Wacken

Wacken is a village in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, best known as the location of the Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) heavy metal music festival. The village has a population of around 2,000 people and is situated in the Dithmarschen district.

The Wacken Open Air festival began in 1990 and has grown to become one of the largest heavy metal festivals in the world. It typically takes place over four days in early August and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. The festival features a wide range of metal subgenres and has hosted many of the most iconic bands in the genre. The event has a significant economic impact on the region, attracting tourists and creating temporary employment.

Beyond the festival, Wacken is a typical rural German village. Its agricultural landscape and quiet atmosphere stand in stark contrast to the massive influx of festival-goers each summer. The festival has become intrinsically linked to the identity of the village, with locals often participating in or accommodating the event. While the festival is the primary reason for Wacken's international recognition, the village itself retains its traditional charm and rural character for the majority of the year. The infrastructure in Wacken is adapted to handle the enormous crowds during the festival, with temporary stages, camping areas, and extensive logistical arrangements.