Splash! Festival Packing List: What to Bring to Ferropolis Germany

Disclaimer: Always Check the Official Splash! Info

Festival rules and offerings change yearly, so treat this packing list as a solid starting point, not the final word. Before you pack, visit the official Splash! Festival website to check the latest regulations on outside food and drinks, lockers, and the dress code for the arena. The site is also the place to verify whether the event is cashless or where an ATM is located, as that affects how much cash you need to carry.

Because the event is outdoors, weather can surprise you in either direction, and the festival has been known to impose certain bans. Always cross-reference details like the glass ban and open fires with current official communication. When in doubt, contact the organizers directly, as their answers will reflect the most up-to-date policies.

The Essentials: Tickets, ID, and Cash

Your most crucial items are your festival ticket, a valid ID or passport, and a mix of payment methods. Print out your tickets as a backup, because the internet connection in and around Ferropolis can be unreliable, and your phone battery might drain quickly. Keep your ID in a waterproof pocket or plastic sleeve to protect it from rain and sweat.

Cash remains handy even if the festival is cashless, as it serves as a backup if your card is lost or the network goes down. Always carry your bank card along with some cash, and store them separately to reduce risk. For first-timers, there's more essential advice in the Splash! for first timers guide, which covers festival entry and orientation.

Camping Gear for Splash!

Your tent is your home base for the weekend, so choose one that handles wind well since the industrial plateau can get breezy. Practice pitching it at home so you're not fumbling in the dark. A comfortable sleeping bag and a self-inflating mat will make a world of difference after a long day of dancing.

Alongside the basics, add a couple of simple items that vastly improve your time: a headlamp or small torch for late-night trips to the toilets, a combination lock for your tent, and a picnic blanket for the daytime sets. A camping chair is a luxury, but a lightweight one can be worth its weight in gold when you want to sit and watch a performance. Use a separate bag for your camping gear if you're arriving by shuttle, making it easy to grab everything at the drop-off point.

Clothing for Wind, Rain, and Heat

Germany's weather is famously unpredictable, so pack layers that you can peel on and off. Bring t-shirts, shorts, and a swimsuit for the warm weather, plus a hoodie or sweater for the cooler evenings. A lightweight poncho that folds into a pocket is a festival lifesaver when the skies open up. Add a hat or cap for sun protection, and you're ready for most conditions.

The ground at Ferropolis is a mix of gravel and dirt, so choose closed-toe sneakers for the dusty paths and stages. The gravel can be rough on sandals, and dust gets everywhere. Make sure you have a second pair of shoes as a backup if the first pair gets wet or muddy. It's also wise to pack a pair of flip-flops for the showers.

Personal Care and First Aid

Good hygiene and minor first aid keep you going strong through the festival. At the very least, bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable soap for the showers. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, so pack a high-SPF waterproof version and reapply it through the day. Include blister plasters, painkillers like paracetamol, and some antiseptic cream for scrapes and cuts.

Earplugs are worth their weight in gold, not just for sleeping in a noisy campsite but also to protect your hearing when you're up close to the speakers. A sleep mask will help you catch a few extra hours of daylight sleep. And don't forget to pack a small basic first-aid kit—although there's an on-site medical team, you'll want a few supplies handy.

Food, Water, and Drinks

Staying fueled and hydrated is essential when you're dancing for hours on end. You'll find plenty of food and drink stalls at the festival, but prices can be steep and queues long. Bring a refillable water bottle to use at the water points and a selection of snacks like fruit or granola bars to keep your energy up between performances.

Remember that many festivals restrict outside alcohol, so check the official rules before you pack a cooler. The same goes for glass bottles, which are usually banned for safety reasons. If you buy drinks on-site, you'll likely have them served in plastic cups or reusable containers, which you can carry around the arena.

Electronics, Powerbanks, and Phone

Your phone is your lifeline for festival maps, set times, and connecting with friends, so keep it charged. A sturdy power bank with enough capacity for a full day is indispensable, especially since you'll be taking photos and videos. If you're not keen on draining your phone's battery, a disposable camera is a fun, lightweight alternative for capturing memories.

Consider a portable speaker for the campsite to share your favorite tunes. Pack the appropriate charging cables for all your devices, and remember that the campsite's charging facilities can be limited or non-existent. In a pinch, a small solar charger can be a lifesaver, but it will be less effective if the weather turns cloudy.

Optional Items for Comfort and Fun

A fanny pack is the ultimate festival accessory because it keeps your phone, cash, and small items secure while leaving your hands free for dancing. It's practical, and it happens to be trendy. A bandana or buff can also be worn around your neck to protect against dust or as a stylish headband.

The Ferropolis grounds are a photographer's dream at sunset, so a lightweight camera is worth considering. For extra comfort during those long sets, a small inflatable pillow or a hammock can be a game-changer. Remember that every item you bring has to be carried to and from your camp, so only pack what you'll truly use.

What NOT to Bring

Several things are best left at home to save space and avoid problems at the security checks. Glass containers are typically not allowed, so stick to plastic or aluminium for any liquids. Open fires and portable cooking equipment are usually prohibited on the campsite, so leave your stove behind unless the official site says otherwise.

Also, skip bulky beach towels and excessive clothing changes, as they only weigh you down. The festival is a safe environment, but you should still keep valuables like expensive jewellery or laptops secure—or better yet, leave them at home. Always double-check the official rules for the most up-to-date list of prohibited items, as policies can change from year to year.

Pro Tips and Checklist Recap

A successful Splash! experience comes down to a well-thought-out bag. Pack light, but include the things that will make you comfortable and secure. Keep a digital copy of your tickets and ID in the cloud as a backup to the printed versions.

If you're flying in or combining the festival with a longer holiday, check out our round-up of the best music festivals in Germany to see what else fits your plans. And when you're ready to lock in your weekend, referring back to your essentials list ensures you won't forget the sleep mask or the power bank.

Remember that packing for the unpredictable is half the fun. Use the list below as a master checklist: papers (ticket, ID, cash), accommodation (tent, sleeping bag), clothing (layers, poncho), toiletries (sunscreen, wet wipes), electronics (power bank, charger), and extras (fanny pack, earplugs). Ready to go? Enjoy the music.

Plan Your Visit

Now that your bag is packed, you're ready to take on Ferropolis. The right gear means you can let loose, dance, and appreciate the music without worrying about the weather or your safety. For more inspiration, have a look at our other Germany festival guides, such as Deichbrand Festival Tickets and the DEICHBRAND Festival for first timers guide, which might just be your next adventure.