Wacken Open Air Festival

The Wacken Open Air (abbreviated as W:O:A) is a heavy metal music festival that has been held every year since 1989 on the first weekend in August in the village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It is one of the biggest metal festivals in the world and attracts metalheads from all over the world.

The Wacken Open Air was first held in 1990 and has since developed into a legendary event. It originally started out as a small festival with just a few bands, but over the years it has grown into an international meeting place for metal fans.

The event takes place in a small village called Wacken, which normally only has around 1,800 inhabitants. During the festival, however, the village turns into a huge metal town. The Wacken Open Air takes place in Schleswig-Holstein between Wacken, Gribbohm, Holstenniendorf and Bokelrehm on a 240-hectare site. You can travel to the festival on your own four wheels, by public transport or with the festival's official travel partners.

The W:O:A offers a wide range of metal genres and subgenres. From heavy metal to thrash metal to folk metal and more, everything is represented. The festival is known for its impressive stages and the energetic live performances of the bands. Famous bands such as the Scorpions, Amon Amarth and Blind Guardian have performed here.

The atmosphere at Wacken Open Air is unique. Campsites, metal markets and other activities create a welcoming environment for fans.