Anda
Freetown Christiania is an interesting product of Denmark. The former military area in Christianhavn (Copenhagen) was abandoned for some years until 1971. Then, a group of hippies and squatters led by Jacob Ludvigsen occupied the area. The dream was (still is) to create a free society. Here, every individual has a say and also contributes to the well-being of the community. No one owns their home in Christiania, and it is also a car-free neighborhood.
They have their own flag, anthem, and money in Christiania. 1 Løn is the equivalent of 50 Danish kroner (DKK). They have their own flag, anthem, and money in Christiania. The coins have “Freetown Christiania” and “Live and let others live” on one side. There is a marijuana leaf on the other side. The basics 🙂
The community’s life was often troubled by drug selling and authority intervention. However, today things seem to have reached a balance.
Life and rules in Christiania
In all fairness, it looks more like a group of people in search of an alternative way of life than an anarchist group. About 800-900 people live in Freetown Christiania a collective life.
There are a few rules in Freetown Christiania, most important among them being: no violence, no guns, no stealing, and no hard drugs.
The old barracks are now art studios or galleries, unique art shops, cafes, restaurants. There are also music venues among them. They use recycled materials and virtually garbage pieces to make steel statues and such. People are creative in Freetown Christiania.
Christiania – the place to find the best street art in Denmark
The military barracks in Christiania and the muddy paths make it a grey place, but residents of Christiania compensate with vibrant street art and crazy-looking houses.
The street art of Christiania deserves a special chapter. It is everywhere. Almost every wall or statue is covered with murals, colorful messages, or graffiti. It’s like stepping through an open-air gallery.
Many of the walls are constantly changing. This September (2021), a street art festival will take place in Christiania. Artists will cover some of the old murals with new art. Because of travel restrictions still in place, this year mostly European artists will be redesigning the walls of Freetown Christiania.
Christiania Freetown – Pusher Street
Hard drugs are prohibited in Christiania, but cannabis was still sold on Pusher street until recently. You can probably get some now if you know where to ask for it.
Pusher street had its own simple rules:
- No running – because it creates panic
- No photos – because selling and buying hash is still illegal
- Have fun!
Whatever you may think of it, Freetown Christiania has become one of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The best way to visit and understand more about Christiania is to book a guided tour from GetYourGuide.
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Very unfriendly people. Yelling at people who take photos. Also there is dirt everywhere, full of junkies, illegal drug sellers, … just stay away and definitely don’t bring kids. It is not a hippie comunity rather a bunch of criminals.
Christiania – it might be quite ironic if this is like the new Catalonia, wanting to break free knowing that they do have their own currency. Intriguing.
Sounds like a cool place. I’m very open minded about it all. I’m not sure how it all works with the Danish government though. The art looks beautiful and I love the one you featured for my blog.
I hadn’t heard of Christiania but what an intriguing place. The street art looks amazing.
I missed this last time I was in Copenhagen! I would love to see all the street art. Sounds really interesting that they have created their own society along with their own currency.
Great post, Anda. I had heard about this place, but really only had a very vague idea about it. Most of the principles like no hard drugs, no violence, no stealing, no cars, sound pretty decent. In some way there is a lovely touch to life in a self-governing community. While Ellie & I are unlikely to ever move in, we’ll make sure to visit on our next trip to Denmark and check out all the street art.
Reading this brought back some interesting memories! We visited Christiania Freetown a few years ago. I personally wouldn’t go back, but it was an eye-opening experience!
I had no idea Christiania existed?? And they have their own money?? Places like this fascinate me. Thank you for introducing me to Christiania!