South of Heaven Open Air 2026 – Where Metal Meets the Heart of Maastricht

🔥 Introduction — The Sound of Rebellion Returns

Get ready to headbang under the open sky! The South of Heaven Open Air Festival is returning to Maastricht on 6–7 June 2026, uniting metal lovers from across Europe for two days of pure energy, roaring guitars, and a community that lives and breathes heavy sound.

What started as a small underground gathering has become one of the Netherlands’ most respected open-air metal festivals, praised for its authentic vibe, stunning Limburg setting, and unforgettable weekend experience.

🎸 Event Quick Facts

• Dates: 6–7 June 2026

• Location: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands

• Official Website: southofheaven.nl

⚡ What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 edition promises to be louder, darker, and more powerful than ever — with an explosive mix of thrash, death, black, doom, and hardcore metal acts from around the world.

Festival Highlights:

• 🎶 20+ international bands across two electrifying days

• 🏕️ Open-air camping zone with afterparties and jam sessions

• 🔥 Pyro shows, laser lights, and stage fireworks

• 🍻 Craft beer & local food stands (including vegan options)

• 🎸 Merch, tattoos, and meet-and-greets with artists

South of Heaven isn’t just a concert — it’s a metal lifestyle weekend where music meets friendship, fire, and freedom.

🏟️ Venue & Setting

Set against the scenic hills of Limburg, just outside Maastricht, the festival site blends natural beauty with raw power. Wide open fields, rolling greenery, and the energy of live metal create a stunning backdrop — perfect for camping and late-night headbanging.

Maastricht’s location on the Dutch–Belgian–German border makes it easy to reach from major European cities like Brussels, Aachen, Liège, and Cologne.

🛣️ How to Get There

• 🚆 By Train: Maastricht Central Station connects directly to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Liège, and Aachen.

• 🚗 By Car: Use highways A2 or A79 — festival parking areas are available near the venue.

• 🚌 By Shuttle or Bus: Dedicated festival shuttles will operate from Maastricht Central to the event grounds.

💡 Travel Tip: If you’re staying outside Maastricht, regional trains and late-night buses serve nearby towns like Valkenburg or Heerlen, which also offer affordable stays.

🏕️ Where to Stay – Hotels, Hostels & Camping

🎪 On-Site Camping (Budget Option)

Nothing beats waking up to the sound of guitars warming up! The South of Heaven Campsite is right next to the main stage area and includes:

• Access from Friday morning to Sunday evening

• Showers, toilets, food trucks & beer stands

• Late-night jam zones and community tents

💰 Average Cost: €40–€60 for the full weekend (bring your own tent)

🏨 Hotels & Hostels in Maastricht (Mid-Range to Premium)

1. The Green Elephant Hostel – €40–€70 per night
Eco-friendly, clean, and social. Great for solo travelers and small groups.

2. Kaboom Hotel Maastricht – €85–€120 per night
Trendy hotel right across from Maastricht Central Station — ideal for easy access to festival shuttles.

3. Mabi City Centre Hotel – €100–€150 per night
Boutique comfort in the heart of the old city. Stylish and quiet after a day of noise.

4. NH Maastricht Hotel – €110–€160 per night
Spacious rooms, sauna, and walking distance to the city’s southern areas — perfect for relaxing after the chaos.

🏡 Budget Guesthouses & Nearby Stays (Outside Maastricht)

• Hotel Valkenburg by Mercure – €75–€100

• Stayokay Maastricht – €45–€70 (hostel dorms & private rooms)

• Airbnbs in Limburg countryside – from €60/night for 2 people

💡 Budget Tip: Staying 10–15 minutes outside the city often saves 30–40% on accommodation — and most places are connected by regional bus or train.

💰 Estimated Festival Budget (Per Person)

🎸 Total Estimated Budget: €250–€400 for the full weekend (including travel, stay & spending).

🎤 Past Lineups & Legacy

Since its early days, South of Heaven has hosted epic acts such as Hatebreed, Soulfly, Channel Zero, Decapitated, and Obituary, alongside new European underground names keeping the scene alive.

The lineup always mixes genres — a place where thrashers, doom lovers, and hardcore fans mosh together under one sky.

🤘 Festival Vibes

South of Heaven’s biggest strength is its community — no egos, no drama, just respect and raw energy. Expect:

• Fans camping side-by-side like family

• Tattoos, leather jackets, and battle vests everywhere

• A welcoming vibe for international visitors

• Non-stop riffs until sunrise

📸 Best Moments to Capture

• The main stage at sunset — fire, smoke, and light shows

• The crowd surfing pit during headline sets

• Camping at night with glowing lanterns and guitars

• Merch alley — the most colorful spot for band gear and memorabilia

🌍 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The South of Heaven Open Air 2026 is more than just music — it’s a gathering of souls who live for freedom, adrenaline, and sound.
With its scenic location, powerful performances, and laid-back community vibe, this festival delivers everything a true metal fan could ask for.

Whether you’re traveling from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, or beyond, Maastricht’s southern charm makes it the perfect metal pilgrimage spot for summer 2026.

Final Thoughts

When the amplifiers ignite and the crowd screams in unison, South of Heaven Open Air 2026 becomes more than a festival — it’s a heartbeat for the global metal family.

Two days. Dozens of bands. Thousands of fans. One passion.

📅 Save the dates: 6–7 June 2026, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Pack your boots, grab your tent, and let the thunder of metal shake your summer.