Freetown Christiania

Christiania, Denmark is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood of about 850 residents in Christianshavn, a part of the Danish capital Copenhagen. The old army barracks, lake and green area was occupied by people looking for an alternative society in 1971.

This set of images were taken on Christiania’s 30th anniversary. It had then become known for it’s alternative way of living, for being fore front in environmental initiatives and inventions, creativity and for ‘Pusher Street’. The latter is a market like street where cannabis is sold freely. The community is a police free community that is regulated by a special law, The Christiania Law of 1989 which transfers parts of the supervision of the area from the municipality of Copenhagen to the state.

The images are supported by quotes from the individuals and their experience living in the alternative community.