Comments on: A Look Inside Copenhagen’s Autonomous Neighborhood Christiania

By: Maria

Maria — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:50:40 +0000

Hello,
I visited Christiania yesterday, Sunday 25th Sep 2011 with a fairly big SLR camera around my neck.

I took many pictures all around, people just were amused, nobody annoyed or anything like that.

I then entered the “green light district” with my camera still around my neck, of course I did not take any picture and I had the lid on but I went near one stall where all sort of “stuff” was displayed for sale and only was asked if I wanted to buy anything, just replied I was only curious and unfortunately I could not really get anything since I was flying back that very same eve and the guy just nodded with a smile.
It was around 14pm, nice and sunny, I even observed how one young guy was buying a piece of hachis, I do not think they care that much as long as you are chilled enough and they do not feel/see you as a threaten.
I am a 37 yr old petite female and I was normally dressed with jeans top and boots.
I definitely think Christiania is different and colourful and it worths a visit! (I would not live there though
M

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:22:13 +0000

I think many who’ve disrupted the ideology there likely moved in afterward and granted, he set very high goals which take lots of effort to achieve and maintain. Though if the rule is no photos, as a tourist you have to respect that I believe. Getting hassle from locals for taking photos when it’s expressly stated doing so is prohibited is expected.

Still, like you say, an interesting place to visit; no matter what your economic status is.

By: Carlsberg

Carlsberg — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:08:00 +0000

Hi!

Interesting post! Mange tak!!!

I just got back from Christiania. The ambiance is peculiar, colourfull and lively. But I do really agree with those who think that the area is absolutely far away from its original ideology. Some corners are simply ruled by brats just pretending and playing games, as if they were members of a street gang. Furthermore, I saw a disgusting scene, where several guys approached with intimidation to two tourists who wanted to take a picture of themselves. Really, I’ve seen cooler people in Bronx (even in Il Vaticano guards are nicer when they ask you to not take photos!!! ;-D).

But, of course, there are also some kind people and wonderful areas, and the experience worths it, especially if you are a little-bourgeois who likes visiting places as if you were doing an anthropological experiment.

Best,
Carlsberg.

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 01:30:24 +0000

Did I give the impression that it was horrible; it certainly isn’t although I wouldn’t call it heaven either.

By: sajjina

sajjina — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:35:11 +0000

oh no it is not so horrible as u described! it is so amazing place that will make u to visit again n again ! i myself visited there for twice . i specialy like the color , the livly n talking environment n ofcourse the people from a different class . mother with her very little kids, a boy with his girl friend , a 60-70 yrs crossed old man , school going teen agers ! evry one is there loves tobe there .. u will discover people in relux mood, with cool n deep eyes . no stress for living material world .. its really a heaven n if u take a little drug (occasionally ) that will lead u to think u r the most happeist person in the world !

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:00:25 +0000

I’m not sure, I wasn’t able to test the limits of the rules since I didn’t try, although I wondered the same. The side streets of Christiania definitely don’t look inviting, I’m not sure if they are dangerous or not though, I didn’t experience or see anything actually happen.

By: Johnny Utah

Johnny Utah — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:25:16 +0000

“I was warned strongly against it and my friend with an SLR was told that’s a big no-no. It’s associated with journalism and could put you in danger.”

What kind of danger could you be in if there is no violence allowed? Do the Christianians favor the rule of no photos enough to break the rule of no violence?

I really don’t understand why anyone would be very afraid to go here, I’ve been in much more terrible places than alleys where you can buy pot – places that sure as hell didn’t have a rule against violence – and even then didn’t feel toooo threatened.

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:52:37 +0000

The bonfires is something that sticks out in my memory vividly when I think of Christiania. Totally the opposite I’d suspect of what the people imagined the place would become.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:05:17 +0000

I guess I was also a little disappointed after visiting Christiania. I had nice coffee break in the cafe to warm up on a cold, rainy, December day and then I walked around to see a bunch of people standing around fires smoking hash. Those who weren’t smoking hash were preparing and selling the hash. I think the community has lost a lot of its original ideals.

Good post. Thanks, Anil. Will be interesting to see what the Danish Gov’t does with Christiania, if anything, in the future.

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:02:48 +0000

Hi Mark,

It’s fascinating walking around there, really is like a different planet but you’re right, some of those side streets were definitely not inviting.