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First time at W:O:A

Everything you need to know for your first visit!

Is this your first time attending W:O:A? Then you've come to the right place!

 

We've put together the most important information about the festival, organized into the categories of Tickets, Program, Travel, Camping, and Safety & Rules.

You can find all additional information in our Festival ABC, which is usually available between June and August. 

Tickets

Digital tickets will be available for download in the Ticket Center well in advance of the event.

If you still need a ticket after the festival is sold out, check out our ticket exchange in the Ticket Center, where you can often purchase surplus tickets from fans for fans at the original price.

During the festival, the ticket includes the following benefits:

  • Camping at no additional cost starting Sunday, July 25, 2027
  • Camping right next to your car
  • Free use of all showers and restrooms
  • Live music from Wednesday, July 28, 2027, through Saturday, July 31, 2027
  • Over 150 acts
  • Extensive supporting program with themes such as the Middle Ages and the End Times
  • Free transportation via the W:O:A bus shuttle from Itzehoe!

At the festival

Upon arrival at the venue, your digital ticket will be validated. In exchange, you’ll receive your festival wristband at the wristband pickup station, which will be checked every time you enter the camping or stage area in place of your ticket.

Program

A four-day program featuring over 150 bands

Lots of stages—and that's not even close to everything: Wacken Open Air has plenty in store for you!
 

Please note: Admission to all stages and performances is included in the ticket price. However, seating in front of the individual stages is limited.

In addition to the regular concerts, Wacken also always features a wide variety of special shows, themed nights, and a rich supporting program.

The schedule—which we call the “Running Order”—will be posted here on Wacken.com, in our app, and as a printable PDF before the festival begins. This will help you plan your visit to the best of your ability.

Getting There

The Wacken Open Air takes place in the area between the municipalities of Wacken, Gribbohm, Holstenniendorf, and Bokelrehm in western Schleswig-Holstein. You can find detailed information on how to get there here.

If you’re traveling by car, you’ll need an additional Access Pass, which is subject to a fee. 
You can find all the information you need here. About the Access Pass

Camping

Camping (starting Monday, July 25, 2027) is included in the ticket price for W:O:A.

Provided that ground conditions permit, we park all vehicles so that you can set up your tents right next to them.

The campground is equipped with showers and restrooms, which are also fully covered by the admission fee. Therefore, there are no additional charges!

 

Other amenities include signposts, light poles, breakfast tents, small supermarket tents, and several food and beverage stands.

Additional Services for a Fee

Several companies offer additional services for a fee on the Wacken Open Air grounds.

You’ll find a detailed list and descriptions of all services and additional offerings in our camping area!

Safety and Rules

Close coordination between the festival organizers, security providers, the police, the fire department, emergency medical services, and the public order office allows us to host a safe event while adhering to a manageable set of rules.

 

The Most Important Rules at a Glance

  • The most important rules are common sense and consideration for other visitors, artists, and staff.
  • Glass is prohibited everywhere due to the high risk of cuts.
  • Visitors may bring an unlimited amount of food and beverages onto the campground.
  • Barbecuing and cooking are permitted in the camping areas using charcoal, electricity, and gas.
  • Open fires are prohibited, including fire pits and similar items!
  • Generators are permitted under certain restrictions.
  • When using generators, sound systems, and similar equipment, please ensure that you do not disturb your neighbors.
  • All equipment and items, such as generators, refrigerators, gas cylinders, grills, and similar items, may only be used if they are in perfect working order.
  • Weapons are prohibited throughout the entire grounds. Tools, table knives, and similar items are permitted on the campground, but not in front of the stages.
  • Large bags and backpacks are prohibited in the stage areas.

Detailed rules can be found in the Festival ABC, the Terms and Conditions, and the Parking & Camping Rules.