Submitted by Robert Ley on the 2015 spring semester DIS (Denmark’s International Study Program) program in Copenhagen, Denmark…
One of my favorite areas of Copenhagen is a neighborhood called Christiania. This scenic, car-free area is a perfect get-away from the lively urban climate that I am exposed to daily. Christiania also has a history that I think anyone would find interesting. To keep it brief, it was a military base that Denmark no longer needed. In the 70’s many homeless people flocked there and lived in the empty buildings. Over time, the Danes used this area to develop a society from scratch. Some saw this as a protest towards Danish government because of the lack of affordable living at the time. The town also resonated with the hippy movement and anarchism. Today, Christiania is an autonomous community that values the freedom to express yourself, and the avoidance of mental and physical pollution. The neighborhood has beautiful paths and peculiar architecture. There are also many psychedelic murals. Christiania also hosts many shows, concerts and events. So far Christiania has been my outlet to go on nature walks and observe peculiar art and architecture, and this weekend I am looking forward to going to a groovy roller disco that the town is hosting. This town truly is a unique area of Copenhagen, and explains why it is the fourth biggest tourist attraction in Denmark.
