I'm assuming you know the story, but basically some 1000 or so odd squatters have taken over a part of Christianshavn and taken it over as their own free state. The most visited area by four tiers is the town square area, where retailers of clothes, snacks, and...other items congregate. Christiania is well-known for its acceptance and selling of weed. If you bring your kids into the area, just know they will probably get a contact high. The weed itself is very expensive. It's good stuff, but it's on par with what you'd buy in the US that's heavily taxed. Last but not least NO PHOTOS. Seriously, they'll kick you out if they even see a camera.

If Bob Marley, Bonnaroo, tie dye and the world's vegan community all puked on one village - it'd look something like the carefree area of Copenhagen known as Christiana. In this "society within a society" you'll find marijuana growing on rooftops, in terra cotta pots on the sidewalk and placed in vases for decoration. Okay, so I made up the vase part, but I could t-totally imagine some 7 leaved plants gracing the mantles of these cottage/shack style homes. The concept of a fattie was conceived in Christiana. Don't quote me on this but by looking at these chubby puppies, I'm quite certain. We're talking cigar style. And after you're done smoking that fattie you can eat to your heart's content with everything from made-to-order crepes, a vegan café and gyros in the village. Need some hand crafted earrings or a knitted knapsack? Not to worry, my friend. There are several artsy vendors selling their wares within the graffiti-walled community. Residents in the neighborhood live apart from the hectic ways of society with their trapped-in-time homes, dusty winding walkways, overgrown gardens, community pets and car-free streets (doesn't sound too shabby, eh?). The people of Christiana come in all shapes and sizes. From babies in strollers eating mini moon brownies (gotta start somewhere, right?) to the white-haired older gang who was around when the commune first started. Christiana is definitely a must-see during your visit to Copenhagen. If the thought of a pot-filled neighborhood furrows your brow, you could probably use a good contact buzz anyways. So go.

What a trip! This independently ran neighborhood of head shops and kiosks of weed, seemingly void of local police presence, was like something out of a movie. We walked through, making a loop through the streets, people of all ages, from elderly to young children walking through the crowds of people, past the small food trucks that look permanently camped out, old buildings with people going in and out, numerous makeshift kiosks with signs displaying the different varieties of weed available for sale. Very interesting indeed!

While on my short trip to Copenhagen, why not check out a self-governed society within the city limits? It's a trippy place that was fun to stroll through. It's dilapidated to the point where it's unlike any of the surrounding structures in town and almost like Mad Max or Burning Man come to life. Free spirits looking for narcotics, a skate park, or any number of other things shunned by most residents are what you'll find within the walls of the decommissioned military base. Certainly worthy of an hour of your time. No pictures allowed while on Pusher Street unless you want to get harassed by locals. You'll see why when you get there.

greenlight area.. weird and interesting. Lots of people here on the weekend I visited.

This is an interesting place to visit. I highly recommend visiting this place but only after you read the background history. Apparently a group of people a long time ago decided to live a different lifestyle than that to the rest of the Copenhagen society. So they moved here, and eventually obtained sovereignty. They make their own laws, plan their own development and are not taxed. There are about a 1,000 residents but when you troll through here you will so many people, tourists. Marijuana is legal here and they sell it from kiosks like you would ice cream. It's kinda weird bc the vendors cover themselves up and look like bank robbers. (Isn't it legal?) The place is not as clean as Copenhagen- the dirt paths a beaten down (talk about taking the path less traveled). People drink at all times of the day. You are not allowed to take photographers here so take a mental picture. It's definitely worth visiting but to me it didn't feel unique, it reminded me of People's Park in Berkeley or Santa Cruz, California. ... So I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

Such an interesting place. Very Venice Beach/bohemian vibe, it's not for everyone. Had gone on the hop on hop off bus & stopped over here. It's a short walk. No pictures allowed once you're in. It's also known as Freetown.

One of the great philosophical questions is: where does a hippy utopia end and a grotty dump start? You will find the answer to that question on your visit. It's a fascinating place, little oases of hippy chic (colourful murals, cute houses, etc) interspersed by chaos and mess. One of the highlights is spotting some of the really great signs. My personal highlight as a fan of the film 'Withnail and I' was spotting a guy that looked identical to the dealer in the film, I wonder what he was selling on his stall.

