This might ‘just’ be an empty plot in the middle of the busy Nørrebro, and so, from a touristy point of view, a non-site. However, it’s also a significant piece of Copenhagen history.

Between 1982 and 2007, the building (which used to be there) was an important community hub for a large group of young people who challenged the norms of established society. The house was a hangout spot, a music venue, a safe haven, and a place of direct democracy – and also a place of great controversy if you include the opinions of citizens and politicians who didn’t have personal connection to the house.

For a number of reasons (political, idealistic, economic), the local government ended up selling the building. The users of the house didn’t accept this, and a longer period of conflict and negotiations culminated in 2007 when the police forcefully cleared the house and, a few days later, demolished it.

Obviously, this is a ridiculously simplified account of a complex process, and you can find more elaborate information online if you’re interested. It hasn’t been possible for new owners to build anything, and since 2007 the plot has laid empty, only inhabited by a temporary urban garden and street art.