DK

CHRISTIANIA

A world apart from the opulent splendor of Royal Copenhagen, this self-proclaimed “freetown” sits on the edge of one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods. It has provided a safe haven for hippies, dreamers, and nonconformists since the 1970s, when a band of ideological squatters moved into the abandoned army barracks with the aim of creating a self-sustaining community, free from the shackles of the state. Today, it’s a bucolic, tumbledown wonderland of cozy cafés, bars, music venues, art galleries, and shops.

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Entrance to Christiania and Pusher Street

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Map of Christiania

NEED TO KNOW

prac_info Prinsessegade, • www.christiania.org

Google Map

  • Christiania is a car-free community, so it is best not to travel there on four wheels. On-street parking outside the pedestrianized zone is limited, so hop on a bike, or take the 9A bus from the Central Station.
  • Visitors are advised not to film or photograph in Christiania.
  • The possession and sale of cannabis are still illegal in Denmark. While police rarely venture into Christiania itself, officers regularly conduct stop-checks on people leaving the commune.

1. Den Grå Hal

Google Map

With its graffitied entrance, this is the biggest music and cultural venue in the freetown of Christiania. The former stables double up as a unique bazaar during the Christmas period, selling everything—even locally carved instruments.

2. Badehuset

Google Map

Dare to go bare at this back-to-basics nudist bathhouse; the cheapest and friendliest unisex sauna in the city. For under $8, you can try a wonderful Moroccan rasul (a mineral cleanser).

3. Christiania Walking Tour

Google Map

To really get a feel for the area, join one of the regular walking tours of Christiania and learn more about the fascinating history of the self-styled freetown from one of its residents. Tours depart regularly.

4. Nemoland

Google Map

This former fruit and vegetable market is now one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant bars, offering cheap booze and eats to be enjoyed on its terrace. The outdoor stage hosts regular free music concerts in the summer.

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Nemoland

5. ALIS Wonderland

Google Map

What started life as a humble skate ramp has become one of the city’s best skate parks. The vibrant graffiti murals adorning the walls are now an attraction in themselves.

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ALIS Wonderland

6. Morgenstedet

Google Map

Tuck into hearty vegetarian fare at this cozy cottage-style restaurant set just off Christiania’s main drag. It was originally established as a volunteer-run collective.

7. Galloperiet

Google Map

Christiania’s tongue-in-cheek tribute to the SMK—National Gallery of Denmark, this quirky gallery has a collection of wonderful arts and crafts.

8. Café Månefiskeren

Google Map

This cozy café with a laid-back vibe is the perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a game of bar billiards. There’s regular free jazz and reggae concerts in the quaint cobblestone courtyard.

9. Christiania Smedie

Google Map

Christiania’s oldest business, this blacksmith started out producing furnaces in the early 1970s before switching its attention to building cargo bikes.

10. Loppen

Google Map

This intimate live music venue is a cornerstone of the city’s alternative music scene. With gigs almost every night of the week, and a great program that includes everything from Scandinavian punk to Danish dub-reggae, it’s the ideal place to end your night out.

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an artist performing at Loppen

CASTLE ISLAND

In 2004, as residents of Christiania sought to gain permanent rights from the government to occupy the area, they tried to appease the state by tearing down the colorful hash stalls that brazenly lined Pusher Street at the time. One such booth, the interestingly named “Smoke-away” stall, survived intact and has been displayed in the city’s Nationalmuseet.

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