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Christiania

Christiania, the famous freetown of Copenhagen.

This controversial area is loved by many but has been a turning point for strong debate. For visitors, the area is subject to safety concerns due to criminal activity and drug dealing. 

It is important to know that dealing, buying and possessing illegal substances in any form is against Danish legislation.

Read more about safety in Christiania below.

Creative housing Christiania was founded in 1971 when a group of people cut a hole in the fence to the military barracks in Bådmandsgade. Soon, the area was known for Pusher Street, where you could buy hash and pot – but no hard drugs – from various stalls. Today, many of the original settlers still live in the collectively controlled village, and the area has a clear 70s feel to it. A lot of the people living in Christiania built their homes themselves, giving the area an extremely interesting architectural feel. And you will find a variety of eco-restaurants, workshops, galleries and music venues offering all sorts of cultural experiences.

Christiania existed under special conditions for 40 years, with constant conflicts and clashes between the local Christianites and the Danish state.

After many years of uncertainty about the future of Christiania, an agreement was entered in 2011, which meant that on 1 July 2012, a foundation, the Foundation Freetown Christiania, was founded.

The foundation now owns the entire part of Christiania located outside the protected ramparts and leases buildings and land on the ramparts, which are still owned by the state. Part of the money is raised by selling the symbolic Christiania shares. Safety in Christiania It is important that you are aware that Christiania is not like any other neighbourhood in Copenhagen. According to Copenhagen police the area around Pusher Street is controlled by organised criminal groups. The residents themselves have adopted a set of rules for security reasons, which they strongly advise visitors to abide by. They discourage visitors from photographing, running and talking on the phone in the area, especially in and around Pusher Street. At the main entrance, you will find a sign listing the rules, which the residents also advise visitors not to photograph. Over the years, there have been reports of acts of violence linked to organised criminal activities, and it is advised to check the recommendations of the local authorities before planning a visit to Christiania. Read about current affairs from Copenhagen Police or visit their account on X . Guided tours Locals give guided tours of the area. Every day throughout the summer (26 June  – 31 August) and every weekend the rest of the year. This is a really good way to experience the special Christiania vibe. The guides have lived most of their lives here, and they give a personal tour of this alternative community. The tours are in English and Danish and start from the main entrance at 15:00. The price is DKK 40 in cash to the guide.

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Freetown Christiania Copenhagen: The Ultimate Guide to Plan Your Visit

Posted on March 28, 2022

Categories Art , Blog , Cultural Travel , Denmark , Europe

Have you ever heard of Freetown Christiania? If you love quirky places, alternative lifestyles, street art, or anything off the beaten path, you need visit when you travel to Copenhagen . Ever since I learned of Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, I knew that I had to visit.

Freetown Christiania is located in the heart of Copenhagen. It has such an intriguing history and it’s really unlike any other place in the world. Furthermore, it’s just so quirky, colourful, and even a bit alarming. You really only need to carve out about an hour to wander around, and you can always stay a little longer for lunch if you’d like.

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Table of Contents

What is Freetown Christiania?

Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous district in the borough of Christianshavn. It is an anarchist community on the site of a former military barracks, right in the middle of Copenhagen.

The Christiania residents follow counter-cultural beliefs based in the hippie movement, anarchism, the squatter movement, and collectivism. They fly their own flag, have their own currency, and sing their own anthem.

They don’t consider themselves part of Copenhagen, Denmark, or the European Union. Those living in Christiania don’t pay taxes. In recent years, approximately 900 people live in the commune, with even second or third generations of families growing up there.

A Brief History of Christiania

In the 1970s, homeless people started to live in the empty buildings of the abandoned military base. This was partially as a protest to the Danish government and also because there was a significant lack of affordable housing in Copenhagen.

In 1971, Christiania was officially established, as declared by Danish journalist, Jacob Ludvigsen. He wrote an article announcing the official proclamation of this new free town. He was also the co-author of Christiania’s mission statement:

The objective of Christiania is to create a self-governing society whereby each and every individual holds themselves responsible over the wellbeing of the entire community. Our society is to be economically self-sustaining and, as such, our aspiration is to be steadfast in our conviction that psychological and physical destitution can be averted.

What are the rules of Christiania?

Freetown Christiania is a free state that makes its own rules of governance. There aren’t many rules and laws in Christiania, except for a few key ones to note.

First, Freetown Christiania is a community free of violence. There are no guns, knives, or bulletproof vests. Also banned from the community: bikers’ colours, hard drugs, and stealing of any kind.

Don’t run in Christiania. Running promotes panic and fear. The residents won’t know if you are running from someone or something.

Christiania is a car-free zone. There’s a popular place to rent bicycles with carts on the back of them. Everyone I saw there either walked or rode a bike. It certainly keeps with the green and environmentally-friendly beliefs of the commune.

It used to be a rule that visitors could not take any photographs within Freetown Christiania. However, the rules are a little more relaxed now. Feel free to snap a few pictures, as long as you’re being sensitive about it. Don’t photograph any people without their permission. Take a few photos here and there, but don’t use this as a backdrop to elaborate photo or video shoots.

The Green Light District

The Green Light District, also known as Pusher Street, is the famous street in Freetown Christiania that used to be the centre of the drug trade in Copenhagen. However, the Green Light District is much different than it used to be. There used to be permanent stalls set up along this street for the cannabis trade. Then, there were numerous police raids of the community, over and over again.

It wouldn’t take long for the drug dealers to resurface after the raids. But, there are no longer permanent stalls. You will hear the odd hushed voice asking if you’d like to buy drugs. But, it is no longer encouraged in Freetown Christiania. After all, cannabis is illegal in Denmark and Copenhagen, and those within this hippie commune want to keep their community safe.

When I visited Freetown Christiania Copenhagen, you could take photographs everywhere except Pusher Street. This was unfortunate because some of the best street art was along this stretch, but I didn’t want to disturb anyone or violate the rules of the commmunity.

Nowadays, you can take photographs everywhere, just as long as you are respectful about it. Don’t use it as a backdrop for your selfies or take involved Instagram photoshoots here. If there are any temporary tables with drug deals happening, it makes sense to not take pictures of the drug dealers. Otherwise, you’re good to go.

There’s now a sign installed on Pusher Street that asks that people do not purchase drugs in the Green Light District. The residents really want to keep the community safe and free of future violence or police raids. Please be respectful and do not purchase any drugs here.

The Vibrant Street Art of Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is a paradise for lovers of street art. Bright and colourful paintings covered nearly every wall or surface. Keeping with a no-waste attitude, many works of art are created from reused materials.

Nothing in Christiania is wasted, even if it isn’t as attractive. Old tree stumps are left to rot as they can attract certain insects and birds, leaving a positive impact on the ecosystem.

Even if all you do in Christiania is walk around and appreciate the street art, it’s well worth the trip. People who live in Christianshavn often decorate their homes with all sorts of creative knick-knacks and colourful decor.

A Self-Guided Tour of Freetown Christiania

I wandered around the alternative community of Freetown Christiania early on a Sunday morning, around 10:00am. The main entrance features totem poles welcoming you to the commune.

On this brisk, March day, there really weren’t many other people around. I walked the streets on my own, seeing a random person or roaming dog on occasion. It was very peaceful and quiet.

I didn’t see any drugs for sale on Pusher Street, though I did see a few men setting up their stalls. The Green Light District was most likely much more action-packed later in the day.

I had an eerie feeling from time to time as I explored by myself. Christiania almost has a post-apocalyptic atmosphere in certain spaces. Muddy paths, crumbling structures, and messages spray painted onto plywood gave off unsettling vibes. With that said, I felt perfectly safe wandering around on my own.

When to Visit Christiania and My Experiences

You can visit Freetown Christiania anytime. It was very quiet and relaxed on a Sunday morning. If you’re looking for a busier or more bustling atmosphere, I suggest going there later in the day.

I’ve heard that the residents are super friendly and kind, but I didn’t see very many people around on a Sunday morning. Some people like to keep to themselves, but it is possible to strike up a conversation with some of the local residents for an inside perspective of life in Christiania.

If you’re seeking more energy and activity, I suggest visiting in the afternoon. However, Christiania is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen and more crowded later in the day. There are also music venues, art galleries, and skate parks in Freetown Christiania that you can experience as well.

Sadly, the fact that the Freetown Christiania commune has become a tourist attraction and has become more gentrified over the years has caused many original residents to move away. It’s become a really popular destination, and I can see exactly why. It’s just so unique and interesting. Please keep in mind that this is a residential area and not a tourist’s playground. Be respectful when you visit.

How to Take a Guided Tour of Freetown Christiania

If you would rather take a walking tour of Freetown Christiania Copenhagen, you can easily book one in advance. While it is easy to wander around on your own, a tour guide can provide additional insights from a local. You’re likely to learn many more interesting stories, history, and information than walking around on your own.

This walking tour is 1.5 hours long and you’ll learn all kinds of stories along the way. Please note that walking tours inside the gates of Freetown Christiania are not permitted. You’ll walk from Nyhavn towards Christianshavn, learning all of the details, history and stories. The walking tour stops at the gates of Freetown Christiania where you can freely go after the tour and explore on your own. Book your guided tour here.

