Ready to kick off the outdoor festival season in Germany with pulsating beats and mystical forest vibes? Hai in den Mai Festival returns May 1-4, 2025, transforming the enchanting Waldfrieden forest near Stemwede into a psytrance paradise. Read on for everything you need to know before experiencing this magical gathering.
About Waldfrieden Events: The Heart Behind Hai in den Mai
Waldfrieden Events, whose name beautifully translates to “forest peace” in German, is the visionary organization behind Hai in den Mai Festival. Established in the mid-1990s, this legendary event collective has spent nearly three decades creating some of Europe’s most authentic psytrance gatherings in their enchanted woodland venue near Stemwede. What began as intimate gatherings among like-minded enthusiasts has evolved into a world-renowned festival destination, with Waldfrieden Events masterfully balancing growth with the preservation of psytrance’s core values of community, creativity, and nature connection.
Double or Nothing
Beyond Hai in den Mai, which we will cover here, they also host the acclaimed Wonderland Festival in August. Their dedication to sustainability sets industry standards through renewable energy usage, comprehensive recycling programs, and protection of the forest ecology. The organization has cultivated a special international community that many describe as family, with attendees often referring to their annual returns to Waldfrieden as “coming home.” Through thoughtful curation of both music and environment, Waldfrieden Events has created not just festivals but transformative experiences that have significantly influenced European festival culture while maintaining the authentic underground spirit that makes their gatherings so special.
Hai in den Mai 2025 OpenFestival Dates & Location
When: May 1-4, 2025 (Thursday to Sunday) Where: Waldfrieden Forest, near Stemwede, Germany Festival Type: Outdoor Psytrance
The festival takes place in the magical Waldfrieden forest setting, creating an intimate atmosphere where music and nature combine perfectly. This woodland environment offers natural shade during the day and transforms into an enchanted wonderland at night with mesmerizing decorations.
Festival Schedule & Opening Times
Thursday, May 1st
Festival gates open: 2 PM
Warm-Up Party starts:
6 PM on the Backyard Floor
7 PM on the Hill Top
9 PM in the Club
Music until 5 AM Friday
Friday, May 2nd
Music break: 5 AM – 1 PM
Floors reopen:
1 PM: Backyard Floor
3 PM: Hilltop Floor
5 PM: Main Floor opening
Continuous music on Main Floor and Hill Top begins
Sunday, May 4th
Main Floor closes: 8 PM
After-hours continues on Hill Top and in the Club until 3-4 AM
Monday, May 5th
Camping allowed until morning
Campsite must be completely cleared by 2 PM
Getting to Hai in den Mai
By Car
The Waldfrieden venue is easily accessible by car from major German cities:
From Hamburg: Approximately 2 hours (175 km)
From Berlin: Approximately 3.5 hours (350 km)
From Cologne: Approximately 2.5 hours (230 km)
Follow signs to Stemwede, and as you approach, festival signage will guide you to the dedicated parking areas.
Important: If you want to park your vehicle (car, van, or motorhome) on the campsite, you must purchase a Car Ticket in addition to your festival ticket.
By Train
The nearest train stations are Lemförde and Rahden, about 10-13 km from the festival grounds. Good news for rail travelers – free shuttle buses operate from both stations to the festival site!
By Bus
Festival shuttle buses typically operate from major cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Check the festival’s official website for specific routes, schedules, and booking information.
Hai in den Mai Psytrance Festival dancefloor
Accommodation Options
Festival Camping
Good news! Camping at the festival is included with your festival ticket. The campsite is located within walking distance of the music areas, allowing you to easily return to your tent whenever needed.
What to bring:
Tent
Sleeping bag and camping pad
Headlamp or flashlight (essential for navigating at night)
Weather-appropriate clothing
Reusable water bottle
Biodegradable toiletries
Hotels & Alternative Accommodations
If camping isn’t your style, consider these nearby options:
Hotel Zur Post (Rahden) – 10 km from festival
Landhotel & Gasthof Westrich (Stemwede) – 5 km from festival
Gasthaus Linnenschmidt (Lemförde) – 12 km from festival
Pro tip: Book accommodations early as they fill up quickly during the festival period!
Hai in den Mai Psytrance Festival UV Deco
Weather Expectations & Preparation
May in Stemwede typically offers mild spring weather, but conditions can be unpredictable:
Average temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Rainfall: Moderate possibility of showers
Nighttime: Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset
Weather preparation essentials:
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Warm layers for evening
Sturdy, waterproof footwear
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Extra socks (wet feet can ruin your festival experience!)
Festival Areas & Amenities
Hai in den Mai offers a complete festival experience beyond just music:
Waldfrieden Psy Club – Indoor electronic music venue
Main Floor – Outdoor Psychedelic/Progressive Stage
The festival features three main stages with diverse psytrance and electronic music:
Main Floor
The heart of the festival features full-on and progressive psytrance from renowned artists:
Hatikwa
Outsiders
Neutron
Braingineers
Marsu
Hill Top
Dedicated to darker and more experimental sounds:
Ego Eraser
Freaxion
MindVoice
Relikt
TheJhila
Backyard & Club Areas
Offering a mix of techno, progressive, drum and bass, and hitech:
AKA NINA
Konfusia
Neobeo
Hugo Bass
Noclu
Tune in to Waldfrieden Events Soundcloud
Join the FeedFreq Community
Stay connected with the latest festival updates, artist interviews, and psytrance culture news by joining the FeedFreq community. Follow our dedicated coverage of Hai in den Mai 2025 for insider tips, exclusive content, and connections with fellow festival-goers.
Hai in den Mai isn’t just a festival—it’s the perfect gateway to Germany’s thriving psytrance scene and the ideal way to welcome the outdoor festival season. We’ll see you in the magical Waldfrieden forest!
Plan Your Trip To Hai in den Mai Psytrance Festival in Germany
Yaniv Ben Ari stands as a multifaceted creative force, carving a distinctive niche in the realms of music, technology, and entrepreneurship. Renowned as a Musician, DJ, Event producer, and Psychedelic Art enthusiast.
