Indkøbscentralen

In the middle of the factory area, where Christiania's paths meet, lies Indkøbscentralen. From the outside, it looks like a mixture of a barn and a village shop, with a hand-painted sign above the blue door and fairy lights that make it look like it's always on its way to a party.

Inside, a whole little universe of goods and posters opens up. The shelves are packed with everything you would expect from a supermarket, but with a distinct Christiania twist. Here you will find regular grocery items alongside organic bread, milk, meat, grains, wine, crisps and natural medicines, as well as Christiania products such as natural cosmetics, herbal teas, homemade cakes and postcards. On Instagram, they describe themselves as ‘your personal grocer in the heart of Christiania’, focusing on local and organic goods and open every day from morning to evening.

The atmosphere is just as important as the goods. Their social media features photos of mulled wine evenings, new supplies of dog treats and little glimpses of everyday life in the shop, where regular customers, children after ice cream and curious visitors merge into a colourful clientele. The shop also stocks beer from Christiania Bryghus, so you can take a piece of the free town home with you in your bag.

During the coronavirus lockdown, when the entrances to Christiania were closed and customers disappeared, the group behind Indkøbscentralen spent their time renovating the place so that Christiania's main shop could come back stronger. The result is a democratic grocery market created and run by quirky characters for the enjoyment of both neighbours and curious visitors.