August 30 & 31, 2025

Mark your calendar for August 30 & 31, 2025, as WoW Gstaad returns for its third edition – a weekend of inspiring talks, intimate conversations, and unforgettable encounters with some of today’s most exciting literary voices.

Set in the stunning alpine setting of Gstaad, this unique festival brings together readers, writers, and curious minds for a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and connection.

Be part of a community that values bold ideas, thoughtful dialogue, and the joy of words beyond the page.

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Join Us for WoW Gstaad 2025 – A Literary Escape in the Swiss Alps

Programme

Saturday, August 30

10:30 – 11:30 - Matt Riordan
Topic: Fiction, Nature, and Human Nature

11:30 – 12:30 - Ben Macintyre
Topic: Stranger than Fiction: In conversation with Ben Macintyre and Will Smith

13:00 – 15:00 - Literary Lunch (for eligible ticket holders)
Optional Riverside Walk at 15:00

16:00 – 17:00 - Apero and Book Signings at Librairie des Alpages (Saanen)

17:30 – 17:45 - Martin Boujol
Topic: Social Media: An Inspiration to Read

18:00 – 19:00 - DBC Pierre
Topic: How to Win A Booker Prize (When all You Have is a Feeling)?

Sunday, August 31

10:30 – 11:30 - Miguel Bonnefoy
Topic: Literature As Need Not Luxury

11:30 – 12:30 - David Walliams
Topic: Tales of Comedy, Writing and Imagination

13:00 - 15.00 - Farewell Lunch & Closing Remarks (for eligible ticket holders)

16:00 - Free Street Talk with Andrea & Gottfried von Siebenthal
Open to all – join us in the village for a lively outdoor conversation celebrating local voices and literary culture.

Thank You for Making Winter W0W 2025 Unforgettable

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us for this year’s WoW Gstaad Literature Festival. Your presence made the event truly magical. Thank you for being a part of it, for sparking thoughtful discussions, and for helping to create an unforgettable experience.

The Winter 2025 edition of WoW Gstaad was our biggest yet, and we were thrilled to welcome you. Each year, our festival continues to grow, but one thing remains constant: the incredible lineup of talented authors who bring the World of Words stages to life. We hope you enjoyed every moment and left feeling inspired and enriched.

This year’s festival was about more than just books—it was a celebration of learning, thinking, and sharing, all while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of Gstaad. If you had a great time, we encourage you to spread the word and help us continue building this vibrant community.

  • "A captivating celebration of intellect, reading, and writing, brought to life through the unparalleled elegance of Gstaad."

    Hala - Winter 2025

  • "This was my second time attending Wow Gstaad, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. The talks are engaging and thought-provoking, and the people you meet make the experience even better. Great conversations over lunch, a great atmosphere—definitely worth attending."

    M - Winter 2025

  • "It was an incredibly engaging and well-organized event. The setting at The Alpina in the picturesque village of Gstaad was nothing short of spectacular. The writers held captivating discussions on the significance of fiction and shared their personal experiences in writing, which I found truly inspiring."

    Lars - Winter 2025

  • "A beautiful blend of Swiss luxury and literature. A captivating adventure into the best of both worlds."

    Anna - Summer 2024

  • ""It was very well organized with friendly and efficient staff. Participation was effortless and smooth. The talks were extremely well moderated; the interviews were smoothly guided, making the audience feel comfortable and engaged with the author"."

    Andrii - Summer 2024

  • "Very pleasant "

    Legrand - Summer 2024

  • "I loved to meet the authors , I enjoyed especially talking with their family members and finding out their actual general routines. This made me realise that we all can be special and our experiences are incredibly valuable if we only took time to take stock."

    Wairimu - Summer 2024

  • What Angie Kim says about WoW Gstaad: I cannot say enough about the amazing experience of participating in the World of Words Gstaad Festival. I was met with the warmest welcome by the organization's passionate, intelligent, and generous leadership and supporters who care deeply about the transformative power of literature, not to mention delicious meals, stunning views, and new friendships. Thank you, WoW Gstaad, for everything you do to support writers and storytellers! 

    Angie Kim - Author Winter 2025

Book of the Month

Every month, we spotlight a book that transcends boundaries, inspires minds, and connects hearts. Our selection is a celebration of storytelling that invites readers into new worlds, offers fresh perspectives, and kindles a love for literature that lasts a lifetime.

This Month's Feature: The North Line by Matthew Riordan

A noir-tinged, literary thriller that pulses with grit and grace, The North Line follows a young man’s desperate escape from a violent past into the heart of the American West. As he reinvents himself in a small Wyoming town, a chance at redemption glimmers—but old ghosts and looming dangers threaten to derail his fragile new life.

Matthew Riordan weaves a riveting narrative of identity, justice, and second chances. With vivid prose and haunting tension, The North Line is a bold and unforgettable debut that explores how far we’ll go to rewrite our own story.

This gripping, atmospheric novel is a must-read for lovers of literary thrillers and classic Americana.

Black and white portrait of a man with folded arms wearing a button-up shirt.
Book cover with the title 'The North Line' by Matt Riordan, showing a stormy ocean and cloudy sky.
  • Black and white photo of people browsing and reading in a historic bookstore filled with shelves and tables of books.

    Exploring Paris: A Journey Through Its Most Charming Bookshops and Historic Library

  • Vintage library with bookshelves, ornate furniture, a globe, and decorative lamps.

    A Journey Through Europe's Literary Treasures

  • Vintage study room filled with bookshelves, numerous framed pictures on walls, scattered books and writing materials on a wooden desk, and a window letting in natural light.

    A Beginner's Glossary to the World of Rare Books

Our Partners

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Our Book Partners

Previous Authors

Contact us.

WoW Gstaad

roel@wowgstaad.com