Inferno Metal Festival 2026 – Quick facts
| 🎸 Inferno Metal Festival 2026 – At a glance | |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 April 2026 (Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday) |
| 📍 Location | Rockefeller Music Hall & John Dee, Badstugata 2, 0183 Oslo |
| 🎸 Genre | Black metal, death metal, doom metal, thrash and extreme metal |
| 👥 Attendance | 4,000–5,000 over four days (approx. 1,550 per day) |
| 🌎 International | 60% of tickets sold abroad, visitors from 50+ countries |
| 💳 Tickets | 4-day pass NOK 4,350 (≈ EUR 375), day ticket NOK 1,195 – Ticketmaster |
| 👤 Age limit | 18 years (valid photo ID required) |
| ⏳ Doors | 16:00 (14:00 for conference pass holders) |
| 🎯 Founded | 2001 by Jens F. Ryland and Jan-Martin Jensen |
| 🌐 Official site | infernofestival.no |
Who is playing at Inferno Metal Festival 2026?
Inferno 2026 features over 60 bands across four days and six stages. The festival covers the full spectrum of extreme metal, from Norwegian black metal legends to international death metal and post-metal acts. Here are the evening headliners on Rockefeller.
Swedish post-metal masters close opening night. Cult of Luna are known for massive, atmospheric live shows and are widely regarded as one of the finest post-metal acts in the world.
The Norwegian black metal icon headlines Friday night. Mayhem have been one of the most influential forces in extreme metal since 1984 and are synonymous with Norwegian black metal history.
Norwegian progressive black metal veterans headline Saturday. Over 30+ years, Enslaved have developed a unique blend of black metal, progressive rock and Norse mythology that has earned them a devoted global following.
American death metal legends close the festival on Easter Sunday. Deicide are among the most iconic names in death metal, with over 35 years of relentless brutality.
More names on the bill
Old Man's Child, the project of Galder (also known from Dimmu Borgir), returns to the Inferno stage on Sunday. The Kovenant brings their industrial black metal to Friday night, while Primordial from Ireland deliver their thoughtful, epic metal on Sunday.
Incantation represent brutal death metal on Thursday. Tormentor, the Hungarian cult act featuring Attila Csihar, takes the Rockefeller stage on Thursday evening. Kanonenfieber from Germany bring WW1-themed death/black metal to Saturday. Samael from Switzerland also play Saturday.
Further confirmed bands include Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Audn, Whoredom Rife, Svarttjern, Mur, 1914, Funeral, Mork, Firespawn, Darvaza, Carnivore A.D., Groza, Sadistic Intent, Hulder, Bizarrekult and many more.
Day-by-day schedule
The programme is split between two main stages (Rockefeller and John Dee) plus four daytime club venues. Doors open at 16:00 on the main stages. Here is the headliner schedule for Rockefeller.
16:30 1914 • 18:00 Svarttjern • 19:30 Incantation • 21:15 Tormentor • 23:30 Cult of Luna
16:30 Funeral • 18:00 Mur • 19:30 Der Weg einer Freiheit • 21:15 The Kovenant • 23:30 Mayhem
16:30 Darvaza • 18:00 Whoredom Rife • 19:30 Samael • 21:15 Kanonenfieber • 23:30 Enslaved
16:30 Mork • 18:00 Audn • 19:30 Primordial • 21:15 Old Man's Child • 23:30 Deicide
John Dee (basement of Rockefeller, capacity 500) has its own full programme running simultaneously. Popular bands on John Dee can result in long queues and capacity issues. Arrive early for bands you want to see there.
