30 Facts About Ungdomshuset

Origins and Early Years

1. 01Built in 1897 – The building at Jagtvej 69 was originally constructed as a meeting hall for the Copenhagen Workers’ Association.
2. 02Used by Socialists and Anarchists – Throughout the 20th century, it hosted radical political groups and labor movements.
3. 03Given to the Youth Movement in 1982 – The Copenhagen municipality provided it to young activists as a cultural and political space.
4. 04A Center for Alternative Culture – The house became a gathering place for punk bands, artists, and activists.
5. 05Named “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. 06A Home for Punk and Hardcore Music – It became one of Denmark’s most important venues for underground music.
7. 07Hosted International Bands – Legendary bands like Napalm Death and Fugazi performed there.
8. 08Political Activism Hub – The house was a center for anarchist, feminist, and anti-fascist movements.
9. 09DIY Ethos – Everything inside was built, repaired, and maintained by volunteers.
10. 10Vegan Kitchen – A community kitchen served cheap vegan meals to support the collective lifestyle.

The Conflict Over Ownership

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

The 2007 Eviction and Clashes

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

The Aftermath and Legacy

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

Cultural and Political Impact

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