Gothic Literature Festival

Bacharach

October 30 – November 2, 2025

What Is Gothic Literature?
From wild and desolate landscapes, eerie and supernatural events, to violent and erotic fantasies; Gothic fiction, also known as horror literature, has captivated readers for over 200 years. Beginning with early English and German classics such as Mary Shelley’s novel *Frankenstein* and E.T.A. Hoffmann’s short story “The Sandman,” the genre has spread and evolved worldwide to this day. Contemporary authors such as Susan Hill, Daphne Du Maurier, Neil Gaiman, and Sarah Waters weave mystery, romance, and horror into their stories. Old castle ruins, secluded manor houses, and enchanted landscapes often serve as atmospheric backdrops against which the thrilling events unfold. From its beginnings in the 18th and 19th centuries to today’s modern Gothic literature, the genre fascinates through its exploration of the unknown: the dark abysses of human nature.Supernatural phenomena and the tension between fear and fascination.
Gothic literature invites us anew with every text to delve into the darker sides of our world and cross the boundaries between dream and reality.

Program
Thursday, October 30, 2025

7:00 p.m.
Gothic Literature Festival Warm-up
Pub Quiz at Bacharach’s most quaint bar: Zur Münze
(Free admission with registration)

Friday, October 31, 2025

5:00 p.m.
Panel discussion Topic: Modern Gothic?
Participants include three of the authors featured in the festival
and two female authors, as well as two literary scholars
Location: Peterskirche Bacharach
(Free admission)

7:00 p.m.
Author reading with Klaus Märkert
Location: Peterskirche Bacharach
Tickets: 18 EUR (general admission)/14 EUR (students) + 1 glass of sparkling wine
(more about Klaus Märkert here)

9:00 p.m.
Towers and Poetry Walk with Ulrike Serowy
followed by mulled wine at the Holzmarkt Tower
Tickets: 10 EUR

Saturday, November 1, 2025

11:00 a.m.
Opening of the Pop-Up Gothic Literature Festival Café
featuring a "speed dating" session with authors
Free admission

4:00 p.m.
Author reading with Florentine Joop
Location: Peterskirche Bacharach
Tickets: 18 EUR (general admission)/14 EUR (students)
(More about Florentine Joop here

7:30 p.m. “
” Live radio play with music: “In Dreams” featuring author Pia Lüddecke
and electric guitarist Ernest.
Venue: Peterskirche Bacharach
Tickets: 24 EUR (general admission)/18 EUR (students) + 1 glass of sparkling wine

9:00 p.m.
Opening of the Whiskey Lounge
Location: Peterkirche Bacharach
Free admission

Sunday, November 2, 2025

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Farewell Breakfast
Location: Pop-Up Gothic Literature Festival Café

Option for wine and nature enthusiasts:
2:00–4:00 p.m. Wine Hike with Gero Schüler: Steeger Esel
1 glass of sparkling wine + 4 wines + water
Starting point: Vinothek, Hinterweg 5, Bacharach-Steeg
(In case of bad weather, a wine tasting will take place at the Vinothek)
Price: 35 EUR
Registration at: gero@weingut-schueler.de or +40 (0)179-18 22 133

Festival ticket for all author readings (excluding the farewell breakfast and wine walk):
60 EUR / Students 50 EUR

As in previous years, during the author readings, you can
purchase a variety of snacks and drinks.