When you climb the ramparts - or Volden - in Christiania, you are actually standing on the remains of Copenhagen's old fortress. From here, the king's soldiers once kept watch for enemies out on Amager, while the cannons pointed down over the wide moat, Stadsgraven. Christianshavns Vold was built in the 17th century as part of the mighty ring of fortifications that was to protect the capital.
Later, Bådsmandsstræde Kaserne was added, a large artillery barracks from the 1830s, which placed heavy bricks on top of the old earthworks. When the military left the area in the late 1960s, the barracks stood empty. In 1971, groups of young people cut down the fence, occupied the buildings and named the area Fristaden Christiania (Christiania Free Town).
Today, Christiania covers about one-third to one-half of the preserved ramparts of Christianshavn, and the northern part of Christianshavns Vold has become a green backbone of the free town. Here, old chestnut trees, crooked houses and small paths meet, winding between the bastions and the lake shore.
The ramparts have been designated a historical monument to be preserved for future generations, so nature and history must be treated with care. Therefore, the residents of Christianshavn are working on development plans and green plans, which include agreements that the ramparts and the lake shore must be kept free of new buildings, the paths must be made more coherent, and action days must be organised where residents and guests gather rubbish by the lake, ramparts and harbour.
Volden is a scenic and peaceful haven where you quickly forget that you are in the middle of the capital. The winding paths meander between old trees, open grassy areas and viewing points over the Stadsgraven, inviting you to slow down and take deep breaths. Here you can hear birds singing, feel the wind in the tall treetops and see the light playing on the water, while Christiania's colourful houses and small gardens appear between the branches. It is a place where both locals and visitors find peace, and where an ordinary walk can quickly feel like a little journey into something green and peaceful.
