All You Need To Know About Christiania, Copenhagen's Hippie Haven

Discover Christiania in Copenhagen, a unique hippie haven known for its free-spirited culture, street art, eco-living, and vibrant alternative lifestyle.

Published On Apr 10, 2025 | Updated On Apr 10, 2025

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Christiansia is a picturesque neighbourhood west of Copenhagen, Denmark, that draws in sightseers with its lively vibe, tranquil canals, and the famous Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of Our Saviour) with its towering corkscrew spire. In the 1970s, Freetown Christiania, a unique and independent commune, sprang up in this historic region during the height of the counterculture movement. Its adherents were driven by a desire for independence, creativity, and communal life.

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The town of Freetown Christiania is not just one of the greatest towns in Denmark, but it is also quite popular. The metro, bus, or even a leisurely bike ride will get you there quickly and easily from Copenhagen (which is, after all, a really picturesque city). You can forget about driving anywhere in the neighbourhood or even the district because cars aren't allowed. It is worthwhile to visit Christiania in Christianshavn, since it is situated in one of the most picturesque subsections of the nation.

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Green and car-free, Freetown Christania is a hippy enclave in the middle of Copenhagen. The origins of Christiania may be traced to 1971, when a band of freewheeling hippies seized control of some disused military quarters and established their own social code, breaking away from the control of the Danish government.

The community of Christiania is home to about a thousand people, many of whom have lived there for generations. As one of Denmark's top tourist destinations, Christiania attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. All across the neighbourhood, you may discover unique shops, alternative cultural experiences, organic restaurants, and colourful, artistic residences.

Throughout Freetown Christiania's 40-year history, the local Christianites and the Danish state were embroiled in perpetual tensions and battles. An deal was reached in 2011, ending years of speculation over Christiania's future. As a result, the Foundation Freetown Christiania was established on July 1, 2012.

While the state retains ownership of the buildings and land within the protected walls, the foundation has taken possession of the entirety of Christiania outside of them. The symbolic Christiania shares are sold to raise some of the funds.

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  • Pick up a memento: Christiania offers a wide variety of souvenirs for those who like to bring a small memento of their stay. The opportunity to visit a bohemian paradise like this one doesn't come along very frequently, after all. There are various mementos available, including t-shirts, magnets, handcrafted jewellery, and unique smoking pipes!
  • Explore the canals of Copenhagen: You may find some tranquillity by visiting a canal bordered by trees if you want to escape the bustle of the brightly painted restaurants and shops. Typical colourful buildings along the riverbank; if you take it easy, you can see Copenhagen from there. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Copenhagen!

  • Sample the culinary fare: Spiseloppen, located in a renovated warehouse, and Morgenstedet, an organic vegetable restaurant with a lovely courtyard, are both worth a try. The imaginative menu at this restaurant showcases the ethnic cuisines of the sixteen nations represented among the wait staff and cooks.
  • Explore ALIS Wonderland: Built by two friends who grew up in Christiania, ALIS Wonderland is a world-renowned skatepark that exudes all the free-spirited local attitude. A hub for the skateboarding scene in Copenhagen and beyond, it attracted street artists and photographers eager to capture the incredible ability on exhibit. Its fame grew rapidly.
  • Join the Science & Cocktails event: Do yourself a favour, and don't miss the weekly local tradition of science and cocktails. Scientific talks are held in the Christiania theatre every other Tuesday, and the venue is filled with people listening and sipping beverages. Since it began in 2010, this event has grown in popularity among locals. As a bonus, the festival is a non-profit event, so all of the presenters and the mixologists who are creating the delicious concoctions for you are volunteers. The lectures are in English and often turn into discussions between the presenters and the audience, so don't be shy about joining in and learning new words.
  • Take a guided tour: Locals offer daily (26 June—31 August) and weekend (all year) guided tours of the region. This is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the unique spirit of Christiania. A firsthand tour of this alternative village is given by guides who have lived here for most of their lives. Starting at 15:00, the tours will be given in both English and Danish. The guide will accept DKK 60 in cash as payment.

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