About Christiania

The Christiania area covers approx. 32 hectares of land in the northern section of Christianshavn. The area consists of the former Bådsmandsstræde Barracks and the former munitions arsenal and about half of Christianshavn’s Rampart, once part of Copenhagen’s old coastal defence and land fortifications.

The new Christiania Act

On 1 June 2004, a broad majority of the Danish parliament adopted Act No. 431 regarding an amendment of the Christiania Act.  The purpose of the act is to lay down the framework for new development of the area, which accommodates an alternative social structure in accordance with the general rules of Danish law. The amended act came into effect on 15 June 2004. 

Among other things, the amended Act rescinds previous exemptions from the general rules of Danish law within the Christiania area. The framework agreement for Christiania expired on 1 July 2004 and the collective right of use to the area ceased on 1 January 2006.
On 15 June 2004 responsibility for the Christiania area was transferred from the Minister of Defence to the Minister of Finance, who has delegated this responsibility to the Palaces and Properties Agency. With this the Agency has also taken over responsibility for implementing the amended Christiania Act.

The Palaces and Properties Agency’s tasks

The first result of the agency’s work was presented in the report "Future forms of organisation and ownership within the Christiania Area" from May 2005. The report was an overall basis for decision for the transition to new forms of organisation and ownership within the Christiania area. The report is founded on dialogue with the involved parties, i.e. Christiania’s residents and neighbours, the Municipality of Copenhagen and the state, as well as other stakeholders. The report outlines a model for the future forms of organisation and ownership.

Notification of rights of use

Prior to 1 July 2005 residents and traders in the Christiania area who believed they had an individual right of use of buildings or areas within the area should register the right of use with the Palaces and Properties Agency. The Agency settled the approx. 800 registration cases in December 2005 and simultaneously made decisions on individual, temporary rights of use.

Based on the report from May 2005, the Palaces and Properties Agency has made an offer to the residents of Christiania on the implementation of future forms of organisation and ownership in the Christiania area. Further information on the offers can be read under the negotiations on the left-hand side.