Rilke Festival 2026

To mark the centenary of Rainer Maria Rilke’s death, three institutions have joined forces to launch the unique ‘Rilke Festival 2026’ project. Through multicultural approaches, the focus will be on the power of words and the four significant Swiss locations where they first came to life. This event enjoys widespread support. The grand finale of the Rilke Festival 2026 begins in Sierre with an anniversary reception (4 December) and concludes in Raron (12 December), where the poet is buried. The itineraries follow in Rilke’s footsteps through the Valais. New literary texts, rarely heard musical pieces and four world-premiere compositions will accompany pilgrims along the way. A highlight is the film/opera ‘Mitsou’ at the NODA theatre in Sion.