Franz-Tumler-Literaturpreis

The Franz-Tumler-Literaturpreis in Lasa

The Franz-Tumler-Literaturpreis is an internationally renowned literary award held biennially since 2007 in the municipality of Lasa (Laas), located in the Vinschgau Valley (Val Venosta), in the autonomous province of Bolzano, Trentino-South Tyrol. The prize celebrates the best German-language debut novels and is named after the South Tyrolean author Franz Tumler (1912–1998), a central figure in 20th-century German literature with deep ties to the region.

An award in the village of marble

Lasa is known as the Marmordorf, or "marble village": the high-quality white marble extracted here is world-famous. During the festival, the entire village transforms into a literary stage: quotes from the competing novels are displayed in shop windows and public spaces, creating an intimate, engaging atmosphere that involves the entire Vinschgau community.

How the award works

Each edition features five debut novels selected by an international jury of five literary experts. Authors read their texts to the public, and the jury discusses the works openly and transparently, bringing readers closer to the critical process. The main prize includes 8,000 euros, funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, along with a writing residency in Lasa. An additional audience award is voted on by attendees and readers from South Tyrolean libraries.

Biennial schedule and Vinschger Literaturtage

The Franz-Tumler-Literaturpreis takes place every two years. In years when the prize is not awarded, the valley's literary life continues with the Vinschger Literaturtage (Vinschgau Literature Days), which alternate with the prize to keep the bond between Lasa and German-language literature alive year-round. These events are free and open to everyone, serving as a cultural landmark for all of South Tyrol.

Useful Information

• Location: Lasa (Laas), Vinschgau Valley, Province of Bolzano, Trentino-South Tyrol
• Key venues: Josefshaus, Municipal Library, and St. Mark's Church (Markuskirche)
• Frequency: Biennial (next edition in 2027)
• Admission: Free for all events