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Keeping with the green and natural lifestyle, Freetown Christiania has lots of vegan and vegetarian food for such a tiny community. There are a couple of vegetarian restaurants in Freetown Christiania that cater to vegans, too.

Morgenstedet is a vegetarian restaurant in Christiania. The fully organic menu blends various cuisines from around the world as the chefs have different cultural heritages. The prices are reasonable and lower than other dining options in Copenhagen.

Grønsagen is another restaurant in town serving meat and veggie options at their buffet. You pay by how much food you put on your plate. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also available. Looking for more vegetarian and vegan food in Copenhagen? Check out my vegan guide to Copenhagen . And for the coffee lovers, I also have this handy guide to the best Copenhagen cafes .

Christiania Christmas Market

Although I didn’t visit around Christmastime, there is an annual Christmas market in Freetown Christiania. It’s held within Grey Hall, the centre of the community. You can purchase lots of handcrafted items, including Christmas decorations, jewelry, knitwear, cards, and other handmade wares.

You can also watch some of the crafts being made, chat to local artists and artisans, and grab a bite to eat. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the full experience of visiting Christianshavn on your visit, like wandering the streets and checking out the street art.

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Getting to Freetown Christiania

I walked to Christiania from my hotel, Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade . Walk past Nyhavn and across a bridge, and you’re almost there. It’s really easy to walk from Nyhavn to Christianshavn.

Alternatively, you can take the train to Christianshavn Station and it’s a short walk from there. With a Copenhagen City Card , you gain free public transportation. I used the train from one side of the city to the other, and it was great to not have to worry about buying any train tickets throughout my stay. There are so many other perks from buying the Copenhagen City Card , too, and I highly recommend it.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

I stayed at  Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade , a modern, no frills hotel in the middle of town. It’s inexpensive (around $100 Canadian a night) and has your basic needs covered: it’s clean, has a modern design, and has the essentials (bed, shower, bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi).

The hotel is right in the centre of it all. You can walk everywhere, and there’s a train station down the street. I took public transit from the airport to the subway stop and walked to the hotel (about an 8 minute walk). It’s the perfect place to stay if you have 3 days in Copenhagen: great price and great location.

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Frank Rebelo

Sunday 22nd of May 2022

I’m writing this as I sit in Cafe Nemoland waiting for out lunch. It’s noon on a Sunday May 22, 22. You’re correct, it is much busier later in the day. The sun is starting to come out and it’s quite busy. Stalls are up and busy. Definitely worth a visit.

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

Thank you for the update! I'm glad you had the chance to visit and enjoyed it. It's a very unique place!

Tuesday 5th of June 2018

Such a beautiful town, love the street art.

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Read This Before Visiting Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Welcome to my Freetown Christiania travel guide, one of the weirdest and most wonderful places I visited in Denmark (and possibly the world!).

This place is the total opposite to the rest of ordered, clean Copenhagen just across the bridge. As my tour guide on a walking tour told us, ‘if you have a spare hour here, drop everything and visit Freetown Christiania’. Of all the things to do in Copenhagen , this is for sure the most unusual.

Visiting Copenhagen? Check out my other blogs:

• 3 day Copenhagen itinerary
• Where to find cheap brunch and breakfast in Copenhagen

In this guide, I’ll share my Freetown Christiania tips and explain the area’s rules to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen

Freetown Christiania is a neighbourhood not far from the centre of Copenhagen which was founded in 1971 by a couple of hippies who were fed up of societal rules so decided to create their own community. Nowadays it’s known for its alternative vibe and is home to a thousand residents. Unusual things about Freetown Christiania include the fact that it’s green, car-free – oh, and there are drugs. Lots of drugs. While they’re technically illegal, they’re overlooked by the police and openly sold on the main street which is (not so subtly) called ‘Pusher Street’.

Accompanying the hippie vibe is a sense of solidarity and a focus on sustainable communities. There are also galleries and cafes in Christiania and it’s a place that’s become popular with tourists. I’m all about seeing different cultures and ways of life so I knew I was going right in…

Facts about Freetown Christiania 

• Renting and buying houses isn’t an option so you can only be given a home by the foundation who own the land.
• Despite the fact it’s now a chill place, for 40 years until 2012 it was full of clashes between the inhabitants and the rest of the city.
• Photos are banned along Pusher Street because locals don’t want images of drugs circulating.

What to expect when visiting Freetown Christiania 

Freetown Christiania is a really colourful place full of street art and despite the drugs and violent history, doesn’t feel at all scary or unsafe. I went as a solo female and loved visiting Freetown Christiania. It was busy and everyone was friendly. Follow my Freetown Christiania below and I’m sure you’ll love it, too. Pusher Street is so colourful . Nepalese prayer flags swing in the breeze and stalls sell weed like other markets sell trinkets. It’s the most surreal place!

Freetown Christiania rules

Because of the area’s turbulent history, there are a few guidelines for visiting. Observe these but don’t let them scare you. They aren’t enforced by law but will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Here are my Freetown Christiana tips:

DON’Ts for visiting Freetown Christiania 

• Take photos where you’re not allowed, for example Pusher Street. There have been cases of tourists having their cameras broken by angry locals. You’ll find other areas where you can like the Christiania Art Gallery South Pacific where most of my photos were taken. If in doubt, just ask.
• Run because can be associated with police raids and incite panic.

DOs for visiting Freetown Christiania 

• Eat. Try out Morgenstedet , an organic, veggie eatery with a pretty courtyard or  Spiseloppen inside a refurbed warehouse. This restaurant has a creative menu reflecting the home cuisine of the staff and chefs of 16 nationalities.
• Chat! The locals are very friendly provided you respect their rules. Talking to them will give you an insight into their culture.
• Go in the morning or afternoon if you’re a solo female because you’ll feel that bit safer. I felt very secure but I can imagine it being a bit more sketchy after dark.

I hope these Freetown Christiana rules are useful. You’ll feel perfecting safe if you follow them.

Don’t miss Nemoland!

Nothing to do with the Disney film, Nemoland is a cafe and concert venue. In the summer there are two open-air gigs every Sunday (6pm and 8pm) where you can get a taste of Danish music.

Getting to Freetown Christiania Copenhagen 

You can easily arrive by foot. From Nyhavn Harbour, cross the bridge and keep walking. Y ou’ll come to Christiania after about 15 minutes.

Freetown Christiania opening times

While there are no official Freetown Christiania opening times, I would recommend timing your trip before sunset. In the winter, you’ll want to visit in the early afternoon but during the summer, you’ll feel safe walking around much later in the day.

Tours of Freetown Christiania 

If you’re keen soak up the history when visiting Freetown Christiania, you can take a walking tour. Tours aren’t permitted inside Christiania but they’ll take you around the perimeters and tell you the facts then leave you at the gate so you can go inside. I decided against this option only because the tour didn’t finish ’til 4.30pm by which time it would be dark. If you’re visiting in the summer when it stays light longer, I think a tour would be a great idea. Consider a tour with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours . I did the general Copenhagen tour with them so I’m sure the Freetown Christiania one would be great too.

Thanks for reading my Freetown Christiana travel guide

If you liked it, please share it 🙂

See you next time for more adventures,

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

3 thoughts on “ Read This Before Visiting Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen ”

On contrary I found people are very unfriendly. Yelling at people who take photos. Also there is dirt everywhere, full of junkies, illegal drug sellers, … I advice rather to stay away and definitely don’t bring kids. It is not a hippie community rather a failed social experiment.

Sorry to hear this!

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The Original Christianshavn Tour

FREETOUR.com says

Our Secret Traveller applauds this tour as "the ultimate way to experience Copenhagen’s special atmosphere". "Starting in the historic area around the parliament’s canals, we soon ventured to the wonderful freetown of Christiania to learn how the area was created and get fascinating insight to the unique culture here. This story is a truly intriguing and interesting one, and it is delivered exceptionally well by the local guide. It's the perfect way to experience Christiania, appreciate the origins of the movement, get cool pics as well as hearing about local history, architecture and seeing where one of the most memorable events in Danish history took place".

Overview of the tour in Copenhagen

The Christianshavn Tour is our most popular alternative tour, beginning at Højbro Plads and exploring the island of Christianshavn, which was built as a separate city from Copenhagen. It is now a great neighborhood with an eclectic mix of residents. The tour ends just outside the gates of Christiania, where you can wander at your own will. Our tours are free to join, we kindly ask that you tip the tour guide directly at the end of the tour based on what you think the tour is worth! Our tour guides also have credit card readers, giving you a more convenient and safe way to pay your tour guide directly. Please note that this tour is created for individual travelers and small groups. Guests traveling in groups of 6 or more are welcome to book a private tour.

This activity includes:

• Højbro Plads
• Alternative free town of Christiania
• Parliaments canals
• Christians Harbour
• Discover churches and hidden stories
• Quaint colourful buildings

Meeting point

Bishop Absalon's Equestrian Statue (Højbro Plads).

At the footsteps of Bishop Absalon's Equestrian Statue (Højbro Plads).

