Hermann Hesse Days in Gaienhofen 2026 – Lecture Series

Social Perspectives Reflected in Hesse’s Work From October 9 to 11, 2026, the Hermann Hesse Days in Gaienhofen invite visitors to a multifaceted exploration of the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse. At the Gaienhofen Community Center and at the historic original site of the Mia and Hermann Hesse House, visitors can expect a diverse program that combines literary, social, and cultural themes. This year’s lecture series focuses in particular on socially relevant issues that are reflected in Hesse’s work and remain relevant to this day. For example, Prof. Dr. Andrea Bartl (University of Bamberg) will examine the portrayal of physical disability as a literary motif and a social challenge. Prof. Emerita Dr. Henriette Herwig will explore the role models of masculinity and femininity in the novels “Gertrud” and “Rosshalde.” Dr. Volker Michels from the Hermann Hesse Edition Archive speaks about the wisdom of age and life experience as central themes in Hesse’s late work. A special highlight is the staged talk show “Talkshow mit Hermann Hesse” on Friday evening: In a lively dialogue format, Dr. Andreas Belwe (concept and portrayer of Hesse) and Hannah Zitzmann (concept and moderator) bring the poet into conversation with the present day. The production is accompanied musically by Lukas Aringer (guitar) and Andreas Heinrich (piano) with jazz sounds from the 1920s and 30s. The narrated staged reading “Hermann Hesse, the Spa Guest – Of Sulfur Baths and Roommates” with Regina Bucher (concept and narration), Ernst Süss (reading), and Joseph Bachmann (accordion) combines text, interpretation, and music into a compelling overall experience. On Saturday afternoon, a “Literary Break” invites visitors to the Mia and Hermann Hesse House. In Hesse’s former study, narrator Julian Diepolder presents several short readings of evocative Lake Constance passages from the author’s work—accompanied by coffee and cake in a special atmosphere. The Hermann Hesse Days thus offer not only literary insights but also open up new perspectives on key social issues—entirely in the spirit of an author whose work continues to inspire and move readers to this day. Single tickets and season tickets (€96) are available at the Gaienhofen Tourist Information Office, Tel. +49 (0)7735 9999 123, [touristinfo@gaienhofen.de](mailto:touristinfo@gaienhofen.de).