Vienna is famous for having the oldest Ferris Wheel in the world.
Close by Vienna’s famous amusement park, Prater, is one of the smallest micronations in the world: The Republic of Kugelmugel. We came upon it by accident. The Republic began over the dispute where or not Edwin Lipburger could build a 1000 square foot spherical home.
Enough people joined in the dispute, that the Austrian government allowed the house to be built. The freedom loving Lipburger attracted about 600 people to his kingdom. At a time, he refused to pay taxes and was eventually placed in jail for 10 weeks over having illegal signs. The Republic had its own stamps and currency.
Over the years it literally became a recognized micronation by many—but not the international community though.
Edwin died in 2015. The Vienna government now administers over the estate. This spherical house has become a tourist attraction.
In Copenhagen there is a 1200 people community known as Christiana. The area is close to several canals and a major river, became known as Freetown Christiana. It was once a military base taken over by free loving hippies.
Visiting Christiana has become the fourth favorite activity to do while in Copenhagen.
On our walk through the village, we noticed a number of well-painted buildings. There was also a smell of marijuana which is still illegal in Denmark.
Few American history books ever point out the State of Scott. This eastern Tennessee micronation, in the county of Scott, rebelled against the Confederacy in 1861. These people remained loyal to the Union.
Don’t confuse the State of Scott to the Free State of Jones. A man named Newton Knight would lead a fight against the Confederacy in Jones County, Mississippi. Hollywood would pick-up the story and made a movie with Matthew McConaughey. It was a $25 million dollar flop.
If you ever make it down to Key West, Florida, these people are proud to be part of The Conch Republic.
Even Ernest Hemingway lived in the community and would slumber back from his debauchery from Sloppy Joe’s. The six-toe cats are ever present around his home.
Like Christiana, Key West is a much-a-live thriving tourist community. Hotels are not cheap. Happy Hours, though, are plentiful and a number of establishments have superb food specials. The area is known for its beautiful sunsets.
Key West is known as the “Southern Point of the United States.”
It is if you say “Continental U.S.A.” The tip of the Big Island of Hawaii is the most southern state in the Union.
Depending on what source you read, there are either 67 or 80 micronations in the world. I read as high as 140 of these places. I will take what Google tells me, 80 is a good number.