Things to note

This tour finishes at the entrance of Christiania.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Christiania Copenhagen’s Counterculture – Things to do nearby [Guide]

Many people are drawn to visit this interesting enclave when in Copenhagen. We’ll take you through all you need to know about Christiania Freetown Copenhagen. This self proclaimed free state is run by the locals and boasts a distinctly alternative vibe . Those living here in the commune shun many western ideals – such as capitalism – and strive to be free from restricting structures. 

• 1 About Christiania Denmark
• 2 The locals 
• 3 Christiania Alternative Culture and Community
• 4 Freetown Christiania Rules
• 5 Christiania district: for what type of travellers?
• 6 Freetown Christiania – Things to do nearby 
• 7 Where to stay in Christiana Area
• 8 Christiania Restaurants – Where to eat
• 9 How to get to Christiania Copenhagen
• 10 FAQs – Freetown Christiania
• 11 Conclusion
• 12 Related articles:

About Christiania Denmark

The small commune of about 875 residents has proclaimed itself as completely independent from the state. It was founded in 1971 on the former military barracks of Badsmandsstraede. Some claim that it was a result of student protests and uprising during the period, others say it was the citizenry’s answer to the issue of homelessness in Denmark at the time.

Although it was envisioned by its founders to be a place where the residents are “responsible for the wellbeing of the entire community ” the ideal was far from the reality – Christiania soon became an enclave for squatters, anarchists and infamous for its open trading of cannabis. 

The locals 

Because of its growing negative reputation and the violence in the area, it was closed down by the residents themselves in the spring of 2011. However, it was reopened and is one of Denmark’s popular and unique tourist attractions.

Residents of the community are called “Christianits” and the official currency is the Lon, although the Danish Krone is also accepted as legal tender. Guided tours are being offered to visitors who would want a glimpse of a community that thrives on an “alternative lifestyle.” Similar to other communities, Christiania does have a thriving commercial life , with a number of local shops and businesses, and even its own archive. 

Christiania Alternative Culture and Community

Scandinavia often gets a reputation for being cold  – and that’s not just the weather. Unfortunately, we can’t change the northern climate. But we do hope to be able to show that the culture can indeed be warm and vibrant.  

While Norway, and Sweden remain somewhat culturally rigid, Denmark, embraces alternative lifestyles and eccentricity. Its true, Danish style and design are still largely slaves to function. This minimalism extends beyond the aesthetic. It seems Danes have taken it upon themselves to accommodate the desires of the most people possible.

While at first Danes may appear standoffish and distant, rest assured, they are just respecting your personal space. When approached, most Danish people are remarkably accommodating and friendly. This ability to accept alternate paths extends to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. 

On the outskirts, there lurks a collective of anarchists living in relative peace and prosperity. This haven for the dispossessed and downright different is known as Freetown Christiania.

Freetown Christiania Rules

• The center of Freetown is the appropriately named Pusher Street. Here, you can witness (but we recommend to not partake in) open air trading of the green herb. But, one of Christiania’s strict rules is a ban on hard drugs .
• Also known as Copenhagen’s “Green-light District” , here you can hash it out with a shopkeeper and find something to their liking. While not legal, the police tend to look the other way. However, the general adversarial nature leads to an air of secrecy. Most of the dealers wear masks, or have a cloth blocking their shop windows. To avoid confusion, it is important to refrain from taking pictures. 
• Don’t  run on Pusher Street. 
• There is ubiquitous signage alerting tourists to the area’s rules. It is always wise to avoid an anarchist’s bad side.
• Remember always to be respectful and do not treat the area like a sideshow. These people take pride in their homes, and their unique way of life. They are used to visitors, and are usually more than happy to chat, but not so pleased when you invade their privacy (no photos without asking) (i.e. or property (stay on the beaten paths).

Christiania district: for what type of travellers?

This is for those who are comfortable with a little grit , who won’t be intimidated by alternative lifestyles, or who are purely curious . 

Far from perfection, Freetown has a history of violence. From biker gangs to police raids, Christianites have seen it all. The fact they continue to stay is a testament in itself. Everyone should see it. It will make you question your ideals and test your resolve. Is it really anarchist? All the rules beg to differ. Is it dangerous? Not regularly. Anyone interested in an alternative Christiania Copenhagen perspective will enjoy a short stroll down Pusher Street.

Freetown Christiania – Things to do nearb y 

Top attractions

• In the center, there is a stage that often hosts community events , and a small coffee shop. There is no shortage of characters and art to capture the imagination. Christiania is strange, and they plan to keep it that way.
• Check out the Christiania Christmas market . Like its locals, this market is a one of a kind. You’ll find unique little gifts and trinkets here that can’t be bought in stores. 
• Relax in the vibe. The time is now to visit the world’s best-known anarchist enclave. The Christianites are always at odds with city officials, police, and themselves. But there is a calmness engulfing the Freetown. Inside Christiania, there is a likewise relaxing and “green” vibe. There are small shop s selling souvenirs, and usually playing reggae music.  
• Stroll and enjoy the quirks . I find walking around the surrounding islets is truly transcendent. Here you can see multi-million dollar homes across from crumbling shacks. It’s not like the government hasn’t offered to help. The people choose to live their own way, and that’s good enough for most. 
• Walking around Christiania’s larger area will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle. You’ll see a distinct lack of cars, and an above-average quantity of large bicycles with a huge basket in the front. These utilitarian rollers are now known as “Christiania bikes.” Christianites use them to move their children, pets and sometimes, all their earthly possessions.
• Photograph the unique architecture. Christiania also has some of the most unique architecture in Copenhagen. A far cry from modern Scandinavian construction, Christiania survives on ingenuity and elbow grease. Rusty signage and old-world carpentry are all the rage. A long walk around Christiania can change your perspective on what you truly need to survive.

Where to stay in Christiana Area

Top budget hotel

The Bedwood is located at 63c Nyhavn which is only 0.9kms from Christiania. This gorgeous period property boasts exposed beams, quirky corners and a cool bar. Bike hire is also available, and you are a stone’s throw from the action on Nyhavn. 

• Price  – A private double room in July will cost around £130 including a private bathroom.
• In the low season, expect to pay around £80. There are also shared dorms available, starting at just £17 in the low season for a mixed dorm.
• How to get there? From central station, you can take bus number 26 for about €2. Metro too is a similar price – get off at Kongens Nytorv

Top comfy hotel

Copenhagen Stand is just 0.7kms from Christiania. Housed in a quirky 19th century warehouse, the hotel has a communal lounge complete with Nintendo Wi. 

• Private rooms in July start at about £150
• You can get the same in the off season for about £120
• How to get there? Kongens Nytorv Metro Station is only 400 metres away . 

Top luxury hotel

The closest luxury hotel to Christiania is the Marriott. It’s 5 minutes to central station, with great views of the waterfront. An on site grill and bar welcome the weary tourist

• A standard room for 2, no matter what season, will start at around £220. Breakfast is good, but expect to pay around £20 a head 

Christiana best youth hostels

We mentioned the charming Bedwood Hostel in Nyhavn, but you can also get some much cheaper deals at hostels around Indre By, Copenhagen, too.

Check out the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel , just 500 metres from Indre By. Here, a shared dorm will set you back just €20, or you can get a private room from €60.

Or, there’s also the Hostel Jørgensen , less than a kilometre from Indre By. Rooms start at around €50, there is free wifi and free breakfast 

Christiania Airbnb & B&B

Want to experience true Christiana? The hotel’s we’ve listed are nearby, the neighborhood of Christianshavn right next too is a great place for an AirBnb or Bnb stay. Local homes can be a great way to get to know the area. You can get a cosy apartment all to yourself starting at about €80 per night,   or save more money by sharing with a local. Check out all there is to offer in Christianshavn on Airbnb right here

Christiania Restaurants – Where to eat

• Sunshine Bakery . This perfect munchie spot for locals serves up sweet treats, pastries and buns. 
• Spiseloppen . This locals favorite is housed in a stone warehouse with cosy decor and treats diners to a mix of local and international cruising
• M orgenstedet . Another well loved favorite. This vegetarian restaurant in a little cottage perfectly fits the bill 

How to get to Christiania Copenhagen

From Nyhavn, just walk across the  Inderhavnsbroen from Nyhavn. To  get to Nyhavn from central station, simply take the train to Nørreport Station.

FAQs – Freetown Christiania

What is bevar christiania.

Bevar Christiania means Free Christiania in Danish. The government  sometimes threatens to shut the place down. Support the cause by purchasing a Bevar Christiania shirt or sticker! 

What does the future of Christiania look like?

Perhaps the government marginalized Copenhagen’s undesirables to the hinterlands of Christiania. Perhaps, economics will rule the day (as it so often does) and Christiania isn’t long for the scrap heap.  Perhaps, the Christianites are the future, eagerly embracing sustainability and minimalism in a world growing weary of overconsumption. After a visit to Christiania, you may start to wonder if we are the crazy ones. Some visitors don’t like it. That’s the point. Freetown is for thinkers, observers, artists, and the uncertain.  The Christianites don’t want approval, pity, money, or power. They simply want to live by their own terms. Exist with them for a little while, and make up your own mind.

