This is Where the Music Plays: The Top 11 Festivals in Germany

Dancing crowds and infectious music in front of the stage; partying and drinking games at the campsite - the festival season of 2020 is just around the corner! More than 1.5 million visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere and live acts at multi-day music events in Germany each year.

Which festival is particularly popular among music lovers?

Travelcircus has once again taken a close look at a total of 277 festivals in Germany to compare prices, duration, Instagrammability, and visitor numbers to crown the top 11 best festivals.

Nature One | Rock am Ring | Wacken | Parookaville | Airbeat One | Rock im Park | Hurricane Festival | Juicy Beats | SonneMondSterne | Summer Breeze | Southside Festival

300+ acts across 20+ stages

As one of Germany's largest electronic festivals, Nature One celebrated its 25th anniversary last year - and 2020 is guaranteed to be just as festive! With over 300 artists, DJs, and music acts, 65,000 visitors can expect a party on four main stages and 19 club floors - no other festival in Germany can boast as many shows.

Affordable Party

Festival-goers can rejoice over the prices: Three days of partying start at $97.90. With a daily price of $32.63, Nature One is significantly below the German average of $45.20, making it one of the most affordable festivals in Germany.

How do I get there?

Festival visitors can best reach the venue by car via B51 to A555. On A61, continue to Dörth and take the Emmelshausen exit. Once on B327, follow L225 to the campsite. The festival grounds are located at the Pydna rocket base. Perfect location for a spaced-out electronic festival, right?

The Classic

Rock am Ring is THE festival in Germany for the perfect blend of rock, punk, alternative, rap, metal, and post-hardcore. The music event has made a name for itself worldwide over the years, attracting an international and multi-generational audience.

The festival grounds at Nürburgring - which also gave the festival its name - now accommodates up to 87,000 visitors and is considered one of the most photogenic locations in Germany: the hashtag #rockamring has appeared 103,500 times beneath Instagram pictures.

"Huh uh, come on, honey! Huh uh, count your money"

With costs of $244.00, the three-day Rock am Ring is $5.00 pricier than last year and belongs to the higher price range: the daily price of $81.33 is significantly above the German average.

But the price is worth it: In 2019, 75 bands and musicians created an exuberant party atmosphere among the visitors, and for the 35th anniversary of Rock am Ring, 52 acts have been confirmed so far - and that number is steadily rising. Absolute highlights in the lineup include: Disturbed, Green Day, Korn, System of a Down, and Trailerpark.

How do I get there?

Festival-goers can reach special bus lines to the Nürburgring via the Ahrbrück, Koblenz, Cologne, and Bonn Hbf train stations. Those traveling in their vehicles can take the "Wehr" exit on A61 to B412 and B258, which lead directly to the festival grounds.

The Legends of Metal Live in the Field

The quaint village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein has fewer than 2,000 residents - and yet since 1990, up to 75,000 metalheads pilgrimage to the small community each year to attend one of the largest metal and hard rock festivals in the world.

Alongside metal queen Doro Pesch, legends like Böhse Onkelz, Motörhead, Slayer, Rammstein, and Iron Maiden have rocked the stages of Wacken. It's no surprise that the festival has sold out every year since 2007.

150 times Wall of Death, Circle Pit & Headbanging

This year, festival visitors can look forward to over 150 live acts - 112 of which are already confirmed. Metal lovers can headbang to bands like In Extremo, Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, and Grave Digger.

Not just devil music: Selected concerts of Wacken Open Air are held in the local church of Wacken.

How do I get there?

The lucky 75,000 festival-goers who have a Wacken ticket can arrive by car via the A7 and A23. The routes are well signposted. Those who prefer to protect the environment should travel by train to the Itzehoe station. There, a shuttle service is available to the festival grounds.

Germany's Largest Electro-Festival

Although Parookaville is still a newcomer among festivals, it has already established itself as one of the best in Germany. Since 2015, electro acts have thrilled audiences with fast rhythms and catchy beats.

With around 85,000 visitors every year, Parookaville is not only one of the most popular festivals in our ranking but also Germany's largest electro festival. It has previously featured artists like Alesso, Robin Schulz, Steve Aoki, and Felix Jaehn on stage.

Escape from everyday life for 3 days: Parookaville is more than a festival; it resembles a self-contained city. In addition to stages and campsites, the festival grounds include a church, a prison, a supermarket, and even a citizens' office. It's no surprise that the hashtag #parookaville appears under 130,900 Instagram pictures.

