Music to the Ears: The Best Festivals in Europe

Dancing crowds and exciting music in front of the stage; parties and drinking games at the campsite - the festival season 2020 is just around the corner! Every year, more than 6.7 million visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere and live acts at multi-day music events across Europe.

359 festivals compared

But which festival is particularly popular among music lovers? Travelcircus has taken a closer look at a total of 359 festivals in Europe for the second time, comparing prices, duration, Instagrammability, and visitor numbers to crown the top 11 best festivals.

Europe's largest festival for free!

Since 1995, the Pol'and'Rock Festival has allowed crowds in Poland to dance and celebrate under the motto "Love, Friendship & Music." Originally, the festival was created as a thank you to those who financially support Polish healthcare. It is now accessible to everyone.

As a non-profit festival, Pol'and'Rock has undeniably earned the title "Cheapest Festival in Europe": three days of music, partying, and camping are completely free in Poland! No wonder around 800,000 visitors flock to the festival grounds each year - more than any other open air event in Europe!

Festival for free - how is that possible? The entire event is funded by the Polish charity "Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy."

26 years of Pol'and'Rock

From July 30 to August 1, the Pol'and'Rock Festival enters its 26th round and delights ears with rock, indie, and alternative music. Festival-goers can look forward to up to 100 acts across four stages. In recent years, bands like Die Toten Hosen, Judas Priest, and Goo Goo Dolls have played, and in 2020, Parkway Drive, Lordi, and Avatar will rock the main stage!

Did you know? From 1995 to 2017, the Polish festival was known as "Przystanek Woodstock" - which translates to "Woodstock Stop." Since 2018, it has been called Pol'and'Rock due to trademark disputes over the term "Woodstock."

How do I get there?

From Berlin Ostkreuz, the Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) runs to Kostrzyn train station. If driving, it's best to take the B1 from Berlin to Kostrzyn. Don't forget your festival tent.

Island vacation in Budapest

Want to escape daily life for a whole week and let the music carry you away? That's what you can do at the Sziget Festival in Budapest. Every year, around 530,000 visitors spend a week on Óbuda Island in the heart of Hungary's capital. Therefore, it not only ranks among the longest festivals of its kind but also the second largest festival in Europe.

A little language lesson: Sziget means "Island" in Hungarian, which perfectly describes the festival's mentality.

The best acts from rock and pop

The Sziget Festival brings about 100 artists to the stages each year. Visitors mainly hear rock, indie, and alternative music but also acts from hip-hop and pop that excite the crowd. In addition to Pink, Muse, and Bastille, Placebo and Imagine Dragons have also thrilled the audience. In 2020, headliners include Calvin Harris, Kings of Leon, and Foster The People.

Though the ticket price of $359 may seem a bit steep initially, considering the length of the festival, it's quite justified. Calculated over seven days, that comes to a daily price of $48.43, which is still below the European average.

How do I get there?

By car, plane, bus, or train, visitors first travel to Budapest. In Budapest, they take tram line 4-6 from Nyugati Pályaudvar train station to Margit Híd-Budai Hídfő. From there, it's a short walk across the Margaret Bridge. If driving, take the A13, A17, D8, D1/E65, and M1 to Budaörsi út.

30,000 volunteers for 130,000 visitors

Roskilde Festival - synonymous with music, partying, and community. The best proof of this are the 130,000 visitors and 30,000 volunteers who breathe life into the open air every year. The festival premiered in 1971, making it one of the oldest of its kind.

Longest festival at a low price

With a duration of eight whole days, Roskilde has earned the title of "Longest Festival in Europe." With a ticket price of $304.45, that breaks down to a daily cost of $38.06, making it well below the European price average.

Noteworthy: Since 1972, Roskilde Festival has donated all of its proceeds to charitable organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, and WWF. As a non-profit festival, it has raised a financial support of 55 million euros thus far.

From pop, rock, and metal to hip-hop and electronic - at Roskilde, there's something for everyone. In 2020, international stars like Taylor Swift and FKA Twigs, along with Scandinavian artists like Thomas Helmig and Unge Ferrari, are expected to bring down the house.

How do I get there?

The easiest way for music lovers to reach Roskilde Festival is by public transport: take the train to Copenhagen Central Station and then to Roskilde Station. A shuttle bus will take visitors to the festival grounds.

