Christiania, the “free” neighbourhood of Copenhagen

The incredible Christiania neighbourhood in Copenhagen

Often known and recognized to be a country where it makes good living, the Denmark is part of one of those countries where a majority of the population claims to be happy. Denmark is also part of the top 3 of happier countries in the world !

It is probably not the inhabitants of the Christiania district, located in Copenhagen , which will say otherwise, for this city has been self-proclaimed "free city" since 1971.

Journalist Jacob Ludvigsen declared in his “subsidiary” newspaper, after the destruction of the fences of the former military quarter of Badsmandsstraede, “Christiania’s goal is to create a self-managed society in which each individual feels responsible for the well-being of the entire community. Our society must be economically autonomous and we must never deviate from our conviction that physical and psychological misery can be avoided. »

Since that day, the Christiania district has been hosting its own community and now has more than 1,000 inhabitants on more than 34 hectares. Christiania also has its own currency but also its flag. In a short time Christiania has become the fourth tourist attraction in Copenhagen and is one of Europe’s most popular alternative neighbourhoods!

Despite a rather noticeable rise, this neighborhood is subject to many controversies, especially around the sale of cannabis that is still practiced in the open air! Its legal status is also the source of many conflicts and negotiations.

However, Christiania’s neighbourhood is also a dynamic hub, welcoming a bunch of artists who exhibit sculptures and paintings in the open air, as well as in the many workshops of artists and art galleries in the neighbourhood.

Today, the commune has become partially autonomous, its inhabitants have begun paying taxes but still refuse the presence of cars, thieves, firearms and the existence of hard drugs in the neighbourhood.

This alternative neighbourhood welcomes more than a million tourists who have come to stroll through the streets, enjoy the bars and restaurants, and enjoy the many events and concerts offered by the community!

Whether you’re amateur or not in this lifestyle, one thing is certain the visit of this atypical district marks all the tourists who came to explore the neighborhood. Although today Christiania is less free than in the 1970s, the hippie atmosphere is still well present in the streets of the city!

Main photo credit: Wikimedia – News Oresund