Freetown Christiania – Copenhagen’s Alternative Community

In the heart of Copenhagen lies Freetown Christiania, a unique, self-governed community founded in 1971 when a group of squatters took over an abandoned military base in Christianshavn. What started as a social experiment has become one of the city’s most visited and talked-about attractions.

Today, Christiania is a creative, green and free-spirited neighbourhood filled with art, music and local craftsmanship. You can stroll through leafy paths, discover hand-built houses, enjoy open-air concerts or grab a bite at one of the vegetarian cafés.

The area is also known for the Green Light District, where cannabis is sold openly. It is important to respect the local guidelines: no photos, no running and keep your phone in your pocket while walking through. Police occasionally conduct raids, but visitors are always welcome as long as they show respect.

Christiania is much more than Pusher Street. It is a living example of community, creativity and freedom. Spend an afternoon exploring, talk to locals and experience a side of Copenhagen that cannot be found anywhere else.

If you want to dive deeper into its history, join the Christianshavn & Christiania Free Walking Tour, which starts at Amagertorv and takes you past Christiansborg Palace before ending right outside the entrance to Christiania.

Free walking tours

If you want to know more about Christiania and the history of Christianshavn, we highly recommend that you take the Christianshavn Tour with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours (read more). This tour goes from Amagertorv (by the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon) and takes you past Christiansborg (the Danish Parliament) and onto Christianshavn where it finishes right outside Christiania.