Christiania initially began as a social experiment and has stayed on. Very interesting to walk around and see people with their hand made items and small shops along with people selling mary jane all over as well. There are restaurants in the area, some pretty good ones. Interesting graffiti work as well. Overall good experience in free city, worth checking out. Funny seeing the board saying you're now exiting the EU there.

What an amazing, beautiful, freethinking utopia. I immediately felt at ease here. I could have spent the entire day just hangin out, catchin good vibes, chattin up cool dudes..... Around every corner there was a new surprise. The perfect place for a hardcore sunday funday. I often exercise caution when diving head first into a new subculture because It usually doesn't take long To start seeing the dark side. Sure I saw some teens give each other Knuckles because they spent their communion money to party. So what. Why would I care? That's why I like it here. No nonsense. I would like to come back. Often.

Christiania is not exactly somewhere you go to "hang out" but more somewhere that you pass through to see what it's all about. It's listed in guidebooks as if it's a tourist destination, which I guess it has become because a lot of tourists pass through it, but it's really just a place where people live and I kind of felt like I was intruding on their home the entire time that I was there. I know that they have come to embrace the tourist culture as it helps generate cash flow for the community, but I felt pretty uncomfortable and out of place. It's interesting for sure, and very progressive, and it's certainly cool that such a place exists (a city within in side free from the rules and laws of the city outside of it) so from that perspective it's worth visiting, but there's just not a whole lot to "do" here, outside of making buying and smoking some weed.

Christiania is an area with the likeability of an isis training camp. It was all middle aged men with the complexion of heroin addicts, the only interaction I had was being asked if I wanted to buy drugs. Garbage everywhere and lots of trashcan fires with people standing around warming themselves. The sculptures and murals were not noteworthy, and the place didn't give me the impression that there was any artists left in Christiania. One of the buildings was recently reduced to rubble as a result of a fire, and helped round off my impression that this was in fact a post apocalyptic hellscape. Looking forward to having the government reclaim this land and put it to better use.

My friend & I had the luxury of receiving a personal tour of Christiania from our local Danish friends! I would agree w/ the bulk of the previous reviews about Christiania being a self-governed hippy town w/ an ongoing festive environment 24-7. I went to Copenhagen this past January '14 so I actually got a different feel than what most tourists would get, if visiting Copenhagen during the long summer days. The architecture, mostly created by the residents themselves, is very eccentric & extremely innovative. If visiting during a rainy/snowy season like I did, please wear BOOTS because sidewalks are not yet constructed in this town and the dirt gets very muddy and will get all over your shoes & back of pants. Be careful with your cameras because after a certain point, (there are signs), no photos are allowed! Basically, the police/government made a deal with the people of Christiania: If you can't prove what happens, it didn't happen. Currently, there is an ongoing fund with the goal to ultimately allow the people of Christiania to buy the land from the Danish state. So, you will see a lot of signs that portray the shares the public can purchase to help raise money. Also, CASH ONLY! There is no close bank near by... so if you're planning to buy anything, have cash on you. The closest place you can get money is from a kiosk (similar to cash-back concept from a deli) which is across the street from the entrance, but they only accept Danish Debit Cards. Long story short, I have NEVER experienced or seen something like Christiania, and is by-far a definite MUST-GO while in Copenhagen! My friend wanted to take us to the "BANANA BOAT HOUSE"? But, could not find it! Might be somewhat boring for those who don't smoke weed or don't care about odd/cool/interesting architecture or just generally not attracted to the squatter lifestyle, etc, especially if there are no concerts going on. I definitely want to go back during the summer and get another perspective of Christiania via sunshine!

