A promotional poster featuring a man in a gray blazer and glasses standing outdoors with a concrete wall in the background. Text on the poster indicates an event with Ben Macintyre on Saturday, August 30th, from 11:30 to 12:30, as part of the summer

Promotional poster for Martin Boujol's summer event featuring a photo of Martin Boujol in a library, with event details including date and time.

Promotional graphic for DBC Pierre event, featuring a close-up photo of a man with light skin, brown hair, and a beard, and event details on a blue background.

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.

Person in a gray suit holding a book and a glass of water indoors.

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

Order your tickets

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 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 (In conversation with Louise Doughty)

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.

Tickets

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.

Discover Winter WoW Highlights

A conference or panel discussion with two speakers on stage and an audience seated facing the stage, inside a wood-paneled room with large windows.

Person taking a photo of two speakers on stage during a conference or panel discussion.

Two men sitting on orange armchairs on a stage, engaged in conversation. One man is speaking, gesturing with his hands. There are side tables with water bottles and small plants, and a curtain backdrop.

People seated at a dinner table in a cozy restaurant with wood-paneled walls, engaged in conversation.

A man with glasses and dark hair, dressed in a brown jacket, blue shirt, and red pants, sitting in a yellow armchair, reading a book on stage with a curtained backdrop.

Audience watching a staged interview or discussion in a conference room with wood-paneled ceiling and large windows.

A woman and a man engaged in a conversation on a stage, seated in large orange armchairs, with an audience in front of them.

A young man with freckles talking to two people, one man and one woman, during an interview or photo session. The man on the left is taking a picture with a camera. Both people interviewing are wearing black shirts with the text 'TALK TO ME' and a QR

A man and a woman seated on stage in armchairs, engaging in a discussion during an event, with side tables holding water pitchers and glasses, and a backdrop of curtains.

A group of people sitting in a conference room, attentively listening, with some taking notes.

Audience attending a presentation or panel discussion in a conference room with wooden ceiling, large windows, and stage with two speakers.

Audience members at an indoor event, sitting and clapping, with some using their phones, near a large window with curtains and a potted plant.

A woman with long dark hair sitting at a table signing copies of her book, titled 'Happiness Falls,' which is stacked in front of her at a book signing event.

"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: Billionaire Boy by David Walliams

What happens when a 12-year-old has everything money can buy—but nothing he truly needs? Billionaire Boy tells the hilarious and heartfelt story of Joe Spud, the richest kid in the country, who wants just one thing: a real friend.

Packed with outrageous humour, wild imagination, and moments of genuine emotion, David Walliams delivers a laugh-out-loud adventure with an important message about friendship, kindness, and staying true to yourself.

With over 50 million books sold worldwide, Walliams proves once again why he’s one of the most beloved voices in children’s literature. Billionaire Boy is a must-read for readers young and old.

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