Is Freetown Christiania safe?

You may be thinking this area of town must be the refuge Copenhagen’s worst: the killers, the users, the pushers, the insane, the homeless etc. It’s not. Christiania is one of the most unique cultural experiments in recent history. It is a popular tourist destination, a concert venue, and an art exhibition all in one. 

What happened to Christiania?

The Freetown movement began in 1971, when a few “hippies” squatted in an abandoned army barracks to protest the price of housing. Now over 40 years later, Christiania constitutes a sort of countercultural paradise. These anarchists paradoxically have a community council, and pay rent and utilities. Christiania is hardly the cesspool a square pessimist would imagine. They have rules and the Christianites largely abide. They have had their share of problems, like any community, but amid constant turmoil, Christiania survives as a symbol of Danish tolerance.

Which city was previously known as Christiania?

Oslo Norway was known as Christiania from 1877 to 1925.

What time does Christiania open?

There are no official opening times for Christiania, but it is a little bit friendlier during the day. That’s not to say it’s unsafe at night, but be sure to not wander around alone 

A noted venue for Copenhagen’s gay community, a revered destination for music, and a source of inspiration for the Danish literati , Christiania illustrates the Danes affinity for tolerance.

I will not go so far as to say acceptance. The fact that Christiania remains despite occupying, what would now seem to be, very pricey real estate, says the Danish government values some things a bit more than money.

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• Denmark Hotel Copenhagen : Top Accommodations by Neighbourhoods & Budget

10 Things To Do In Denmark That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else

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Christiania

Top choice in Copenhagen

Escape the capitalist crunch and head to Freetown Christiania, a hash-scented commune straddling the eastern side of Christianshavn. Since its establishment by squatters in 1971, the area has drawn nonconformists from across the globe, attracted by the concept of collective business, workshops and communal living. Explore beyond the settlement's infamous 'Pusher St' – lined with shady hash and marijuana dealers who do not appreciate photographs – and you'll stumble upon a semi-bucolic wonderland of whimsical DIY homes, cosy garden plots, eateries, beer gardens and music venues.

Before its development as an alternative enclave, the site was an abandoned 41-hectare military camp. When squatters took over, police tried to clear the area. They failed. The hippie revolution was at its peak and wave after wave of alternative folk continued to pour in.

Bowing to public pressure, the government allowed the community to continue as a social experiment. Self-governing, ecology-oriented and generally tolerant, Christiania residents did, in time, find it necessary to modify their 'anything goes' approach. A new policy was established that outlawed hard drugs, and the heroin and cocaine pushers were expelled.

The main entrance into Christiania is on Prinsessegade, 200m northeast of its intersection with Bådsmandsstræde. From late June to the end of August, 60- to 90-minute guided tours (50kr) of Christiania run daily at 1pm and 3pm (3pm weekends only September to late June). Tours commence just inside Christiania's main entrance on Prinsessegade.

Prinsessegade

Get In Touch

https://www.christiania.org

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Beyond weed: visiting Christiania in Copenhagen

Right in the middle of Copenhagen, in the neighbourhood of Christianshavn, you’ll find the alternative community of Christiania.

It might be very close to expensive apartments and just a few streets away from the Copenhagen Opera House, but this laid-back part of town feels a million miles away.

Christiania was founded by a group of adventurous squatters and hippies in the 1970s, on an old military barracks.

Complete with habitable buildings and electricity, this area had all they needed to take up residence and begin creating an autonomous ‘freetown’ with its own laid-back way of life.

For some 50 years (and with the illicit cannabis trade that helped to make the area famous still obvious) Christiania has been a living monument to alternative thinking, green lifestyles, creativity and the hippie movement.

But don’t expect to see people with flower crowns burning sage and dancing in circles.

In recent years, there have been some violent incidents in the community, linked to gang crime and the drug trade, including a street shooting in August 2023, when one person was killed.

That said, violence is rare and provided you don’t get involved in buying or selling drugs, then Christiania is pretty safe overall.

And what most visitors experience today is a chilled, graffiti-daubed, artistic neighbourhood full of cosy cafés, open-minded, forward-thinking people and beautiful nature.

What is there to see and do in Christiania?

Christiania has around 850 inhabitants, including some of the people who first moved into the area back in the 1970s.

Some will be happy to show you around and chat about the good old days, while others very much prefer their privacy.

The residents’ cute and peculiar houses are easy to spot as you wander around. Most are brightly painted and many are decorated with unusual knick-knacks and drawings.

The community is dotted with brightly-coloured murals, graffiti, sculptures and artworks that brighten up old buildings and streets.

It’s also home to some interesting architecture, including Fredens Ark (the Ark of Peace), northern Europe’s largest half-timbered house, dating from 1837. Formerly a barracks, it now houses around 80 people plus a rock club.

Apart from being famed as a bit of a stoner’s paradise, where weed is sold openly on the street, Christiania is known for its environmental activism and a strong sense of community spirit, so you’ll see a lot of social activities being advertised on posters and billboards.

Our five favourite things to see and do in Christiania

• Discover the hidden sights of Christiania and learn all about its unique origins and history. What we love about this tour is that its guide grew up in Christiania and provides a real insight into what it’s like to live in the community. 
• Go on a beer walk. Run by the Christiania Bryghus, this tour starts off at the brewery and takes you round Christiania stopping off to sample five different brews on the way. It costs DKK 320, and is in Danish or English.
• Explore by e-bike. Copenhagen is a very cycle-friendly city, and this  guided e-bike tour  includes the city’s main sights then stops off at Christiania so that you can go in, grab a coffee and look round on your own.
• Admire the street art. Christiania is known for its graffiti and street art and you can wander around and see it on your own. We particularly like Green George, a sculpture of a friendly troll , made from the community’s rubbish, where children can sit in his lap.
• Go skateboarding. Christiania is home to one of Copenhagen’s most popular skate bowls which is open 24/7. Bring your own board and have a go, or watch the pros practice their flips and tricks.

How long should you spend in Christiania?

You’ll get a feel for life in Christiania quite quickly, but you can easily spend a few hours here exploring, grabbing a coffee and a bite to eat, or even relaxing with a beer or at a concert.

You might even want to sign up for an art or crafts or yoga workshop.

Because Christiania is car-free and basically non-commercial, it’s a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You definitely won’t find a branch of Starbucks here.

Is the Copenhagen Card worth buying?

Read this guide to see how much you could save during your trip!

What are Christiania bikes?

As Christiania is a car-free environment, the favoured mode of transportation is the Christiania bike – otherwise known as a tricycle with a big box at the front. 

These distinctive bikes were first made in the 1970s in the blacksmiths at Christiania, but are now used right across Copenhagen, and further afield. The distinctive wooden box at the front is used to carry groceries, supplies, bags and even children and dogs.

The bikes are no longer made in Christiania, but the company still sticks to the same ethical and sustainable principles as when it was based in the freetown.

How do I get to Christiania?

Christiania is in the eastern part of the city centre. It’s easy to reach by bus or metro (just get off at Christianshavn station). You can even make a stop there on your way to the city from the airport.

Alternatively, it’s an easy fifteen-minute walk from Nyhavn to Christiania.

Can I take a tour instead of exploring alone?

If you really want to get to know Christiania and learn all about it’s fascinating history and how it works, it’s worth visiting on a guided walking tour.

Paid guides are not allowed to enter Christiana itself and show you around, but several walking tours of the city will take you to entrance and give you the lowdown on the community and its lifestyle.

This one focuses on the city’s creative side and pays a visit to Christiania, giving you plenty of time to explore and ask questions along the way.

Alternatively, members of the community will take you on a guided tour round Christiania for a small fee.

Or, you can explore the freetown with this exploration game app , which tells stories and give you clues and challenges to work out while you’re wandering around Christiania. 

You can either play on your own or as a challenge against other visitors.

Can you still buy weed in Christiania?

The best-known part of Christiania is Pusher Street. Despite regular crackdowns, cannabis is still often sold from little booths along the street. Joints, blocks of resin, bags of skunk – you name it, you’ll probably find it here.

This ‘green light district’ has been the subject of curiosity and indignation for many years, with the government tending to turn a blind eye to the illegal trade, which has become a part of everyday life and is tolerated by locals, if not fully embraced.

Police raids take place on a regular basis, only for the drug trade to re-emerge shortly afterwards.

After a police officer was shot during an incident in mid 2016, things changed dramatically, with local residents backing a plan to remove drugs from the area for good.

Further violence and shootings by criminal gangs led to the mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen offering in May 2023 to close down Pusher Street’s drug trade if local residents agreed.

However, attempts by the police to banish the drug gangs have only been temporary and a further street shooting in August 2023 resulted in one person being killed and four being injured.

In January 2024, the Danish minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard announced that Pusher Street would be closed for good, in consultation with residents and the Copenhagen city council.

Hummelgaard put a time-scale of six months on the closure, but since past attempts to permanently stop the violence and get rid of the criminal gangs have failed, many are sceptical as to whether it will happen.

