30^th Leukerbad International Literary Festival

Retrospective

In 1996, Leukerbad resident Ricco Bilger, along with René Grüninger launched the first Leukerbad International Literary Festival. Within ten editions, the Festival changed from an insider’s tip to a major draw of literature lovers. Hans Ruprecht (2006–2025) and Anna Kulp (since 2007) built the festival into a hub for European literary networks: partnerships were formed, writing workshops and a literary walk became a major feature, and the program developed with a finger on the pulse of the times. Along with readings and conversations about literary works, the Festival now offers exclusive ‘Perspectives’, panel discussions with leading thinkers and writers addressing urgent social and political topics.
Anna Kulp took over as General Director of the Festival. In 2025, the plans for a new co-director will be implemented: Anna Kulp has been managing the festival ever since, together with Stephan Bader, who took over the program management from Hans Ruprecht after the 2025 edition.