30 Facts About Ungdomshuset

Origins and Early Years

1. Built in 1897 – The building at Jagtvej 69 was originally constructed as a meeting hall for the Copenhagen Workers’ Association.
2. Used by Socialists and Anarchists – Throughout the 20th century, it hosted radical political groups and labor movements.
3. Given to the Youth Movement in 1982 – The Copenhagen municipality provided it to young activists as a cultural and political space.
4. A Center for Alternative Culture – The house became a gathering place for punk bands, artists, and activists.
5. Named “Ungdomshuset” – It was officially named Ungdomshuset, meaning “The Youth House,” representing its purpose as a free space for young people.

The Rise of a Counterculture Hub

6. A Home for Punk and Hardcore Music – It became one of Denmark’s most important venues for underground music.
7. Hosted International Bands – Legendary bands like Napalm Death and Fugazi performed there.
8. Political Activism Hub – The house was a center for anarchist, feminist, and anti-fascist movements.
9. DIY Ethos – Everything inside was built, repaired, and maintained by volunteers.
10. Vegan Kitchen – A community kitchen served cheap vegan meals to support the collective lifestyle.

The Conflict Over Ownership

11. Sold to a Religious Group in 2000 – The city sold the building to the Christian sect Faderhuset, sparking outrage.
12. Legal Battles Began – Activists fought the sale through legal means but lost their case.
13. The Eviction Order – In 2006, the courts ruled that Faderhuset had the right to evict the occupants.
14. Massive Protests – Supporters from around Europe gathered to resist the eviction.
15. Heavy Police Presence – The authorities prepared for large-scale demonstrations and potential violence.

The 2007 Eviction and Clashes

16. Riot Police Stormed the Building – On March 1, 2007, police used helicopters, armored vehicles, and tear gas to clear the house.
17. Barricades and Resistance – Activists fought back with barricades and street clashes.
18. Arrests and Injuries – Over 600 people were arrested during the riots.
19. Building Demolished – Shortly after the eviction, the structure was torn down to prevent reoccupation.
20. Global Support for Ungdomshuset – Protests erupted in multiple cities worldwide, from Berlin to New York.

The Aftermath and Legacy

21. New Ungdomshuset Founded – In 2008, activists secured a new space at Dortheavej 61.
22. The New House Continues Its Mission – It remains a self-organized, anti-capitalist, and activist-friendly space.
23. Annual Demonstrations – Every March 1, protests are held in memory of the eviction.
24. Symbol of Resistance – The struggle over Ungdomshuset became a defining moment in Danish activism.
25. Street Art and Murals – Graffiti and murals around Copenhagen still pay tribute to the original house.

Cultural and Political Impact

26. Inspired Other Squat Movements – It became a model for activist spaces in Europe.
27. Documented in Films and Books – Several documentaries and books detail its history and the conflict.
28. Still a Topic in Danish Politics – Debates about squatting, youth spaces, and activism often reference the eviction.
29. Punk Scene Still Thrives – The spirit of Ungdomshuset lives on in Copenhagen’s underground music scene.
30. Legacy of Jagtvej 69 – The site where the original house stood remains a symbol of lost spaces and ongoing struggles for youth autonomy.

Ungdomshuset’s Legacy Lives On

Though the original Ungdomshuset at Jagtvej 69 was demolished, its influence remains strong. The struggle over the space became a defining moment for Danish activism, sparking global solidarity and shaping discussions on youth autonomy. Today, the new Ungdomshuset at Dortheavej 61 continues its role as a hub for underground culture, political activism, and self-managed community projects. Murals, annual demonstrations, and ongoing movements keep its memory alive. What started as a local conflict turned into a lasting symbol of resistance, proving that the fight for free spaces and independent expression never truly ends.