Yeah, you can buy weed out in the open here, but that is definitely not why I like this area. It's a commune that is both beautiful and a little ugly in some parts, made up of a creative collective. Admiring the houses that they have built is reason enough to come by, though one should be respectful and remember that people actually live there. There is even a house available to foreign artists and academics who wish to conduct research involving the area, called Christiania Researcher In Residence (CRIR.net). They often hold art shows or some other sort of exhibition during their stay. And then sitting out in the green strip by the water in the spring and summer can be very peaceful even though Christiania is normally noisy. Back in the 'downtown' area, there are quite a few venues for concerts or art shows which don't often sit empty; there is something going on all the time. Everything from public lectures at the recurring Science & Cocktails to photo exhibitions at Gallopperiet to live music at Operaen. After that, one can get a bite to eat at vegetarian-friendly Spiseloppen or Morgenstedet, among many others. As for safety, you should be fine unless you break the rules which are displayed in many places. Maybe don't walk down Pusher Street with a huge DSLR hanging around your neck.. Christiania is about a lot more than just smoking a joint with friends and getting a slice of dream cake from Sunshine Bakery. But of course there's that too. Take advantage of the many offerings of this free town and respect the residents.

Well worth a visit to this Amsterdam of Copenhagen weedville and park area with hills and water views in Copenhagen. An interesting cultural experience to see how the Danes have created a space for legal marijuana purchase, smoking and edibles. Not my thing, I'm high on life, but interesting nontheless. Peeps hang out here. You're not supposed to take photos or run. Don't harsh on peeps' mellow. I still think drugs are bad, but if you want an edgy Copenhagen experience, here you are.

One of the strangest sites you will see on your trip to Copenhagen and certainly worth a wee wander around and a beer at the bar. This "commune" now looks a bit more like little Amsterdam with no cops to me but it is an interesting experience. Not sure how it is all left alone by the police, but it seems to be left to its own devices and nobody seems worried. Basically a big garden area with various graffitied buildings, burning barrels, stalls selling jewellery, dogs running wild, artists and drug dealers. It all comes to a central point where you can sit and drink beers from the bar and even get a bite to eat. You will be surrounded by a mixture of tourists, local Danes sneaking out from normal life, hip hop fans and hippies. Many of them will be smoking something that they have just bought from one of the local drug dealers, whilst they listen to rap music from nearby speakers. To be honest I thought the place was a bit seedy and dodgy rather than a centre for a gathering of people from counter culture. Still you should take a look, but during the day would be my recommendation.

Meh, this was one of the places that i didn't care to come by but because we were part of a walking tour sort of had no choice. Christiana is a micro-state within a country that operates by its own rules and laws yet accepts the local currency. There's roughly about 1,000 residents in the town and a small chunk of it is dedicated to the sale of product, if you get my meaning. There are quite a few building that have some nice graffiti artwork sprayed about them but the place is a dump, imo. Apparently Lenny Kravitz is on the waiting list to become a resident. He's #250. Rules to follow: no photography when walking down "Pusher Street." That's pretty self-explanatory, and no running in Christiana, because that makes people panic. They think that someone is chasing or being chased down by someone else. Christiana is more of a curiosity than anything and it's cool in that sense but to me, it really didn't offer anything worthwhile. Different strokes, I suppose.

Whoever said that this place is good for kids, must have been under the influence of marie-janette LOL. God, I love Christiania. Why may you ask? It's amazing how this small area could care less about its own government and go on with their own agenda. Moreover, if you are rebellious like myself and prefer alternative, check it out whilst in CPH!

Give yourself at least an hour, this place is much bigger than it seems. Such a splendid off the grid community :) Grab a hot chocolate, a bite to eat, or buy a t-shirt and represent free-town Christiania! Very bohemian, lots of pot smoking and in-general a laid back, judgement-free atmosphere.

As a student visiting Copenhagen, Christiania is an awesome visit. Its conveniently located right over the bridge to Christianshavn from Copenhagen. The town has a strong hippie/reggae feel to it but is very welcoming and comfortable. Upon entrance you will notice all of the art work on the walls, a skate park, market, and recreational drugs (if thats your cup of tea). I definitely suggest visiting if you have the time.

I can see why so many people feel an affinity with this space, but it was a bit much for me, to be honest. I really like the idea of it, and once I was inside felt comfortable and safe. The area just outside was probably my least favourite part of Copenhagen, though. To be honest, if you don't smoke pot, I don't think there's a big draw here. I don't smoke and while I enjoyed seeing the dealers selling hidden yet out in the open, and people all just hanging out being relaxed is always nice, I could take it or leave it. We had an ice cream, wandered around, looked out over the water, and were definitely ready to leave. If you're a bit straitlaced and boring like me, it's worth seeing, but not worth a special trip.