One for all

Every year, up to 177,000 music fans pilgrimage to Glastonbury Festival in Pilton to celebrate together and forget daily life for five days. Since the festival covers a wide range of music genres, it is especially suitable for groups of friends with varying musical tastes. Whether it's rock, metal, pop, hip-hop, blues, or electronic - there's guaranteed to be the right act for everyone here.

In recent years, artists such as Tom Odell, The Killers, and Billie Eilish have graced the lineup, and this year attendees can look forward to Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and Diana Ross.

Milk for everyone: The festival takes place each year on a farm. When it first opened its doors in 1970, milk was included in the one-pound admission price.

How do I get there?

Festival-goers can best reach the UK by airplane or ferry. Then, they can take the train to Castle Cary Station, where a free shuttle bus will take them to the festival site. Alternatively, driving from London via the M3 to the A303 will lead to the festival.

Affordable summer vacation in Spain

Welcome to the world's largest reggae festival! Every year, Rototom Sunsplash attracts around 260,000 visitors. On stage, about 150 bands, solo artists, and sound systems provide top-notch entertainment.

Originally held in Italy, specifically in Parco del Rivellino, the festival has now settled in Benicàssim, Spain. For a full week, soak in summer vibes, palm trees, and sunshine! At a daily price of $33.57, Rototom Sunsplash offers a budget-friendly alternative to a summer vacation.

Listen up! The name Rototom reflects the distinctive drum sound that plays a central role in many reggae hits.

In 2019, acts included Ziggy Marley, Chronixx, and Queen Ifrica, while the lineup for 2020 is still top-secret, keeping things exciting for attendees.

How do I get there?

Festival-goers can reach Spain fastest by flying directly into Valencia or Barcelona. After that, take a train to Benicàssim. From the train station, it's just a one-kilometer walk to reach the festival grounds. If you prefer driving, take the AP-7 highway from Barcelona or Valencia.

26 years of music history in Portugal

In northern Portugal, specifically at Praia do Taboão along a dreamy river, the Paredes de Coura Festival attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. As Portugal's oldest festival, it has significantly influenced the country's music history - this year it celebrates its 26th anniversary.

What makes this festival so popular? In addition to its stunning backdrop between forest and river, Paredes de Coura offers a colorful mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop music. In recent years, artists such as Foo Fighters, Placebo, Korn, and Coldplay have gotten crowds dancing.

Top artists at a bargain price

This year, festival-goers can expect around 40 acts, including Pixies, Mac DeMarco, and Floating Points. The best part: with a ticket price of $110.00, a festival day costs just $27.50! This makes the Portuguese event one of the cheapest festivals in Europe.

How do I get there?

Travelers can fly to Porto and take Rede Expressos buses to Paredes de Coura. Alternatively, the municipality can also be accessed by train from Valença.

Fairytale wonderland of the future

Who hasn't dreamed of living in tomorrow's world? Tomorrowland makes it possible! The festival first took place as a one-day event in 2005, and it has since evolved into one of the largest electronic, techno, and dance music festivals.

Tomorrowland is so popular that it will take place over two weekends in 2020. Although it comes with a price tag of $380.00 per weekend, the cost is worth it: its magical character transports visitors to foreign worlds - this year's theme is "The Reflection of Love." It's no surprise that Tomorrowland claims the title of "most Instagrammable festival in Europe" with 4.3 million hashtags.

Winter wonderland: For those who can't wait for Tomorrowland's gates to open in July, they can shorten the waiting time from March 14 to 21 and enjoy a week full of skiing, music, and parties at Tomorrowland Winter with 25,000 other people.

More than 300 shows for your eyes and ears

毎 年、400,000 visitors at Tomorrowland are carried away by pulsating beats and rhythms. With over 100 stage performances per day (!!!), festival attendees get to experience both famous DJs and live acts as well as exciting newcomers.

In recent years, headliners have included Skrillex, Avicii, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia, and Armin van Buuren. In 2020, visitors can look forward to Afrojack, Marshmello, and Adam Beyer.

How do I get there?

By train, festival-goers can reach Boom station via NMBS and SNCB services. From there, shuttle buses transport visitors to the festival grounds. Alternatively, those driving can take the E19 or A12 highways, following signs to "Festival Boom."

The Gate to Hell?

The Hellfest in France transports its visitors to a world of its own: as soon as they pass through the majestic gates, it's time for partying, relaxation, sunshine and rain dance, as well as hard riffs and heart-wrenching melodies.

