Wacken for first timers
Everything you need to know for your first visit!
You want to visit the W: O: A for the first time? Then you are in the right place! Use this page to check out the most important information about the festival, divided into the categories Tickets, Program, Travel, Camping and Security & Rules.
All further information can be found in our festival ABC, which is usually available between June and August.
Tickets
The W:O:A 2024 is sold out. There are no group tickets, day tickets or stuff like this. All tickets for W:O:A 2024 are digital tickets.
The digital tickets will be available for download in the Ticketcenter in time before the event.
During the festival, alll ticket types offer the same scope of services:
- Access to the campgrounds from Monday, July 29th 2024
- Camping next to your car!
- Use of all showers and toilets free of charge
- Líve music from Wednesday, July 31st 2024, to Saturday, August 3rd 2024
- Over 150 acts
- Comprehensive framework program with areas for topics such as the Middle Ages and End Times
- Exception: Extra cost for camping on Sunday - July 28th, 2024 (Arrival with own vehicle) with Sunday Acces Pass.
- Sunday arrival with public transport is free!
At the festival
After arrival at the site the digital ticket will get voided. At the wristband exchange you will receive your festival wristband, which will be checked instead of the ticket every time you enter the campsite or stage area.
Lineup and Program
4 days of program, over 150 bands, several stages and we're just getting started: There is a ton of stuff to do and see at Wacken Open Air!
In addition to the regular concerts, there are always many special shows, theme evenings and a rich supporting program.
The timetable for the program, called Running Order, will be announced before the festival starts. It will be available here at Wacken.com, in our app and as printable PDF documents. Really handy if you want to pla your stay!
Journey
Wacken Open Air takes place in the area between the villages of Wacken, Gribbohm, Holstenniendorf and Bokelrehm, in the North of Germany. Detailed information on arrival can be found here.
Camping
The camping (from Monday July 29th, 2024) is included in the ticket price at W:O:A, this also applies to camping in motor homes, caravans or similar vehicles. If the ground conditions allow it, we park all vehicles so that you can camp right next to them.
The campsite is equipped with showers and toilets, which are also fully paid for by the entrance fee. There are therefore no additional fees!
Further infrastructure includes signposts, light poles, breakfast tents, small supermarket tents and a few stalls for food and drinks.
The only exception to this is an arrival on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 by car, for which an extra Access Pass is required.
Chargeable additional services
Various providers offer chargeable additional services at Wacken Open Air.
A detailed list of all offers and services can be found on our CAMPING page!
Safety & Rules
Wacken Open Air is one of the safest and most peaceful major events in Europe - and to keep it that way, we need your help!
The close exchange between festival production, security companies, police, fire brigade, rescue service and the local authorities allows us to produce a safe event with a manageable set of rules.
The most important rules at a glance
- The main rules are common sense and consideration for other visitors, artists and the crew.
- Glass is prohibited everywhere due to the high risk of cuts
- Visitors can take unlimited food and drinks to the campsite.
- Barbecue and cooking is allowed on the camping grounds with coal, electricity and gas.
- Open fires are forbidden, including fire baskets and the like!
- Power generators are restricted - you are allowed to use them, but there are a few specific rules for them.
- When using power generators, music systems and similar devices, make sure that the neighbors are not overly bothered.
- All equipment and objects such as generators, refrigerators, gas bottles, grills and the like may only be used if they are in a technically perfect condition.
- Weapons are prohibited throughout the entire area. Tools, dinner knives and the like are only allowed at the camping area.
- Large bags and backpacks are prohibited within the stage area.
Detailed rules can be found in the Festival ABC, the General Terms and Conditions and the Park & Camping Regulations.