Tickets for Inferno Metal Festival 2026
Tickets are sold via Ticketmaster.no and at infernofestival.no. The 4-day pass is running low. Tickets are non-refundable. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted on Ticketmaster.
| Ticket type | Price (NOK) | Approx. EUR | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎖 4-day pass | 4,350 | ~375 | All concerts at Rockefeller + John Dee + club venues (Apr 2–5) |
| 🎖 4-day + conference | 4,850 | ~420 | Everything in 4-day pass + Inferno Music Conference (Apr 1–5) |
| 💳 Day ticket | 1,195 | ~103 | One day at Rockefeller + John Dee (Thu, Fri, Sat or Sun) |
| 🎓 Conference pass | 800 | ~69 | Inferno Music Conference at Clarion Hotel The Hub (Apr 1–5) |
| 🎸 ESP guitar clinic (Mayhem) | 400 | ~35 | Guitar clinic with Teloch and Ghul, Saturday 4 April at 14:00 |
| 🥁 Drum clinic (Incantation) | 350 | ~30 | Charlie Koryn, Saturday 4 April at 11:30 |
| 🚍 Black Metal Bus Sightseeing | 999 | ~86 | Guided tour to black metal sites, April 2 and 3 |
| 🎨 In the Footsteps of Munch | 504–584 | ~44–50 | Guided tour of Edvard Munch's Oslo, April 3–5 |
The 4-day pass includes all daytime concerts at the club venues (Crow Bar, Vaterland, Kniven, Brewgata). If you have a day ticket or no ticket, access is sold at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Club venues have limited capacity.
Venues at Inferno 2026
Inferno Metal Festival uses multiple venues in central Oslo. All are within walking distance of Oslo Central Station and from each other. The main stages are Rockefeller and John Dee in the same building (Badstugata 2).
Capacity: 1,300. Badstugata 2, 0183 Oslo. Norway's most iconic rock and metal venue, established in 1986. All evening headliners perform here.
Capacity: 500. Located in the basement of Rockefeller. Intimate format with a parallel programme. Popular bands cause capacity issues and queues outside.
Torggata 32, Oslo. Replaces Goldie from previous years. Daytime concerts, free with 4-day pass.
Additional club venues with daytime concerts. All located in central Oslo near Oslo S. Door sales for those without a 4-day pass (first-come, first-served).
Beyond the concerts
Inferno is more than music. The festival offers a range of unique experiences that make it a complete metal pilgrimage.
A guided bus tour visiting locations tied to Norwegian black metal history, led by Anders Odden (Cadaver, Satyricon). The tour visits Holmenkollen Chapel, Neseblod Records (formerly the Helvete shop) and other historic sites. Departs from Clarion Hotel The Hub on April 2 and 3. Price: NOK 999. Status: Running Low.
Tattoo convention in the left wing of Rockefeller Music Hall. 13+ international tattoo artists from 8 countries, specialising in dark illustrative, blackwork, Norse/Viking motifs, horror and occult symbolism. Book directly with the artist.
Art exhibition featuring metal album cover artists such as Zbigniew M. Bielak, Costin Chioreanu and Kim Diaz Holm. Free for festival attendees. "In the Footsteps of Munch" guided tours about Edvard Munch's Oslo are also available (NOK 504–584, April 3–5).
The world's largest metal music conference, with nearly 300 delegates from 36 countries. Held at Clarion Hotel The Hub on Thursday and Friday daytime. Panel debates, networking, instrument clinics, and the Black Metal Auction. Conference pass: NOK 800. Combo pass: NOK 4,850.
How to get to Inferno Metal Festival
All venues are located in central Oslo, within walking distance of Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). You do not need a car or special transport. The festival is easily accessible for both Norwegian and international visitors.
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Norway's main international airport. Take the Airport Express Train (Flytoget) to Oslo Central Station (approx. 20 minutes, NOK 240). From Oslo S, it is a 5-minute walk to Rockefeller. Avoid Oslo Torp Sandefjord, which is 110 km from Oslo despite being marketed as "Oslo Torp".
Jernbanetorget Metro station (T-bane) and several tram lines are right next to Oslo S. However, all Inferno venues are within a 5–10 minute walk from the station, so public transport within Oslo is rarely needed. Use the Ruter app for tickets if needed.
All venues and Clarion Hotel The Hub are within walking distance of each other in central Oslo. From the hotel to Rockefeller is about a 5-minute walk. No transport needed between venues.
Inferno has no dedicated festival parking. The nearest public parking garages are Europark Ostbanehallen and Oslo City P-hus, both within 5 minutes walk of Rockefeller. Driving is not recommended.
Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Card payment (Visa, Mastercard, contactless) is accepted everywhere in Oslo, including at all venues and bars. Cash is rarely needed. Always choose to pay in NOK when offered a choice. Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates. Approx. rates: 1 EUR ≈ 11–12 NOK, 1 GBP ≈ 13–14 NOK, 1 USD ≈ 10–11 NOK.
Where to stay during Inferno
Inferno is an urban festival with no camping. Clarion Hotel The Hub is the official festival hotel and functions as the conference venue and social hub for the entire festival.
810 rooms, 5-minute walk to Rockefeller. Special rates for festival guests (March 29 to April 6). Facilities: breakfast until 11:00, swimming pool and sauna. The conference, afterparties and Black Metal Auction are all held here. This is the social centre of Inferno. Book early, as it fills up months in advance.
Central Oslo has many hotels within walking distance of Rockefeller. Thon Hotel Opera, Scandic Oslo City and Comfort Hotel Grand Central are all near Oslo S. Book early, as Easter is peak season in Oslo and rooms fill up fast.
Airbnb apartments in the Grunerlokka, Sentrum or Toyen areas are within walking distance of all venues. Oslo has several hostels as well. A shared apartment can be more affordable than individual hotel rooms for groups.
Inferno has no campsite. The festival is an urban event where all venues are in central Oslo. If you are looking for budget accommodation, hostels and shared Airbnb apartments are your best options.
Practical information for international visitors
Inferno takes place during Easter. This means most shops and grocery stores in Norway are closed. Plan ahead.
Most grocery stores and shops are closed from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday (2nd day of Easter). Stock up on food and drinks before Thursday. Joker at Oslo Central Station has extended opening hours. Oslo Street Food in Torggata (5 min from Rockefeller) is normally open.
Oslo Street Food in Torggata has international cuisine from 20+ stalls. Several restaurants in central Oslo stay open during Easter. Card payment is accepted everywhere. A typical meal costs NOK 150–250. Beer at venues is around NOK 100–120 for 0.4 litres.
The festival offers free basic earplugs. Sound levels at Rockefeller and especially John Dee can be extremely high. High-fidelity musician earplugs (Alpine, EarPeace, Etymotic) are recommended for optimal sound experience without hearing damage.
Free water available at all venues. Card payment accepted everywhere. Cloakroom at Rockefeller. Official Inferno merch and band merch available for purchase. Norwegian alcohol laws: beer/wine at 18, spirits at 20. Bring valid photo ID.
Norway is part of the Schengen Area but not the EU. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and many other nations do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Check udi.no for your country's requirements. English is spoken universally in Oslo. Emergency numbers: 112 (police), 113 (medical).
The history of Inferno Metal Festival
Inferno Metal Festival is Norway's longest-running metal festival, held every year during Easter since 2001 (except 2020–2021 due to covid-19). The festival is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture.
The founders
The festival was founded by Jens F. Ryland, guitarist in Borknagar, and Jan-Martin Jensen, founder of Radar Booking. Jensen was born in Bodo in 1963 and also ran nightclub Mars in Oslo (closed 1999), where bands like Emperor, Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child performed. Through Radar Booking, Jensen booked artists including Manowar, Cannibal Corpse, Devin Townsend and Leprous.
Jan-Martin Jensen passed away from cancer in February 2025. The 2025 edition of Inferno was the first without him and included a memorial at SALT by the Oslo Fjord. Artists from Gaerea, Behemoth and Rotting Christ paid tribute to Jensen during their performances.
From 500 to 5,000
The first edition was held April 13–14 2001 at Rockefeller Music Hall with about 500 attendees. The lineup included Borknagar, Enslaved, Carpathian Forest, Gehenna and Cadaver Inc. The festival has grown steadily and now attracts 4,000–5,000 unique visitors over four days, with 60% of tickets sold internationally.
| Year | Headliners |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Borknagar, Enslaved |
| 2002 | Dimmu Borgir, Witchery |
| 2003 | Immortal |
| 2005 | Morbid Angel, Dissection (reunion) |
| 2006 | Emperor (exclusive) |
| 2008 | Satyricon, Behemoth |
| 2010 | Marduk, Mayhem, Death Angel (10th anniversary) |
| 2019 | Emperor, Cannibal Corpse, Mayhem, Opeth |
| 2024 | Dimmu Borgir, Taake, Kampfar, Gorgoroth |
| 2026 | Mayhem, Deicide, Enslaved, Cult of Luna |
Frequently asked questions about Inferno Metal Festival
- Inferno Metal Festival 2026 takes place April 2–5 2026, from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. The festival is held every year during Easter in Oslo. Doors open at 16:00 on the main stages (14:00 for conference pass holders).
