Hamburg liest Lenz
Citywide reading festival for the 100th birthday
About Hamburg liest Lenz
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A Writer, A City
Siegfried Lenz (1926–2014) lived in Hamburg from the late 1940s onwards. He was one of the most influential storytellers in the Federal Republic, and his novel "Deutschstunde" is among the most widely read works in German school literature. For his 100th birthday in March 2026, the Hanseatic city dedicates its own festival to him, literally transforming the city into a reading festival.
Program Throughout the City
Over four weeks, readings, book premieres, productions, and discussions will be held in all seven districts. The opening is a matinee on March 1st at the Rolf Liebermann Studio of NDR. During the month, the Kammerspiele will stage the world premiere "Der Überläufer," and the anthology "Am Widerhaken hängt das Glück" with posthumous texts from the Lenz archive will have its book premiere.
Lenz Up Close
The festival also includes unusual formats: a reading of "Der Mann im Strom" with divers demonstrating historical diving techniques; a Yin Yoga reading that combines literature and bodywork; literary city walks to Hamburg locations that shaped Lenz. Schools and libraries throughout the city are participating with their own programs.
Sponsorship and History
The festival is supported by the Siegfried Lenz Foundation together with the Literaturhaus Hamburg (in the district of Hamburg-Nord, Uhlenhorst neighborhood), the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, and the Ministry of Culture and Media. Previous editions focused on Wolfgang Borchert (2021), banned books (2023), and the Elbe River (2025). With Lenz, 2026 marks arguably the largest edition to date.
Hamburg liest Lenz — edition 2026
For four weeks, the festival will be spread across the entire city. Literaturhaus Hamburg, Schauspielhaus, Kammerspiele, bookstores, libraries, schools, and community cultural centers are participating. The program includes classic readings, productions, book premieres, exhibitions, literary walks, and a series of unusual formats.
A focus is placed on combining Lenz's texts with other arts — theater, yoga, diving, music. The festival aims to attract an audience beyond classic literature lovers and to bring back a writer into Hamburg's daily life whose books are firmly established in German school curricula.
Programme Hamburg liest Lenz 2026
Opening
- March 1, 2026: Matinee at the Rolf Liebermann Studio of NDR — festive festival opening
Book Highlights
- Book Premiere "Am Widerhaken hängt das Glück" — Anthology with texts from Lenz's literary estate
- Readings from "Deutschstunde," "Heimatmuseum," "Der Mann im Strom"
Theater
- World Premiere "Der Überläufer" at the Hamburger Kammerspiele
Special Formats
- Special reading "Der Mann im Strom" with divers demonstrating historical diving techniques
- Yin Yoga Reading: Combining literature and bodywork
- Literary city walks to Lenz's Hamburg locations
District Activities
- Libraries, schools, and bookstores in all districts with their own readings and events
Highlights Hamburg liest Lenz 2026
Opening matinee at NDR, world premiere "Der Überläufer," book premiere of the posthumous anthology, and the reading with historical divers for "Der Mann im Strom."
Prices Hamburg liest Lenz 2026
Many program items are free or have a small admission fee. Theater performances and some special events are ticketed.
Practical information — Hamburg liest Lenz
Getting There
The events are spread across the entire city — the venues are most often reached by S-Bahn and U-Bahn. The Literaturhaus is located at Schwanenwik (Bus 6 or S Hauptbahnhof + Bus).
Tickets
Mostly free or with small entrance fees. Theater and reading tickets are available through the respective venues.
Program
Full program at hamburgliest.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Hamburg liest Lenz al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Hamburg liest Lenz
Verschiedene Spielorte in Hamburg
Schwanenwik 38, 22087 Hamburg