From open-air readings to poetry slams in Innsbruck, here are our top literature events in Tirol for lovers of language.
When it comes to literature, Tirol has a long and proud tradition. Famous literary visitors to the region include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who described Tirol in his Italian Journey with the following words: "… the glistening of the rising sun, the darkness of the pinewood forests, between them the grey rock faces giving way to the highest peaks topped with snow set against a deep blue sky – those were, indeed, wonderful, ever-changing sights."
Today, Tirol continues to serve as an inspiration and a home to successful writers. The many literary events and festivals taking place throughout the region are proof of the status enjoyed by literature in Tirol, giving locals and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about the exciting literary scene in this part of Austria.
1. Sprachsalz, Hall in Tirol
The International Literature Days in Hall in Tirol are a series of events bringing together the local and international literary scene. The festival was recently awarded the Acker Award in recognition of its commitment to promoting literature and its "art of breaking conventions".
Sprachsalz – International Literature Days, Hall in Tirol · +43.5223.53769-312 · info@sprachsalz.com · www.sprachsalz.com
2. Literaturhaus am Inn
The Literaturhaus in Innsbruck hosts regular book presentations, literary talks, readings, discussions and exhibitions. The focus is on readings by authors from the German-speaking world. The Literaturhaus is also an important driver for Tirol's next generation of writers, commissioning writings and organising workshops for up-and-coming talents keen to make a name for themselves.
Literaturhaus am Inn · Josef-Hirn-Straße 5/ 10th floor · 6020 Innsbruck · +43.512.5074503 · literaturhaus@uibk.ac.at · www.uibk.ac.at/literaturhaus
3. Innsbruck Weekend Talks
Once a year, a group of writers organises a weekend of talks, readings and discussions on a literary topic. Guests are, of course, very much welcome.
Innsbruck Weekend Talks · Fuxmagengasse 13 · 6060 Hall in Tirol · info@wochenendgespraeche.at · www.wochenendgespraeche.at
4. Turmbund
Founded many years ago by a group of local writers to promote literature in Tirol, the Society for Literature and Art organises regular events at the Literaturzentrum in Innsbruck including readings, talks and exhibitions. Guests to have featured over the years include some of the most famous writers in the German-speaking world such as H.C. Artmann, Gertrud Fussenegger, Barbara Frischmuth, Thomas Bernhard and Raoul Schrott.
Turmbund · Society for Literature and Art · Müllerstraße 3/I · 6020 Innsbruck · +43.512/583852 · mail@turmbund.org · www.turmbund.org
5. Kunsthalle arlberg1800
The recently opened Kunsthalle arlberg1800 in St. Christoph am Arlberg has already established itself in the local literary scene by organising a series of readings and other events. It has a large concert hall, with space for up to 150 people, and is connected to the stylish Arlberg Hospiz Hotel by an underground tunnel. Crossover events include wine-tasting events with characters from Shakespeare plays. The Kunsthalle arlberg1800 also puts on regular poetry slams.
arlberg1800 · St. Christoph 1 · 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg · +43.5446.2611 · info@arlberg1800resort.at · www.arlberg1800.at
6. Schwaz Literature Forum
The small town of Schwaz has made a big name for itself in Tirol in recent years thanks to the Schwaz Literature Forum, a festival bringing together international writers and local authors.
Schwaz Literature Forum · Knappenanger 8 · 6130 Schwaz · +43.5242.72910 · literaturforum@gmx.at · www.literaturforum.at
7. achensee.literatour
Lake Achensee, Tirol's largest lake, offers a beautiful backdrop and a rich source of inspiration for the writers and participants who gather here. The achensee.literatour comprises a number of events held in villages along the shores of the lake, with a focus on German-language literature.
achensee.literatour · various locations on Lake Achensee · +43.5246.5300-0 · info@achensee.com · www.achensee.com
8. Innsbruck Festival of Prose
This three-day festival is held at various locations throughout Innsbruck. It is organised by the foundation "8tung Kultur", which has made a name for itself with readings in and around Tirol.
Innsbrucker Festival of Prose · various locations in Innsbruck · www.prosafestival.wordpress.com
9. Poetry Slam, Die Bäckerei
The café and culture hotspot Die Bäckerei in Innsbruck hosts poetry slams and other literature-related events on a regular basis.
Die Bäckerei – Kulturbackstube · Dreiheiligenstraße 21a · 6020 Innsbruck · +43.680.472260 · kultur@diebaeckerei.at · www.diebaeckerei.at
10. LiteraturStrom - Stromboli Hall
The Kulturlabor Stromboli in Hall in Tirol is home to LiteraturSTROM, a series of events aimed at promoting local writing talent. The "Literarisches Hausquartett" is a regular get-together where visitors are invited to discuss books they have read.
Kulturlabor Stromboli · Krippgasse 11 · 6060 Hall in Tirol · +43.5223.45111 · +43.522.345111 · kulturlabor@stromboli.at · www.stromboli.at
11. Glück.Tage Kufstein
As the name suggests, the Glück.Tage festival in Kufstein is all about well-being, happiness and good vibes. This four-day festival takes in everything from philosophy to literature.
Glück.Tage Kufstein · various locations in the Kufsteinerland region · +43.5372.62207 · info@kufstein.com · www.glueck-tage.com
12. "Lesewelt", St. Johann in Tirol
The "Lesewelt" literature club in St. Johann in Tirol organises events once a month where well-known authors and up-and-coming writers are invited to read from their work. These readings are held in the Alte Gerberei, a former leather-tanning workshop. There are also book clubs and writing workshops organised in this part of Tirol throughout the year.
"Lesewelt" · various locations in St. Johann in Tirol · +43.664.157 4684 · info@literaturverein.at · www.literaturverein.at
