Christiania, Copenhagen (must see)

Christiania is a popular "anarchist commune" and "partially autonomous intentional community" in Copenhagen. It is spread over 7.7 hectares (19 acres) in the borough of Christianshavn and houses about 850 to 1,000 residents.

Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971. Its cannabis trade was tolerated by authorities until 2004. Since then, relations between Christiania and Danish authorities have been strained. Since the beginning of the 2010s, the situation has been normalized and the common Danish law now applies there.

Christiania is considered to be the fourth largest tourist attraction in Copenhagen (and it has half a million visitors annually), and abroad it is a well-known "brand" for the supposedly progressive and liberated Danish lifestyle. Many Danish businesses and organizations also use Christiania as a showplace for their foreign friends and guests. The purpose is to show something Danish that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The people in Christiania have developed their own set of rules, independent of the Danish government. The rules forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests, hard drugs and bikers' colors. Additionally, within Christiania itself, no private cars are allowed. However, some 100+ cars are owned by residents and need to be parked on the streets surrounding the Freetown. After negotiating with city authorities, Christiania has agreed to establish parking areas for residents' own cars on its territory. As of 2005, parking space for only 14 cars had been established within the area.

Tip:
Come here to see another part of Copenhagen, but best to not come on your own!