Literarischer Sommer Mönchengladbach

A cross-border literary tour between Germany and the Netherlands

Few festivals are as consistently driven by the cross-border idea as the Literarischer Sommer / Literaire Zomer. Since 2000, the festival has connected German and Dutch cities on both sides of the border, presenting authors from both countries. 2026 marks the 27th edition with 50 events in 19 cities. Mönchengladbach is one of the founding partners and hosts several readings each year.

Opening on July 2, 2026, in Aachen

The festival opens on July 2, 2026, at the Ludwig Forum Aachen with a reading by Stefan Hertmans – one of the leading Flemish authors of our time, known for novels like 'War and Turpentine' and 'The Ascent'. After the opening, the program tours through the participating cities – Aachen, Heinsberg, Geldern, Krefeld, Goch, Kerken, Roermond, Sittard, Maastricht, Heerlen, Venlo, and many more – until September 2026.

Mönchengladbach as the German anchor of the festival

In Mönchengladbach, the readings take place in two libraries: the Central Library in the city center and the Rheydt District Library, the second center of the twin city. The event is organized by the City of Mönchengladbach in cooperation with the association Literarischer Sommer e.V.

Authors 2026 – a cross-section of contemporary German-Dutch literature

The authors in 2026 will read from their current works. Confirmed participants include:

• Stefan Hertmans (Belgium) – Opening reading
• Lize Spit (Belgium) – Author of 'The Melting'
• Markus Orths (Germany) – Multi-award-winning novelist
• Nora Gomringer (Switzerland/Germany) – Poet and Bachmann Prize winner
• Hanns-Josef Ortheil (Germany) – Novelist and university professor
• Christien Brinkgreve (Netherlands) – Sociologist and non-fiction author
• Joost Oomen (Netherlands) – Young poet and slam poetry star
• Annett Gröschner (Germany) – Berlin-based novelist
• Ewald Arenz (Germany) – Bestselling author of 'Alte Sorten'

Three new cities in 2026: The Hague, Niederkrüchten, and Schwalmtal

In 2026, the festival expands its network with three new cities: *The Hague* (Netherlands), *Niederkrüchten*, and *Schwalmtal* (both in the Viersen district, North Rhine-Westphalia). This further extends the festival into the rural regions on both sides of the border.

Program release May 22, 2026

The complete program with all reading dates, times, and venues was published on May 22, 2026, on the festival website literarischer-sommer.eu. Ticket prices vary per event; individual readings typically cost €8–€15, with reduced prices for students.

Mönchengladbach as a city of literature

With its twin-city structure (Mönchengladbach + Rheydt) and a well-developed library network, Mönchengladbach is among the literature-friendly cities on the Lower Rhine. The Central Library houses the city archives and a significant collection of contemporary Dutch literature – a logical venue for the German-Dutch literature festival.