The New York Times recently had a pretty dire article about Christiania. It wasn't about tourists/tourism but about the residents and how violence and hard drugs, among other problems, have made it somewhat less than an ideal commune. It didn't really say anything about safety for tourists in particular. I know the RS book highly recommends it, but this article made it sound unappealing to say the least. I know everyone is sick of "is X major city safe? I hear there are pickpockets!" but this seems quite a bit beyond that, so I will ask the dreaded question: is it advisable to visit Christiania?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
7141 posts
We were there about 2-3 years ago and it seemed perfectly safe to me. A little run-down, a little sad, it's glory days clearly far in the distant past, something from another era, a different world. We just walked through like tourists, didn't go poking around beyond what seemed to be the main thoroughfares, chuckling occasionally, maybe doing some eye-rolling once in a while, noting how it was like something from another time or another world. I wasn't terribly impressed by the vibe but "unsafe" would not have been anywhere on my list of adjectives to apply. I didn't find it particularly interesting, but certainly not threatening in any way (actually, kind of boring, if I'm being honest, but tastes vary). We were there mid-day, there were plenty of other tourists, gawkers and other people wandering around.
I walk though more questionable and potentially "unsafe"-feeling places most days in my home city. I suspect one would have to put in some effort or wander in drunk at 2 am and looking for trouble, to find yourself in a threatening situation. Or things may have changed a LOT in the past couple of years (or journalism ain't what it used to be) or some combination. (where's that "shrug" emoji when I need it?)
Posted by
Lorton, VA
14 posts
I was there a couple of months ago--I think David's comments still apply. I didn't feel at all unsafe, but I didn't find the atmosphere particularly interesting anymore. Perhaps it's worthwhile to visit once to satisfy your curiosity---it's a small area and won't take long to see. My understanding is that some of the drug issues have been addressed. Here's a more recent article:
Posted by
Western Canada
3826 posts
To me it just felt like a sad old hippie neighbourhood that had seen better days.
There are better things to see in lovely Copenhagen.
Posted by
Denmark
215 posts
I haven't seen the recent NYT article you're referring to, but I will say I agree with newdouglas's comment. If you are interested, it can be worth working into your itinerary. Especially, I think, if you find the history or subculture of the place interesting or if you find the societal aspects of such a parallel society interesting.
If you don't enjoy visiting Christiania, you can just leave earlier than planned. It's no big deal. I suggest you take a stroll back along the Christianshavn Canal on the street Overgaden oven Vandet. I think it's a charming and calm part of the Christianshavn neighbourhood - and it's very close to Christiania.
Christiania is no fairytale wonderland, and it has its fair share of challenges. Personal safety is not one of them.
The BBC article linked above is indeed correct, they closed down Pusher Street in Spring 2024. That has been attempted before with very temporary effects, but this time it seems the effects are permanent. This spring, a year after the shutdown, is it being reported as a succes by DR (Danish counterpart to BBC): DR article in Danish / DR article machine translated to English
Even though I'm a local, I have never been a regular visitor to Christiania, and it's been quite a while since I've been there. But writing about it now, I do get interested to revisit Christiania in the post-Pusher Street era.
Posted by
Chicago
1598 posts
There are better places to see in Copenhagen and environs. Christiania can be quite depressing. RS's idealist views are sometimes on full display in his guide. The Chrisitiania recommendation is one of these instances, in my opinion. Many find the reality of the area vastly different than the guide suggests.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7590 posts
I also don't think you have to worry about your safety in Christiania. But there are a lot great sights in Copenhagen and on my list of things you should see and do in and around Copenhagen, Christiania is pretty far down that list.
Posted by
OP
222 posts
Thanks, all.
Posted by
Michigan USA
14 posts
We walked through in May 2024 and I agree with the general sentiment expressed above. It's not going to be the centerpiece of a day, or worth going out of your way for, but we felt perfectly safe strolling through in the middle of the day. We sat on a riverbank and ate lunch (purchased at nearby grocery store). Our main interest was to see Green George (the troll statue), which was a bit difficult (no obvious signage where we entered). Spent a little time in the farm & garden style store. Took photos of the skate park features for our skater boys back home. Left.