Skating rink opens in Christiania to deter gangs following changes in Pusher Street

Eight months ago, when the cobblestones were uprooted in Pusher Street, few anticipated that the area known for cannabis stalls would soon be transformed into an ice rink. However, this Sunday, a brand new skating rink will debut in the square near Pusher Street.

The rink is designed not only to bring festive cheer but also to serve a critical purpose: keeping gangs out of Christiania. Residents have expressed concerns that the dark winter months might allow organized crime to re-emerge in the community. One of the key organizers behind this initiative explained, “We feared that elements we don’t want back in Pusher Street could return. Thus, we created the ice rink to help keep gangs, organized crime, and violence away from Christiania.”

Set right in the heart of Pusher Street, the skating rink is accompanied by 1,000 meters of festive lights strung throughout the area. “We had a choice between a dark space filled with suspicious corners or actively creating life and activity. With the rink, we also installed a lot of lights to make it easier for people to navigate Christiania,” the organizer added.

In addition to ice skating, visitors to Christiania can enjoy a Christmas market that opens on Sunday. The hope is that these new attractions will draw both locals and tourists, supporting the local economy and businesses which have suffered since a homicide in August 2023 led to diminished foot traffic.

Despite efforts, the return of visitors has been sluggish since the closure of Pusher Street in April, but there is optimism that this initiative will encourage more people from Copenhagen to rediscover Christiania. The traditional Christmas market in Den Grå Hal is also set to open on December 7.