Bamberger Literaturfestival (BamLit)
Three months of literature in a World Heritage site – 85 readings in and around Bamberg
About BamLit
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Bamberg's Grand Reading Festival
The Bamberger Literaturfestival (BamLit) was launched in 2016 and is now one of the largest literary festivals in Bavaria. For three months – from January to the end of April – around 85 events take place throughout the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg and its surrounding district in Upper Franconia.
Opening with Julian Nida-Rümelin
The 11th edition will open on January 15, 2026, with a reading by philosopher Julian Nida-Rümelin. Until April 27, 2026, approximately 40 readings for adults and 45 children's and youth events will follow.
Star Guests of the Scene
The program includes well-known names from fiction, non-fiction, and children's and young adult literature: Andrea Sawatzki, Wladimir Kaminer, Eckart von Hirschhausen, Mechtild Borrmann, Margit Auer ('The School of Magical Animals'), Paul Maar (Sams), Julia Engelmann, and former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer. Crime fiction, poetry, and political books also have their place.
World Heritage City as a Stage
BamLit utilizes Bamberg's unique ambiance: readings are held in historic venues such as the Konzerthalle, in bookstores, schools, and the city library. The combination of literature and World Heritage makes the festival attractive to travelers as well.
Promoting Reading for Children
With almost half of all events dedicated to children and young people, BamLit focuses on promoting reading. School classes from the city and district attend author readings; many of these events are not public but tailored for schools.
BamLit — edition 2026
The 11th edition of BamLit spans over three months. The festival opens on January 15, 2026, with philosopher Julian Nida-Rümelin. Until April 27, around 85 events will follow.
Highlights include readings with Andrea Sawatzki, Wladimir Kaminer, Eckart von Hirschhausen, Mechtild Borrmann, Joschka Fischer, Margit Auer, Paul Maar, Julia Engelmann, Thorsten Havener, Max Goldt, Bodo Kirchhoff, and Mariele Millowitsch. Venues include the Konzerthalle, bookstores, schools, and other event spaces in the city and district of Bamberg.
Programme BamLit 2026
Program January 15 – April 27, 2026
- January 15, 2026: Opening with Julian Nida-Rümelin
- January–April: approx. 40 readings for adults with authors such as Sawatzki, Kaminer, Hirschhausen, Borrmann, Fischer
- January–April: approx. 45 children's and youth events with Margit Auer, Paul Maar, and others
- Crime, poetry, and non-fiction readings throughout the festival duration
- April 27, 2026: Closing event
Highlights BamLit 2026
- 11th festival year since 2016
- Opening with Julian Nida-Rümelin on January 15
- 85 events over three months
- Star guests: Sawatzki, Kaminer, Hirschhausen, Borrmann, Fischer
- Large children's and youth section with Margit Auer and Paul Maar
- Venues in Bamberg's UNESCO World Heritage site
Prices BamLit 2026
Single tickets from approx. €10–15, premium readings cost more accordingly. Tickets available via bamberger-literaturfestival.de and local ticket outlets. Several events are already sold out.
Practical information — BamLit
Getting There
Bamberg is easily accessible by ICE and regional trains from Nuremberg, Munich, and Berlin. Bamberg Central Station, from there walking distance or by bus to the World Heritage Centre. By car via A70 and A73.
Tickets
Tickets start at approx. €10–15 (readings), with premium readings featuring well-known names costing accordingly more. Available online via the festival ticket portal or at the venue.
Tips
Several readings tend to sell out quickly – book early. Festival passes and combo ticket options are offered.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a BamLit al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place BamLit
Verschiedene Spielorte in Bamberg und Umgebung
Obere Königstraße 1, 96052 Bamberg