The festival ABC gives answer to most of your questions. If you have further questions please write an email to: headquarter@ics-woa.de or call our hotline + 49 (0) 4627 18 38 38
There are also new position numbers, helping you to find the several positions on the festival area maps.
+++ Please note that our Festival ABC is constantly being updated and extended. Therefore, regularly check up on it!!!+++
- A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - R - S - T - U - V - W - Z -
The camping area opens Wednesday, 01 August 2012 at 12.00 am. The festival area opens Thursday, 02. August 2012 at 03.00 pm, Friday at 11.00 am, and Saturday at 11.00 am.
Alcohol patrol
Our "Festival traffic wardens" will be at W:O:A to conduct a field sobriety test with you for a small amount. Don’t worry, you can keep your driving license, even with more than 0.5 BAL. But still, it is best to NOT drive at all under the influence of alcohol as the road traffic regulations apply on the campsite as well. For the safety of all road users the police regularly performs traffic controls.
Areas
Again we have several different areas this year. Due to the fact that the different areas have been renamed throughout the years, we shortly explain the areas to you:
Festival Ground Comprises the whole festival site, including all camping grounds, the festival area and the area for crew and artists (everything in colour on the festival maps).
Festival Area Consists of the Wacken Plaza (previously forecourt 1), Wacken Center (previously forecourt 2) and the infield.
Wacken Center (pos. 43) - look at W
Wacken Plaza (pos. 44) - look at W
Infield (Pos. 40) The infield (in grey colour on the festival maps) can be reached through the big entrance tents from Wacken Center. In the infield you find the main stages: Black Metal Stage (pos. 1), True Metal Stage (pos. 2) and Party Stage (pos. 3). Additionally you find several food, drink and merchandise stalls.
Arrival
There are several options to get to the W:O:A site:
By car Arriving from the South: At the motorway junction Hamburg-Nordwest drive in direction towards A 23 / Heide / Husum. After 60 km (38 miles) you see the exit called Schenefeld / Wacken. Get off the motorway and follow the signs to Wacken for approx. 6 km (4 miles).
Arriving from the North (from Denmark / Flensburg): Leave the A7 in direction to Hamburg at the exit Neumünster Mitte and get on the B430 towards Itzehoe / Hohenwestedt. Follow the course of the road to Schenefeld and after that pay attention to the signs leading to Wacken. Now follow the signs to Wacken for approx. 6 km (4m miles).
Please follow the guidance system and the instructions of the traffic attendants in order to reach the campsites.
Arrival is possible by car, transportation vehicles, mobile homes and caravans up to 3.5 tons but is at your own risk, as it cannot be guaranteed that you will be able to leave the campsite without any difficulties in case of bad weather.
By train Trains are a safe and convenient way to travel – and cheap as well. Use the offers of the Deutsche Bahn called “Ländertickets” which allow you to travel through a certain federal state in Germany. Wacken is located in Schleswig-Holstein, therefore choose a Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket to travel e.g. from Hamburg or Kiel (both located in Schleswig-Holstein as well) to Wacken. If you book in advance there are also offers available if you travel by train starting of in other federal states in Germany. Best is to check and book these tickets in advance on www.bahn.de.
To get to Wacken you have to travel to Itzehoe. From Itzehoe a bus shuttle service will bring you to the Wacken Festivalterminal and back. Paying 9 EUR once entitles youto unlimited use of the shuttle bus. Click here for bus shuttle timetables
Bus Tours Here you can find all bus companies that will bring you to the W:O:A, no matter if you come from Germany or abroad. In addition to that, our bus partners offer festival tickets so you get the chance to gain entry to the festival even it is sold out. Certainly this offer is only valid if you book a bus tour.
Shuttle Service Our shuttle bus picks you up from the train station in Itzehoe and also brings you back. A shuttle bus from/to Hamburg Airport is possible but it doesn’t go regularly. To get information about the travel schedule, please contact co-workers at the info point which is located in front of the entrance for pedestrians. The shuttle costs 9 EUR once for unlimited outward and return journeys.
Metal-Train The 11th chartered metal train to the exceptional Wacken Open Air in 2011- for Metalheadz only! For more information, visit Metal Train. To get information about it, visit Journey in the info section on our homepage.
Autograph Session (pos. 26)
There is a Meet & Greet-Point in the Infield of the Festival and just that is the place where you get to know the running order of the autograph sessions as well. The timetable will be made available online around middle of July.
Be an official W:O:A supporter! You can download the banner for your homepage here.
Beer Garden (pos. 12)
Due to the big success in the past years we again arrange the original Bavarian beer garden at the Wacken Center. The beer garden opens Wednesday, 1. August 2012 from 10.00 am to 06.00 am and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07.00 am to 06.00 am. It is placed in front of the entrance of the festival area.
This year there will be an additional beer garden at the Wackinger Village (Pos. 28).
Big Soundsystems / Lighting Systems / Highseats or Stages Systems like those are prohibited at the camping grounds. In case of non-compliance, those system will be confiscated.
Box office
Due to the sell-out there will be no box office this year.
Breakdown Service
There is a permanent breakdown-service during the W:O:A. In case of a breakdown please talk to one of our Staff or call the following number: 01805 – 5 10 11 12
To prevent a breakdown please follow these instructions: - Take a second key and do not leave it in the car - Take an individual key fob. There are many similar looking keys at the Lost and Found Point. A unique key fob is easier to identify. - Turn of all power-using things in your car like radio, lights, navigation-systems. - Leave enough place between the cars to prevent parking damages - Fold down your mirrors after leaving the car. So Ambulance or Festival-Vistors can pass your car without damages.
