As I briefly alluded to in a previous post, Christiania (or Freetown Christiania) is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood in Copenhagen. It has about 850 residents and covers 84 acres. Civic authorities in Copenhagen regard Christiania as a large commune, but the area has a unique status and is regulated by the "Christiania Law of 1989". This law transfers parts of the supervision of the area from the municipality of Copenhagen to the state. There has been much debate and the area closed in 2011 but is now reopened. Cannabis and drug trade, riots, biker gangs, grenade attacks and a shooting have all added to the debate and their controversial standing. It is, however, one of the main tourist attractions in this part of Copenhagen. I encourage you to read more online.
When I went, I started taking photos but then noticed lots of people glaring at me and giving me dirty looks. I then saw lots of "no photo" signs, so I put away my camera until I got out of the main area and started exploring the interesting looking homes. On my way out, I snapped a few extra photos on my phone and a guy about my age on a bike came up and told me to delete the photo I took. I said "okay" and began to walk away out of Christiania, but he kept following me telling me to delete it now. I tried to keep walking and he pulled me back by my backpack and told me he wanted to watch me delete it or else he would smash my phone. His aggressiveness began to quickly rise. I deleted the photo and he saw and few others and made me delete those too. Apparently "cannabis trade is still illegal" so they want NO photos (even though mine were just of shops, homes, etc). So, unfortunately, the only photos I have left are those that were on my camera (some of which are a little blurry because I was being sneaky ;). Enjoy.
When I went, I started taking photos but then noticed lots of people glaring at me and giving me dirty looks. I then saw lots of "no photo" signs, so I put away my camera until I got out of the main area and started exploring the interesting looking homes. On my way out, I snapped a few extra photos on my phone and a guy about my age on a bike came up and told me to delete the photo I took. I said "okay" and began to walk away out of Christiania, but he kept following me telling me to delete it now. I tried to keep walking and he pulled me back by my backpack and told me he wanted to watch me delete it or else he would smash my phone. His aggressiveness began to quickly rise. I deleted the photo and he saw and few others and made me delete those too. Apparently "cannabis trade is still illegal" so they want NO photos (even though mine were just of shops, homes, etc). So, unfortunately, the only photos I have left are those that were on my camera (some of which are a little blurry because I was being sneaky ;). Enjoy.