Christiana, Denmark
Established by a group of hippies who broke down the barricades of an old army base in 1971 and laid down their own laws, Christiana is essentially a sprawling commune in the heart of the Danish capital.
While it’s far from the utopia its original free-thinking inhabitants had imagined, the semi-autonomous freetown is still as colourful as the murals that cover its eccentrically restored buildings.
Explore the art galleries, artisan workshops, performance venues and organic eateries downtown before following the cobblestone streets that wind past Hobbit-like homes, cosy beer gardens and fairytale-like woods to the seaside. It sounds idyllic but you do need to be careful. Its drug problem is well known and police have said they don’t have easy access to the area. To be on the safest side, take one of the daily guided tours.
Glastonbury, England
Best known for its mind-altering music festival, Glastonbury is also a year-round magnet for those with an interest in spirituality and alternative lifestyles. Some believe it’s the ley lines – major energy channels beneath the Earth’s surface – that give the town its special aura and explain why it has attracted pilgrims for centuries. But whether or not you’re a believer, there are plenty of mind-bending experiences here to get you contemplating some of life’s greater mysteries.
Check out the Abbey ruins and the Chalice Well, under which the Holy Grail is said to be buried. Drink from the healing pool in the Chalice Well Gardens and climb St Michael’s Tower on Glastonbury Tor – said to be the gateway to King Arthur’s legendary Kingdom of Avalon – before exploring the independent shops that line the high street.
Canggu, Bali
On the so-called Island of the Gods, you half-expect to find a path to spiritual enlightenment around every corner. But while the throngs of tourist hotspots such as Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud can make quiet contemplation impossible, there are plenty of places where you can still do your soul searching in relative peace. Canggu, on the province’s southern coast, is one such spot. While an influx of upmarket boutiques and trendy cafes mean it’s not the scruffy surf town it once was, the mellow vibe remains.
Rejuvenate body and mind surfing, sunbathing, practicing yoga and meditation at one of the many studios and feasting on healthy fare at eateries such as Crate Cafe and the open-air Betelnut Cafe. This being Bali, there are also numerous places to get a massage – your shortcut to what every hippie is ultimately striving for: a state of pure bliss.