Freetown Christiania
Copenhagen's autonomous anarchist commune where hand-built creativity, alternative culture, and radical freedom define a unique urban sanctuary.
Freetown Christiania is an autonomous anarchist commune and intentional community established in 1971 on a former military base in Copenhagen's Christianshavn district. Home to 850–1,000 residents across 7.7 hectares, this self-governing enclave operates independently from Danish law with its own rules, culture, and creative spirit. Known for colorful hand-built architecture, vibrant street art, music venues, and alternative lifestyle, Christiania attracts over a million visitors annually. Following a major community-led transformation in 2024, the area is now safer and more welcoming to tourists exploring its unique bohemian character.
A brief summary to Christiania
- Bådsmandsstræde 43, København K, København K, 1407, DK
- +4532956507
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Respect the community's rules: no photography of residents without permission, no hard drugs, and no running or loud behavior. Christiania is a residential space first and a tourist attraction second.
- Visit during daylight hours (roughly 10 AM–6 PM) for the best experience. The district is safest and most vibrant during these times, with cafés, galleries, and street life in full swing.
- Explore the ramparts (Volden) for the most imaginative architecture and street art. This walking route showcases the district's creative spirit and offers excellent photo opportunities.
- Try the organic, locally sourced food at community cafés and restaurants. Vegan and vegetarian options are abundant, and prices are significantly lower than central Copenhagen.
- Check for live music and performances at Den Grå Hal and Nemoland, especially summer Sunday concerts. These venues showcase the district's thriving cultural scene.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro + Walk
Take the Copenhagen Metro (M1 or M2 line) to Christianshavn Station. Exit and follow signs toward Christiania; the main entrance is approximately 5–10 minutes' walk from the station via Bådsmandsstræde. The walk is flat and straightforward. Metro tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK (3–5 EUR) for a single journey within Copenhagen zones, depending on distance. Trains run every 3–6 minutes during peak hours, every 10–15 minutes off-peak.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly. Rent a bicycle from any of the city's numerous rental shops (typically 60–100 DKK or 8–13 EUR per day). Cycle to Christianshavn via the flat, well-marked cycle paths. Travel time from central Copenhagen is 10–20 minutes depending on starting point. Bike parking is available throughout Christiania. This is the most popular local transport method.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Christianshavn, including lines 2A, 9A, and 66. Journey time from central Copenhagen is 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Single tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK (3–5 EUR). Buses run every 5–15 minutes during peak hours. Check Rejseplanen (journey planner) for real-time schedules.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Copenhagen. Journey time from central Copenhagen is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately 100–200 DKK (13–27 EUR) from the city center. This option is convenient but more expensive than public transport or cycling.
Christiania location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Christiania
From Military Barracks to Bohemian Haven
Freetown Christiania emerged from an act of creative rebellion on 26 September 1971, when journalist Jacob Ludvigsen and fellow activists declared an abandoned military base a free town. The site itself carries centuries of history: the ramparts and borough of Christianshavn were established in 1617 by King Christian IV through land reclamation, and the four gunpowder storehouses—now renamed Aircondition, Autogena, Fakirskolen, and Kosmiske Blomst—were built in 1779–1780 following a catastrophic explosion at Østerport that killed 50 people. When the Danish military vacated the 7.7-hectare compound in the late 1960s, squatters and housing-shortage refugees began trickling in. By 1971, the space had transformed into a deliberate experiment in autonomous living, rooted in principles of self-governance, collective responsibility, and freedom from state control.Architecture and Artistic Expression
What distinguishes Christiania visually is its extraordinary DIY architecture. Residents constructed homes from salvaged materials, transforming the former military landscape into a kaleidoscope of hand-built structures, colorful murals, and imaginative designs. A former military stable became a church; a horse-riding arena was converted into Den Grå Hal (The Grey Hall), now the district's largest concert venue. Walking along the ramparts—known locally as Volden—reveals some of Copenhagen's most creative and unconventional housing, each structure a testament to individual vision and communal values. This aesthetic extends throughout: street art adorns walls, gardens flourish in unexpected corners, and every corner invites exploration and photography.Community Governance and Cultural Life
Christiana operates as a consensus-driven society with its own flag, governance structures, and cultural institutions entirely independent of Danish law. The approximately 900–1,000 residents—known as Christianites—live by collective principles emphasizing fairness, equality, and shared responsibility for community well-being. The district hosts thriving music and performance scenes, including the world-renowned ALIS Wonderland skate bowl, Nemoland café with its free summer Sunday concerts, and the Christiania Art Gallery. The community has historically championed progressive causes: the gay house's variety shows remain celebrated within Copenhagen's LGBT community, and the district pioneered waste sorting, recycling, communal bathing facilities, and children's houses decades before such practices became mainstream.A Transformation in 2024
