It’s been a few years, but now the legendary skate area is returning to Roskilde Festival – and it’s making a grand comeback.
You’ll be able to watch some of Denmark’s most skilled skaters tear it up on the ramp – and even have a go yourself, feeling the thrill beneath your feet. Leading the way is Rune Glifberg, a living legend and one of the most influential figures in Danish skateboarding history.
“Coming out here feels a bit like returning to my grassroots,” he says.
Throughout his career, Rune Glifberg has won international competitions, skated all over the world, and made history as the first ever Dane to compete in skateboarding at the Olympic Games. Now, he’s excited to be back in the Roskilde dust.
“Of course I’m at Roskilde Festival because I love great music. And also because I’m here to show what skateboarding culture can offer as part of the national team. For me, it’s a mix of both. I’ve been coming to Roskilde Festival for many years, so having skateboarding return is a huge bonus.”
For Rune Glifberg, music and skateboarding are deeply connected.
“Skateboarding is a form of expression – just like music. And it’s a playful activity that fits perfectly with the festival vibe: sunshine, a cold beer or soft drink in hand, and some great music playing. That’s why skateboarding and festivals go hand in hand.”
FACTS: RUNE GLIFBERG
Rune Glifberg is one of the most prominent names in Danish skateboarding. He has won major international competitions and has twice been ranked as the world’s best – first in vert skating in 2001, and later in bowl in 2008.
In 2021, he made history as the first Dane to compete in Olympic skateboarding, when the discipline debuted at the Tokyo Games.
Glifberg remains active as a professional skater but also runs the company Glifberg+Lykke Design – a design studio specialising in skateparks, active urban spaces, and sports facilities. The studio has designed a number of skateparks in both Denmark and abroad.
Even though the Danish national skateboarding team will be stopping by to show off their tricks, Skate at Roskilde Festival is not about competition. It’s about atmosphere.
“One of the best things about being here is getting out and being part of the culture, where it’s not all about competing or being the best. That’s been my world for many years, but now I’m much more into the culture and the sense of community,” says Rune Glifberg.
He describes the area as a space full of good energy, loud music and plenty of smiles.
“You can expect top-class entertainment and really great skateboarding. And you’ll meet people who are truly passionate about what they do. I think it’ll be an amazing experience – even if you only have a slight interest in skating or street culture.”
Rune Glifberg has many memories from the festival’s Skate area: vert ramps, street contests, legendary gigs and wild ideas. But it’s not just about nostalgia and entertainment – he hopes people will take something more away from the experience.
“I hope people have a brilliant time – but also gain a bit of courage and maybe even feel inspired to get on a skateboard themselves. Hopefully, lots of people will walk away feeling inspired and curious to explore skateboarding more deeply.”
Here’s an overview of what’s happening in the Skate area – whether you’re just here to watch or want to get involved yourself.
Catch some of Denmark’s best skaters in action as the national team performs in both Street and Park. Afterwards, join in on competitions like Best Trick, Game of Skate and Death Race.
Copenhagen-based skate community Obviously invites you to an open session where beginners can try skateboarding in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
Put on your most extravagant festival outfit, strap on your skates and join Roskilde Festival’s first ever roller disco! The evening kicks off with a high-energy show from professional roller skaters.
Watch talented skaters take on the mini ramp – or enter the contest yourself for a chance to win a ticket to next year’s festival.
Whether you’re experienced, a complete beginner or somewhere in between, you’re welcome at our open sessions. Don’t have your own gear? No worries – you can rent both skateboards and roller skates.