Not for children or adults. I was unsure on the safety but decided to venture into the Freetown. It was filled with trash and didn't look inviting- There were graffiti everywhere and wasn't artistic. I've read several articles stating it was artistic. I felt like kindergarten unleashed. Middle aged males walking around not many women. I went during the morning and they were setting up I guess a flea market. I wouldn't want to have a meal there if I had a choice. They also have a area called Pusher St - it's where you can legally purchase drugs. No photos allowed

This place is the coolest "touristy" attraction that is in Copenhagen. If you haven't heard about it I will quickly summarize: This is a city inside Copenhagen, but they are completely independent. After the militaries moved out of here a few "hippies" came to the place and started a community. Basically everything sold here (including mariajuana) is to help support their own expenses and etc. Even though it's a "free city", and they have their own rules (No running, no photos being the most important ones). If you like street art this is a treat, a lot of interesting murals and cool places to check out. You may be curious to understand the flag (which is red with three yellow dots). The colors were supposedly chosen because there was a lot of red and yellow paint, left from the original squatters.

Christiana is super boring if you don't smoke weed and there's not a concert going on. There, I said it. I don't like Christiana. OVER RATED! There are some cool houses and art to look at, but you can't see it at night, and let's face it, Denmark is night time 3/4 of the year. It's touristy and dumb otherwise. Cool premise, but not actually cool.

Civic authorities in Copenhagen regard Christiania as a large commune, but the area has a unique status in that it is regulated by a special law, the Christiania Law of 1989 which transfers parts of the supervision of the area from the municipality of Copenhagen to the state. It was closed by residents in April 2011, whilst discussions continued with the Danish government as to its future, but is now open again.[1] Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971. Its cannabis trade was tolerated by authorities until 2004. Since then, measures for normalising the legal status of the community have led to conflicts, and negotiations are ongoing. (the previous was borrowed from Wikipedia) I've been to Christiania a couple of times and continue to marvel at the meeting of serious drug trade, artists, tourists and cool heads. As others have mentioned, if you want pictures, take them on the periphery. If you pull out your camera inside, you might get your ass kicked. While it is illlegal to posses and smoke marijuana in Denmark, there is a bit of a detente with the authorities and it's more open there than even Amsterdam. Vendors dot Pusher (now Green Street) Street with tables displaying massive chunks of hashish and peeps openly sit and smoke while enjoying music and the glorious sun. Don't miss Freetown Christiania...it's an important part of Copenhagen whether they like it or not. Bevar Christiania!!!

Former military base but ironically taken over by a community of anarchists who are very free-willed and hippie-esque. Not so artsy and crafty cool like Haight, not grunge and semi-sketch like Little Five. My mom would probably call this the home of delinquents, some of my acquiantances would call this heaven, my friends would like the bar and music scene. An air of unease permeates the place (or is it just paranoid me?). I think Christiania is a hard place to describe, and perhaps even its inhabitants would say so too. If there is a place on earth run by anarchy, this is the closest you'd get to it and it's fascinating because you realize that even anarchy demands it's own rules to survive. These are the famous "9 Rules" that you must follow. No weapons No hard drugs No violence No private cars No biker's colors No bulletproof clothing No sale of fireworks No use of thundersticks (noise makers) No stolen goods They forgot one - absolutely no flashlights at night, even though there are no lights once you get out of central Christiania - those are reserved for police. We got some of the gangs to follow us and it was kind of alarming. Just don't do it. I'll add another one- absolutely no photography near the central part of Christiania, where you'll find Pusherstreet, or the Green Light District. If you must, try to do so discreetly, and avoid people and goodness forbid a drug deal taking place because you will get your ass kicked. I felt a little tingly just looking at some of the people here - like the hair on the back of my neck rising, and my teeth on edge. Seriously, no joke. Pictures. Do this discreetly. Other than that, the park here is quite serene. Sometimes I liked to sit here and listen to Bronte by Gotye by the waterfront.

Wow! What a unique place in Copenhagen. If you like weed, you can buy and use it here - openly. For me who doesn't do it I can eat food and drink beer, and look at people at the same time. You will find all sorts of people here - young and old! Love the atmosphere. Kind and warm. A must thing to do when in Copenhagen.

