The festival is situated on the shores of the Bleilochtalsperre, which is Germany's largest artificial reservoir by surface area.
The name 'SonneMondSterne' translates to 'SunMoonStars', reflecting the multi-day nature of the event.
The festival was established in 1997 and originally attracted approximately 2,500 attendees, growing significantly to current capacities exceeding 30,000.
The site uses a combination of natural lakeside terrain and constructed stages, sometimes incorporating the local topography into the stage designs.
It is frequently cited as one of the most prominent electronic music festivals in Central Europe.
SonneMondSterne is one of Germany's largest electronic dance music festivals held annually at the Bleilochtalsperre reservoir in Saalburg-Ebersdorf. The festival site occupies a peninsula extending into the largest reservoir in Germany, surrounded by the Thuringian Slate Mountains. It has been a staple of the European techno, house, and drum and bass scene since its inception in 1997. The venue accommodates tens of thousands of visitors across multiple stages, including a large main stage and several tented areas. The geography of the site requires careful navigation between the camping areas and the primary performance zones. The event typically transforms the rural lakeside landscape into a high-capacity festival ground for a single summer weekend. Access is provided primarily through designated festival entrance points near the Wetteraweg road.
The main stage area at night, capturing the light shows reflected over the waters of the Bleilochtalsperre.
Bring durable, waterproof footwear as the ground can become muddy depending on weather conditions.
Utilize the shuttle services provided by the organizers to navigate between the dispersed camping sites and the main festival area.
Pack ear protection, as the sound systems are high-output and operate continuously throughout the festival nights.
Do not attempt to swim in restricted areas of the reservoir; avoid bringing prohibited items listed in the official festival safety guidelines.
Open only during the specific festival weekend held annually in August.
Respect the 'Leave No Trace' policy regarding the lakeside environment; festival-appropriate attire including high-visibility gear or comfortable rave wear is common.