Breakfast
The supermarket of Farmer Uwe (pos. 32) at Wacken Plaza (pos. 13) und other food suppliers at the campground provide everything you need for a decent breakfast.
Bullhead City Circus (pos. 7)
The W.E.T stage and Headbeanger´s stage will find its new home within the 8-pylon pagoda tent called Bullhead City Circus. With this tent we will grant more space in front of the stages as well as further advantages like: No more sound intersections between these 2 stages and the other stages on the infield, better acclimation, no more mud landscapes and no more crowding and lines of people waiting at the entrance.
Bustours
Here you can find all bus companies from Germany and abroad which can take you to the W:O:A. Furthermore, our bus partners have ticket contingents so you can probably get a festival ticket despite the sold out. This, of course, is only possible in connection with the bus tour to the festival.
Please keep in mind that camping in public places is forbidden so please do not arrive before Monday.
Because of the major logistic effort and the low demand in the past years, it won’t be possible to arrive on Saturday or Sunday. Please switch to the numerous public campgrounds at the west coast. In Büsum you can stay at the campsite “An de Waterkant” (Address: Neuenkoog 8, 25761 Westerdeichstrich, Tel.: 0049 (0) 04834 8269). In St. Peter Ording there is the campsite “Silbermöve” (Address: Böhler Landstraße 179, 25826 St. Peter Ording, Tel.: 0049 (0) 0 48 63 55 56). Further suggestions you can find on our homepage.
The official date of arrival is 1 August 2012 – starting at 12 am. If you still think about arriving earlier, we give you the opportunity to use an extra area which will be prepared for camping, but this requires an extra fee of 20.00 € p.p. from 30th July 2012 for each person. In case that you arrive on Tuesday 31 July until 12 am an amount of 10.00 € will be charged for each person.
Caution: The campground opens Monday at 3 pm!
Camping and parking
Parking and camping is already included in the ticket price of 150.00 €. Camping officially starts on Wednesday, 1 August at 12 am and is at own risk. The residence on the campground is only possible with a valid ticket! There will be strict controls at the access road and the camping area.
At the camping grounds (Pos. A-Z) our stewards will try to help you in every way but they also have the permission to ask you to camp and park somewhere else in case that you entered the wrong camp or parking ground.
Camping ground group reservations (pos. R)
Again you can use our unique festival service this year and reserve your group camping ground.
In order to facilitate your arrival we reserve a spot for you if you are a group of 50 or more people.
At RENT YOUR TENT you can easily book your camping tents and accessories at our local partner "READY TO ROCK" and "MEIN ZELT STEHT SCHON!". All rented tents (different sizes between 1-6 persons) and items which will be pre-pitched before your arrival at the camping area B and we’ll even take care of the disassembly while you’re already on your way home. Unfortunately there is no parking in this area.
For those who want to arrive without stress, with little luggage by train, plane or private car and for those who do not have their own camping equipment: The service of mein-zelt-steht-schon makes it possible: You order tents and accessories very easily and it'll be built up for you. You only have to move in and start to party!
Canned beer/ glass bottles
There is no limitation for drinks at the campground but you are not allowed to bring glass bottles. The risk to get hurt is too high (cullets)! Neither cans nor bottles are permitted at the festival area (infield). At the infield you can get your beer as usual in the familiar festival cups. Externally e.g. Wacken Plaza you will also have the chance to get your Wacken Beer in cans (see W – Wacken beer).
Due to regulations for safety and environmental protection (Metal 4 Nature –“Safe your Holy Land!”) it will again not be permitted this year to take glas bottles to the parking and campsites. In our shops and supermarkets as well as in the village glass bottles will not be available anymore. In our supermarkets spirits can be decanted into our W:O:A PET bottles. Carrying crates of beer through the entrance for pedestrian’s won´t be possible either.
Please switch to PET, plastic bottles or cans. However, these are only allowed on the campgrounds, but not at the infield. We ask for your understanding. Only TetraPacks up to 1l (only non-alcoholic beverages) can be taken to the infield.
Child welfare
Children are generally not forbidden at W:O:A but still we think that festivals are not a good place and experience for them. Sure it’s nice to enjoy the festival together with the family but they probably find it nicer to stay at home with grandma and grandpa. Furthermore your enjoyment of the festival will be much bigger when your kids are not around. You have 3 days to let yourself go and do whatever you want. Isn´t it what all parents are dreaming of?
Apart from that, children which are 12 years old or younger have free admission when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In the second case, a declaration of agreement signed by the legal guardian will be required. Access for children under 16 is only allowed with a parent or an approved, adult representative. Young people aged 16-18 can enter the festival area without reservation but have to leave this area at 00.00 p.m.
Below you can download the parents' consent
Child care
In case that you decide to take your kids to the festival we offer you to bring them to the kindergarten in Wacken which will opened from 3 August until 6 August. This special service is for free.
This is the link to the kindergarten: www.kirchengemeinde-wacken.de/Kindergarten/Kindergarten.htm
Via e-mail ( woakids@wacken.com ) you can register your kids with the time specification for child care and your contact address.
Chill Out Lounge- NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT (pos. 39)
This year our sponsor NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT will allocate a lounge again where you have the possibility to recover, smoke and relax a little. Furthermore, NAS engages for METAL 4 NATURE as eco-partner.
Due to the sold out this year there won’t be any one-day-tickets available.
