Danes are the happiest people on earth. This also makes Denmark the happiest country in the world. Beautiful architecture, lots of water and friendly good looking people on bikes everywhere.
Located in the centre of Denmark’s capital I visited Christiania, and was surprised by what I found in this famous hippie neighborhood.
Christiania in Denmark and Amsterdam in Netherlands have only one thing in common – Marijuana.
In 1971 a former military base was converted into a free town, better known as Christiania now. As it was declared a free state citizens living in there did not follow the laws of the society that surrounded them. They had their own laws and an individual state flag. When it was first established, the government tried to shut it down but due to the public pressure was unsuccessful.
Visiting Christiania in itself is an experience; a block of warehouses, workshops, art galleries, inexpensive eateries, colorful paintings huts and houses. Visitors are welcome to stroll around Christiania and to eat and drink in the area’s cafés and bars but spare a minute to read their rules before you enter because they are pretty strict on people not following these.
Clicking photos is a big NO! (Although I was able to click a few)
As you will continue exploring Christiania, you might find small stalls, each one selling different varieties of marijuana and hashish. Displayed out in the open for customers to browse were large bricks of dark and light brown colored hash. Besides that, small plastic containers filled with marijuana named grapefruit, AK47, and white widow were displayed with various stickers identifying price. Also, right next to both was giant cones of pre-rolled hash for easy consumption. (Huh, that’s a lot of ‘erb)
Walking through Christiania is not illegal and the restaurants in the area offer delicious food and a unique atmosphere. Like most tourists I enjoyed walking through the district. Just remember that if you decide to exit Christiania leave all the “herbal stuff” in the area. Taking it out is definitely not a good idea.
Always colorful and endlessly controversial, Christiania is a unique place to visit. More than a city district, it’s a way of life.
Manav Malik 