MusicVerified listing: Ticketmaster
80,000+ metalheads descend on a Schleswig-Holstein village for Wacken's 2026 edition
Wacken Festivalgelände in WackenSat, Aug 1, 2026 · 02:00 AM
Overview
Overview
Wacken Open Air 2026 - 29.07. - 01.08.2026 is a Music / Rock / Death Metal/ Black Metal event at Wacken Festivalgelände in Wacken.
Read full details
Wacken Open Air 2026 runs July 29–August 1 in the small village of Wacken, Germany, with over 90 acts across four days, headlined by Def Leppard and stacked with Judas Priest, Powerwolf, Sabaton, In Flames, Lamb of God, Saxon, Sepultura, Danko Jones and Airbourne. The Faster and Harder ticket tiers are already sold out; only the top-priced Louder tier remains, after more than 85,000 tickets sold out within hours of general on-sale.
Wacken is as much a camping festival as a concert — campgrounds open days before the music starts and the pre-party atmosphere is part of the draw, with 80,000+ fans from over 80 countries pitching tents around the festival grounds. There's no train station in Wacken itself: the nearest city is Hamburg (about 70km south), and the festival runs dedicated shuttle buses connecting Itzehoe and other regional stations to the site.
📍 Wacken Festivalgelände🔞 16+Heavy MetalCamping Festival
Where to buy
Good to know
- Camping metal festival in Wacken village, Schleswig-Holstein, July 29 – August 1, 2026 — 90+ bands led by Def Leppard, Judas Priest and Powerwolf.
- Getting there: no direct rail to Wacken — nearest stations are Itzehoe or Wrist, connecting via official festival shuttle buses; Hamburg (~70km) is the nearest major city and airport.
- Tickets: Faster and Harder tiers are sold out; only the pricier Louder tier remains via wacken.com — buy early, the whole festival typically sells out.
- Rules: 16+ only. Standard festival bag and security checks apply at entry to the grounds.
- Accessibility: Wacken has designated accessible camping and viewing areas — check wacken.com for accreditation requirements ahead of time.
- Weather: early August in Schleswig-Holstein runs roughly 15–25°C in the day, cooler at night, with rain common — pack waterproof gear and arrive early in the week for a good camping spot.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wacken Open Air 2026?
Wacken Open Air 2026 (July 29–Aug 1) is Germany's biggest metal camping festival, with 90+ bands including headliner Def Leppard and Judas Priest.
Is Wacken a camping festival?
Yes — camping is central to the experience; campgrounds open several days before the music starts and stay open through the weekend.
How do I get there from Hamburg?
By car (~70km, about 1.5 hours) or by train to Itzehoe/Wrist station, then the official festival shuttle bus.
What is the age restriction?
16 years and older.
Are tickets still available?
Faster and Harder tiers are sold out; only the top Louder tier remains as of publishing — check wacken.com before travelling.
Lineup
Venue & Map
Wacken Festivalgelände in Wacken
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Wacken Festivalgelände in Wacken
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