Dealing
You are not allowed to deal with spirituous beverages, Nazi material, any kind of weapons, food- and non-food articles and most of all tickets and festival wristbands. In case of non-compliance a complaint has to be faced! Not registered stalls will be closed immediately and the operator will be sent off the festival.
Drop-off and Pick-up / Kiss&Ride
For drop-off and pick-up there are two Kiss&Ride stations: the first is located in the Dorfstraße in Gribbohm and the second in Mühlenweg in Wacken (close to the car wash). Here cars can park short-term, as the way to the bus station in the Hauptstraße will be closed from Sunday, 5 August 12 am from Ziegeleiweg on.
ATTENTION: Stopping for drop-off and pick-up of people or for loading and unloading is prohibited. Strict controls will be conducted and cars are being towed if necessary.
Duty and police-controls
Since Schleswig-Holstein is a small federal state, we belong to the category major event. Therefore there will be definitely duty and police controls on the highway. We can’t avoid that – we ask for your understanding and notice. There will be controls before, during and after the festival at several points of approach and departure. Please don’t drive off the area drunk!
Dogs / pets
Neither dogs nor any other animals are allowed on the entire camping, parking and festival area! The boarding kennel for dogs, "B-Flinks"( www.b-flinks.de ), is located in Albersdorf near the motorway A23 (approx. ten minutes away from Wacken) Phone: 00 49 (0) 4835 – 950345
Drinking Water S1-S5
The water supply for cooking, washing and drinking will be provided at the five shower and toilet camps. There will be some new points of withdrawal as in the past most of the tanks were empty. As usual, the water supply is FOR FREE!
Drinks & Food
Stalls providing both beverages and food will be spread all over the festival and camping area. There you can get beer and whiskey (e.g. Becks, Becks Gold) at reasonable prices. You can also find the W:O:A beer garden on the festival area. Every drink you buy on the festival will be handed out in our W:O:A cups but you also have the possibility to order steins (Maßkrug).
Drugs
You can imagine what happens to people we catch dealing with drugs. Right - We will ban them from the campground, take them to the police and bring a charge against this person. So don´t even think about it! Thanks!
DVD Wacken 2006 – 2010 (pos. 30)
The DVDs are available at the merchandise stalls. Merchandise articles are also available after the festival in the Full-Metal-Shop.
To prevent you from long walks to one of the banks in Wacken we offer the opportunity to withdraw money directly at the festival area. We have installed several cash points which were allocated from the local “Sparkasse”. Some of them are located at the forecourt of the infield near the beer garden (Biergarten) and one near the W:O:A Information Office as well as in the village of Wacken and in the neighbouring villages Vaale and Schenefeld.
Open fire/campfire is not allowed at the whole camping and festival area (A-Z). Spirit/gas stoves or charcoal grills can be used but we expect you not to misuse these things. Due to serious accidents resulting in perilous injuries in the past years we expect a responsible handling. The same applies to the use of internal accelerator when lighting charcoal grills! Any violation will be avenged with a ban from the festival.
Fire Fighters (pos. 5)
The fire department band of Wacken will perform again at the beer garden (Biergarten) on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the morning pint. You can find the exact times of performance in the Running Order
First aid (pos. 9)
People who require medical service in Wacken should contact DRK Kaltenkirchen (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz- German Red Cross). You will get more information and a schedule for contacts for the medical service at the W:O:A.
You can also find first aid at the DRK- camp (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz- German Red Cross) next to the main entrance of the festival area. Further locations of DRK that can be used during the concerts are placed beside the main stages and the FOH´s. Please keep the emergency exits free for the DRK! Additionally DRK vehicles will regularly cross the camping area.
Full Metal Bag (pos. 23)
The Full Metal Bag is a gift and has nothing to do with the service fee of 20,00 €, which is already included in the ticket price. The disposal of the bags takes place at the wristband container and at the bus stop. (Visit plans)
Also this year there will be 5 Garbage-Stations next to the Shower-Camps. Those of you who hand in their garbage will get a Metal 4 Nature Sticker and a nice Give-away.
Opening hours: Garbage-Station at the Shower-Camp S3: 31 July – 04 August from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm All other Stations: 1 August – 4 August from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm On Sunday all Stations are open from 8:00 am to 12:00 am.
Collect your garbage before your departure! Hand in your garbage bags at the garbage stations! Help us collecting garbage after the festival!
Metal 4 Nature – Save your holy land!
General Terms and Condition
You find the General Terms and Conditions here and at the backside of your ticket.
Glas bottles
GLASS BOTTLE are prohibited on all sites at the W:O:A!
Instead of glass bottles we are providing fancy PET bottles in which the content of your glass bottle can be decanted at all supermarkets on the WOA, free of charge!
Both stages are located in the Bullhead City Circus (pos. 7). Events such as live music and good old Metal Karaoke will start on Wednesday, 1 August. The Bullhead City Circus is located at the festival area directly next to the Wacken Plaza. The Metal Battle finals will also take place in this tent.
We will install information boards at different places on the W:O:A area so you can find the right direction to the different festival grounds. On these boards you get an overview of the camping sites, festival area maps, opening hours and the running order. The boards will also give an overview of different street signs you should look for (e.g. campground etc.).
ATTENTION: These signs are placed for your orientation, so please do not steal them! If we catch you destroying or stealing them we will sent you off the festival ground!
