Literatur am Dom

Readings in a Romantic Setting

The Literatur am Dom festival is an insider tip for literature lovers from NRW and far beyond. The venue is the kitchen courtyard in Odenthal-Altenberg, right next to the famous Gothic Altenberger Dom in the Bergisches Land. The Förderverein Literatur am Dom e.V. (Friends of Literatur am Dom Association) brings renowned writers to this special place every year, a location that facilitates concentration and encounter like few others.

Open Air with a Plan B

All readings are planned as open-air events. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the festival moves to a covered hall right next door – so you'll stay dry and close to the action in any weather. The kitchen courtyard offers what a classic theatre cannot: birdsong as a background, a view of the honey-yellow illuminated apse of the cathedral, and a glass of Bergisches apple wine in hand after the reading.

Curated by Denis Scheck and Bettina Böttinger

What makes the festival special is the moderation by Denis Scheck (ARD „Druckfrisch“) and Bettina Böttinger (WDR „Kölner Treff“). Both are among the most influential literary voices in Germany and engage the invited authors in conversations that go far beyond typical book promotion. This creates long, personal evenings that some guests later recall as defining festival memories.

Supporting Program: Writing Workshop and Kitchen Party

In addition to the evening readings, there are special formats every year. A dedicated writing workshop is offered for pupils in grades 5 to 7 – the literary young talent writes right by the cathedral. The literary dinner and the kitchen party with star chef Dieter Müller, where literature and culinary art meet, also have tradition.

Nestled in the Bergisches Land

Odenthal is located in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, northeast of Cologne, nestled in the rolling hills of the Bergisches Land. Those who want to combine the festival with a hike will find paths all around the Altenberger Dom, along the Eifgenbach stream, and the Dhünn reservoir. Many guests arrive on Friday and stay through the weekend – however, hotels and guesthouses in the area are quickly booked up, so book early.