Everything has its price: Germany's most expensive festival

For $285, festival-goers can dive into a foreign world for three days - however, that hefty price tag makes Parookaville Germany's most expensive festival. For a daily price of $95.00, which is more than double the average price of $45.20, visitors can expect up to 200 live shows across eight stages.

Surprise!

So far, the organizers have only announced 38 acts. Alongside world-renowned artists like Scooter, Steve Aoki, and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, attendees can expect some surprises!

How do I get there?

Those looking for a stress-free arrival should rely on public transportation. Shuttle buses operate from Weeze train station to the festival grounds. Cyclists are also strongly advised to park their bikes at the train station and use the shuttle service.

The Electro Giant in the North

Since 2002, Airbeat One in Neustadt-Glewe has brought the best artists from the electro scene to the stage. Artists like Afrojack, The Chainsmokers, and Alan Walker have already performed at the festival, delighting up to 65,000 spectators. Thus, Airbeat One is considered Germany's largest electro festival in Northern Germany.

Last year, nearly 200 show acts were visible across seven locations. For 2020, 18 artists from the lineup have been announced so far, including David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, and Marshmello.

From the Base to the Beat: The festival premiered for the first time in 2002 under the name Airbase One. It had to be renamed Airbeat One two years later due to trademark issues.

Photo Alert at Airbeat One

But it's not just the music that makes Airbeat One one of the best festivals in Germany - it also boasts 49,600 Instagram posts under the hashtag #airbeatone in our ranking. It seems that the festival is particularly photogenic!

Moreover, music lovers don't need to dig too deep into their pockets for a visit: Four days of festival including camping costs $209.98, equivalent to a daily price of $52.50.

How do I get there?

Airbeat One takes place at the Neustadt-Glewe airfield. Festival visitors can arrive by both car and public transport. Drivers take the "Neustadt-Glewe" exit on the A24 and follow the signage from there. Alternatively, a shuttle bus is available from Neustadt-Glewe train station to the festival grounds.

The Little Twin

If you like the lineup of Rock am Ring, you don't have to squeeze between 87,000 people at the Nürburgring. The twin festival Rock im Park offers the same lineup at the same price - but in Nuremberg.

In 2020, Rock im Park even celebrates a major anniversary: Together with 75,000 other rock music fans, visitors can celebrate the 25th anniversary of this legendary festival. In terms of lineup, Rock im Park draws in just as notable names as Rock am Ring: Disturbed, Green Day, Korn, System of a Down, and Trailerpark will be present.

"Money, all for money"

However, Rock im Park is in a higher price range like its bigger twin: Three days of festival fun cost $244.00, which equals a daily price of $81.33. This makes it not only $5.00 more expensive than last year but also the second most expensive festival in the top 11.

How do I get there?

Rock im Park takes place annually in Volkspark Dutzendteich in Nuremberg. The simplest way to arrive is by public transport. Visitors just need to make their way to Nuremberg main station and take the S-Bahn S2 to the "Dutzendteich" station. Alternatively, festival-goers can take the tram to the "Doku-Zentrum" stop.

Diversity is in the Air

The Hurricane Festival makes a two-place jump and lands at number 7 in 2020. Since 1997, it has showcased international and German artists as well as promising newcomers from the genres of hip-hop, punk, rock, and alternative. Highlights from recent years have included the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Die Ärzte, Florence + the Machine, Linkin Park, and Casper.

In 2020, festival-goers can expect a lineup featuring Twenty One Pilots, SDP, Deichkind, Kings of Leon, and nearly 100 other top acts. For a total of 70,000 music lovers, it's time to forget everyday life and celebrate!

Insider Tip: At Southside, the twin festival of Hurricane, the audience can admire the same artists. However, with "only" 60,000 visitors, it is a slightly smaller affair.

Great Photos at a High Price

Of course, as a festival-goer, you want to share your experiences with friends and family. Hurricane is particularly well-suited for this - the hashtag #hurricanefestival appears 39,000 times on Instagram. Last year, there were still 31,500 posts, representing a growth of 24%.

Such a photogenic festival certainly comes at a price - $199.00 for three days, to be exact. With a daily price of $66.33, Hurricane is thus $20 over the average price.

How do I get there?

With the train station in Scheeßel only 1,500 meters from the festival grounds, traveling by train is the recommended option. From June 18 to 22, trains from the metronom railway company can even be used free of charge for arrivals and departures.

The All-Rounder

With around 100 DJs and 50 live acts across 14 floors and six stages, Juicy Beats stands out as the ideal mix of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electro, making it unique among festivals. The festival has a long tradition, delighting up to 52,000 spectators in Dortmund's Westfalenpark since 1996.