Information point (pos. 23)
The information point is located at the new event area near the medieval market and the wristband container. There you can get information about the shuttle service or the timetables for trains or take a look at the current running order, as well as appointments for the signing sessions at the Meet & Greet point. In addition to this, we provide another Information Office at the Silo tower in Wacken which opens on 30 July (look at W – W:O:A info point). There you get the W:O:A History, merchandise articles, breakfast and a cash point, a charging point for mobiles, an internet café and pay phones. You also get any information about W:O:A.
This year we will install LED screens and video walls to improve the flow of information. In this way we are able to inform you as fast as possible, e.g. about changes in the running order. In 2012, there will be three video walls at the main stages, one video wall at the Bullhead City Tent and one at the moviefield.
In order to upgrade the flow of information, we will install video walls as well as LED tickers at the True- and Black Metal stage.
Locker trucks (pos. 27)
This year we will also offer you the possibility to lock in your valuables. Information about prices and the location of the trucks can be found at plans.
Lost & Found (pos. 23)
If you lose or find something, please contact the information point during the festival. After the festival you can hand in or pick things up at the W:O:A Office. From 6 August 2012 all lost and confiscated property will be put in storage in the lost property office in Schenefeld (Fundbüro Amt Schenefeld). Items which were confiscated at the main entrance marked with a sticker of IH Security will also be delivered to the office in Schenefeld. Phone: + 49 (0) 4892 - 8089 0 Fax: + 49 (0) 4892 80 89 44 E-mail: info@amt-schenefeld.de
1.Luggage shipping TO Wacken W:O:A Simplify your trip to Wacken W:O:A 2012 by sending your luggage directly to the W:O:A festival area in advance. You can pick up your luggage at the Wacken Mail and Parcel Office (WACKEN CENTER) from 1 August 2012.
You can find detailed information regarding the handling as well as prices at the following website www.wackenpostoffice.com. Here you assign the shipping and make the payment. You need to commission for the luggage service prior to 24 July 2012 (due to organisational requirements). The luggage will have to be picked up by UPS prior to 27 July 2012.
The service will only be offered from the following countries (like last year): Germany, BeNeLux, Denmark, Austria, France and Sweden. The number of luggage for the service is limited to 250 pieces. So, the earlier you book, the higher is the probability that you can use this service.
2. Parcel and packaging service (including luggage service) We offer parcel shipping and packaging service at the festival area (WACKEN CENTER). We provide worldwide and secured parcel service via UPS so that you can send for example your merchandising products and gifts home directly. If you do not want to carry your luggage back home after the W:O:A, we also provide a luggage shipping from the festival area back to your home. We will take care of professionally wrapping and packing your belongings to ensure a secure shipping.
3. Your personal post card from W:O:A 2012 This year, you can mail your personal and customised post card from the W:O:A 2012. We take a picture from your friends and you in front of the Wacken city sign and print the photo as a post card. Mail your personal and individual greetings from W:O:A 2012.
4. Mail and stamps This year, you can stamp your mail with a postal charges including a logo of W:O:A 2012. Bring your postcards from the „Full Metal Bag“ directly to the Wacken Mail and Parcel Office and we print the postal charges including the logo of W:O:A: 2012 onto the post card. The price is EUR 0.15 plus postal charges (thereof we donate EUR 0.05 to Wacken Foundation). In addition, you can get post cards in the Mail and Parcel Office.
Medical Service (pos. 9)
Everyone interested in supporting the medical service in Wacken can contact the DRK Kaltenkirchen (German Red Cross). There you will get all further information and a contact form for the medical service at the W:O:A.
Meet & Greet Point (pos. 26)
Different members of the bands will give autographs there. On our LED walls you can see the signing hours. The schedule is also available on our homepage and our mobile page. The dates will be published mid of July.
Meeting Point (pos. 23)
The meeting point is located directly at the W:O:A wristband facility at the new event area.
Merchandise (pos. 30)
You can obtain the latest articles of the W:O:A collection and the performing bands at the merchandise stalls. You can find the complete range online at www.full-metal-shop-de.
Metal Battle (pos. 4)
You and your band can perform at the festival! We (in cooperation with our presenters Metal Hammer, Washburn, Eden and Marshall) are looking for new metal heroes and let you perform at the METAL BATTLE.
Meanwhile we are searching for the next Metal Stars in 30 countries. The winning band of the particular country gets the opportunity to perform on the W.E.T. Stage (Bullhead City Circus, pos. 7) of the most famous Metal- Festival in the world. We can make your dreams come true! We are the only festival of this magnitude that is giving young talents a chance.
An international jury will rate the final bands and choose a winner, beside diverse Full Endorsement Deals of the partners, a record deal with Wacken Records is the price. The other attendees get the chance to win Artist Endorsement Deals and other surprises. For more information about the contest click www.metal-battle.com.
This year the METAL-BATTLE starts on Wednesday. You can check out the schedule in our Running Order (coming soon)
Metal Karaoke (pos. 4)
The Metal Karaoke will take place in the Bullhead City Circus (pos. 7) on Wednesday and Thursday after the band performances.
Metal-Market (pos. 11)
Opening hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10.00 am to 04.00 am (Dealer & Action Tent 10.00 am – 09.00 pm, entrance fee: 2,50 €). After paying the entry fee you have the possibility to visit workshops, fashion shows, interviews, showcases and autograph sessions at all days.
Metal 4 Nature
Under the slogan “Metal 4 Nature” we want to put the topics waste avoidance and waste disposal together with you into practice in order to make sure that the future W:O:As can still take place on juicy, green fields.
We are appealing to your environmental awareness and want to motivate you to collect your waste on the Festival Site and to try to keep your waste volume as low as possible. Do it out of respect for the environment!
