Freetown Christiania: 8 Facts about the Lawless City in the World

VIVA – Freetown Christiania, also known as Christiania is an intentional community and commune in the Denmark capital city of Copenhagen. Freetown Christiania is a community that operates independently. They have their own laws, their own flag and their own way of life.

So, here are interesting facts about Freetown Christiania.

1. Self-Organizing Society

Christiania is not just a city, it's a way of life. An alternative community originally emerged in 1971, after a group of homeless people turned an abandoned military area into a home.

It has since grown into an autonomous and adaptable community of nearly 1000 members, all of whom agree to live by a certain set of principles that include justice, equality, no taxes, and have their own laws that are completely independent of the Danish government.

Within the country is a bustling, fun, and often controversial area that has worked with local authorities to stake its claim to the land and be recognized as a free nation.

2. There are Rules in Freetown Christiania

Despite operating outside of Danish law, Christiania has its own set of rules for keeping the peace, many of which are based on idealistic 'hippy' views. The first rule is zero violence.

The community does not allow firearms, knives, bulletproof vests, illegal drugs, biker or gang colors, or theft of anything that could actually encourage violence. Another rule at Christiania is not to run. Running means something to avoid, and a culture of fear is something they want to avoid. Cars are also not allowed; everyone goes around on bicycles.

While hard drugs are strictly prohibited, smoking marijuana is a large part of the lifestyle at Freetown Christiania.

The hippy elements are alive and well, there's even a dedicated area for hash shopping called the Green Light District. While the local government has tried to crack down on deals in Christiania, it never quite jammed and the Green Light District still has plenty of stalls selling marijuana.

A word of warning, police raids are frequently here. While the police may turn a blind eye to residents taking a few samples, they won't stand a chance against tourists and you can be slapped with a fine or arrested.

Freetown Christiania has something for every taste. They are very multicultural in their way of life, and in the way they eat. The cafes are slick, cool and serve fresh produce for less than the rather expensive city of Copenhagen.

Christiania’s people are very vegan and vegetarian friendly, but also can find meat here. Many places only serve organic, locally grown food, and sell on a buffet-style basis so nothing goes to waste. Find a place outside on a large wooden table and relax.

Many Denmark’s people see that Christiania as a successful community because of some values such as ??such as meditation and yoga. Not only that, a very green and friendly environment, a center for artists and entrepreneurs, and a destination for drug addicts.

Christiania is doing better than most cities. Along with a self-sustaining economy and a no-car policy, society is also environmentally friendly. There is a Reuse Station for exchanging and sharing goods (Recycling).

Residents of Christiania collect rainwater and store it in tanks, have composting toilets in areas not connected to a sewage system and many buildings are equipped with solar panels or windmills.

The community's hippy roots have fostered a movement that cares about the planet and the way it works in everyday life.

The hippy lifestyle enjoyed by the citizens of Christiania extends to buildings, roads, and transportation. Many bicycles and houses have brightly colored walls or vibrant murals. In fact, there is some truly stunning street art in this city that is a treat to the eye.

Cameras and photography are strictly prohibited in Christiania. The photos you see of the free city are all by professional photographers or people who are explicitly given permission by the community.

There are signs asking for no photos or videos to be taken upon entry and the locals will enforce this. People of Christania also forbid other residents to keep their cellphones in their bags during city checks.

Halaman Selanjutnya

Despite operating outside of Danish law, Christiania has its own set of rules for keeping the peace, many of which are based on idealistic 'hippy' views. The first rule is zero violence.