Christiania is a hippie commune, located almost in the center of Copenhagen. It is inhabited by lovers of an alternative way of life. It is so different from the rest of the city that today it is one of the main tourist attractions in Copenhagen…
When I was preparing to visit Christiania, I read a lot of scary texts. It turns out that 90 percent of them are no longer correct.
Christiania was born in 1971, when a group of hippies inhabited an abandoned military base in search of a life outside the system without police, taxes, etc. Over time this community of 1000 inhabitants developed its own rules and became economically self-sustaining.
They even had their own currency, the loen, which is exchanged at roughly 7.7 for one euro. This gate testifies to how independent they are, at least in their aspirations.
Over time, those freedoms where stretched, and Christiania became a center where marijuana was sold. Hashish was sold publicly, at stalls in the main street.
However, those freedoms were abused by drug dealers and brought with them new problems.
The local population was very upset and riots started. This allowed the then Danish government to try to impose Danish laws on the territory of Christiania.
Today, everyone who lives in Christiania has to pay rent, gas, electricity, and garbage collection. Although self-management reigns in Christiania, the bottom line is that the basic ideas of Christiania have been mixed with practical solutions.
Dilution of Christiania will happen even more because 1000 inhabitants occupy almost 34 ha of land almost 15 minutes by metro from the center of Copenhagen, which is inexorably expanding.
That’s why I think you should visit Christiania while it’s still around because time is against her.
Until then, Christiania continues to live by its own rules, which must be respected. Christiania is not an amusement park or a tourist attraction. It is a neighborhood where people live, work, rest, grow food. Therefore, as in other places, do not throw garbage everywhere, do not make noise.
No cars are driven in Christiania, only bicycles.
Heavy drugs, theft, weapons are prohibited. However, I would not walk here at night. Marijuana, although illegal, is a part of life in Christiania.
Although the police tolerate the possession of marijuana by locals, tourists who come to Christiani with this intention will be severely punished. If you’re a tourist, it’s better to stick to tourist activities like soaking up the atmosphere and looking at graffiti.
The main shopping street is the famous Pusher street. Various types of marijuana can be bought here, you can walk freely, but you better leave your phone in your pocket. Taking pictures is strictly prohibited in this street.
Today this rule is more or less relaxed. You can take pictures but you have to be careful who is in your lens. I noticed a lot of tourists taking pictures in Christiania without fear so I joined in too.
Police raids are frequent, and because of the above-mentioned, another rule applies in Christiania, which is to never run, because that brings nervousness among the residents. As for that, I won’t be a problem for them.
And the most important rule in Christiania is to have fun. Christiania offers a lot. There are decent restaurants and cafes, and their vegan offer is especially famous. Super quality organic food is grown here.
Many Danish see Christiania as a self-sustaining community that cares about people and the environment. That’s why you’ll also see a gallery here, where items made from recycled materials are sold.
Recycling, sharing and swapping are values that are particularly valued in Christiania, as are solar panels, rainwater harvesting or windmills. You can also buy such souvenirs here.
It is believed that those three yellow dots represent the dots on the letters of Christiania’s name.
You can enjoy the numerous graffiti, which are found everywhere. The community supports artistic freedom and is a true magnet for all kinds of artistic expression.
For people in wheelchairs, Christiania is not an ideal place. It is full of old logs, holes and wild terrain. I couldn’t really look into all the parts of Christiania.
There is also a hall in Christiania, where you can find numerous items almost like in any part of the city.
You would think that Christiania is small. However, you can spend the whole day here.
Christiania can be easily reached by any means of transport. It is located in a highly urban area called Kristianhavn.
Conclusion
Christiania is so different from the rest of the world. It is a utopia founded with noble intentions.
But when you build a community on the most expensive city land, it can’t last long. So if you have a chance, visit it while it still exists.
Have you visited Christiania?
Did I miss something?
Traveled and enjoyed,
Marko Veličković
