1. Konstanz Poetry and Literature Festival

Premiere in the Theme Year "The Paradise Konstanz"

Konstanz is celebrating the theme year "The Paradise Konstanz" in 2026 — a program of exhibitions, events, and new cultural formats. One of the central new foundations within this framework is the 1st Konstanz Poetry and Literature Festival. It is scheduled to take place in November 2026 and aims to permanently anchor Konstanz as a city of literature on Lake Constance — alongside classic tourism, the Konzil (Council) and the university.

What is Planned

The festival is announced as a multi-day event, featuring readings, poetry slams, writing workshops, and author discussions. Performances by German-speaking authors as well as international voices are planned — the four-country region of Konstanz (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein) allows for cross-border programming. Literary walks are intended to connect Konstanz's old town with its literary history.

Konstanz and its Literary History

Konstanz has a rich literary history: Ulrich von Richental, chronicler of the Council of Constance (1414–1418), is considered one of the most important late medieval historians. In the 20th century, the city became a center for the humanities through the university (founded in 1966). Maria E. Lassnig, Arnold Stadler, Martin Walser (in nearby Nußdorf am Bodensee), and many other authors shaped the literary environment around Lake Constance. The festival aims to make this tradition visible to a broader audience.

Konstanz on Lake Constance

Konstanz is located at the western end of Lake Constance, directly on the Swiss border. With 85,000 inhabitants, it is the capital of the district of the same name and a university city (University, HTWG). The historic old town, the Konzil building, the harbor with the Imperia statue, and Lake Constance itself are the main attractions. In November — the festival month — Konstanz becomes quieter, making it the ideal stage for readings and literary encounters.