ROCKHARZ 2025 is history. While the festival site is slowly being transformed back into an airfield, the anticipation for 2026 is already growing. The huge demand once again exceeded all expectations and underlines the festival’s firm place in the European metal scene. Thousands of fans have once again shown what makes the ROCKHARZ community so special: solidarity, passion, and the unbridled anticipation for four days of metal at the foot of the Harz Mountains.
But looking back on the 2025 festival days also fills the organizer with joy and gratitude: accompanied by the best possible weather, 25.000 fans celebrated to Heaven Shall Burn, King Diamond, Powerwolf, Saxon, In Extremo and many more at the peaceful, exciting festival with its unique atmosphere, where in addition eight civil wedding ceremonies were held this year.
The new arrival and traffic concept proved to be a great success, with the average waiting time being significantly reduced compared to previous years according to the guests’ feedback. On-site briefings were held at the camping areas with the support of a live drone stream for all law enforcement officers. Guests were able to revitalize themselves at around 45 food and drink stands as well as brace themselves against the heat with the help of over 85 fresh water taps; while behind the scenes, 600-700 helpers ensured a smooth and safe festival experience.
Another milestone this year, which is unique in the German festival landscape, was reached on a matter close to the hearts of the organizer, namely in the area of inclusion: Not only did the number of guests in the inclusion camp increase from 200 last year to 320 this year – once again proving ROCKHARZ’s extraordinary commitment in this area – the “ROCKHARZ Kompass” app was also successfully introduced. It uses turn-by-turn navigation to guide you, for example, from your own tent to stands or POIs on the site, and provides information such as the running order or prices of almost all the food stands. Originally intended as an app for people with visual impairments, it turned out to actually have a real additional value for all festival visitors.
The first highlights of ROCKHARZ 2026 (July 1 to 4, 2026) were announced while still on site – and, as always, they are impressive: HELLOWEEN, ALICE COOPER, EMPEROR, KNORKATOR, SUBWAY TO SALLY, AGNOSTIC FRONT, KATAKLYSM, BIOHAZARD, ANNISOKAY, DOMINUM, BETONTOD, FINNTROLL, SOULBOUND, EX DEO, GOTHMINISTER, MOTORJESUS, STAHLMANN, HAGGEFUGG, DIE HABENICHTSE and FINAL CRY will be there, among others.