For decades, Pusher Street—the district's main thoroughfare—was infamous as an open cannabis marketplace. While cannabis remains illegal in Denmark, Christiania's autonomous status created a legal gray area that authorities largely tolerated. However, by the early 2000s, as Denmark's conservative government increased drug penalties, local dealers were displaced by organized crime. Biker gangs including the Hells Angels moved in, turning the street into a violent battleground marked by stabbings and shootings. In 2024, the residents themselves took decisive action: the community collectively decided to reclaim their neighborhood. Pusher Street was physically dismantled, gangs were expelled, and the area underwent a powerful grassroots transformation. This shift—driven by Christianites themselves rather than state intervention—represents a pivotal moment in the commune's history, restoring safety and authenticity to the district.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Today, Christiania welcomes over a million visitors annually, offering a genuine alternative to mainstream Copenhagen. The atmosphere is peaceful, creative, and welcoming to those who approach with respect. Photography is now generally permitted, and the district's vibrant food scene reflects its multicultural ethos: organic, locally grown cuisine dominates, with abundant vegan and vegetarian options alongside meat dishes, all at prices lower than central Copenhagen. Cafés are chic and unpretentious; small businesses—including a brewery and bicycle factory—operate alongside galleries and workshops. The car-free environment enhances the pedestrian experience, allowing visitors to wander freely through winding paths, discover hidden courtyards, and absorb the creative energy that defines the space.Enduring Legacy and Ongoing Evolution
Despite decades of legal challenges—including a 1978 Supreme Court ruling ordering immediate clearance and a 2007 agreement to cede control to Copenhagen's city council—Christiania has persisted in maintaining its core identity. The commune's resilience reflects a fundamental tension: an anarchist community that rejected state involvement now occasionally depends on state assistance to address internal crises. Yet this paradox has not diminished Christiania's significance as Europe's longest-surviving intentional community and a living laboratory in alternative social organization. The 2024 transformation demonstrates that Christiania continues to evolve, adapting its principles to contemporary challenges while preserving the spirit of freedom, creativity, and collective responsibility that inspired its founding over five decades ago.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.7 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Circle Bridge
0.8 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.0 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Holmens Bro
1.0 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
1.0 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
1.0 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Memorial Anchor
1.0 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
1.0 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Kopenhagen
1.0 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Copenhagen Opera House
1.0 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
The War Museum
1.0 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Frederik VII
1.0 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
1.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Bredgade 18
1.1 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
0.1 km
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Our Saviour
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Operaen
0.2 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Lille Mølle
0.2 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.3 km
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.4 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Christianshavn
0.5 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
North Atlantic House
0.5 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Havnepromenade
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.6 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
The Playhouse
0.8 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.8 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
0.2 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Cafe Wilder
0.3 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Barr
0.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Khun Juk
0.8 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
No. 2
0.8 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
à terre
0.8 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Skipperkroen
0.9 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.9 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.0 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
King Hans Cellar
1.0 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
1.1 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Goldfinch
1.1 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Marchal
1.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Magasin du Nord
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Zane
1.0 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs
1.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
1.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
The Wilde Shop
1.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
ILLUM
1.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
1.3 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Magnolias
1.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.3 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Lassie Bar
1.0 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Ved Stranden
1.1 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
1.1 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
1.2 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Bar Deco
1.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
1105
1.2 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
The Dubliner
1.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
1.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Moose
1.3 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Adventurous
- Artistic
- Casual
- Lively
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Bohemian Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
