Mahlstrom Open Air
Nature-connected Metal Festival at Herthasee near Holzappel with Black, Pagan, Folk, and Melodic Death Metal
About Mahlstrom Open Air
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Mahlstrom Open Air al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
In recent years, Mahlstrom Open Air has become a firmly established name in the German metal scene. The festival at Herthasee in Holzappel brings together three days of genres revolving around themes of nature, myth, history, and the uncanny: Black Metal, Pagan Metal, Folk Metal, Melodic Death Metal.
The 2026 lineup features 21 bands. Among the most well-known names are Harakiri For The Sky (atmospheric post-black metal from Austria), Vogelfrey (folk metal with German lyrics), Desaster (German black/thrash veterans from the Westerwald), Agrypnie (post-black metal), Afsky (black metal from Denmark), Aephanemer (melodic death metal from France), and Stillbirth (brutal death metal). Additionally, other bands from the German-speaking and European underground will perform.
What sets Mahlstrom Open Air apart from many genre festivals is its unique profile. The organizing collective emphasizes a connection to nature: the lake as the venue, regional products in catering, organic and Fairtrade shirts instead of mass merchandise. Two special features are cult favorites: the "Christmas Celebration" on Friday, with an ironic nod to the black metal tradition of winter themes, and the musical hike on Saturday, where bands play unplugged at various stations in nature.
With a capacity that maintains a family-like atmosphere, Mahlstrom offers an intimate experience, often described as "magical" – a rare blend of heavy music and serene natural scenery.
Mahlstrom Open Air — edition 2026
The 2026 edition offers a particularly dense lineup with internationally sought-after headliners and a strong underground presence. The mix of stylistic diversity within the metal spectrum and the serene natural setting at Herthasee promises to deliver the unique Mahlstrom atmosphere once again.
Programme Mahlstrom Open Air 2026
Bands featured in the 2026 lineup:
- Harakiri For The Sky – Post-Black Metal (Austria)
- Vogelfrey – Folk Metal
- Desaster – Black/Thrash Metal (Westerwald)
- Agrypnie – Post-Black Metal
- Afsky – Black Metal (Denmark)
- Aephanemer – Melodic Death Metal (France)
- Stillbirth – Brutal Death Metal
- plus other bands from the international underground
Exact running order and stage assignments available at mahlstrom-openair.de and time-for-metal.eu.
Highlights Mahlstrom Open Air 2026
- 21 bands from Black, Pagan, Folk, and Melodic Death Metal
- Headliners include Harakiri For The Sky and Vogelfrey
- "Christmas Celebration" on Friday
- Musical hike on Saturday
- Nature-connected concept with organic catering and Fairtrade shirts
Prices Mahlstrom Open Air 2026
Practical information — Mahlstrom Open Air
Venue: Am Herthasee, 56379 Holzappel.
Dates: Thursday, June 11th to Saturday, June 13th, 2026.
Tickets: via mahlstrom-openair.de.
Getting there: By car via L323 or K28 to Holzappel. By train to Diez or Limburg, then by bus; the festival provides information on shuttle options.
Camping: Possible on the festival grounds. Please observe the specific instructions on the festival website.
What to bring: Waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, as the lakeside venue can become muddy quickly in the rain.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Mahlstrom Open Air al mejor precio.
Sponsored link