New chapter: Dr. Johannes Zierden directs the Eifel Literature Festival!

New chapter: Dr. Johannes Zierden directs the Eifel Literature Festival!

A lot is happening in the Eifel after the death of the founder of the Eifel Literature Festival, Dr. Josef Zierden, the festival is facing a new era. Dr. Johannes Zierden, his son, now takes over sole management. This emotional transition, describes Dr. Johannes Zierden, is a mix of sadness and departure. “I want to act in the spirit of my father and implement the ideas he initiated for the 17th Eifel Literature Festival in 2026,” he explains. TheWochenspiegelreports that the festival will continue to pursue a proven concept that includes an exciting mix of fiction and non-fiction.

For Dr. For Johannes Zierden, the most important lesson he took with him from his father was the topic of self-responsibility and perseverance. Dr. Josef Zierden, born on April 23, 1954 in Prüm, was not only a retired high school teacher, but also a sought-after literary manager and journalist. He founded the Eifel Literature Festival in 1994 and organized it as chairman of the Literatur Büro Eifel e.V. until 2021. His passion for literature will now be honored in the planned special issue that documents his commitment. Among the many challenges he overcame was the long-term struggle to attract the famous writer Günter Grass to the festival. This aspect also reflects the persistence that Dr. Johannes Zierden is now taking him into his new role.

A new chapter for the Eifel

The program presentation for the Eifel Literature Festival 2026 will be announced on November 7th, 2025. There is great anticipation for this event, as six outstanding authors have already been chosen, including Caroline Wahl and the renowned historian Herfried Münkler. Also Joachim Meyerhoff, a favorite author of Dr. Josef Zierden, will take part in the readings. The festival is intended to transform the Eifel into a “Mecca for literature” again, as Dr. Johannes Zierden put it.

The Eifel itself, a picturesque region in western Germany, not only has a lot to offer geographically - with rolling hills and deep valleys, it is a little insider tip for hikers and those seeking relaxation. Thanks to its historic settlements and rich folklore, the Eifel is also the setting for many stories and poems. As part of the Rhenish Massif and home to the Eifel National Park, the region is particularly popular with literature lovers and nature lovers. The natural beauty and historical depth create the unique atmosphere that comes with reading and telling stories here. Many rivers, such as the Ahr and Kyll, flow into larger bodies of water and show the Eifel's close connection to the surrounding nature.

Advance sales and program

Advance sales for the Eifel Literature Festival 2026 begin on November 7th at 11 a.m. The anticipation is palpable and it seems as if the festival will continue in the new era thanks to Dr. Johannes Zierden's visionary ideas could blossom again. It remains exciting to see what the new leader will do with his father's legacy. The Eifel will continue to be a stage for important literary voices and thus enrich the cultural life of the region. This change also means an opportunity for everyone who is enthusiastic about literature.