Ingeborg Bachmann Prize to celebrate two anniversaries in 2026

Klagenfurt is preparing to host the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, a prominent literary event in the German-speaking world, which will mark two significant anniversaries in 2026. The competition, officially called the Days of German-Language Literature, will commemorate the 100th birthday of its namesake, Ingeborg Bachmann, on June 25, and also celebrate its own 50th edition.

The literary prize, sometimes criticized as a "casting show" but also valued as a rare forum for public, live debate about texts, will see several changes for its юбилей year. The main prize, endowed by the city of Klagenfurt, will increase from 25,000 to 30,000 euros. Additionally, the Kelag Prize, sponsored by Kärntner Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft, will be raised from 10,000 to 15,000 euros. In total, 75,000 euros in prize money will be awarded this year.

Further adjustments include an earlier drawing for the reading order, scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m., which will be livestreamed on bachmannpreis.orf.at and available on demand afterward. Broadcaster 3sat will provide extensive live coverage, airing 18 hours from Klagenfurt across the event's duration, from the opening ceremony on June 24 to the final discussion and award ceremony on June 28.