BY: MATTHEW CHIN
Off the Eastern coast of Denmark, in the heart of Copenhagen lies Freetown Christiania, a hippie commune with its own government and unique set of laws. Potheads, hippies, artists, idealists, and non-materialists are all welcomed in this “free city.”
Mutant Mandias / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 23717872@N00
The village was founded in 1971, at the height of the hippie movement when several hundred squatters ranging from hippies, anarchists, and artists took over an abandoned military barracks in the hopes of creating their own utopia.
Bucchi Francesco / ShutterStock
They tore down the fences and began building inside the barracks. Now led by an independent government, Christiania—an 84-acre waterfront commune—is home to over 900 residents, free to pursue their independent lifestyles.
Luigi Anzvino / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: ilmungo
Christiania is declared a “free town,” fostering the free-spirited culture where citizens paint on the walls, build their own homes, and follow their own laws.
Quistnix / Creative Commons / Via commons.wikimedia.org
They have renovated old buildings, constructing their own homes with innovative designs and painting murals on the exterior brick walls. The homes are painted to capture the spiritual expression of the community. Street art murals are found on almost every corner.
Emmy Favilla
Seier + Seier / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: seier
Schools and businesses are run independently. Christiania also has its own recycling system, and the village is part of a “collective” where individuals don’t control the land.
Seier + Seier / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: seier
The Danish government tried to shut down the village, but public pressure deterred them. One Danish entrepreneur told Vanity Fair, “It’s hard to imagine Copenhagen without Christiania. No Danish government could close it down. Thousands of people would immediately march in the streets for them.” The government has since called it a “social experiment.”
Mutant Mandias / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: mutantmandias
When entering the town you will pass by a sign that says “You are now leaving the European Union.” Christiana even has its own flag. They even have their own currency called the Løn. A Danish Krone is also accepted, where one DKK is equal to 15 cents in the U.S.
en.wikipedia.org / Via Bruno Jargot / Creative Commons
Citizens of Christiania don’t have to pay taxes, outside cars are prohibited due to its narrow streets, weapons and hard drugs including cocaine and amphetamines are prohibited, but soft drugs are a thriving industry.
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The Green Light district in Christiania is home to the largest market in this hippy commune—marijuana. Christiania is known to have a thriving cannabis industry, which is worth about $185 million.
Mutant Mandias / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: mutantmandias
Though it’s illegal in all of Denmark, this doesn’t stop the villagers from selling, manufacturing, and filling their lungs with marijuana smoke to attain a higher consciousness. At the Café Nemoland, like many restaurants in the town, you can smoke weed on an outdoor patio.
zdroznikluka / Creative Commons / Via commons.wikimedia.org
The tourism industry is one of the largest contributors to Denmark’s economy, generating around $12 billion annually. Among its vibrant picturesque attractions, Freetown Christiania is the second most popular tourist attraction for its originality and tranquility, allowing tourists to visit a micro-culture within Denmark.
Sertmann / Creative Commons / Via wikitravel.org
The town life consists of craft shops, community markets, eateries, and designated meditation and yoga areas to enjoy the natural beauty of Copenhagen with spiritual individuals who share similar ideals.
Steffen Hillebrand / Creative Commons / Via commons.wikimedia.org
Not only does this commune have the most down-to-earth people, but it is one of the hubs for Copenhagen’s musical and cultural life. Musicians from Europe flock to Christiania to showcase their talent causing the streets to overflow with life.
Andrew Reid Wildman / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: spicygreenginger
At 44 years old, this hippie commune may be one of the largest and longest-lasting in modern history.
Mutant Mandias / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: mutantmandias
Sources: buzzfeed.com, Vanityfair.com
