Each November, as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, I find myself drawn to stories – not just the ones in books, but the ones we share aloud. At home, I remember curling up with my daughter Anne and my son Charel, reading picture books, and the scent of cinnamon tea in the air. Both of them love books as much as I do and their curiosity reminds me why stories matter. 

The Walfer Bicherdeeg is more than a book fair. It is a celebration of language, imagination and community. Whether you’re browsing for a new novel, attending a reading, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these days remind us that stories connect us – across generations, cultures and quiet moments. 

This year, I’ll be attending as a visitor and I may also spend a few hours helping at the stand of Dr Kathrin Mess, where we’ll be introducing our new association, Amicale Frae vu Lëtzebuerg am II. Weltkrich Asbl. Our association is dedicated to all women who were part of the resistance in Luxembourg during the Second World War. These were not only Luxembourgish women, but also women of other nationalities, among them Jewish women, communists and others who stood up against oppression. Their stories deserve to be remembered, honoured and shared.  If you’re curious, come by the stand. You might discover not only powerful testimonies, but also Kathrin’s remarkable publications that bring this history to life. 

 

What is the Walfer Bicherdeeg? 

Held annually in Walferdange, the Walfer Bicherdeeg (Walferdange Book Days) is Luxembourg’s largest book festival. Over two days, publishers, authors, illustrators and readers come together to celebrate literature in all its forms. 

• You’ll find books in Luxembourgish, German, French and English. 
• There are readings, workshops and activities for children and adults. 
• Local authors present their newest works and schools often organise visits. 

It’s a place to discover, to meet and to fall in love with books again and again. 

 

Lëtzebuerger Buchpräis – Luxembourg’s Literary Award 

The Lëtzebuerger Buchpräis is Luxembourg’s most prestigious literary prize, awarded annually by the Fédération luxembourgeoise des éditeurs de livres. It honours outstanding books published in Luxembourg across four categories: 

• Literature (fiction and poetry) 
• Children’s Book 
• Thematic Book (non-fiction, history, culture, etc.) 
• Design Prize (for exceptional graphic or visual presentation) 

The winners will be officially announced during the opening ceremony of the Walfer Bicherdeeg, on Wednesday, 13 November 2025. 

Public vote: After the shortlist is revealed, readers can vote online for their favourite book in each category. RTL and other media outlets present the nominated titles in the weeks leading up to the fair.  

 

Program and Opening Hours 

The Walfer Bicherdeeg 2025 is on Saturday, 15 November, and Sunday, 16 November at the Stade Prince Henri in Walferdange. 

Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00

Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 

Highlights 

• Over 170 exhibitors from Luxembourg and the Greater Region 
• Readings for children and adults 
• Creative and writing workshops 
• “Books for Kids” activities at the Centre Prince Henri 
• Literature stage with music, performances, and live readings 
• Food Village with international specialties 

Theme 2025: Erënnerung – Remembrance   

This year’s Walfer Bicherdeeg is dedicated to the theme of Erënnerung—remembrance. Through literature, testimony and creative expression, the festival invites us to reflect on the stories we carry, the voices we honour and the memories that shape our shared future. 

🔗 Official website and full programme 

 

Children's Book Corner: New Luxembourgish releases

Two beautifully crafted children’s books from Luxembourg were recently presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. While we can’t confirm their presence at the Walfer Bicherdeeg, they are likely to be featured there as well – either at the publishers’ stands or in the children’s literature section. 

D'Sasha an de Flint retten d'Kinnigin

By Sandra Martins   

Publisher: Editions Schortgen, March 2025   

Languages: Luxembourgish & French   

Genre: Picture book / Seasonal adventure 

Spring has arrived. Sasha and Flint are ready to play outside when they meet Mel, the bee queen, who is desperately searching for a place to build a new nest for her colony. Sasha and Flint offer to help, but the task proves more difficult than expected. A gentle story about cooperation and environmental awareness.  

🔗 View at Editions Schortgen 

D’Buerg um Bockfiels 

By Marc Angel & Kodji   

Publisher: Op der Lay, 2025   

Language: Luxembourgish   

Genre: Comic / Historical fiction   

Series: De Rescht vun der Geschicht (Vol. 2) 

Mid-10th century, Upper Lorraine. Young nobleman Sigfrid meets a mysterious girl bathing in the Alzette River. Their encounter sparks a love story that defies expectations. To be with her, Sigfrid builds his home on the very spot where they first met, laying the mythical foundation of Luxembourg. A vivid retelling of local legend in comic form. 

🔗 View at Op der Lay 

 

Remembering through pages

Noch heute quält mich die Erinnerung… Gerd Klestadt als Junge im Konzentrationslager Bergen-Belsen 

By Dr Kathrin Mess (2025) 

This deeply moving book tells the story of Gerd Klestadt, a Jewish boy who survived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Through interviews and historical documents, historian Kathrin Mess gives voice to a fragile but lucid memory that spans generations. 

Tragically, Gerd Klestadt passed away shortly after the book’s publication, before he could begin the planned school visits. Kathrin Mess now continues this memory work in schools and public forums. 

Available directly from the author at the Walfer Bicherdeeg stand or through Ernster.

 

Word of the Week – Lëtzebuergesch mat Freed   

Luxembourgish: d'Buch → [buːχ]    

German: das Buch 

English: book 

Try it in a sentence: “Ech liesen e Buch iwwer d’Frënnlechkeet.”    

It means: “I’m reading a book about kindness.”