And in the meantime can you still buy weed in Christiania? Well, yes.

As you walk along Pusher Street you will almost certainly hear people whispering ‘Weed, skunk, hash?’, and there will probably be a few stalls set up selling weed openly.

The smell of weed is still in the air, too, but the vibe is very different from how it was in Christiania’s heyday .

Before you step into Christiania and pass under its famous sign, you may even see posters asking you to “Help Christiania and buy your hash somewhere else”.

What happens if you buy weed in Christiania?

People are still buying and smoking weed in Christiania, but locals have agreed to video surveillance and police raids do happen more often than before. So, if you do decide to buy weed and smoke it there, do so at your own risk .

Remember that buying marijuana is illegal in Denmark, even in Christiania. If you do buy, listen out for people shouting, which only usually tends to happen when police are on the prowl, and remember to be discreet when buying or smoking.

Being high is not illegal in Denmark, so you can relax in Christiania for as long as you want after you’ve finished your joint.

Can I take photos in Christiania?

For a long time photos were banned on Pusher Street, for fear that pictures would help the police to identify dealers.

And there are still plenty of ‘no photos’ signs around, especially around Pusher Street, where taking pics is a definite no-no. 

If you do want to take snaps else where in Christiania, always be courteous and ask permission if people or private houses are involved.

Most importantly: do not take pictures of weed being bought and sold!

Is Christiania safe?

Christiania is still considered a bit dodgy, so you should take the usual precautions that you would normally do when visiting a rough neighbourhood.

Don’t flash expensive phones around, keep your wits about you, don’t go on your own after dark – and don’t buy or smoke weed.

This particularly applies to the area around Pusher Street, which is controlled by organised criminal groups, according to the Copenhagen police.

Yes, there have been shootings and violent incidents on Pusher Street in recent years, but these are the work of criminal drug gangs and unlikely to involve innocent bystanders.

Avoid visiting the area at nighttime, especially if you’re a solo female traveller – mornings and afternoons usually feel pretty safe.

If you are careful, courteous and abide by the rules, you’re unlikely to have any problems. And there is no reason to feel worried about visiting any of the cafés, restaurants, galleries or bars in daylight.

What are the rules in Christiania?

As you enter Christiania, there is a sign with three rules on it. They are:

• Don’t run – it causes panic
• No photos – buying and selling hashish is still illegal

However, other – probably more important – rules that are set by the community include no violence and no cars. There is a zero tolerance approach to weapons, hard drugs and stealing.

Where should you eat?

There’s a lot of nice food in Christiania, and not just for when you have the munchies.

Right at the beginning of Pusher Street is the tiny Sunshine Bakery kiosk, which does a delicious dream cake (drømmekage) , among other freshly made delights.

You can enjoy decent coffee at Månefiskeren , an alcohol-free café with a big outdoor space. It’s one of the key hangouts for locals and visitors.

Another nice area with outside seating is the long-established  Café Nemoland and Bistro Nemo , painted yellow and red – the colours of Christiania. It serves up burgers, sandwiches, grills and salads, and hosts free concerts on Sundays.

For a more upscale meal, head to  Spiseloppen , where an international team serves up fresh fish, meat and vegetarian dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.

Vegetarians and vegans are well-served in Christiania, but most will want to head straight to  Grønsagen , a cosy eatery and grocery shop where you can choose from a hot and cold buffet and pay for your meal by weight

The slightly fancier vegetarian and vegan dining club Morgenstedet  offers hearty dishes made from organic and mostly local produce.

What about drinking?

Christiania is still a popular destination for going out. You can sip locally brewed beer at Woodstock Bar , where plenty of merry (and sometimes downright drunk) people will be only too happy to chat.

And the community also has its own brewery, the Christiania Bryghus , which makes a variety of beers all of which are brewed with hemp.

Listen to some tunes at Loppen or Operaen, both known for showcasing alternative musicians and emerging artists of all genres.

Or check out the top bands at Christiania’s main concert venue Den Grå Hal . Past big-name acts include Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Rage Against the Machine.

Jazz enthusiasts should head to the  Børneteateret  for some live performances and the famous Sunday jam, though the venue also hosts hip-hop evenings, comedy nights and country music gigs.

Where is there to stay?

There aren’t any hotels or hostels within Christiania itself but there are a couple of decent options nearby.

Try the cosy Sankt Anna B&B , just a short walk to the southwest of Christiania.

A cheaper, more sociable option is Bedwood Hostel , which is close by at Nyhavn, another popular Copenhagen sight and one that should definitely be on your sightseeing list when in town. It’s a fifteen-minute walk from Christiania.

And if you can afford a bit more luxury, the lovely Kanalhuset is just a short walk from Christiania. It has rooms and apartments in a converted eighteenth-century canal house that has been beautifully renovated and furnished.

Alternatively, this c osy second-floor apartment is just a stones’s throw from Christiania, with a balcony and a leafy communal courtyard for guests to use. 

And if there’s a group of you, this  good-value apartment about ten minutes’ walk from Christiania  sleeps up to six people, with one double bedroom, two sofa beds and a small balcony.

What’s new in Christiania?

One thing is for certain and that is that Christiania is an ever-changing and evolving community. 

Whether the police succeed in banishing the drug gangs or not, there’s an energy and enthusiasm about the place that encourages residents to think outside the box. 

Where else would combine a series of serious science lectures with cocktail making? 

Christiania’s non-profit Science and Cocktails puts on lectures, workshops and interviews by Nobel Prize winners and top scientists. 

Subjects such as “How migration really works” are covered, accompanied by live music and smoky dry-ice chilled cocktails.

Look out for innovative art events too, such as the container art exhibition My Loved Addict currently being held in one of the shipping containers that were used to close off Pusher Street to the dealers.

And there are always new events and gigs going on, with up-and-coming artists as well as established names such as Damian Marley appearing at  Den Grå Hal and Loppen : check their websites for what’s on.

So, should you bother visiting Christiania?

The short answer is: yes! Despite the current drug gang issues, there’s still plenty to see and do.

And while other neighbourhoods in Copenhagen such as Nørrebro and Vesterbro have become increasingly gentrified, Christiania has managed to preserve some of its edge and originality. 

Hopefully, even as things change, that will continue for years to come. As the brightly painted signs say: ‘Bevar Christiania!’ (Preserve Christiania!)

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People there are very unfriendly. Yelling at people who take photos. Also there is dirt everywhere, full of junkies, illegal drug sellers, … I advice rather to stay away and definitely don’t bring kids. It is not a hippie community rather a failed social experiment.

Buy from [email protected] He is legit

You’re quite mistaken. The weed trade is still alive and well, and is sold on the streets in dozens of booths lined up that are very much in the open

This article is from a while ago, so things may well have changed 🙂

The cannabis trade on Christiania have not come to an end and it never will, i know this article is from 2016, but in most of 2016 you could buy cannabis and you still can?

My feet are meant to roam

A love letter to culture and slow travel

Freetown Christiania: the alternative side to Copenhagen

“We have three major rules here: “no pictures, no running and HAVE FUN!” I am standing at the entrance of Pusher street, the main thoroughfare of Freetown Christiania and talking is Nina, a 60+ year old woman and one of the first inhabitants of this alternative neighbourhood in Copenhagen. She is going to take me on a guided tour of Christiania. Many visitors are curious about the Christiania community and it is nowadays one of the main tourist attractions of the city, besides the canal tours of Copenhagen !

We start off with a little bit of history. I learn that Christiania was founded back in 1971 by homeless people, on the site of unused military barracks, to create an alternative to mainstream culture. The inhabitants soon developed their own set of rules, independent of the Danish government. Ideas of freedom, recycling and organic food were amongst these regulations, but Christiania quickly got a reputation for the legalization of cannabis and hash commerce. Because of this “Green Light District” the Danish police force regularly raids the area in the hope of closing it down or at least arresting some of the dealers. “But please, let me show you that there is more to Christiania than drugs” says Nina.

Before we explore any further she explains us how things are organized. There are nearly 1000 people living in Christiania and there is a communal pot for expenses like electricity and building maintenance. Once a week they have a doctor coming to their “health house” and if you are thinking of moving in, know that there is a long application process to go through! And yes, people do pay rent and taxes here! But maybe the most important rule is the rule of “no violence”. The community doesn’t allow guns, knives or anything that promotes violence. There are no cars allowed either, everyone gets around on bikes.

We start our tour with the main buildings of Christiania, in the centre of the community. It’s an eclectic mix of galleries, music venues, bars, eateries, a local grocery shop and graffiti adorned walls. The cafés and restaurants cater for a multicultural public: Thai, veggie, burgers, … you won’t go hungry in Christiania and it’s a lot cheaper than eating out in other areas of Copenhagen! It’s a busy and very lively area that does give you the impression of being in a hippie community. The inhabitants are used to seeing tour groups so they don’t mind cameras, as long as you don’t take photographs on the main drag of Pusher street, the place where soft drugs are sold. Cannabis is still illegal in Denmark, so the dealers often wear hoodies and scarfs not be recognized.