From Airbourne to ZZ Top

Over 150 acts from metal, hard rock, and punk draw 110,000 visitors to Clisson near Nantes each year. Over the years, bands such as Airbourne, Misfits, Motörhead, Slayer, ZZ Top, and Rammstein have brought metalheads to celebrate, and in 2020, Babymetal, Korn, and System of a Down are expected to rock out.

Photogenic France

Around 171,300 photos carry the hashtag #hellfest on Instagram; last year there were still 131,600. It seems the French are in a photo mood - but in this breathtaking backdrop near the country's west coast, it's more than understandable.

How do I get there?

Visitors fly to the city of Nantes. From there, shuttle buses head toward Clisson. If you want to drive, take the A4 and A11.

Europe's oldest festival

Pinkpop premiered in 1970 with 10,000 attendees. Since then, the festival in the Netherlands has been held continuously and is officially the oldest ongoing festival in Europe. Now, it attracts 180,000 people to Landgraaf for the largest party in the country.

The biggest acts of the century

Over the years, artists like Tenacious D, The Rolling Stones, and Pharrell Williams have rocked the stage. This year, around 60 acts are expected to thrill the crowd, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Marshmello, Guns N' Roses, and Twenty One Pilots.

With a daily price of $73.33, festival-goers must dig a bit deeper into their pockets, but given this lineup, it's sure to be a worthwhile investment! Plus, attendees can snap stunning photos for their Instagram feed: The hashtag #pinkpop has already been mentioned 94,100 times on the platform.

Aha! The name Pinkpop is derived from the music genre "pop" and the Dutch word "Pinksteren," which means "Pentecost." The reason for this: originally, the festival always took place during Pentecost.

How do I get there?

Special trains from the "NS" and "Arriva" agencies run from various destinations to the station in Landgraaf. From there, shuttle buses head to the festival grounds.

Insider tip from travel expert Kathrin Huken: "Not in the mood for crowds in front of the stage or can't get a ticket? No problem! From Wilhelminaberg, music fans have the best view of the stage for free. All you have to do is climb 508 steps."

300+ acts on 20+ floors

As one of the largest electronic festivals in Germany, Nature One celebrated its 25th anniversary last year - and it won't be any less celebratory in 2020! With over 300 artists, DJs, and music acts, 65,000 visitors can expect a party on four head floors and 19 club floors - however, the lineup is still strictly confidential.

Affordable Party

Festival-goers can also consider themselves lucky price-wise: three days of partying start at just $97.90, with a daily price of $32.63, which is significantly below the European average of $50.56, making it one of the cheaper festivals in Europe.

How do I get there?

Visitors driving can best take the B51 to A555. Continue along A61 to Dörth and from there to the Emmelshausen exit. Upon reaching B327, L225 leads to the campsite. The festival site is located on the Pydna rocket base. Perfect location for a spaced-out electronic festival, right?

The Legends of Metal live in the fields

The quiet village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein has fewer than 2,000 inhabitants - yet since 1990, up to 75,000 metalheads have been annually attracted to this small community to attend one of the largest metal and hard rock festivals in the world. Legendary acts such as metal queen Doro Pesch, Böhse Onkelz, Motörhead, Slayer, Rammstein, and Iron Maiden have rocked the stages of Wacken. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the festival has been sold out every year since 2007.

150 times Wall of Death, Circle Pit & Headbanging

This year, festival visitors can look forward to over 150 live acts - 112 of them are already confirmed. Metal fans can bang their heads to In Extremo, Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, and Grave Digger.

Not just the music of the devil: select concerts of the Wacken Open Air take place in the local church of Wacken.

Too good to be true

Sounds like an absolute dream for all denim-clad and metal fans, right? However, attendees at Wacken must pay $239.00 for three days of the festival. A daily price of $79.67 is significantly above the European average. Additionally, tickets sell out within minutes each year.

How do I get there?

The lucky 75,000 festival-goers who own a Wacken ticket can drive via the A7 and A23 highways. The routes are well signposted. If you prefer to be environmentally friendly, take the train to Itzehoe, where a shuttle service takes you to the festival grounds.

Finally, the festival season is upon us. To survive the summer between Wacken and Hellfest, the travel experts at Travelcircus have compiled their festival experience and tips to ensure that you navigate through the festival effortlessly - even as a newbie!

Want to know which 11 festivals in Europe are the most popular? Then check out the Travelcircus Festival Analysis!