Christiania is like Burning Man without the VC money. It's an amazing part of Copenhagen. No legal rules really pertain here. I had a fun time exploring Christiania. The people were very nice and welcoming. I highly recommend coming here.

The idea behind it is pretty cool, but the cliche reggae, stoner stereotype thing is played out and I thought this place lacked authenticity. I was excited to see some art and innovative artistic visions, but it was pretty much meh all around. Way too touristy, and yes, I was a tourist there. Maybe I'm a bit jaded considering I've lived in Southern California and well, considering my lifestyle, this place is pretty much everyday life for me. I get it though, it's cool. But, I experienced way way cooler things in Copenhagen, Trekroner Fort, for example! Now THAT was fun!

As soon as I mentioned I was going to Copenhagen to friends their first words of advice were 'you must visit Christiania' followed by warnings of you mustn't take pictures (not that I'm known for it!), you must be careful not to run, its popular for selling weed.... Tbh it kind of scared me so I googled it! Christinia (aka Freetown Christiania) is a large commune in the borough of Christianshavn. Springing up after the military abandoned their barracks in the 1980's, Christiania quickly developed from a squatter residency to a hippie movement. The area is regulated by a special law (Christiania Law of 1989) and is famously known for its cannibis trade. After reading this on Wikipedia and my friends reiterating it my friend and I very cautiously approached Christiania during our weekend there in April. To say we were nervous was an understatement and we briskly began to walk through. It is actually a very chilled place however also very quiet, even on a weekend, which was quite unnerving. Some of the buildings are lovely - quirky designs and lots of colourful graffiti but there is also a lot of rubbish and run down buildings which just make it seem a bit sad. We entered through the residential area but quickly arrived at the Green Light District where there are plenty of stalls with masked men selling weed. Although daunting they are protecting themselves but it did make me feel uneasy. There were also a few bars and cafes but we weren't brave enough to stop. As we left we breathed a huge sigh of relief (yay we survived) - this is not the place for me but interesting nonetheless and as a major attraction in Copenhagen is worth a visit if you have the time. The strangest place and utterly bizarre! Remember: The 3 rules in Christiania are no photos, don't run and have fun.

Not quite as epic as the tourist hype - but better, really. Feels like a little hippie village, but the buildings are all former military, so the visual effect is a bit odd. NO cameras are allowed in the center of the village (Pusher Street), but I did manage to snap a pic of the Christiania Shop, which had an awesome graffiti outside : "Don't leave us alone with the Danes." The residents consider themselves to live outside of the EU, and it shows. I bought a cool lapis ring and a glass pipe (for tobacco, of course!). I only spent an hour there, though.

We were told that we just HAD to see Christiania... and I *guess* I'm glad I saw it? Seeing it satisfied the curiosity, but that was about it. Perhaps my expectations were off. I'd read that walking into Christiania is like walking into a neighborhood... you just have to blend in. But once you've blended, you can really enjoy the culture and see what it's all about that. And none of that was true. Christiania is a tourist trap. Are there parts of it that aren't touristy? I'm sure. But we didn't WANT to stay long enough to find out. We strolled up and down the main street--filled with tables of jewelry and art and bric-a-brac--and we walked down a few side-streets that seemed mostly abandoned. The whole thing just felt very commercialized. Think: Tijuana. There are, as you've likely read already, signs all over that say No Photographs. And this was a bummer. I didn't care to photograph the open exchange of pot that we saw, but some of the graffiti and abandoned buildings were interesting. What this amounted to was wanting to take innocent pictures, but being constantly reminded that we could not. And what would happen if we did take pictures, we wondered? The multiple vicious dogs roaming around suggested violence. Finally, at some point we were hungry and wanted to get a snack, but realized we didn't trust any of it to not be 'special'. And that lack of trust was what pervaded all of Christiania for me. I didn't trust that it was authentic. At all.

My partner described Christiania as a permanent music festival environment, and I'd say that's pretty accurate. It definitely attracts a lot of tourists, but remember that around 900 people live here full time, and it's not their fault if tourists want to come in and have a look around. Have an open mind - they might not like the tourists, either, and you're one of the tourists you're complaining about there being too many of! If you look past that, Christiania is really amazing. It's an old military barracks taken over by hippies and squatters in the 60s that has been a living community ever since. The architecture, largely created by the residents, is so creative and some of it is extremely stunning. Pushers Row is le serious. If you're not comfortable being around that, I'd say avoid it. I left wanting to learn more about the Christiania community. I hope I get to go back sometime for a concert. Anything I've read and watched since visiting has only made me respect and appreciate it more.