Away from the centre, we take the dirt roads leading into the woods and on to a lake. The atmosphere is completely different here, it’s much more relaxed and a lot less crowded. It’s where most of the inhabitants live, in a mix of beautifully created backyards and ramshackle houses. There are people enjoying a barbecue on the local beach; you could even go as far as calling it idyllic!

The next day however I pass Christiania again and decide to take a look on my own. It paints a rather different image of what I’ve seen so far. Waste bins are spilled out onto the pavement after what looks like a long night of booze and partying. A few drunks sleep off their debauch underneath the trees. The perfect idyll seems quite far away now…

Now that Christiania’s ideas of recycling and organic food have been adopted by mainstream society, I wonder if this community still has a defined purpose. It seems to have reinvented itself by being a centre of music and culture. There are plenty of bars and live music venues, each one with their own special atmosphere, from smoky bars to open-air venues. People living in Freetown Christiania come from all layers of society: from artists to environmentalists to the inevitable alcoholic. The Danish government once described it as “a social experiment”. It’s an interesting place, a community of like-minded people, or, as they describe themselves, “anarchists with rules”…

Have you been to Freetown Christiania? What were your impressions? 

7 Replies to “Freetown Christiania: the alternative side to Copenhagen”

The green light district, haha, I love it. Great street art shots. 🙂

I didn’t get a chance to explore Christiana when I visited Copenhagen but your post shows that I definitely need to remedy that when I go back.

How utterly fascinating! I never knew about this, was very interesting to read and even more interesting and very cool pictures to go with it!…thanks for sharing 🙂

This place sounds like my heaven!! It reminds me of Venice, California. I must to and now! Thanks for pointing it out.

Bit of a trip down memory lane here for me, we loved our time in Copenhagen, and Christiana was one of the highlights! We actually ended up searching for it for a while because we were on foot and exploring the city on our own self guided walking tour, highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. Really was just fascinating! Though I went to take a photo of the “No Photo” sign before entering the Green Light district and was promptly screamed at by a triad of residents. So the no photo rule is one to take pretty seriously I guess!!

I’m impressed you got so many! 🙂

Oh yes, I wouldn’t have dared to take pictures in the Green Light District. People seemed fine with it everywhere else though.

Oh, cool! I’ve never heard of this place, but I imagine it would be quite eye-opening to roam around! And I like the pictures. 😉

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Copenhagen: Christiania Self-Guided Audio Tour

• Exclusive access link and passcode for Smartphone Audio-Guide (English only)
• Online Digital Map for Smartphone
• Customised Itinerary Route with GPS
• Enriching Audio Information at every stop
• Headphones/any device
• Internet Access (required)
• Live Tour Guide
• Offline download/access
• Bådsmandsstræde 18, 1407 København, Denmark Please be aware that this is a 100% digital tour, which means there is NO physical meeting point. You have the flexibility to commence using the platform at your convenience. Once reached the starting point, you can enjoy the audio content at your preferred time following the guided route.
• st, Mælkevejen 83E, 1440 København, Denmark
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• IMPORTANT: to access the tour use the URL LINK and PASSCODE provided in the voucher email.
• This audio guide requires internet access; remember to check you have enough mobile data before you start.
• The tour is self-guided, allowing you to start and pause independently.
• Completion time is variable, depending on the walking pace and stops taken.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Christiania

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• You'll start at Bådsmandsstræde 18 Bådsmandsstræde 18, 1407 København, Denmark Please be aware that this is a 100% digital tour, which means there is NO physical meeting point. You have the flexibility to commence using the platform at your convenience. Once reached the starting point, you can enjoy the audio content at your preferred time following the guided route. See address & details
• 1 Christiania Stop: 60 minutes Freetown Christiania is Denmark’s landmark of freedom and cohesion and a unique example of alternative living in Europe. Navigating with your smartphone as a virtual guide, you'll have the opportunity to both listen to and witness the highlights of this distinctive neighbourhood. Read more
• You'll end at st st, Mælkevejen 83E, 1440 København, Denmark See address & details

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Christiania residents dig up infamous Pusher Street in Copenhagen

Lena Hunter April 6th, 2024

It’s a clear-skied spring morning in Copenhagen, and the infamous Pusher Street in Freetown Christiania – for decades a focal point of hashish sales and political tension – is being dug up by its local residents.

Photo: Lena Hunter

It’s 6 April, a clear-skied spring morning in Copenhagen, and the infamous Pusher Street in Freetown Christiania – for decades a focal point of hashish sales and political tension – is being dug up by its local residents.

With sun on their backs, they work by hand – with shovels, trowels, sledgehammers, and metal poles – levering cobblestones the size of bowling balls from the wet earth and loading them into wheelbarrows, which are joltingly carted off by more volunteers.

There must be at least 60 diggers. But the Christianites are not the only ones on Pusher Street: the stony stretch, bookended by a sprawling clothes market and the famous Woodstock drinking hole, is thronged with tourists, curious Danes, and national and international press.

On a regular day, this is a no-photography zone – but today, it’s a movie set. Under a large mural of a camera with a red line through it, press crews and idling reporters are wielding shoulder-mounted film gear, zoom lenses, tripods, and station-branded mics, climbing on benches and walls, trailing cables, to get a shot of the workers.

The press is not just here for the spectacle. In fact, the most significant feature of the dig is invisible; they’re here for the politics.

A sanctuary Pusher Street is inside Freetown Christiania, an area of ex-army barracks occupied by squatters and activists in the 1970s, which has since grown into a self-governing commune.

Here, residents live and work alternatively, free from institutional authority. Christiania has its own schools, waste collection services, and community-based administration. The commune’s own website calls it “the city’s green breathing space”. Residents call it a ‘sanctuary’.

But the place has also become a hub for Copenhagen’s organised gangs over the years. Shielded from the interference of police and politicians, drugs and violence have proliferated.

In 2016, it reached a fever pitch when a police officer was shot in the head at point blank range on Pusher Street. In 2023, another execution-style murder at Stjerneskibet café, adjacent to the main strip, was linked back to Danish biker gangs.

Finally in March 2024, desperate Christianites agreed to accept financial aid from the government to redevelop the area and dissipate its drug trade – hoping to erode the gang monopoly.

“We don’t have very much money in the coffers, and Copenhagen Municipality has expressed that they want to help,” the spokesperson for the Christianite initiative Enough is Enough, Klaus Danzer told TV2 Kosmopol, at the time.

Hulder Mader, press spokesperson for the commune, said: “We are tired of Christiania always being defined by hashish sales.”

The Ministry of Social Affairs swiftly set aside DKK 14.3 million for the “first phase” of a plan to redevelop Pusher Street, and the Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard vowed that it “will be permanently closed during 2024.”

How exactly the street will be redeveloped has not yet been determined, but in January this year, spokesperson for Christiania Mette Prag told TV 2 Kosmopol that Pusher Street will first become a “culture and construction festival and then a creative business area”.

The Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Sophie Hæstorp Andersen followed suit in March with: “This will be a gift to Copenhagen. My dream is for a creative sanctuary in the city, where people still come to experience different ways of thinking. But it has to be without Pusher Street. We simply have to write the crime, violence and murders out of Christiania.”

‘The street’ “Make a chain!” calls a woman in overalls and workman’s gloves to her fellow diggers, over the heads of the idling crowd. “Strong men, strong men coming through!”

A straggling line of Christianites forms, passing cobblestones hand-to-hand to reach a vast discard pile attended by a gaggle of volunteers in red ‘Bevar Christiania’ (Protect Christiania) t-shirts.

Several of the crowd are cradling cobblestones to take home as souvenirs. Pusher Street is down to bare sand in many places now, and new residents are still joining the work.

“Wow, you’ve been busy!” says a bearded man brightly, craning from a leafy side street over the dismantled ground, to his shovel-bearing friend, who cracks a weary smile.

Despite the crowds and general fuss – which Christiania’s residents moved here, after all, to escape – the atmosphere is jovial. Beers are being popped. Children are jumping in the freshly dug sand. A pair of subwoofers are booming music.

“It’s Shine on You Crazy Diamond ! This is my favourite song,” says one young man, leaning back from digging as the familiar intro whelms. “It feels right, somehow.”

And indeed, there is nostalgia in the air, too.

Pusher Street – or “the street” as Christianites call it – got its current name 35 years ago in 1989 when residents closed off the sanctuary’s old main entrance on the corner of Bådsmandsstræde and Prinsessegade with a concrete wall, to confine hashish sales to one street, instead of allowing it to spill into rest of Christiania.

“Pusher Street’s history has had a great influence on the rest of the city’s history – for better or for worse,” historian Ole Lykke Andersen, who runs Christiania’s local archive, told TV2 Kosmopol recently.

Today’s dig is both for better and for worse. Copenhagen’s famous anti-establishment stronghold, in begrudgingly accepting financial aid from the establishment, may finally be able to free itself from the clutches of gang culture. But will the money come without a caveat?

At 10 AM this morning, when the first stone was lifted from the street, it was handed to the Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, who lifted it into the air and proclaimed: “Pusher Street must die so that Christiania can live.”

