19. Rock am Berg Open Air Merkers

Rock am Berg — Punk Festival in the Rhön

Rock am Berg is a staple of the German punk and indie festival scene. Since 2007, dedicated volunteers have organized the festival at Waldstadion Merkers, a district of the Krayenberggemeinde in the Wartburgkreis (Thuringia, on the border with Hessian Rhön). What started as a small local initiative has grown over the years into a festival with several thousand visitors and a nationally recognized lineup.

Punk, Indie, Alternative — and Values

Musically, Rock am Berg is firmly rooted in the punk, indie, and alternative spectrum — ska-punk, hardcore, folk-punk, indie-pop, and experimental acts share the stages. What makes the festival special is its strong value orientation: an explicit awareness structure is present around the clock, and an accompanying workshop and talk program conveys political and social content. Rock am Berg sees itself not as a commercial mainstream festival, but as a meeting point for a scene that combines music and social engagement.

Lineup 2026 — A Strong Season

The 2026 program brings together an impressive list of German and international bands. Confirmed acts include 100 Kilo Herz, Acht Eimer Hühnerherzen, Bittter, Björn Peng, Dream Nails, Endstation Chaos, Frittenbude, Hi! Spencer, Häck/Mäck, Kaput Krauts, Kellerloch, Krav Boca, Lak, Lygo, Mal Eleve, Mandelkokainschnaps, Nikra, Oironie, Produzenten Der Froide, Rauchen, Remote Bondage, Rogers, Smile And Burn, The Dead End Kids, The Red Flags, The Snouters, Theilen, Tigeryouth, and Trümmerratten.

Merkers and the Rhön

Merkers is located in the Wartburgkreis in western Thuringia, on the border with Hessian Rhön. The district is known regionally for the Merkers Adventure Mine (formerly potash mining), which houses Europe's longest underground concert halls. However, Rock am Berg takes place above ground at the Waldstadion — a park-like sports facility on the edge of the forest, ideal for open-air festivals.