We need your support to achieve these goals!
Metal 4 Nature – I took my trash – just left my footprint & spirit!
Try to avoid waste as much as possible! Use reusable packages whenever possible and always keep in mind that the WOA is taking place at an agricultural area!
Metal 4 Nature – “Safe your holy land!“
Moshpit
Moshing is generally not prohibited at the W:O:A. But during other crowd activities in the moshpit such as crowd surfing etc. the possibility of incidents is given. In order to protect yourself we provided a few tips of how you can make moshing a little bit safer:
• In case that you might be a little bit out of shape you better avoid the moshpit as it often becomes very exhausting.
• Wear comfortable clothes that protect you from scratches or similar injuries - long pants and sturdy shoes are advisable.
• The moshpit is not a good place for jewelry. Also piercings, especially facial piercings, could cause injuries.
• Don´t act selfish in the moshpit. Always keep in mind that other crowd members want to enjoy the music and don´t want to get hurt.
• In case that you are not interested in the moshpit and prefer to stay away from that, you better enjoy the show from the back or on the side of the crowd and not in front of the stage
Movie night (pos. 10)
Movie nights will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at the Moviefield. The program and schedule are listed in the running order.
The Non-Food-Mile is located next to the Metal Market in 2012. As in previous years many stalls are offering jewellery, clothes and souvenirs and are located near the metal market and at the festival area. A second non-food mile you can find in Wackinger Village (pos. 28).
Orientation, landmarks and signposting at the W:O:A
Due to the fact that the festival ground at Wacken is really huge, we put our backs into making it easier for you to orient yourself on the festival area and campsite.
1. Shower Camp Glowing Metal Forks The first improvement you will certainly notice first will be the marking of the shower camps with some similar kind of last year´s glowing balloons on the infield. But this year they will look like glowing metal forks. Each shower camp will have its own tower being enthroned by a glowing metal fork which can be distinguished due to their different glowing colours (Take a look at the camp site plans)
2. Site Fence Banners Further we will use a much larger amount of site fence banners with Campsite- and Holy Wacken Land maps in XXL size. On each distinctive corner of the festival area one of these maps can be found. You can also download them at our maps section. The annually Festival guide will also include both - Holy Wacken land and Camping Site maps.
We also want to make you aware that stealing or damaging the site fence banners will be punished with being sent off the festival ground.
3. Traffic Signs / Traffic Control System Our very successful traffic control system (consisting of LED boards, traffic signs and info boards) will also be used this year again. They will lead you from the nearest motorway exit directly to the campsite. IMPORTANT: Please consider that you should shut down your navigation systems when you enter the village Wacken because many streets are closed until the end of the festival. Please only follow the traffic control system.
4. Signs On several Layher-Towers on the festival site you will find signs leading you the way to distinctive locations at the festival.
5. Video walls and LED ticker Besides the LED tickers positioned on important places like the wristband exchange or infield entrances, we will further improve the flow of information with our video walls. Altogether there will be six of them. 3 at the main stages, 1 at the FOH tower in front of the main stages, 1 at the Bullhead City Circus and 1 at the bus stop. In addition there will be a video wall truck near the Metal market.
6. Wacken Mobile Apps Additionally we again offer mobile apps for iPhones and Android devices!
Connected with google earth, the first app will give you the possibility to orient yourself from each spot of the festival besides giving you important information like e.g. the festival abc, running order, latest news and many more.
With the second app we will become the first festival worldwide supporting augmented reality! What’s the meaning of this? We will let you know very soon on www.wacken.com
This year we offer you two positions where you can park your car safely for a small amount of money.
From the direction of A23 exit Wacken there will be a parking space for a day directly behind the Wacken town sign on the left corner of the Edeka (supermarket) parking space
Pastoral Care (pos. 64)
The W:O:A spiritual guidance team is not proselytising but offering help by conversations. No matter what your concern is, wherever you need help, the spiritual guidance will be accessible 24/7. You can find the spiritual guidance in front of the police/ambulance area.
Pharmacy Emergency Service
Also in 2012, the Duhorn pharmacy in Wacken adjusts its opening times and product range for the Wacken Open Air. The central located pharmacy is open from the 30th of July until the 3rd of August 2012 from 08 to 20 o’clock and in addition at the 4th of August 2012 from 08 to 18 o’clock. The pharmacy offers you a fitting product range and they can also reorder important medicines during the festival. The pharmacy is just 600 meters away from the festival area.
Normal photo cameras / digital cameras and mobiles can be brought to the festival ground. Video cameras as well as reflex cameras are prohibited.
Please note that you don’t annoy any other guests with your camera – the W:O:A is not a zoo!!
Photo Gallery / LIVE-Reporting
This year we will offer exclusive reporting from the W:O:A again. After the festival you can reminisce and share your memories with the people who had to stay at home. For this purpose the W:O:A Gallery 2012 will be updated several times per day during the festival as well as during the time of setup and dismantling. Besides, the webcam will show some pictures of both main stages every half an hour.
Police (pos. 17)
Whenever you have questions the police will help you. Don’t panic, they are easy going and cooperative. Furthermore, the police offers a free field sobriety test so you will find your way home safely supporting the slogan: DON`T DRINK AND DRIVE.
The police checkpoint is located at the main entrance to the festival area.