Now it’s 12:30 PM – a couple of hours, and many stones later. Flanking the street are small venues and studios: a woodworking shop, an artbook store, the red painted doorway to famous live music stage Operaen.

Inside, their owners sit, alone or in pairs, in slatted sunlight, smoking cigarettes, sipping beers, or just watching pensively as their street is dismantled.

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Solar eclipse glasses are needed for safety, but they sure are confusing. What to know.

Editor's note: An updated cloud forecast for the April 2024 total solar eclipse is in. Read the latest eclipse forecast and news as of Wednesday, April 3 .

You can't control the weather or the traffic , but one thing you can do right now ahead of the total solar eclipse is to get yourself a pair of special eclipse glasses , so you can safely view the cosmic spectacle.

The total eclipse will cross over a dozen states as it traverses from Texas to Maine on the afternoon of April 8.  Millions of people are expected to travel  to see it.

Astronomers and other experts say that eclipse watchers should wear  specialized eyewear  crafted to  protect your sensitive retinas  from permanent damage. And that means eclipse glasses .

Fortunately, solar eclipse glasses are still readily available  from plenty of vendors across the internet. Unfortunately, there's fears of fake glasses , and sometimes testing your glasses at home is the best way to know if they're safe.

Here's  what to know  about eclipse glasses and where you can get a pair of your own.

Where to find solar eclipse glasses

As the eclipse approaches, many places like local libraries, astronomical observatories, schools and other public agencies are providing proper eyewear, often for free.

Or you can just order them on the internet: Many eclipse websites like GreatAmericanEclipse.com and NationalEclipse.com sell a variety of eyewear products, along with plenty of other gadgets one may need to see the eclipse.

Of course,  Amazon  and plenty of other online retailers are also selling solar eclipse glasses in bulk, meaning you'll have plenty to share with your friends and family. American Paper Optics, the nation's largest supplier of eclipse glasses, even offers  express shipping  across the country.

More: You'll need eye protection for the solar eclipse. Here's what to know about safety glasses

Watch out for fake glasses

With online platforms like Amazon listing thousands of eclipse viewers, fears of fake or counterfeit glasses have grown.

"We do see glasses coming from China that have printing on them that say they're made in the U.S. or that they are made by one of the American manufacturers," Rick Fienberg, the project manager of the American Astronomical Society's solar eclipse task force, told USA TODAY.

When in doubt, buyers should refer back to the list of  official sellers and manufacturers maintained by the AAS , which communicates directly with sellers and manufacturers and checks test reports.

The list includes well-known North American manufacturers like American Paper Optics, as well as several large grocery and retail chains in the U.S. like Walmart, Lowe's and Kroger.

More: How to safely watch the total solar eclipse: You will need glasses

Real, but rare, examples of eye damage

Doctors and a rare set of eclipse watchers have warned  about watching the eclipse without adequate eclipse glasses or with the naked eye that has resulted in rare cases of eye damage. The damage occurs because people's natural response to squint when looking at direct sunlight does not get triggered when a partial eclipse happens.

Such was the case with one Staten Island woman who  watched the 2017 eclipse using faulty glasses that caused severe retinal damage. Doctors from Mount Sinai's New York Eye and Ear Infirmary chronicled this luckily rare case in  JAMA Ophthalmology , a medical journal. The woman told doctors that she had  gazed at the moon passing in front of the sun  through what she  thought were protective glasses . The damage on her left retina, the area at the back of the eye where the brain receives images, looked like the shape of a partial  eclipse .

"It's a very focused beam of high-energy light from the sun itself,” Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the Mount Sinai infirmary who treated the woman, told USA TODAY. “It can actually destroy parts of the retina, and certainly destroy it in the shape of an eclipse.”

How can you test eclipse glasses?

NASA shared an easy method to check eclipse glasses at home.

Buyers should put on their glasses and look at a bright light, like a flashlight. If the light is "extremely dim," or doesn't appear at all, the glasses are safe, Susannah Darling, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in an instructional video. Viewers should be able to see the filament of the lightbulb, not the glow surrounding the bulb.

Get free glasses

With safety in mind, there are ways to get free solar eclipse glasses .

The online eye retailer Warby Parker is offering members of the public a pair of ISO-certified glasses starting Monday. Warby Parker retail locations nationwide, find one  here.

But there are plenty of other retailers giving out free glasses that range from Smoothie King to the protein bar Perfect Snacks, which will give out glasses alongside a chocolate brownie flavor.

The Masters 2024: Guide to the DP World Tour members in action

A host of current DP World Tour members are teeing it up at the 2024 Masters Tournament , including four debutants while others are chasing further Major Championship honours.

Here’s our guide, including a synopsis of their form so far this year, to the 21 players with status on golf’s Global Tour who are in action at August National Golf Club. We've listed them in alphabetical order.

Ludvig Åberg

• Birthplace: Eslov, Sweden
• Turned Pro: 2023
• Official World Golf Ranking: 9
• Best Masters finish: N/A

After becoming the first player in history to compete in a Ryder Cup before ever playing a Major last September, Ludvig Åberg is making his Major Championship debut at the 88th Masters. Prior to turning professional in June 2023, the Swede was the top ranked amateur on the World Golf Amateur Rankings and made history as the first player to earn direct access to the PGA TOUR via collegiate merit, finishing first on the 2023 PGA TOUR University Ranking while at Texas Tech. He secured his first win as a professional at the Omega European Masters in September on the DP World Tour. He was also part of the winning European Ryder Cup team in Italy in October and earned his first PGA TOUR win at the RSM Classic in November. Finished runner-up in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February and eighth in his debut at The Players Championship in March, rising inside the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.

Matt Fitzpatrick

• Birthplace: Sheffield, England
• Turned Pro: 2014
• Official World Golf Ranking: 10
• Best Masters finish: T7 (2016)

The Englishman, who is making his 10th Masters appearance, has finished inside the top 15 in each of the past two years at Augusta National. Like Åberg, he won two global titles in 2023, the first in Hilton Head Island on the PGA TOUR, before winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship at St Andrews in October. He too was part of the winning European Ryder Cup team in Italy. Won the U.S. Open in 2022 to claim his first Major Championship at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, the same course where he won the 2013 U.S. Amateur. Has top-10 finishes in his last two starts worldwide, The Players Championship and most recently at the Valero Texas Open.

Tommy Fleetwood

• Birthplace: Southport, England
• Turned Pro: 2010
• Official World Golf Ranking: 13
• Best Masters finish: T7 (2022)

Fleetwood has finished inside the top 20 in three of the past six years at Augusta National, with this being his eighth Masters appearance. In 2023, he finished runner-up in both the Canadian Open and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. He recorded top 10s in both the U.S. Open and The Open, along with the clinching point for Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup. The Englishman made a terrific start to 2024, winning the Dubai Invitational in January for his seventh win on the DP World Tour. Two top 10s have since followed on the PGA TOUR, including last week in San Antonio.

• Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
• Turned Pro: 2011
• Official World Golf Ranking: 54
• Best Masters finish: T26 (2023)

The New Zealander made his Masters debut last year and ensured a return by maintaining his top-50 ranking at the close of last year. Enjoyed a strong finish to 2023 on the DP World Tour, winning his first Rolex Series title at the BMW PGA Championship and finishing tied second at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on his title defence in Scotland. Those performances helped him earn dual membership status with the PGA TOUR as one of the top 10 finishers not already exempt on the season-long Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex. His best result so far this year is a tie for 14th at the DP World Tour’s Dubai Invitational.

Tyrrell Hatton

• Birthplace: High Wycombe, England
• Official World Golf Ranking: 19
• Best Masters finish: T18 (2021)

The Englishman has made the cut on five of his seven visits to date at Augusta National, since his debut in 2017. Last year, he finished runner-up at both the BMW PGA Championship and THE PLAYERS Championship, prestige events on the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR respectively. He additionally made the cut in all four Majors and represented Europe in his third Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. Finished in the top 20 in his first two starts of the year on the PGA TOUR, before making the cut in Dubai on the DP World Tour. His most recent victory worldwide came at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in 2021.

Ryo Hisatsune

• Birthplace: Okayama, Japan
• Turned Pro: 2020
• Official World Golf Ranking: 87

The Japanese is making his first Masters appearance and his Major Championship debut after receiving a special invite. Enjoyed a remarkable rookie season on the DP World Tour in 2023, after securing his card at the Qualifying School. Won his first DP World Tour title at the Cazoo Open de France in September, before becoming the first Japanese player to be named the DP World Tour's Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year. He was one of ten players to earn 2024 PGA Tour membership through his performances on the DP World Tour last year. Has two top 20s so far this season on the PGA TOUR, with his best result a tie for 11th at The American Express in January.

Nicolai Højgaard

• Birthplace: Billund, Denmark
• Turned Pro: 2019
• Official World Golf Ranking: 38

The Dane is another first-timer teeing it up this week. Secured his invite to feature in the first men’s Major by breaking into the top 50 of the world with his maiden Rolex Series victory at the DP World Tour Championship at the end of last season, a week after finishing runner-up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Finished second at the AT&T Pebble Beach PRO-AM in February, days after finishing in the top 10 at the DP World Tour's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, during an impressive start to his first full season on the PGA TOUR. The three-time DP World Tour winner was a member of the winning European Ryder Cup team last year.

