Skip to main content

HOW WE LIVE INCLUSION AT W:O:A

People with disabilities face big and small challenges when attending festivals. But should they miss out on metal? Absolutely not. We are committed to ensuring that you can experience your W:O:A to the full.

Our 3 inclusion principles

1. Everyone has the right to Wacken. In our metal community, it doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, how you love and live – and whether you're in a wheelchair or not. If you have a disability, you'll always be right in the middle at Wacken Open Air. 

2. We have Wheels of Steel, the area for people with disabilities. Of course we know that you have special needs. That's why the festival has its own camping area where everything is tailored to you and you'll receive expert help from Alsterarbeit during opening hours. More info about Wheels of Steel here.

3. We focus on inclusion before, during and after the festival. For us, inclusion is not just a concept for the Wacken Open Air. It is our year-round attitude, which we live out in the form of numerous inclusive services and activities.

Your vote for greater inclusion!

Get in touch!

HELP IN NEED

Awareness & Pastoral Care at Wacken Open Air

The Nordkirche’s awareness and pastoral care team is here for you if you need a break from headbanging and partying or are looking for someone to talk to. The team in blue vests is ready to listen.

What and where?

  • Safer Space Bus at the north end of the Camping Plaza

  • Safer Space tent by the DRK (Red Cross) medical tent

  • Safer Space tent in the Wheels of Steel area – mobile pastoral care teams regularly on site

  • Mobile pastoral care team on the W:O:A grounds

You can also turn to the medical service and the crew at any time.

Stay loud, stay true to yourself—and if things need to get quiet for a while, stop by the Safer Space!

What YOU can do!

Look out for yourself and those around you.

Ask for consent: ensure everything happens with mutual agreement.

Get help from our crew. Come to our awareness and support team - they will listen to you and offer solidarity and assistance.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE INCLUSION AT W:O:A

There are countless inclusive moments at the holy ground every year. Here you can immerse yourself in some of them. Have fun!

Inclusion on Stage

Maik, Cajetan, Daniel and Nick from Amalgam rocked the W:O:A. 

Find out more

 

 

Once at Wacken

The big dream of seriously ill Joana came true in 2024.

Find out more!

An unforgettable day

With the ASB Hamburg's “Wish Car,” Philipp's dream came true: to go to Wacken one more time.

Find out more!

OUR PARTNER: ALSTERARBEIT

We are proud to have Alsterarbeit on board as a highly competent and energetic partner for our festival.


Alsterarbeit offers a wide range of support for you:

  • Loan of medical aids such as wheelchairs and walkers
  • Storage of medication
  • Expert repair of wheelchairs during the festival at cost price
  • Physiotherapy
  • Supply of liquid oxygen

Stage platforms

A good view of your metal stars: there are extra platforms in front of the stages for metalheads with wheelchairs.

Awareness & Counseling

Listening and simply being there: Our Awareness & Counseling team is here for you if you need a break or someone to talk to.

Body check for queer individuals

Our specially trained security team will assist you at the entrance.

Blood donation

Metalheads in Germany and Tirol can do something good and donate blood and will be rewarded with an exclusive designed “Blood Donor” T-shirt after six donations in their pass. 

DKMS

The helpfulness of our metal community never ceases to amaze us. More than 12,700 Metalheads have registered as potential donors so far. Some of them have already saved a life with their donation.

Green Wacken

Of course, our responsibility for social issues goes much further than that. Here you can find out everything about our extensive activities and how we are doing everything we can to make the festival even more sustainable every year under the motto “Green Wacken.” 

Learn more!