Wacken Winter Nights 2020 - OUR GUIDE

WACKEN WINTER NIGHTS 2020 - OUR GUIDE
(Taken from last year's perspective)

For the 4th time, Wacken Winter Nights returns with yet another strong lineup and as we are writing this I think back to our first attendance last year which we wanna share with you. So if you're a newcomer or just wondering how this festival goes then keep on reading.

Many may think of WWN as a cold experience which we totally agree that it is but there are many ways this festival brings comfort for everyone to have a nice and warm stay. The energy and excitement is real and the festival knows just how to decorate and set the overall mood for the experience to be even more special... Very winter-ish! 

THE SETTING / CAMPING
A big part of the full experience will only be fulfilled if you're camping in our opinion. Arriving at the campgrounds that are used for the summer edition as well, the much smaller used area lights up with people who take over the camping just as if they were camping in the summertime. Tents, gazebos, and cars build up the atmosphere that even the cold cannot defeat.

Picture of our tents at the camping ground - WWN19

At night the festival places barrels with fire where the festival guests can gather, socialize and get warm. They are well placed around the camping area and warms up well and safely. Last year we were vary cold at night which made our sleeping situation unhappy, since the wind was aggressive and very profound, therefore we strongly recommend that you do everything you can to keep yourself warm (especially the feet), and with that being said we only have experience camping in a tent during the festival so we recommend you at least have the following things.
- A good and stable tent.
- A blanket to put inside the ground of the tent (to prevent cold coming up from the ground).
- An air mattress or sleeping bag that is made for minus degrees. 
- An extra blanket. 
- Some kind of flashlight (its very dark). 
- Socks, gloves and other winter clothing (wool socks).

The camping ground also offers flush toilets and warm showers in a small area where you can find a food tent and options to sit down. Many do not know this but you can bring all your own food and drinks to the camping area, so alcohol and whatever you fancy take it with you! (you cannot bring glass bottles). 

FACT!
Did you know the cold can drain your electronics faster or even make permanent damage? So stick your electronics in the foot of your sleeping bag to prevent this from happening. You can charge your electronics in some areas around the camping. 

Official WWN winter camping statements:
https://www.wacken-winter-nights.com/en/info/winter-camping/
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THE PEOPLE
Last year we traveled alone which can be difficult for many, but fear not! People from all over the world travel here too and is in the same boat as you. The whole medieval atmosphere is very friendly and during the concerts, connections are formed. You meet new people all the time who are welcoming and bonds are formed when dancing together during the shows as the mood is tremendously positive in the attendees.

Waking up in the camping area we had friendly neighbors who offered us hot drinks each morning that went from that to spent significant time together talking, drinking which leads to bonding. This is what we mean about the full experience only can be reached if camping.

Taken from the WWN website

This is also that kind of event where you can tell the performers shows up with a great passion and during the days they mingle with the crowd, watching others perform and just enjoying the audience and the atmosphere itself. The festival staff is quite interesting when it comes to getting information and so. Many do not (or won't) speak English which actually makes it difficult to be from a foreign country and attend. This is probably the biggest offence when it comes to WWN. 

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THE FESTIVAL 
When going to the festival grounds from the camping area you will be walking a quite long road that can take up to about 15 minutes to walk (in my opinion quite far). On the way, you will walk on a normal road in a slightly open area that leads you to the festival gates that opens at 14:00 on Friday and at 12:00 the other two days. 

Passing the gate the medieval atmosphere hits right away and welcomes you to an area that screams the middle ages also named Old Village that is a historical place surrounded by the mystic woods. The Mystic woods offer places to sit, a bar, role play, and a passage through to the main stage and the food and merch square. There are 3 stages, the Ice Palace which is the main stage, the Mystic Woods that show of walk-acts and juggler shows, and The Theatre of Grace that is the second big stage that is in a building where you will find the official WWN merch as well.

Taken from the WWN website

Pictures of the Mystic Woods

Pictures of the Old Village

Pictures of the Ice Palace
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FOOD / DRINKS
Fist of all we would like to state that you cannot bring your own food and drinks inside the festival itself, but fear not' because there is a lot of options, both for the vegan and the carnivore. 

At the Old Village, there is food stands with typical German food like long meat spears, potatoes/fries with some kind of dip or even warm soup with delicious homemade bread. When it comes to drinks you can go to the tea/coffee stand that offers a special large range of tea including the WWN tea that can be bought to take home with a festival designed mug. There is also a lot of bars around that offer beer, mead, warm drinks, shots, water, and soda. 

FACT!
When you buy something to drink in a cup you pay 1 Euro for the cup, that can be returned and you will get your money back. 
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THE MUSIC
...And now to the most important part or at least for us!
This year WWN offers 30+ bands/acts from all over the world and here are some of what we look forward to the most. 

BALDRS DRAUMAR
A band that definitely will fire up Theatre of Grace the second day of the festival with their positive vibes and dance lively metal music.
From the Netherlands, they bring us their take of folk/Viking metal with probably a large selection of songs from their now four released albums. 

THEATRE OF GRACE - SATURDAY 15TH
16:20 - 17:05 


BORKNAGAR
Last year they released "True North" what many will state as one of the best releases from 2019 and yes we agree it is a great album.
In 2018 they played Wacken Open Air which was a killer show so we sure look forward to an even better one from the Norwegians that performs Viking/folk black metal with progressive takes.

ICE PALACE - FRIDAY 14TH
18:50 - 19:35
FAIRYTALE
We look forward to hearing if the two female-fronted musicians can bring the atmosphere from digital form to live with their own band, old Irish tales, and modern fantasy. 

THEATRE OF GRACE - SUNDAY 16TH
15:05 - 16:05
FEJD
A very suitable WWN band like Fejd will open the Ice Palace stage and the entire Wacken Winter Nights 2020 with their nordic folk metal. 
The Swedes have not released anything new since 2016 so let us hope for some new material. This will be their first appearance for this festival.  

ICE PALACE - FRIDAY 14TH
15:30 - 16:15
FINSTERFORST
The Germans released their 5th album "Zerfall" last year, and so with that, we look forward to attending a set mixed of that with classics. If you like the pagan metal sound of Moonsorrow with more instruments this is for you. 

ICE PALACE - SUNDAY 16TH
14:10 - 15:00
LINDY-FAY HELLA
The female vocalist Lindy from Wardruna just finished her solo record "Seafarer" that was released last year. This performance will be our first when it comes to this project, we look forward to experience her atmosphere and see if she can capture and overwhelm us all.

THEATRE OF GRACE - FRIDAY 14TH
19:40 - 20:25
NYTT LAND
Self-created instruments will be a part of this traditional folk ritual that flourished in the heart of Siberia. They have five albums on their record and will be performing their first WWN show this edition.

THEATRE OF GRACE - SATURDAY 15TH
18:00 - 18:45
WINTERFYLLETH
UK's own black metallers have been very active touring. There is a lot of feeling to their music which always makes their shows masterpieces of special musical treats. Every album has moved us in some way, this is definitely worth everyone's time when they will be performing at the WWN church.

VILLAGE CHURCH - SATURDAY 15TH
19:00 - 20:00
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RUNNING ORDER 

You can read about the full lineup here:

Wacken Winter Nights website:

Wacken Winter Nights Facebook:

Wacken Winter Nights Event:

Wacken Winter Nights Maps:
https://www.wacken-winter-nights.com/en/magic-worlds/area-maps/

 Wacken Winter Nights Tickets:


Adresse: 
Reselithweg 17
25596 Wacken



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