Viktor Hovland

• Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
• Official World Golf Ranking: 6
• Best Masters finish: T7 (2023)

Hovland earned low amateur honours in 2019 as Norway's first Masters participant and has yet to miss a cut at Augusta National in his first four appearances. Last year, he won three times on the PGA TOUR, while he recorded top-20 finishes in each of the four Majors. He also finished in a tie for second at the DP World Tour’s season-ending event in Dubai. Delivered 3.5 points from his five matches at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy. His best performance so far in 2024 came at the Genesis Invitational when he finished in a tie for 19th.

Min Woo Lee

• Birthplace: Perth, Australia
• Official World Golf Ranking: 32
• Best Masters finish: T14 (2022)

The Australian is making his third consecutive Masters appearing, having finished in the top 15 on his debut in 2022 after a record-tying 30 on the front nine of his final round. Registered six top 10s, including at The PLAYERS and U.S. Open, along with a victory on the Asian Tour, before getting his 2024 DP World Tour campaign off to a fast start with a title on home soil at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship. Finished in a tie for second at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches on the PGA TOUR in March.

Shane Lowry

• Birthplace: Clara, Ireland
• Turned Pro: 2009
• Official World Golf Ranking: 36
• Best Masters finish: T3 (2022)

Boasts an encouraging record at Augusta National, with top 25s in each of the past four years, ahead of his ninth Masters start. His best result of 2023 saw him finish in a tie for third on home ground at the Horizon Irish Open, shortly before he helped Europe regain the Ryder Cup after receiving a Captain’s Pick from Luke Donald. Finished third and then a tie for fourth in back-to-back events on the PGA TOUR in March to climb back into the world’s top 50.

Rory McIlroy

• Birthplace: Holywood, Northern Ireland
• Turned Pro: 2007
• Official World Golf Ranking: 2
• Best Masters finish: 2 (2022)

McIlroy, who is making his 16th Masters appearance, is one win away from joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as winners of the career Grand Slam. Has top 10s in seven of the past 10 years at Augusta National, including a second place finished behind Scottie Scheffler in 2022. Successfully defended his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January as he claimed his third Rolex Series title. In 2023, he won in Dubai and Scotland on the DP World Tour as he earned his fifth Harry Vardon Trophy, finished inside the top seven in three majors, and produced a career-best performance to help the European team win the Ryder Cup. Picked up his first top-10 finish of the season on the PGA TOUR at the Valero Texas Open, the week before the Masters.

Adrian Meronk

• Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
• Turned Pro: 2016
• Official World Golf Ranking: 57
• Best Masters finish: MC (2023)

Missed the cut on his Masters debut 12 months ago as he made history as Poland’s first participant in the tournament. Won twice on the DP World Tour in 2023 to become a four-time winner, and registered three further top-five finishes as he went on to be voted Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year by his peers. He finished runner-up at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January.

Joaquín Niemann

• Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
• Turned Pro: 2018
• Official World Golf Ranking: 93
• Best Masters finish: T16 (2023)

Registered his best Major performance at Augusta National 12 months ago, one of three occasions has made the cut in his first four appearances. He has top-five finishes in each of his three DP World Tour starts this season, including winning the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in a play-off last December.

Thorbjørn Olesen

• Birthplace: Hareskovby, Denmark
• Turned Pro: 2008
• Official World Golf Ranking: 72
• Best Masters finish: T16 (2013)

Five years on from his last Masters appearance, Olesen returns to Augusta National for a fourth time after receiving a special invite. The Dane is aiming to maintain his record of making the cut on each occasion, with his best finish coming on debut in 2013 when he finished in a tie for sixth. Victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in February made it three DP World Tour titles in as many seasons, after victories in England in 2022 and Thailand in 2023. The 2018 Ryder Cup winner recorded seven additional top-10 finishes last season to earn 2024 PGA Tour membership.

Matthieu Pavon

• Birthplace: Toulouse, France
• Turned Pro: 2013
• Official World Golf Ranking: 25

One of the debutants at Augusta National this week. The Frenchman has enjoyed a life-changing period in world golf, since winning his maiden DP World Tour title in October during a stellar finish to the Race to Dubai Campaign which saw him record three further top-15 finishes, including at the DP World Tour Championship where he made four consecutive birdies, to earn PGA TOUR membership for 2024. Made history as the first French winner on the PGA TOUR since 1907 with victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. Two further global top 10s have since followed, most recently in Singapore on the DP World Tour.

• Birthplace: Barrika, Spain
• Official World Golf Ranking: 3
• Best Masters finish: 1 (2023)

The defending champion is making his eighth Masters appearance, having won his second Major with a four-stroke victory over Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson 12 months ago. Prior to his triumph at Augusta National, he had won three PGA TOUR titles earlier in the year and he went on to finish in a tie for second at The Open and register top-5 finishes in both the BMW PGA Championship and DP World Tour Championship. He is a ten-time winner on the DP World Tour, including a record five on the Rolex Series.

Justin Rose

• Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Turned Pro: 1998
• Official World Golf Ranking: 58
• Best Masters finish: 2 (2015, 2017)

Boasts an enviable record at the Masters, with top-25 finishes in 14 of his 18 starts. Remarkably, 11 of those come in the past 13 years. Most notably, lost out in a play-off to Sergio Garcia in 2017. In 2023, he won for the 11th time on the PGA TOUR after a four-year wait with victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. His best finish on the DP World Tour last year was a tie for fourth at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, while he made his sixth Ryder Cup appearance in Italy. He has missed the cut in his last two starts, with his best result so far this coming at Pebble Beach with a tie for 11th in his title defence.

• Birthplace: Adelaide, Australia
• Turned Pro: 2000
• Official World Golf Ranking: 52
• Best Masters finish: 1 (2013)

One of the past champions in the field, following his play-off triumph against Angel Cabrera in 2013. Now, Australia’s first Green Jacket winner is set for his 23rd Masters appearance. He has only missed the cut on two occasions, and not since 2009. Recorded top-10 finishes in his first three starts of the 2024 DP World Tour season and has since added another at the WM Phoenix Open on the PGA TOUR.

Sepp Straka

• Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
• Official World Golf Ranking: 29
• Best Masters finish: T30 (2022)

The Austrian is making his third consecutive appearance at the Masters. He hit his stride in 2023 after finishing in a tie for seventh at the US PGA Championship, and then won his second PGA TOUR title at the John Deere Classic in early July. Later that month he produced his career-best Major performance with a tie for second at The Open, before ending the PGA TOUR campaign at the Tour Championship in a share of sixth place. Part of the European team that regained the Ryder Cup in Italy. Has two top-20 finishes so far this year on the PGA TOUR, including at The PLAYERS Championship.

Erik van Rooyen

• Birthplace: Bellville, South Africa
• Official World Golf Ranking: 63

The South African is making his third Masters appearance, having missed the cut in both 2020 and 2022. Claimed his second PGA TOUR title at the World Wide Technology Championship in November, dedicating his triumph to a close friend, who died shortly afterwards due to terminal cancer. Finished in a tie for second in Palm Beach Gardens in March and also has a top 10 this season in Mexico. His one win on the DP World Tour so far came in Sweden in 2019.

Danny Willett

• Official World Golf Ranking: 245
• Best Masters finish: 1 (2016)

This marks the Englishman’s 10th Masters appearance. His career highlight so far came in 2016 when he shot a final-round 67 to overturn a three-stroke deficit and become England’s first Masters champion since Sir Nick Faldo won his third Green Jacket in 1996. Among his other prestigious victories are evens both the DP World Tour Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Struggled for form last year, and he has not played since undergoing shoulder surgery following the BMW PGA Championship in September.

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African elephant attack leaves 80-year-old woman dead, safari truck flipped, african safari woman killed in elephant attack ... flips truck on video.

An elderly woman was killed in Africa during a safari trip -- this after an elephant charged her party's vehicle ... and flipped it over, which left her fatally wounded.

The unidentified woman 80-year-old was on a safari Saturday in Zambia at the Kafue National Park -- and at one point in the excursion, a bull elephant charges their truck ... and rams into it head-on, all of which was captured in a dramatic video.

The elephant tips over the vehicle, and you can hear panicked screams from the tour guide as well as the patrons -- including what sounds like the woman who actually died.

A chief executive of a conservation and hospitality company called Wilderness Safaris -- which was heading up this trip -- later confirmed that an American tourist had been killed in the attack ... and that another female guest had been seriously injured, and was flown to a hospital.

Four other guests who were part of this safari were treated on-site for minor injuries, and were provided trauma counseling as well.

In terms of how this happened, Wildness says the guide's route became blocked by the terrain and vegetation as they were driving along -- and that they didn't have enough time to move the vehicle out of the way before the elephant could hit them.

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They called the incident "extremely tragic" and sent their condolences to the victim's family.

For more shocking viral stories check out TMZ Verified , available on all podcast platforms.

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