StadtLesen 2026: Book festival in Offenburg

Four days, more than 3,000 books, a varied cultural programme and glorious sunshine: StadtLesen in Offenburg once again showed itself at its best from 9 to 12 July. For the ninth time, the Markant Group, as patron and main sponsor, has made the literary festival in Offenburg city centre possible – with the theme ‘Democracy’ for 2026.

Reading as an integral part of democracy

StadtLesen founder Sebastian Mettler, Lord Mayor Marco Steffens and Franz-Friedrich Müller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Markant AG, welcomed the numerous visitors on the opening evening. “Reading is a world in your head,” emphasised Mettler, who highlighted the value of books in fostering a cosmopolitan and democratic mindset. Steffens described StadtLesen as a festival that creates joy and space for encounters – with reading as the unifying element. Reading is the fundamental prerequisite for exercising basic democratic rights; it must be accessible and must not be elitist, Müller emphasised, before wishing everyone inspiring and joyful moments.

“Wortartist” school competition

The stage then belonged to the schoolgirls who, as part of the ‘Wortartist’ competition, had succeeded in writing impressive texts and poetry on the theme of democracy. In their joint piece, Finja Milke and Rebecca Günther posed many questions – particularly regarding the nature of power – and were awarded third place. Second place went to Lisa Hillbrecht for her sensitive poem ‘Ein gemeinsamer Himmel’ (A Shared Sky). Hannah Benkeser’s text ‘Democracy – a coral reef in danger’ impressed the jury with its intelligence and eloquence – using the metaphor of democracy as a colourful, diverse coral reef worthy of protection, she emerged as the winner of the writing competition.

On ‘The Secret Life of the Germans’

With an exuberant ‘I’m back!’, the German-Russian author Wladimir Kaminer greeted the Offenburg audience. He entertained the crowd with extracts from his latest book, ‘The Secret Life of the Germans’, and drew hearty laughter with his anecdotes about culinary adventures stretching from Bavaria to Georgia.

A cosy reading experience and cultural highlights

Following the successful opening, the reading room in Offenburg city centre remained open from Thursday to Sunday – there were more than 3,000 books to discover on the shelves, whilst deckchairs, hammocks and beanbags invited visitors to linger and relax, and were eagerly taken up by the people of Offenburg. Free ice cream provided refreshing moments. DJ B-Phisto, ACROSS Showtanz, the acoustic duo Selina and Philip, and Randy Club – an acoustic trio featuring singer Melissa – provided further cultural highlights as part of the supporting programme.
As patron and main sponsor, Markant is delighted to support an event where reading, as a valuable asset, takes centre stage, and would like to thank all the co-organisers, participants and supporters who have made this event possible in Offenburg for the ninth time.