Three and a half decades on, heavy metal music remains vibrant.
The Wacken Open Air (W:O:A), a renowned heavy metal festival held annually in the small village of Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, has become a significant tourism magnet for the region. This three-day event, scheduled for July 30 to August 2, has sold out, but last-minute tickets may still be available through the official ticket exchange.
The festival, which originated in 1990 with a few bands and 800 visitors, has grown exponentially over the years. Despite occasional weather-related losses, such as two years ago when the festival incurred losses and saw an entry ban, resulting in fewer attendees (61,000) than expected (85,000), the Wacken Open Air has continued to thrive.
Thomas Jensen, one of the co-founders of the Wacken Open Air, states that the festival is held on an agricultural field in nature, and they want to continue with the corresponding risks. Jensen and Hübner are still involved in the festival, owning about 31 percent, with the festival partner Superstruct Entertainment belonging to the investment company KKR.
The Wacken Open Air is considered one of the largest heavy metal festivals worldwide, attracting people from over 80 countries and turning Wacken into an international music capital for a few days. Bettina Bunge, Schleswig-Holstein's tourism chief, highlights that the Wacken Open Air is more than just a music festival, contributing to the positive image of Schleswig-Holstein as a welcoming music region.
More than a third of Wacken visitors consider a holiday on the coast of Schleswig-Holstein after the festival, benefiting hotels and catering throughout the region. This influx of visitors during the festival creates a surge in demand for accommodations, restaurants, and other services, supporting job creation and promoting the area as a travel destination.
This year, Guns N' Roses are headlining the 34th Wacken Open Air, marking the final stop of their Europe and Middle East tour. Other expected bands include Gojira, Papa Roach, Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Apocalyptica, and Michael Schenker. Jensen, at the age of 59, plans to celebrate the 35th Wacken Open Air next year.
Despite the commercial success of the festival, Jensen mentions that they have a few surprises planned for the upcoming festival, which they traditionally announce during the open air. He also expresses a desire to see young bands from the north that will only become known to a wider audience in five years, rather than focusing on well-known bands like Metallica.
The atmosphere at the Wacken Open Air is a significant factor in its success, attributed to the fans, town, and residents of Wacken. The festival never took money from bands to play at the festival, ensuring a diverse and authentic line-up each year.
In conclusion, the Wacken Open Air heavy metal festival has had a significant positive impact on Schleswig-Holstein’s tourism industry by attracting thousands of metal fans to the region, which boosts local tourism and benefits local businesses economically. The influx of visitors during the festival creates a surge in demand for accommodations, restaurants, and other services, supporting job creation and promoting the area as a travel destination.
[1] Schleswig-Holstein Tourism [2] Wacken Open Air Official Website [3] Schleswig-Holstein Statistics Office [4] Wacken Open Air News
- The Wacken Open Air, more than just a heavy metal festival, also offers a unique lifestyle experience, blending entertainment, travel, and music, making Schleswig-Holstein an alluring destination for tourists worldwide.
- As millions flock to Wacken each year for the Wacken Open Air, the region's tourism industry is further fueled by travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the festival's rich culture, turning their visit into a memorable vacation filled with music, entertainment, and new experiences.