On the stages of Juicy Beats, big names like Deichkind, K.I.Z., Marteria, and Fritz Kalkbrenner have already thrilled the crowd. For 2020, 39 acts are currently confirmed, including Kontra K, Alligatoah, and Juju. Thus, the festival has rightfully earned its eighth place in the ranking.

$100 for more than 100 acts

For a total of $103.20, music lovers can enjoy two days of partying, including camping. The daily price of $51.60 is quite reasonable given the number of shows offered.

How do I get there?

As every year, the Juicy Beats Festival will take place in Westfalenpark Dortmund in 2020. The venue is easily accessible by public transport and car. Those opting for the latter should take the A40 from the Dortmund-West highway interchange. At the B54, festival-goers should exit at the second exit.

Those who prefer to be environmentally friendly can easily reach the "Westfalenpark" stop via subways 45 and 49. The best part: The festival ticket also serves as a ticket for public transport in the VRR area.

Between Beach and Party Boat

Looking for a festival that brings together the best acts from techno and electronic music while offering a unique atmosphere between the beach, festival tents, and party boats? Then head to SonneMondSterne in Saalburg-Ebersdorf!

Since 1997, the festival has featured artists like Kraftwerk, Deichkind, Skrillex, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki on stage. In 2020, the audience can also look forward to performances by Alan Walker, Alle Farben, and Adam Beyer.

Entry-Level Festival with Summer Vibes

Every year, around 40,000 visitors enjoy the summer finale at SonneMondSterne. Due to the comparatively small crowd, the venue remains manageable - perfect for first-time festival-goers or experienced festival fans wanting to enjoy the intimate atmosphere.

The SonneMondSterne is also relatively affordable as an entry-level festival: For three days of music, camping, and beach vibes including a swimming lake, visitors pay $167.

How do I get there?

Those driving take the A9, exiting at "28-Schleiz" and following L1095 to Saalburg-Ebersdorf. If traveling by train, free shuttle service is available from the Bad Lobenstein, Neustadt/Orla, and Schleiz train stations.

The Slightly Longer Break

So, fully caught up in the festival buzz? How about attending a festival that lasts not the typical two or three days, but a full four days long? Summer Breeze Open Air makes this possible and has maintained its position at number 10 among Germany's best festivals since 2019!

Since 1997, Summer Breeze has dedicated itself to the metal and hardcore genre. Bands like Any Given Day, Beartooth, In Extremo, Deez Nuts, and Caliban have already shone on stage.

Full Stage, Full Wallet

Despite a manageable visitor count of 40,000, around 130 performances are expected across four stages each year. In 2020, festival-goers can look forward to artists such as Architects, Emil Bulls, I Prevail, and While She Sleeps.

The pricing is also impressive: Four days of metal with camping starts at $149.00. Although this is $16.00 more expensive than last year, the daily price of $37.25 is significantly below the German average.

How do I get there?

Buses travel directly from Stuttgart, Ulm, and Nuremberg Hbf to the festival grounds. If driving is preferred, the route via Dinkelsbühl is recommended.

Small but Mighty

The Southside Festival brings people together - strangers united by the rhythms of rock, pop, and alternative music become a dancing group.

With 60,000 visitors, the Southside Festival is a bit smaller than its sibling festival Hurricane located in the north. However, it doesn't need to hide - after all, artists like Placebo, The Cranberries, Green Day, and Linkin Park have filled the atmosphere with their unique sounds.

Many Stars for Little Money

This year, among others, Kings of Leon, Seeed, and Deichkind will make the ground shake. For three days of music, shows, and camping, visitors pay $219, which is above the average price in Germany - but considering the world stars performing at Southside in 2020, music lovers are sure to be happy to pay that amount.

How do I get there?

The Southside Festival focuses on sustainability: From June 18 to 22, visitors can use local trains in Baden-Württemberg free of charge with their festival ticket. Additionally, special trains from Munich, Augsburg, and Ulm as well as shuttle buses from Tuttlingen are available.

Those arriving by car can exit at 36-Tuningen on the A81 and follow B 523 to the festival grounds.

Have you caught the festival fever but are unsure how to embark on the adventure? The travel experts at Travelcircus have compiled all their festival experience into 7 tips to ensure you navigate the festival scene effortlessly as a beginner!

Do you want to explore the festival scene across Europe? Then let yourself be inspired by the Top 11 European Festivals!