If you've been looking for a unique metal festival experience that's a) boasting a killer lineup, b) is extremely affordable and c) takes place on one of the coolest sites on Planet Earth, then you officially need Rockstadt Extreme Fest in your life. Over the space of a decade, Rockstadt has evolved from one of the most promising new festivals in the European metal scene to an essential summer destination for metalheads. This year's edition, taking place from July 30 to August 3, is certainly no exception.
Often described as the Hellfest of Eastern Europe and drawing fans from around the world (in fact over 50% of ticketholders travel from abroad each year), Rockstadt not only brings together some of the best bands in metal every year, but boasts one of the coolest homes ever - Râșnov Fortress in Transylvania.
That means you can either just fly in for the festival with flights and tickets combined costing less than many major European festival tickets alone (a full ticket costs just €212 for five days of metal!), or bolt on some extra days to explore the beautiful surroundings and celebrated tourist spots of Transylvania - you could even book a trip to see Dracula's castle!
If it's just the music you're interested in, however, Rockstadt has got you covered and then some. This year's lineup features five blockbuster headliners in the shape of Machine Head, Gojira, Electric Callboy, Powerwolf and Wardruna, plus a supporting cast that includes Mastodon, Within Temptation, Kerry King, Apocalyptica, Sepultura and many, many more. It's undoubtedly one of the biggest and best metal lineups anywhere in Europe this year, and you can see it all for just over €200!
Best of all? With a controlled capacity of around 15,000 people, it's a relaxed and more intimate way to see some of the biggest and best names in metal - plus you can drink delicious local beers and long drinks for around €2 a pop, as well as a wide variety of local and international dishes, with a range of vegan and vegetarian options for the less carnivorous metalhead.
Music, culture and a beautiful, unique setting unlike any other? Rockstadt has it all. For more information on Rockstadt's lineup, tickets, its history and anything else you want to know, head to the official Rockstadt Extreme Fest website below:
