Copenhagen's Infamous "Freetown" Christiania
Day 2) If you are looking for an inspiring and unique attraction defying most of the trends of modern society then check out Christiania! Christiania also known as “Freetown” and named after King Christian IV is a tight knit, partially self-governing community of Bohemians with their own set of rules somewhat independent of the Danish government.
Located on 80 acres of plush land on the south-eastern side of Copenhagen, Christiania was founded in 1971 when a group of citizens wanting a natural, green playground for their kids, stormed the surrounding fence of an area of abandoned military barracks owned by the Ministry of Defence. The same year an article in a newspaper was published discussing the abandoned military area and suggested that it be used for the numerous young people who were unable to find accommodation elsewhere. The article resulted in the massive immigration of people from all walks of life, from runaways to people who just didn’t feel comfortable in modern society who wished to create an alternative life based on communal living and freedom.
Human diversity, love of the arts and a sense of equality makes Christiania so special and is why hundreds of thousands of people visit Christiania each year. From backpackers to royalty and even international rock stars, all walks of life visit Christiania. Heck, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed there earlier last year, it doesn’t get much better than that! “Christianites” as they are commonly known have a high level of influence on their everyday lives. Diversity of opinions and attitudes among the peers is not stifled but in fact encouraged. A strong social network and neighbourliness are of vital importance for the life of Christiania. Most of the 800 inhabitants know each other and help with everything from personal problems to house construction.
Since its birth, Christiania has been associated with rebellion against the prevailing system, and for just as long, it has experimented with new forms of democracy and ways of self-government. Based on the idea of maximizing freedom and giving power to the individual, decisions are made by consensus, which means that everyone has to reach agreement on the subject under discussion. People's lives in Christiania are based on common sense rather than on laws. There are a few strict rules that can result in expulsion if they are not adhered to such as no hard drugs, no weapons and no violence.
What is there to see in Christiania? Well, Christiania is probably best known for its marijuana trade. It’s no secret that marijuana has been an integral part of Christiania from the very start. During the late '90s sales to visitors accelerated and it became a multi-million business. Christiania was also once famous as a place where hash was sold openly on “Pusher Street”. That came to an abrupt end in 2004 when the Danish government succeeded in closing the stands permanently. Early on, Christiania realised that hard drugs could destroy its fragile society, and the inhabitants simply expelled vendors of anything other than marijuana. This has been respected ever since, and Christiania is the only place in Denmark where hard drugs are not sold.
Many of the houses, which have been built by the present or previous inhabitants and which nobody owns, are works of art in themselves and are often studied and admired by students from the nearby School of Architecture. Christiania provides a very creative environment and there are paintings, sculptures, and there is always live music or theatre playing somewhere. Christiania has several of its own art galleries. Chairs, tables and other furniture as well as sculptures and ecological products are sold in various stores. There is also a shoe shop that provides custom-made shoes.
Cars in Christiania are “forbudt”(not allowed). The Christiania bike has its roots in the concept of car-free zones in the city. Since 1984 these special wide-load bikes have been found in the streets of Copenhagen. The product has been developed in close cooperation with its users, and standards of safety, quality and durability have been consistently applied. The Christiania bike is now known all over Denmark, as well as being exported to most of the rest of the world.
Christiania has been in the news as the government is attempting to pass a law that would privatise all houses and apartments. If the new law is passed, it will allow the government to remove a number of houses, construct exclusive new condominiums, and overrule any decision taken by the Christianites. If this happens, Christiania and its Bohemian culture could die a slow, painful death as new,wealthy people move in.
To get to Christiania, cross Knippelsbro (one of the two bridges connecting Sealand and Amager) where you’ll arrive at fashionable Christianshavn, a historic area that surrounds Christinia.