Unfortunately pickpocketing has increased. Therefore we have prepared some tips of how you can protect yourself from thefts: • You can identify thieves by their typical seeking glance. They avoid direct eye-contact to their victim and focus more on the goods • Always keep your money, credit cards and special documents with you in several closed bags inside of your clothes • Carry your bags closed in front of your body or place them under yours arms • Use a neck pouch, money belt or a pocket tied to your belt
Postcards (pos. 23) / Post
You can get postcards at the information checkpoint and at the W:O:A Office, Hauptstrasse 82, 25596 Wacken. You can send them off at the Edeka supermarket in Wacken.
Power generating sets
In case that you bring power generating sets to the festival, please make sure that they are in perfect condition and do not loose any oil or fuel. Sets up to 1 kW are allowed. To ensure compliance with this regulation we will conduct some spot checks. In case of incorrect use the security personnel will confiscate the sets and return them to you at the end of the festival.
Per vehicle you can bring a maximum of 5 liter of fuel. We expect a correct handling! Please bring a fire-extinguisher which you can use in case of emergency.
In order to avoid disturbance the power generating sets must be switched off from 02:00 a.m. In this case we will also conduct spot checks.
In case you steadily need to refrigerate medicine you can get in touch with the DRK on site (German Red Cross). They will keep your medicines refrigerated in their tent (pos. 9).
Profoundly disabled (Camping ground A)
The W:O:A is always trying to optimise the circumstances for profoundly disabled people and to give them the opportunity to attend the festival as unrestricted as possible.
We offer our profoundly disabled visitors the possibility to take an assistant who is exempt from charge to the festival. The only condition is that the disabled person must own a valid festival ticket and a handicapped ID. The handicapped person checks in at the wristband container with his/her handicapped ID and ticket and receives two wristbands for him/her and the assistant.
For the first time we are going to try a full integration of disabled people. The 5 shower camps and their toilets are being upgraded for a barrier-free use by disabled persons.
Furthermore there will be a wheelchair platform with perfect view onto the infield and all three stages. On this platform there will also be put a disabled toilet on disposal.
To make sure to not miss anything video screens will be set up on which the Live performances on the stages will be broadcasted.
The last year’s feedbacks made us decide to give up the separated area on the camping ground A just for disabled people, as many asked for a full integration of the disabled. We tried to meet this wish and hope to taking the right path this year. This means that this year there is no reservation possible but nevertheless the camping ground A will be kept free for disabled people.
Presale
X-Mas tickets and tickets bought in advance are valid for all three days of the festival. As usual this presale will be limited to 10,000 tickets.
Program booklet (pos. 23)
In the program booklet you can find all important information about the bands and the stages they will perform at, ground maps, surveys, Meet & Greet schedule, Warm Up & After Show Parties among others. The programme is available at different checkpoints on the festival area such as the info point.
Pyro and fireworks
It is forbidden to use any kind of pyrotechnical goods and fireworks on the camping and festival site. Open fire on the camping and festival ground is forbidden as well. In case of violation, the material will be confiscated and the person responsible will be expelled from the festival. This also applies to the sale and the lighting.
Our banner "Metalheadz against racism" clearly emphasises our opinion concerning racism. We are absolutely against any kind of right-wing extremism! In this case, we count on your assistance! We do not tolerate any entries in the chat room, guestbook or forum with a right-wing background. These entries will be deleted immediately. In case that we miss something, please let us know! In such case, please contact our forum administrators. They will take care of it.
Furthermore we forbid Nazis on the festival as well as racist, sexist, homophobic and other harassments. When we see people behaving like this we will ban them from the festival. You better stay home and think about your life!
THANKS for your support.
Running Order
The Running Order helps you to get an overview of the schedule of band performances and the stages they will play at. You can get more information about this at the information point and at the Wacken Office. Click HERE to get to the current Running Order.
The following items must be confiscated or locked in the locker trucks (ONLY on the new event area and the medieval market; NOT the camping or parking area!) for a little fee: • Knifes and anything similar (nail files, screw drivers, combs with stem, knuckleduster) • Any objects made of glass (including perfume bottles) • Plastic bottles, Camelbaks, canisters (Caution: Original W:O:A- cups are allowed; they are available in different sizes from 0,3 l to 1l. DRINKING HORNS ARE NOT ALLOWED!!!) • Any kind of cans (beverage can, hairspray, deodorant, etc) • Pepper spray, tear gas, nerve gas Video cameras (Attention: Any kind of photo cameras and digital cameras are allowed!) • Cassette decks etc. • Studded wristbands, studded belts with spikes longer than 1,5 cm. • Chains (bicycle or motorbike chains etc.; Attention: wallet chains are allowed!) and projectile belts are not allowed! • Flagpoles and sticks are not allowed (Official W:O:A flags with poles are allowed!) • Vuvuzelas, megaphones etc. • Any kind of pyrotechnical items (among other things sparkler) are also not allowed on the camping ground (see “Pyrotechnic”) • Bottles with refundable deposit. • Food and Tetrapaks until 1,5l with non- alcoholic liquidness are allowed!!!
For further questions, please call the Security Office: Hotline: +49 (0)4827 –9990 66 33 Furthermore, we are aware of the fact that you are a peaceful and friendly audience, seriously. In case of any conflicts please refer to the responsible group leader, on-scene commander (red shirt) or the headsecurity (blue shirt).
Showers and Toilets S1-S5
There are five big shower camps with lavatories and clean flush lavatories (2,50€ for using). Just like last year you can get original W:O:A towels and bath sheets which you can buy at these camps and at one of the merchandise booths. An information point and a supermarket is also available at each shower camp. Furthermore you can get W:O:A Shower Cards which allow you to use this service several times during the festival. The drinking water points are also located at the shower camps.