As a tourist it's a must. You have never seen a place like this. And I really don't mean just the pusher street. I mean the whole society. Christiania is a fully or let's say almost fully equipped society. There is a school for the kids, a doctor, bakery, cafeterias, restaurants, cinema, bars, concerts, events, nature, sauna and probably much more I don't know about. The houses are very interesting and are worth taking a look at. Just remember not to take pictures there as it is forbidden and you might get some angry shouts. Usually people know about the no picture policy but I have seen some incidents with tourists and Christiania people getting very angry. I myself usually go for the concerts and for the science and cocktails events. It is held in their cinema and is usually on Tuesdays. You can find a Facebook page which indicates the themes and dates. Summer time it is also great to go there as people sit around, have beers and everything is so chill. I would definitely have Christiania as one of the top 5 things to see in Copenhagen.

While visiting Copenhagen, I heard about this proclaimed self governed hippie town right on the outside of the city. I asked many people for their opinions on going there beforehand. For the most part everyone said its fine during the day, but a few advised that it's better to steer away once the sun goes down if you're not a local. My double decker tour bus dropped us off and warned us of a few rules that exist here: don't run, don't yell and definitely don't take pictures. The folks who live here like to keep it peaceful and mysterious, while still allowing outsiders to experience it. Upon entering, I noticed some cool graffiti on the fences and an indoor flea market that was set right at the entrance. Inside there are many vendors selling food, knick knacks, clothing, etc. mostly it was very touristy and packed when I went on a Saturday afternoon, but still worth looking at. After that I strolled around the land a bit. There is great artwork everywhere, mixed in with some decrepit buildings and trailers. Also included are a few bars and restaurants, it's really like stepping into another world unlike anything I had ever seen before. Everyone I encountered here was very nice, there was a cool mix of locals and tourists. It's hard to describe this place as anything other than a hippie town set on old army barracks where the locals make their own rules! And yes, those looking for "Mary" will find her here (along with her sister "Hash-ley"). The tour guide said while its not legal to purchase, the police rarely come by here and even if they catch you, a ticket is the worst time punishment you'll receive. This place was so cool that after a couple hours, I realized I spent so much time roaming around here that I missed my tour bus and had to catch the city bus back to my hotel, which was not an issue at all since there is a bus stop smack in front of the entrance. Christiania is a fabulous, unique neighborhood. Truly a must see place of Copenhagen (and while I did see people bring their children here, I wouldn't really recommend doing so as people freely smoke out in the open. However, there was no alarming or dangerous behavior at any time during my visit)

Very interesting place for sure! It is weird and fascinating at the same time as you get to enter a free zone/land self proclamed located in the center of Copenhagen. A city inside the city where about 800 people is living. While crossing the green district (It is in fact, just a bunch of weed stands sold by guys in camouflage clothes and with their faces covered.) It was a bit creepy being surrounded in a place like this for me as i do not smoke and i don't understand a thing about it but in the same time is quite relaxing to be in a open place withba beautiful lake on the back, where young, old, locals, tourists, consumers, watchers and curious are just hanging around and enjoyed their day. People just mind their own business there and strolling around this "ghetto" is quite inspiring as so many people, so different after all, are just getting along without any hostility. Hippy much? Nevertheless a must visit in Copenhagen.

Truly as good as it gets. Utopia. For the visitor there are plenty of bars and cafes as well as some shops. One of my favorite spots in Christiania is corner where you can drop off clothes you don't wear anymore and pick up clothes other people dropped off. This idea is amazing because we tend to waste so much while there is no need to. Christiania is situated in a beautiful green area by the river, and a walk around is just lovely. You can see houses cute and quirky all around. And from the town's website: "Christiania's self-management is built on [sic], that every individual has a responsibility for his/her own life and his/hers home. The resident's in an area have a common responsibility for the area's development and condition." The Danish government's been picking fights with this peaceful community but instead we all should be learning from them. Christiania is what democracy looks like. I love you, Christiania!