- The Rockefeller headliners are Cult of Luna (Thursday), Mayhem (Friday), Enslaved (Saturday) and Deicide (Sunday). Other major names include Old Man's Child, The Kovenant, Primordial, Incantation, Tormentor, Kanonenfieber and Samael. Over 60 bands across four days.
- The age limit is 18 years. Valid photo ID (passport, driver's licence or national ID card) is required at all venues.
- No. While Inferno started with a black metal focus, the lineup now spans death metal (Deicide, Incantation), doom metal (Funeral), post-metal (Cult of Luna), war metal (Kanonenfieber) and other extreme styles. The festival covers the full spectrum of extreme metal.
- Inferno was founded in 2001 by Jens F. Ryland (Borknagar guitarist) and Jan-Martin Jensen (founder of Radar Booking). The first edition was held April 13–14 2001 at Rockefeller with about 500 attendees. Jensen passed away in February 2025.
- The 4-day pass costs NOK 4,350 (approx. EUR 375) and covers all concerts at Rockefeller, John Dee and the club venues. Status: Running Low. The 4-day + conference combo costs NOK 4,850. Tickets are sold via Ticketmaster.no.
- Yes. Day tickets cost NOK 1,195 (approx. EUR 103) and cover Rockefeller and John Dee for the selected day. Club venues during the daytime are first-come, first-served for day ticket holders.
- No. Inferno sells a 4-day pass (NOK 4,350) or individual day tickets (NOK 1,195 per day). There is no separate 2-day weekend pass. To attend Saturday and Sunday, buy two day tickets.
- Tickets are sold via Ticketmaster.no and at infernofestival.no/tickets. International credit cards are accepted. Tickets are non-refundable. For club venues, door sales are available on-site (cash/card).
- Take the Flytoget Airport Express Train from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to Oslo Central Station (approx. 20 min, NOK 240). From Oslo S, Rockefeller is a 5-minute walk. Avoid Oslo Torp Sandefjord, which is 110 km away. Vy trains are cheaper (NOK 95–130) but slightly slower.
- Clarion Hotel The Hub is the official festival hotel, with 810 rooms and a 5-minute walk to Rockefeller. Special rates available for festival guests (March 29 to April 6). The conference, afterparties and social events are held here. Book early, as Easter is peak season.
- No. Most shops and grocery stores are closed from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday. Stock up before Thursday. Joker at Oslo Central Station has extended hours. Restaurants in central Oslo are generally open, though some have reduced hours.
- No. Inferno has no campsite. It is an urban festival with all venues in central Oslo. Use Clarion Hotel The Hub (official), other hotels near Oslo S, or Airbnb apartments in walking distance.
- A guided bus tour visiting locations tied to Norwegian black metal history, led by Anders Odden (Cadaver, Satyricon). Visits Holmenkollen Chapel, Neseblod Records (the former Helvete shop) and other historic sites. Price: NOK 999. Departs from Clarion Hotel The Hub on April 2 and 3. Status: Running Low.
- A tattoo convention held in the left wing of Rockefeller during the festival. 13+ international tattoo artists from 8 countries specialise in dark illustrative, blackwork, Norse/Viking motifs, horror and occult symbolism. Book directly with the artist.
- The world's largest metal music conference, with nearly 300 delegates from 36 countries. Held at Clarion Hotel The Hub on Thursday and Friday daytime. Features panel debates, networking, instrument clinics (ESP guitar clinic with Mayhem, drum clinic with Incantation) and the Black Metal Auction. Conference pass: NOK 800.
- Yes. Both official Inferno merchandise and band merch are available at the festival. Card payment accepted everywhere. Arrive early for the best selection of popular sizes.