Wacken Open Air concludes: Police guide metal fans home amid heavy traffic

The Wacken Open Air festival has drawn to a close, and fans are now making their way home. Police reported significant traffic congestion around the festival site, particularly at the exits of the camping areas, as the departure process began overnight and continued into Saturday afternoon. Despite the heavy volume, authorities stated that the traffic flow has been largely without major disruptions.

Law enforcement urged all metal fans to follow the instructions of on-site personnel and to exercise patience. They also emphasized the importance of drivers being fully fit to drive before starting their journeys. The 35th Wacken Open Air, which was sold out with 85,000 attendees, concluded overnight. Police characterized the four-day event as generally peaceful, noting a slight increase in the number of interventions compared to the previous year, primarily for support services like the ambulance.

The number of reported offenses saw a slight decrease compared to last year. This year's festival featured prominent acts such as Swedish headliners Sabaton, alongside Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Arch Enemy, Saxon, Running Wild, Hämatom, and Powerwolf.