Security
W:O:A METAL GUARD W:O:A STEWARD W:O:A TICKET CONTROL W:O:A TRAFFIC CONTROL(pos. 18)
Treat these people with respect. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible to have a festival of that size! In case of a problem, please give notice at the information point or directly talk to the police! Every single W:O:A Metal Guard, Steward, Ticket and Traffic Controller has his own identification number. When informing about any problems concerning the security staff please mention the identification number, the colour of the shirts and the place of occurrence. Caution: The numbers of the shirts and jackets are different.
Metal Guard: Take care for the safety on the festival Steward: Your contact person and very helpful. You find them on patrol everywhere. Ticket Control: Take care that only people with a valid ticket attend the festival. Traffic Control: Follow their instructions and you are not stuck in traffic jams for long.
Soccer (pos. 21)
The W:O:A Soccer Cup takes place on Wednesday, 1 August 2012. The soccer field is located near the Movie fields. The field can also be used for private soccer tournaments on other days.
Stages (pos. 1 – 8)
This year the bands perform once again on five Open- Air stages and in two tents. The True Metal Stage, Black Metal Stage, Party Stage are located in the infield (pos. 40). Additionally there will be set up a beer garden stage. Again this year: the Wackinger Stage in the Wackinger Village (pos. 6) and the completely new designed Bullhead City with 2 stages, boxing ring directly next to the Wacken Plaza (former camping ground C). The exact location of the stages and tents can be found on our Festival Area Maps.
Survey
We need your opinion, your criticism and of course your praise. You can find the survey in the programme booklet. Just rip it out of the booklet, fill in your answers and hand it in at the information point. We offer great prizes you can win! As an alternative you can also conduct the survey online on our homepage.
Supermarket
At the W:O:A Supermarkets you will get everything that the metal heart desires!
A list of articles can be found on the following supermarket plan
Swimming - Public outdoor swimming pool and pool shuttle
In this year the public pool in Wacken will be accessible again. Between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm you can use the swimming pool and the showers at a price of 2,50 €. In case that you get hungry a kiosk will provide e.g. french fries, ice cream and several beverages.
You can use our shuttle service that takes you to the swimming pool. The bus will pick you up at the shuttle/bus station. The service will cost only 1 euro and is available from Tuesday to Saturday 9 am – 6 pm
We will install telephones at the festival center next to the police camp (Pos. 17). Furthermore we provide telephones at the Wacken office, so you can call your friends and family who had to stay at home. One telephone booth is located directly in Wacken.
Toilettes (pos. 20)
You can find cleaned permanent toilets in the five showercamps (0,50 € plus washbowls) and at the festival area. Toilets for women are on the festival ground and for free.
Furthermore you can also use the SANI- toilets on the whole area (for free). Special toilets for wheelchair user are located at every shower camp and in the infield (pos. 40). Mobile toilets are arranged all over the camping area.
Town signs
Every year people steal Wacken town signs. That causes the municipality of Wacken a high financial loss. We believe this is more than unfair as without this municipality (which stands completely behind us) our festival wouldn´t exist. If you want to take home a town sign as a souvenir, please choose the legal way and order it on www.full-metal-shop.de
Traffic planning
This year we improved the traffic concept again in order to prevent problems of traffic jam. There will be a traffic administration which will optimise the flow of traffic and customise it to the local conditions. Find a here the link to the arrival and departure page.
Trash Mobile
Because of the positive feedback this year there will be 8 Trash Mobiles.
Starting on Tuesday, 31.07.2012 between 9 am and 1 pm & 2 pm and 6 pm they will drive over the campgrounds to get your full trash bags or collect stabled full trash bags.
You can also get new trash bags from the Trash Mobiles.
Please keep in mind: Collect your trash during the WOA and accord it to the Trash Mobiles!
In order to improve the flow of information we will install not only the LED ticker at the stages but also three big video walls (26ft x 15ft). Furthermore a video wall truck will be located at the Metal Market and the Wacken Plaza.
Violence and vandalism
We don’t accept any kind of violence and vandalism at the W:O:A! In case of damage at the fencing, tents, or any other equipment of the organiser or other institutions the person(s) in charge will be sent off the festival and camping ground and a criminal prosecution will occur. The same procedure will occur when using pyrotechnical items. We want an awesome, peaceful Metal week just like the years before!
In co-operation with Viva Con Agua we will offer a still soda water at the festival. Everyone who doesn´t want to do without cool, clear water will get the possibility to buy the new Wacken Aqua at the W:O:A supermarkets. The water rises from the Godehard spring in Rosendahl and is kept under constant purity checks by the Romeis Institute.
Wacken Beer (pos. 13)
After the big success of the last years, we will offer you the WACKEN BEER (in cans) again! You can order it with immediate effect: Exclusive, limited, refrigerated canned beer (0,5l for € 2.00 incl. pledge or a 24- pack for € 40.00 incl. pledge). The delivery starts on 1. August in the super markets on the W:O:A area by collection. ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST! You will have nice refrigerated Wacken beer and only a few minutes to your camping ground! This leaves nothing to be desired!
Wacken Card
Whith this card, in cooperation with Mastercard, you can easily pay cashless, withdraw money from cash points worldwide, and so on. For more ask for information at the W:O:A Office during the festival.
