4th Mülheim Book Fair vielSeitig

A Book Fair in a Monastery

When the historic Kloster Saarn in Mülheim opens its doors for the Mülheim Book Fair vielSeitig on the last Sunday in May, book lovers, regional publishers, and authors meet in a unique atmosphere. The 4th edition takes place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — in the former Cistercian convent from the 13th century at Klosterstraße 53.

Book Fair with a Regional Focus

vielSeitig is a manageable, quality-oriented book fair that consciously does not aim for a Frankfurt-like character. Instead, the focus is on:

• Fiction by regional and supra-regional authors
• Poetry — often a neglected genre at major fairs, here with its own emphasis
• Non-fiction and guidebooks
• Children's and young adult books
• Regional literature from Mülheim, the Ruhr area, the Lower Rhine, and the Bergisches Land

The approximately 30 exhibitor spaces are already fully booked in advance — a testament to the fair's established position after only three editions.

Readings in the Monastery Library

Throughout the day, there will be readings and autograph sessions in the monastery library. The library itself is a historic room worth visiting on its own — during readings, its medieval character provides the ideal acoustic and atmospheric backdrop. Authors present their new works, sign books, and answer questions.

Writing Instruments Exhibition by LiteraturKollektiv Bochum

A special attraction in 2026 is the writing instruments exhibition by LiteraturKollektiv Bochum: historical and contemporary writing tools — from quills and mechanical typewriters to designer fountain pens — will be displayed and contextualized. A program item for everyone who understands writing not just as content, but as a craft.

Consultation for Aspiring Authors

A cornerstone of the Mülheim Book Fair is the consultation for aspiring authors: publishers and experienced authors answer questions about manuscript submission, self-publishing, book promotion, and the literary business. Those with a manuscript in their drawer can get concrete answers here — an opportunity that hardly exists at major fairs.

Kreuzgarten as an Open-Air Area

In good weather, the fair extends into the monastery's Kreuzgarten (cloister garden) — readings and autograph sessions then take place outdoors in the historic courtyard. The atmosphere is focused yet relaxed — a café in the monastery offers coffee, cake, and breaks.

Kloster Saarn — A Cultural Anchor Institution

Kloster Saarn was founded in 1214 by Cistercian nuns and is one of the few surviving monastery complexes in the Ruhr area. Today, it houses the monastery museum, rooms for cultural events, and a café. The Mülheim Cultural Office regularly uses the premises for concerts, exhibitions, and literary events.