WoW Gstaad 2026 – Tickets Now Available!

August 29–30, 2026 | Gstaad, Switzerland

Join us for the six edition of WoW Gstaad, the international literature festival set in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Over two unforgettable days, readers and writers from around the world come together for inspiring author talks, powerful conversations, creative workshops, and memorable moments shared over gourmet lunches and scenic walks.

Whether you're a lifelong book lover or simply curious to hear great stories, WoW Gstaad is a place to connect, reflect, and celebrate the power of words.

Tickets are now available and for a limited time, enjoy 20% off all talk tickets until 30 April 2026!
Explore the full programme and secure your place today.

Tickets

Jill Dawson

is an award-winning British novelist known for her richly researched and psychologically nuanced fiction.
DBC Pierre

is an Australian-born, Booker Prize–winning author known for his darkly comic and provocative fiction.
Sadie Jones

is a British novelist acclaimed for her emotionally rich, character-driven storytelling.
Jakuta Alikavazovic

is a French writer known for her intellectually sharp and stylistically distinctive fiction.
Susie Boyt

is a British novelist and journalist known for her insightful, emotionally nuanced fiction exploring family, identity, and human relationships.
Coming Soon

New in the programme: AI Lunch Masterclass with Willem Veenstra

Saturday 29 August

From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, guests can choose a special lunch session combining sandwiches, coffee, tea and juice with an intimate and interactive masterclass on AI. Willem Veenstra takes the audience through the journey of creating a fictitious book, from idea and research to writing, marketing and repurposing, using live demonstrations to show what AI can do, and where human creativity still matters most.

AI Lunch Masterclass with Willem Veenstra

CHF 75.00

Enjoy a relaxed lunch followed by a live AI masterclass with Willem Veenstra. Starting with sandwiches and an informal conversation, the session then moves into a 90-minute interactive masterclass exploring how AI is changing writing, publishing, marketing, and creative work.

Date / Time
Saturday 29 August - 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

What’s included
Sandwich lunch, coffee, tea, juice and the AI masterclass

Programme

Between the Lines: Behind WoW Gstaad

Step into the heart of WoW Gstaad with this exclusive behind-the-scenes short film. From intimate team moments to unforgettable highlights on stage, Between the Lines captures the energy, emotion, and magic that bring the festival to life. A tribute to the people, the passion, and the power of words in the Swiss Alps.

Download Photos

Credits: Oh My Photography

Interview Thomas Gommes, The Story behind WoW

At the World of Words Literature Festival in Gstaad, we sat down with founder Thomas Gommes to explore the story behind the vision.

After leaving a prestigious legal career to pursue writing, Thomas created a non-profit festival dedicated to literature, dialogue, and community. In this conversation, we reflect on purpose, storytelling, and the role of literature in a rapidly changing world.

"It was the first time I had attended this literary festival, a world with which I am not very familiar. It was a wonderful discovery. The talks were really authentic and spontaneous. Meeting and learning more about the authors in this way is very enriching."

Alice - Summer 2025
"It is an amazing feeling, when you finally fit in the room. A very rare combination of exclusivity and intimacy, which helps you to meet new people, get fresh ideas and just enjoy sophisticatedly curated words of this world. Thank you Thomas and the team. And see you next year! "

Diana - Summer 2025
"What a wonderful event and so glad to have discovered WOW Gstaad! The program and organization were amazing, and each author and discussion had such interesting insights. And the spirit of the event led to so many great conversations and meaningful connections. It is so refreshing to see the written word celebrated and lived. Already looking forward to the next edition! "

Cindia - Summer 2025
"I hadn’t realized how enriching it could be to spend a weekend listening to authors share their backgrounds, inspirations, and life stories. What stood out most to me was the incredible variety of communication styles, each offering something unique and memorable. It was also my first time bringing my nine-year-old, and I admit I was worried she might find it boring. To my surprise, she was captivated. Watching her engage so naturally with the event made the experience even more meaningful for us. We left not only inspired, but also grateful for such a wonderful festival that speaks to all generations."

Juliana - Summer 2025
"Each author brought their own flavour to the event creating a beautifully rich serving of food for thought. The diversity of the audience, and open communication between the both audience and the authors throughout the course of the event, fed directly into a spread of connections and ideas. "

Angela - Summer 2025
"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

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