Lyrikpreis Meran. Literary Competition

Literary Competition

07.05.-09.05.2026

From 7 to 9 May, the long-established Merano Poetry Prize will once again take place. Founded in 1993 by Alfred Gruber, it is now considered one of the most important poetry competitions in the German-speaking world. This year, for the first time, the event will be held at Palais Mamming and will once again bring together nine poets invited to Merano for the final round. There, they will present their submitted poems to both the audience and the five-member jury, who will discuss the works and ultimately select the winners. The professional discussion of contemporary poetry is at the very heart of the Merano Poetry Days and remains one of its most distinctive and compelling features.

Thursday, 7 May 2026
Palais Mamming, Merano

7:00 p.m.: Opening of the Merano Poetry Prize 2026 by Mayor Katharina Zeller and Elmar Locher, President of the International Committee of the “Merano Poetry Prize”

Opening speech: Yevgeniy Breyger, “The Monolingual”

Friday, 8 May 2026
Palais Mamming, Merano
Readings and Discussions

10:00 a.m. Odile Kennel
11:00 a.m. Hannah K Bründl
12:00 p.m. Heinz Peter Geißler

3:00 p.m. Jonis Hartmann
4:00 p.m. Sophia Klink
5:00 p.m. Hartwig Mauritz

Saturday, 9 May 2026
Palais Mamming, Merano

Readings and Discussions

10:00 a.m. Verica Tričković
11:00 a.m. Monika Vasik
12:00 p.m. Christine Zureich

Moderated by: Ernest Wichner

7:00 p.m.

Palais Mamming, Merano
Award Ceremony

Statements by the Jury