Wacken Open Air 2024 in Germany

Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) is probably world's best and last "true" festival of heavy metal and hard rock music taking place every summer in Wacken, north-west of Hamburg. With an impressive lineup, diverse activities, and comprehensive infrastructure, it remains a must-visit event for heavy metal fans worldwide.

Lineup

Wacken Open Air 2024 promises an electrifying experience with a stellar lineup featuring legendary acts like Scorpions, Korn, Amon Amarth, and Opeth. Highlights include symphonic metal from Blind Guardian, Viking-themed performances by Amon Amarth, and the metal opera project Avantasia. Emerging talents like Spiritbox and The Warning add fresh energy, while unique shows from Mayhem and Watain offer exclusive performances.

Festival's Area and Performances

The huge festival's area of 240 hectares hosts up to 80,000 metalheads from around 80 different nations annually. The festival features eight stages, with the main ones being the Faster, Harder, and Louder stages, located in the infield, also known as the Holy Land. This area is designed to accommodate massive crowds and elaborate stage setups, ensuring minimal breaks between performances for continuous entertainment. Wacken Open Air offers various attractions such as the Metal Church, which hosts intimate concerts within a unique acoustic environment, and the Wackinger Village, where visitors can immerse themselves in medieval culture with themed performances and activities. The Bullhead City area features the W.E.T. and Headbangers stages, known for their intense shows and the iconic Metal Battle competition.

Ticket Prices and Parking

Tickets for Wacken Open Air 2024 are available in two types: Hero tickets priced at €299 and regular tickets at €333. Both ticket types include access to all performances and camping facilities. Additionally, there is a handling fee of €25, which covers ticket personalization and other processing costs, bringing the total ticket cost to between €324 and €358. Parking and camping are included in the ticket price, and the festival offers a well-organized campground with showers and toilets. A new feature for 2024 is the requirement for all vehicles to have an Access Pass, which must be booked in advance. The Sunday arrival pass costs €66.60, while arrival passes for other days are free.

Location and Infrastructure

Wacken Open Air takes place in the small village of Wacken, located northwest of Hamburg. The festival grounds cover over 240 hectares, offering ample space for stages, camping, and various amenities. The nearest towns, such as Gribbohm, Bokelrehm, and Holstenniendorf, also support the festival, providing additional services and facilities. The site includes a Farmers Market focused on sustainability, offering organic, vegetarian, and vegan products sourced from local partners. Other facilities include a beer garden, multiple food stalls, and the iconic Wacken Center, which hosts the Louder Stage and numerous attractions.

Festival History

Founded in 1990 by Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner, Wacken Open Air started as a small event with just a few bands and has grown into one of the largest and most respected festivals in the world. Over the years, it has hosted performances by legendary acts such as Iron Maiden, Rammstein, and Deep Purple. The festival has won numerous awards, including the 'Best Major Festival' at the European Festival Awards in 2018.