The rock and punk festival by the band Unantastbar, held between the main square of Vipiteno and the alpine pastures of Monte Cavallo
The GEGEN DIE STILLE Festival is one of the most original musical events in South Tyrol, taking place in Vipiteno (Sterzing), in the Province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Established in 2019 to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the local band Unantastbar, the festival has grown into a highly anticipated event for thousands of rock and punk fans who travel to the Wipptal valley to enjoy two days of concerts in an unparalleled alpine setting.
The festival's distinctiveness lies in its dual nature. Friday and Saturday evenings come alive in Piazza Città (Stadtplatz), the historic heart of Vipiteno, located directly beneath the Twelve Tower (Zwölferturm), the town's landmark. On Saturday, the daytime program moves to higher altitudes: concerts are held among the alpine pastures of Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf), at approximately 2,000 meters, accessible by cable car. It is a rare experience that blends the raw energy of live music with the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites and the Alps.
The festival is organized by the band Unantastbar, a punk rock group originally from Vipiteno, who perform here in front of their home crowd. The lineup revolves around the band, mixing various genres from punk rock to metal and bringing in names from the Italian, Austrian, and international rock scenes for each edition. The festival is promoted in partnership with the Vipiteno-Val di Vizze-Campo di Trens Tourist Board, the Monte Cavallo ski and hiking area, and the Municipality of Vipiteno.
More than just a concert series, the GEGEN DIE STILLE Festival is celebrated by its attendees as a festival of solidarity and sharing. The official campsite, gathering areas, and the closeness between the audience and artists create a family-like atmosphere where music merges with South Tyrolean hospitality. The name itself, which means "against the silence" in German, perfectly captures the festival's spirit: raising one's voice through music in a remote mountain corner.
The GEGEN DIE STILLE Festival 2026 takes place on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026. Evening concerts will enliven Piazza Città in Vipiteno, beneath the Twelve Tower, while on Saturday afternoon the program moves to the Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf) pastures, at an altitude of about 2,000 meters, featuring numerous bands of various genres.
Among the confirmed names, the co-headliner Danko Jones, the legendary Canadian rock band, stands out alongside the hosts, Unantastbar. The 2026 edition holds special significance: the South Tyrolean band has announced that this will be their final live concert before an indefinite break. Due to this news, tickets are completely sold out.
Vipiteno (Sterzing) is located along the Brenner axis in the Province of Bolzano. By train, it is served by the Vipiteno-Val Giovo station; by car, it can be reached via the Vipiteno exit on the A22 Brenner motorway. A Flixbus stop is also available. Free parking is available at the ice rink and the Eurospar.
The festival's "hard tickets" often sell out well in advance. The daytime concerts on the Monte Cavallo pastures are accessible without a festival ticket; for those who hold a ticket, the cable car ride up to the Rosskopf is included on Saturday.
An official campsite is provided (dedicated camping ticket required, approx. €12). Cars and campers are not allowed on the grass; specific areas are designated for motorized vehicles. Showers are available at the nearby Balneum.
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Piazza Città / Stadtplatz e Monte Cavallo / Rosskopf