The Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) festival, held annually in Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein region, is a cornerstone of the global metal music scene. Known for its massive stages, immersive atmosphere, and the annual tradition of mud wrestling, W:O:A has become a pilgrimage site for fans of extreme metal. This year’s event, scheduled for 2025, promises to be another landmark moment in the festival’s storied history.
With its roots in the late 1980s, W:O:A has evolved from a modest gathering of metalheads into one of the world’s largest and most influential music festivals. The event attracts over 100,000 attendees each year, offering a diverse lineup of headliners such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Black Sabbath, alongside emerging acts from the underground scene. The festival’s iconic