Hamburg liest Lenz

The Elbe theme in 2025 connected a wide variety of works and voices: from classic Hamburg port literature to contemporary texts on urban change, migration, and ecology. Readings took place in libraries, galleries, on board ships, and on the waterfront.

With its annual thematic focus, "Hamburg liest" is establishing itself as one of the city's most distinctive literary festivals — each year a different focus that activates entire city districts and brings together schools, libraries, and cultural institutions for a joint program.