Copenhagen's Christiana Community

Founded by hippies in the early 1970s, Christiania could be just the place for you. Located on an abandoned military base, the semi-autonomous district views itself as a truly alternative, if not perfect, community. The settlement is now the second most visited tourist attraction in Copenhagen, showing the unquantifiable allure of unorthodox living. Read on to learn about the history of Christiania and the ups and downs that have helped shape the unique community that it is today. Founding The site of Christiania was formerly the barracks of the Danish Royal Artillery Regiment in Christianshavn , which was abandoned between 1967 and 1971. As the military left the area, a group of locals spontaneously broke through the perimeter fences to give their children open space to play in. Originally disorganised, the barracks and surrounding areas became increasingly frequented by left-leaning individuals and anti-government protesters. The establishment of the 'free town' w