Literature
Ekenäs Dialogue 2026
From 5 to 9 August 2026**, the international literature and culture festival ‘Ekenäs Dialog’ will take place in Ekenäs (Tammisaari) in southern Finland – an extraordinary gathering of authors, thinkers and culture enthusiasts from Finland, Germany and across Europe.
The festival is organised by the Satama House artists’ and writers’ residence and combines literature, nature and international encounters in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Finnish archipelago.
And I am delighted to be one of the invited authors. I am particularly looking forward to meeting the other writers and experiencing the special locations and their atmosphere.
A special literary festival
The Ekenäs Dialogue is not a traditional literary festival with large stages and a sense of distance from the audience. Instead, it focuses on personal conversations, exchange and shared experiences.
Authors, translators, academics and cultural figures come together to discuss literature, society, politics, philosophy and art. The aim is to foster a lively dialogue between Finland and Germany and to open up new perspectives on current issues.
The participants
Wolfram Eilenberger
Philosopher, journalist and bestselling author from Germany. Known for his books on the great thinkers of the 20th century.
Elina Kritzokat
Literary translator from Finnish into German. She has translated numerous significant Finnish authors into German.
Merete Mazzarella
Finnish-Swedish writer, essayist and literary scholar. Her books combine personal reflection, literary history and social observation.
Henrik Meinander
Historian and professor at the University of Helsinki. He is one of Finland’s best-known historians and publishes regularly on Nordic history and society.
Minna Rytisalo
Finnish writer and novelist. Her works combine historical material with literary sensitivity and represent one of the most notable voices in contemporary Finnish literature.
Pirkko Saisio
One of Finland’s most significant authors. A writer, playwright and director, she has received numerous awards for her literary and social commitment.
Jennifer Dahlbäck
Cultural producer and project manager from Finland. She works on international cultural projects and promotes exchange between art, literature and society.
Henrik Knif
Finnish film director and screenwriter. His work frequently deals with historical and social themes.
Philomela Choir
An internationally renowned Finnish women’s vocal ensemble from Helsinki.
And me: Tarja Prüss 🙂
A German-Finnish journalist, author and photographer. She writes about Finland, culture, nature and the art of living, and brings Nordic topics to German-speaking audiences.
Special places
Many events take place in special venues:
* in the garden of the famous **Villa Skeppet**
* at the **CHAPPE Art House**
* on islands in the Finnish archipelago
* or right by the sea in the natural surroundings of Ekenäs
This combination of culture, scenery and personal encounters is what gives the festival its unique character.
Ekenäs/Tammisaari
Ekenäs is located about 90 minutes from Helsinki and forms part of one of the largest archipelago regions in the Baltic Sea. The region is known for its historic old town, small harbours, cafés and an exceptionally beautiful coastal landscape.
The festival programme combines literary discussions with shared experiences – such as:
* Readings and discussions with international authors
* Discussions on literature, philosophy and social developments
* Meetings with translators and cultural mediators
* Excursions to the Finnish archipelago
* Shared dinners and informal conversations
Further information about the festival and the programme:
TRAVEL and stay
ZEIT REISEN offers a carefully curated cultural tour to the festival. The trip combines a visit to the Ekenäs Dialog with a varied supporting programme and will be accompanied by me in a journalistic capacity. As an author and Finland expert, I will provide insights into the country’s culture, literature and way of life during the trip – and, of course, into the festival’s unique atmosphere.
Anyone wishing to delve even deeper into the world of writing afterwards is welcome to stay:
Following the festival, the renowned writers’ school TEXTMANUFAKTUR is organising a writing workshop in Ekenäs from 9 to 14 August 2026 – an inspiring opportunity to work on your own writing amidst the unique atmosphere of the Finnish archipelago.
Ekenäs Dialog – International Literature Festival
📅 5–9 August 2026
📍 Ekenäs (Tammisaari), Finland
Ekenäs Dialog 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience literature and cultural exchange in an extraordinary setting.
Anyone with an interest in Finland, literature, ideas and inspiring encounters will find this a place where conversations have time to unfold – and thoughts are carried forward.
