Skip To Content

    Why You Need To Visit Denmark's Hippie Commune Before You Die

    The self-governing town of Christiania has seen its share of ups and downs, but it's still a place unlike any other in the world.

    This is Christiania.

    Its 84 acres sit on an abandoned military base, and it was founded in 1971 by squatters and artists as a "social experiment."

    While it may look like just another quaint Danish city from afar, Christiania is an autonomous "free town" within Copenhagen — a hippie commune, if you will.

    It's full of vibrant scenery with a gritty edge.

    The town was said to be "beyond the reach of Danish law" by its founders, and has its own currency, Løn. (It's often referred to as Freetown Christiania.)

    Christiania even flies its own flag.

    In Christiania, cannabis shops operate 24 hours a day and sell 30–40 types of hashish. Pretty cool.

    DIY signs abound.

    There are street murals at every corner.

    The town is full of art galleries, restaurants, cafés, and historic buildings.

    And fun, colorful events to attend!

    At many places, like Café Nemoland, you can smoke weed in an outdoor seating area.

    Most of the food you'll find in Christiania is organic and high quality — though reasonably priced.

    Some spots look sort of trippy and post-apocalyptic.

    And some spots look like this: a canal at the end of Christiania, where people live on boats.

    Check out this awesome glass house made from recycled windows.

    (You can see more creative, colorful Christiana architecture here.)

    Even the dumpsters are cool.

    This is Pusher Street, the "main drag," where stuff like weed and handmade jewelry is sold.

    Freetown Christiania has not been without controversy, though. Drug-related crime became an increasing problem in the '80s, which led to clashes with the police and government.

    After struggles with the Danish government for quite some time, in 2012, it was decided that most of Christiania would be sold to the people who live there.

    Residents, however, have always largely been opposed to the idea of owning property, as the town was created out of a collectivist, anarchistic spirit.

    Though crime has increased since its founding years, Christiania still retains the community-focused, hippie-like spirit of its original inhabitants.

    Here's a sign displaying the nine common laws of Christiania.

    It's a bucket-list destination for sure — with an atmosphere and a spirit that pictures simply don't do justice.

    While cannabis is openly sold and tolerated in Christiania, it is technically illegal. An earlier version of this post stated that weed was legal here. (h/t: user Ciliak.)