Christianshavn's twin highlights — climb the external spiral staircase of the Church of Our Saviour for the city's best views, then walk five minutes to Freetown Christiania, Europe's most unusual self-governing community.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) has a famous external spiral staircase winding up the tower — 400 steps to a panoramic view over Copenhagen, the harbor, and Øresund. Adjacent Freetown Christiania has been a self-governing commune since 1971, when squatters occupied a former military base. Today 900 residents live by their own rules, with colorful handmade houses, a live music venue, workshops, and restaurants. Photography is restricted in the Pusher Street area. Both are in Christianshavn, 15 minutes by bicycle from the center.
What Stands Out
- 400-step spiral staircase
- Best city panorama
- Located in Freetown Christiania (est. 1971)
- Community of ~900 residents
- Live music venue
- 15 minutes by bike from the city center