Press Information
November 2009

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.

There are ongoing negotiations in 2009 between the Government (Slots og Ejendomsstyrelsen) and the inhabitants of Christiania.

In 2004 a majority in the Danish parliament elected to ratify a new `Christiania law´. The goal of this legislation was to outline conditions for new development in Christiania and at the same time give leeway to the residents, enabling them to continue with an alternative lifestyle within the framework of the law.

The central issue hinges upon bringing Christiania within the jurisdiction of the general laws of the land; instigating the payment of rent, open access to housing and a cease in transactions related to hash.

The present occupants retain the right to continue living where they reside to the extent that it is economically possible. Social and cultural activities at Christiania are to be continued.

Since 2004 the government has deliberated with Christiania as to how the new law should be implemented. It has been to trial several times in the High Court. In May 2009 the court upheld the government's claim and Christiania has since appealed to the High Court.

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 92% 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 among others.

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 9,500 to DKK 17.000. 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.

For further information:
Tel.: +45 32 95 65 07 (weekdays from noon to 5pm)
www.christiania.org

For press inquiries: presse@christiania.org