Skogsröjet – a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere
When it comes to Swedish Rock and Metal festivals in summer, first thing that comes to my mind is infamous Sweden Rock, followed by off-centre little fellow – Skogsröjet in Rejmyre, Östergötland. I’ve heard so many stories about this peculiar festival, hidden in the forest in the middle of nowhere, but yet attracting so many people. It was a call of duty to see what is really going on there and why it’s so popular.
An interesting fact to mention, even though the festival is almost 20 years old – there is no English (international) version of their web page. You want to go there – you have to learn some Swedish! But the majority of people, who come outside of Sweden find out about this festival thanks to friends and certainly thanks to bands. And lineup at Skogsröjet is always impressive! Decades ago they have started this as small one-day event with a few, mostly local Swedish artists. Through the years, Skogsröjet became an international 2 days festival, gathering lots of Hardrock and Metal bands from all over the world. The audience is quite motley as well with a lot of foreign visitors, even though the majority is still mainly Swedish rockers. This event is not easy to reach and years ago, the only way to come and stay here was camping in the forest. And with constantly changing Swedish weather, it could be quite challenging.
Hardcore Superstar
Now things are organized way better and professionally – there are festival buses cruising between the 2 nearest cities Norrköping and Finspång. So, if camping is not for you, there are plenty of options where to stay. And just to say, the Östergötland’s area is very nice, clean and safe. Whether you will choose to take a cabin in Rejmyre or a hotel/airbnb in Norrköping and Finspång, it will be safe and a good rest is guaranteed.
Another interesting thing, since the last 3-4 years, Skogsröjet has been offering 3 festival days to its visitors. The first day is mostly a pre (party) – an evening with acoustic sets and chill-out atmosphere, followed by 2 full-blown summer festival days, starting at midday and finishing way after midnight.
As it was expected, Skogsröjet had an awesome line up this year (July 31st – August 2nd).
The first day was totally acoustic and pleased us with Kee Marcello & Jakob Samuel, Mikkey Dee, Fire Killers and Pannbandet.
The second day blew us away, not only with the rain, but with amazing sets from WASP, Pretty Maids, Beast in Black, Hardcore Superstar, The Hooters, Stratovarius, Crucified Barbara, Jelusick, Gus&Ronnie Romero, Sacred, Daytona and The Hawkings.
The last and final day delighted us with another great set of artists – Uriah Heep, Lita Ford, Nestor, Ugly Kid Joe, Mike Tramp’s White Lion, Robin McAuley, Bloodbound, Dregen, Masterplan, Hysterica, Gathering of Kings and Torch.
Ronnie Romero
I have to mention, when Lita Ford was performing ‘Close my eyes forever’ in order to honor the memory of the one and only Ozzy Osbourne, people were wet, but not from the rain – from crying. It was one of the most emotional and touching moments during the festival.
Skogsröjet 2025 – Fantastic line up, great sound, beautiful nature, fresh air and at least this year, not very merciful weather. The Scandinavian weather situation is always quite tricky during the summer, but this year it was so rainy, I don’t think there were any lucky people who managed to stay dry. It was raining like hell, but this couldn’t scare real Rock fans – raincoats and more alcohol and the problem is solved.
I admire those brave souls who survived the camping nights which were not only wet but also very cold. Despite the harsh weather conditions and total remoteness from big cities, Skogsröjet keeps attracting a lot of people from all over the world. No wonder – every year they keep delivering the best Rock and Metal artists.
Even if you are not a big fan of nature and forests, this festival is definitely worth to be put on a bucket list.