Wacken Center (Pos. 43)
Once known as Vorplatz 1, you can find the Paulaner Beergarden with the Beergarden stage, Bauer Uwes Bar, the entrance to the infield (Pos.40) and the metal market as well as Met- and Cocktail-stands. Additionally you can find access to the camps of the police and Red Cross. (On the festival maps the Wacken Center is marked in orange.)
Wacken Foundation (Pos.25)
This foundation was founded for development and support of young bands. Information about potential donations, purpose of use and fund-raising campaigns you can get at the informationstand of the Foundation, at the W:O:A Office and at the W:O:A Fanclub (Full Metal Army) or www.wacken-foundation.com.
Wacken Plaza (Pos. 44)
The Wacken Plaza, once known as 2nd fore court or Eventarea, offers you attractions like the Bullhead City Circus, Bullriding & Metal Kicker, including Open Air Stage as well as Merchandising-, Beer- and Relentless-stands. Here you can also you can get the popular USB-Sticks. Starting from the Plaza you can get to Wacken Center or Wackinger Village. (On the festival maps the Wacken Plaza is marked in pink.)
Wacken Radio
Wacken Radio is broadcasting on FM 88.4 in Wacken and the surrounding area from Monday 12am to Sunday 3pm. On the highway from the area of Itzehoe to Wacken you can receive the station. The Guys from the radiocrew are providing you with news and interviews from all over the festival area. During the arrival to and departure from the Wackenground they also support you with traffic-information concerning the driveways and parking lots. You can also visit the radioteam at there studio which is located near the wristband-exchange. And of course there are also Apps for your smartphone available that enable you to listen to Wacken Radio on-site and at home. Take a look at the Apple-Appstore or Google Playstore for our App.
Wackinger Village
After the success of the medieval spectacle “Die Wackinger” on the W:O:A also in 2012 240 (!) active Vikings, knights and role players will conquer the W:O:A.
A separate area of 2 hectare shall rouse the association of an army camp. A Viking village and knights army camp will be the home for Vikings for four days and different daily highlights will be presented to the fans of the medieval scene such as vikings’ and knights’ fights, staged role-player battles, weapon shows, jugglery and music.
Additionally we will provide a medieval trader´s mile and a contemporary catering supply.
“The Wackinger” has set new standards with its programme and size that is unique on metal festivals worldwide. The entry to this spectacle is for free.
In the special block Medieval Market you can find detailed information about the schedule.
Waste material
After positive experience with the pilot project “Wertstoffe, Wiederverwertung, Müllvermeidung und Nachhaltigkeit“ it will be put into practice on the whole festival ground.
Web Cam
The web cam is expected to go online in the end of July and presents you the latest pictures of the set up in a 30 minutes interval of the W:O:A 2012.
Welcome Point
Visitors traveling by train and taking the shuttle bus in Itzehoe can use the first service point of the festival there. In the previous year about 20.000 festival attendees made use of this checkpoint when arriving or leaving. The W:O:A Welcome Point is located directly at the departure area of the shuttle busses at the train station in Itzehoe. The staff at the W:O:A Welcome Point know all places and can answer your questions. It opens from Monday, 30 July 2012 from 9 am until Sunday, 05 August 2012 at 6 pm at the latest. In case of traffic jams or delays of trains etc. we will keep up the supply of information.
W:O:A Info Office
From 30 July 2012 we will have an additional INFO-OFFICE in Wacken. There you can get all information about Wacken. If you have questions about times of the shuttles, lost property, train- and flight-times, telephone/fax, running order, ground maps, Meet & Greet, First Aid etc. our staff members can help you. It’s an addition to the Info-Office next to the wristband info point. Here you can charge your mobile phone (please bring your charging cable with you!) or use the internet. Also you can get Merchandise- and Outdoorstuff. You can find the opening hours at the beginning of this paper!
Like last year the W:O:A provides an opportunity to all festival-guests to use the internet with notebooks or wireless compatible equipment. This is possible in the proximity to the stages and in selected areas on the campground.
You can get the W-LAN tickets at the festival at the W:O:A Info Office, the supermarkets and the merchandising-stands. With your ticket you get W-LAN-access from Wednesday to Sunday. The price for the W-LAN Tickets will be announced in the newsletters and in the section News on www.wacken.com.
For more information call the hotline +49 (0) 4367 996 994 0 or wackenlan@wacken.com
W:O:A Warm up Parties
At the legendary W:O:A Warm up Parties there is everything a Metalhead-heart desires. Just here you can bang your head to W:O:A decoration. It’s the best possibility to prepare yourself for the pilgrimage to Metal-Mekka (“OUR MECCA IS CALLED WACKEN!”). You can find current dates and locations here: W:O:A Warm Up Parties
Your ticket must be exchanged with the wristband at the Wacken Plaza (pos. 44). Only with this wristband you have the permission to enter the festival ground and you can leave and return to the festival ground at any time. The exchange takes place at the wristband container at the Wacken Plaza (pos. 44). The wristband must be shown unrequested to the ticket control and security forces! As usual, you get your Full Metal Bag at this place. The Lost & Found bureau is also located there as well.
WOA returnable cups - Donation - Viva con Agua
On the festival site you can donate WOA returnable cups to Viva Con Aguas Water Projects. Instead of returning your cups at the food and drinking stands you can put them in one of the big collecting boxes.
Several Cup-Hunter teams are en route on the festival site, equipped with a box and marked with a Viva con Aqua flag, happy to collect your cups directly!
Viva con Agua e.V., founded in 2006, is a nonprofit organization that is campaign for a humanly access to clean drinking water. The organization is supporting several water projects worldwide by collecting donations.
Festival ABC 
