Press Information
February 2008

Christiania - thirty-five turbulent years

Every year Christiania attracts between a half and a million visitors, who enjoy the many exciting and varied restaurants, cafés, venues and shops in this free town built on the dreams of a life of freedom and the notion of a town run by the residents themselves.

The turbulent history of the free town began in 1971 when a group of Christianshavn locals climbed through the fences guarding the site. They wanted a green recreational area and a playground for their children to romp in. That same year, an alternative newspaper ran an article about the abandoned military buildings - the old Bådsmandsstræde Barracks - situated on the site, and ideas about how they could be used as homes for the many young people who couldn't get a place to live.

The article caused a massive immigration of people from near and far who wanted to create a different life based on community and freedom. Since then, the free town has led a tumultuous existence, and the Christianians have been both tolerated by the government as inhabitants of an official 'social experiment' as well as given eviction notices by politicians on many occasions.

Yet, some thirty years later, they are still here, only a ten minute stroll away from the centre of Copenhagen, and it is still possible to sense the atmosphere of history and experienc - perhaps the last remnants of the peace and love hippie movement in Europe.

An opinion poll, taken by the newspaper, Berlingske Tidende on Christiania's 25th anniversary in 1996, showed that 62% of the Danish population thought that Christiania should be preserved, while 22% wanted the free town vacated. The future for Christiania is however still uncertain.

Today, around 1000 people live and work in Christiania. The houses, they live in are designed by themselves. They pay rent to the community, and pay the Danish state for water and electricity. They live from their restaurants and from producing bicycles, stoves and other items. One could say that Christiania is an alternative society within society, which also means that the darker sides of modern life are represented. Some parents advise their teenage children not to go there after dark, and tourists are advised not to take photos in Pusher Street.

OBS! A permanent solution for the experimental area of Christiania is currently being discussed by the political parties in the Danish Folketing (Parliament). One of the suggested solutions is a legal construction somewhere between a funding model, to take care of the social meeting places, cafés etc. and a housing organisation with a council, a board of representatives and a subdivision of the area into 14 units. In other words, a far more formal structure than what has hitherto been the philosophy. The final decision as to Christiania's existence in future is still subject to debate.

The latest development is a new Christiania Plan, which should find a conclusion by July 2008. It is the result of numerous meetings with the present owners, representing the Government: the Slots og Ejendomsstyrelsen and the inhabitants of Christiania. In general, the present inhabitants can stay on in homes where the basics have been repaired and the gas and electricity supply secured, and the rent is kept at a reasonable level. They will, however, be deprived of one important privilege, that of deciding whom to accept as future neighbours. It will be free for all. New homes will be built and the income from these used for the repair and reconstruction of the old barrack buildings and of the old fortification system of mounds and moat. To carry through this plan, 55 buildings and 32 homes must be demolished, and every future ‘Christianianite' will be charged the normal taxes etc. for the upkeep of the area. In other words the freedom of the experimental town will be severely curbed, but present inhabitants are offered reasonable conditions to be able to stay on.

Early January 2007 resulted in a model for solution, which was presented to the Christianianites to accept or reject: A private enterprise (Real Dania) has offered to construct reasonably priced, alternative type homes - experimental and with open waiting lists for future inhabitants, the Christianites being assured first option and secured a certain autonomy.

Owing to pending lawsuits between Christiania and the Danish State no final binding agreement has been reached. The Christianites have until 1 July 2008 to find a satisfactory solution all parties can agree upon.

Restaurants
One of the most popular dining places is Spiseloppen, whose menu is renowned for its versatility. The chefs all come from different places. One day a Lebanese chef, then an Irish, an Italian or a New Zealand chef is in charge. In the spirit of Christiania’s fundamental idea of letting imagination prevail, the menu contains several varied dishes that are often praised by the food reviewers in the daily newspapers.

For vegetarians and vegans, Morgenstedet is a good option. This place aims to be an entirely organic kitchen, which, so far, has been 80% possible. All tables are laid with little pots of fresh rosemary, pickled ginger and chilli. However, if you wish to quench your thirst with a beer, it will have to be bought in the shop next door, as Morgenstedet’s selection of refreshments consists of only juice and water. Morgenstedet acquired its name from being the place where all the musicians came for breakfast, after having played all night in the wild 70's.

After a good meal, Loppen is the ideal place to go and burn some calories. White washed walls and a solid wooden floor with matching beams give ambience to one of the most frequented rock venues and dance floors in town.

Major concerts are also on Christiania's repertoire. Over the years, Den Grå Hal has hosted several major and a few smaller stars from the history of music; for instance Portishead, Bob Dylan, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, Manic Street Preachers and from the show scene; the biennale drag competition 'Miss World goes Gay', Frøken Verden, hosted by the nearby Bøssehuset.

The annual Christmas Market also takes place in Den Grå Hal in December. Cigars from Honduras, marmalades from the Danish island Fejø and all sorts of crafts are some of the numerous present ideas. One need not spend a lot of money to get into the Christmas mood, as the amazing decorations alone, are enough to give one a very new view of Christmas. However, if you do wish to buy and spend, there’s a good chance of making some exclusive purchases.

Christiania is even more than food, market and music. The free town is also becoming increasingly renowned for its Christiania bicycle. For many years, the Christiania Bike had its home in Cykelværkstedet. Now the production has moved to Jutland, but the bike is still on sale in the old workshop at around DKK 8,000. The bike is not actually a Christiania bike, but rather a Petersen bike. Originally a Dane living in England had the patent, which was later bought by a Christianian who made a roaring trade from it. The bicycle is popular way beyond the boundaries of Denmark. Recently, a Japanese furniture manufacturer spotted a Christiania bike made in copper, which he bought for the tidy sum of USD 4.650.

All the above mentioned places can be experienced on your own or accompanied by a guide from Christiania Rundvisergruppe, who can recount the turbulent and exciting story behind this alternative mini-society.

Tel.: +45 32 95 65 07
Fax (+45) 32 57 60 05
www.christiania.org
nytforum@christiania.org

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