Draft:Liberstad
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Liberstad | |
|---|---|
Private city | |
| Motto: A little piece of freedom. | |
  Liberstad Location in Agder, Norway  Liberstad Liberstad (Norway) | |
| Coordinates: 58°21′33″N 7°32′53″E / 58.35917°N 7.54806°E | |
| Country | Norway |
| Municipality | Lindesnes |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Population | 557 members |
| 129 landowners[1][2] | |
Liberstad is a planned private city development project in Lindesnes municipality in Agder county, Norway. The project was established in 2017 with the aim of creating an autonomous, voluntary-based city founded on principles of Voluntaryism and minimal state interference.[3]
Liberstad is often described as a libertarian or anarcho-capitalist experiment, inspired by ideas of natural rights and the non-aggression principle.[4][5] The project faces significant challenges related to Norwegian bureaucracy and land regulations.
Background and establishment
[edit]Liberstad was initiated by John Toralf Holmesland, a mason from Mandal, and Sondre Bjellås, a data engineer from Vennesla. In June 2017, they purchased Tjelland farm, a 1,500-decare property mainly consisting of forest, fields, ponds, and small waters, located near Bjelland in what was then Marnardal municipality (now Lindesnes).[6] The purchase was financed through pre-sales of over 100 plots to potential residents from various countries.
Already in early June 2017, work began on tree felling, clearing, and road building to prepare the area. Holmesland serves as general manager of Liberstad Drift AS, while Bjellås contributes with IT and network administration. The project is marketed internationally, partly through acceptance of Bitcoin for plot purchases.
The property is located in an LNF area (Agriculture, Nature, and Outdoor Recreation), which requires extensive regulatory work to convert to residential and commercial purposes.[7]
Philosophy and goals
[edit]Liberstad is fundamentally based on Voluntaryism, an ideology that rejects all forms of coercion and state interference in human interactions.[8] The project follows the non-aggression principle and emphasizes natural rights to private property. The goal is to create a "parallel society" where all services are delivered through voluntary, mutually consenting agreements.[9]
The founders criticize Norwegian society as "socialist and overregulated," and see Liberstad as an alternative with low prices, full property freedom, and independence from taxes and fees.[10] The project rejects democracy as "tyranny of the majority" and focuses on voluntary cooperation. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are used as payment methods.[11][12]
Development and challenges
[edit]By April 2018, 108 people from 28 countries, including 44 Norwegians, had purchased plots at prices from 35,000 to 75,000 kroner per decare.[13] Plans include two residential districts with 130–150 plots, a camp and concert area for up to 4,000 guests, recreational facilities, and private security services.[14] Development, however, meets resistance from Lindesnes municipality due to strict land provisions in the LNF area.[15] Despite this, progress is slow, and necessary permits have not been applied for sufficiently.[16]
The project is also promoted as a "private resort and membership society" for voluntaryists, anarcho-capitalists, and libertarians, and it seeks investors and workers in construction and forestry.[17]
References
[edit]- ^ "About Liberstad". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Member Statistics Update 2024". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ Ditlefsen, Heidi (2018-04-20). "Norway's first private city – Liberstad". NRK Sørlandet. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ Murray, Rothbard (1973). For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto. Macmillan. ISBN 978-0020746907. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ "Liberstad Philosophy". Liberstad.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Now the construction of Norway's first private city begins". NRK Sørlandet. 2017-06-03. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ Ditlefsen, Heidi (2018-04-20). "Norway's first private city – Liberstad". NRK Sørlandet. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Building a Parallel Society Rooted in Freedom". Liberstad.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "About Liberstad". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Liberstad Philosophy". Liberstad.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Donation page". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Membership agreement". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Norway's first private city – Liberstad". NRK Sørlandet. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "About Liberstad". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ Ditlefsen, Heidi (2018-04-20). "Norway's first private city – Liberstad". NRK Sørlandet. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "About Liberstad". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Membership". Liberstad.com. Retrieved 2025-10-07.