Freetown Christiania

Christiania is a neighbourhood with its own rules. It began in the early 1970s when people moved into an abandoned military area and declared it a free community. Today it is a mix of homemade houses, workshops, galleries, cafés and green paths along the old ramparts. It is a place to look around respectfully, not a tourist attraction in the usual sense, and photography is discouraged on some streets, so follow the signs. Come with an open mind and an interest in how a community can organise itself differently.

Talking points

• It was founded in the early 1970s by people who occupied old military barracks.
• Residents run it as a self-governing community with its own rules.
• Photography is not allowed on parts of the main street, so look for signs.