Clara & the Chasing Grandma of Christiania, Copenhagen

Are you thinking to visit Denmark?

If a trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without visitting the Red Light District and perhaps, sampling a space brownie or smoking weed, then a trip to Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, isn’t complete without visitting Christiania.

What comes to your mind when you hear “Copenhagen”?

The birth town of Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid? The yummy butter biscuits in a round tin? I thought so too, but after the Northern Europe trip, Christiania comes #1 to my mind – thanks to the unique memory!

Freetown Christiania or Christiania is a controversial community in the borough of Christianshavn, Copenhagen.

In short, this community is famous for its weed market, meditation, yoga, and hippie lifestyle.

Because of its uniqueness, the town is considered the 4th largest tourist attraction in Copenhagen.

Yes, in terms of weed, Christiania is more happening than Amsterdam. I mean, we’re talking about a WEED MARKET that’s operating OPENLY in the daytime!

At first, I didn’t know that such a place exists in Denmark but my tour leader said that if we were interested, we could visit the community the next day, when we had one whole day free to explore the city.

The night before, I texted the guy that I once met on a blind date to inform him about it. Let’s call him the Connoisseur (he’s actually an INTJ entrepreneur and IT genius). Even he, the expert, didn’t know about the place!

He explained the history of weed and why it’s banned in most countries, its medical benefits, etc. Then I asked him which one was his favourite because I would like to try it the next day.

Among the names he gave me, Purple Kush and Blueberry attracted me the most.

The Chasing Grandma of Christiania, Copenhagen & Why I Failed to Go to the ‘Moon’

Taking photos is restricted once you passed the gate of Christiania, hence I will share the memory through my hand-drawn comic.

Actually, there were times when I wanted to secretly take photos with my phone but I aborted the mission. I didn’t want to be a public enemy!

Chasing (weed slang)

Smoking weed

I asked a local if he could show me the way to Christiania. At first, the grandpa was shocked but luckily, he agreed.

“Ok, I can only show you until here. Across this street is Christiania. Remember girl, be careful… If the policemen come, run!”

“Ok, thank you very much!”

Then he walked away as fast as he could. I thought the place was legal?? Confusing…

*Reading direction: from left to right

Yes, that’s right. The only thing that I successfully consumed in Christiania was the strawberry juice ?? But I don’t mind, because actually, I dislike smoking!

Thank God that smoking isn’t my gift, hahaha…

Oh, speaking of the strawberry juice… Apparently, normally people drink fruit juices after smoking weed to keep their feet on the ground. FYI, avoid mango juices!

Attention: After some fact checks, it’s ILLEGAL to sell, buy and smoke weed in Denmark.

Christiania is a public secret among the locals and I feel it’s worth visitting when you’re in Copenhagen, Denmark – just to get an idea of what it looks like.

Don’t worry, the area is safe as the people there have their own rules: no stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests, hard drugs and bikers’ colours.

I wish I had more time in Copenhagen because there are many things to see and do in Christiania (check this out).

Alright friends, I hope you enjoy the blog post. Stay healthy and remember to drink plenty of water – summer is here!

Also read: “Summer in Sorrento”
Also read: “Digital Detox Trip: City Edition in Copenhagen, Denmark”
Also read: “Helsinki Travel: from Rock Church to Contemporary Arts”