Literature on Rails: A Special Literary Tour Through Freiburg

Hop on and experience Freiburg in a whole new way! On this special literary tram ride, the city becomes a stage: For one hour, the tram travels through Freiburg while two authors read from their latest books, taking passengers on a journey into a variety of different worlds.

Renate Heyberger and Udo Marquardt will readfrom their latest Freiburg crime novel,*Die Krallen der Krake*. For 31 years, the two authors have been writing successful Freiburg crime novels—filled with suspense, dark humor, and a playful nod to the Breisgau metropolis. Fifteen cases have been published so far, most recently “Die Krallen der Krake” in 2025.

In it, the now-legendary amateur detective Jean-Marie Hämmerle investigates once again at real-life locations in Freiburg. Local quirks, eccentric characters, surprising twists, and murderous schemes promise thrilling crime fiction with authentic Freiburg flair.

Natalja Althauser offers a completely different perspective on life in her novel *Dunkelholz*.

Lydia retreats to a cabin in the woods. She needs very little to live—yet her thoughts revolve around her daughter Clara, who has cut off contact, and her partner Markus, whom she left behind. Amid the woods, solitude, and visits from her neighbor, an unexpected turn of events begins for Lydia. A single message changes everything and brings out strengths she didn’t even know she possessed.

“Dunkelholz” tells a story of retreat and new beginnings, of loss and inner strength—and of the first and unconditional love: a mother’s love for her child.

Two books. Two literary worlds. A special ride through Freiburg.

Let yourself be driven through the city for an hour, listen to exciting and touching stories, and perhaps discover Freiburg with entirely new eyes.

Hop on, listen, and experience Freiburg through literature!

Meeting point/departure: Europaplatz tram stop at 11:45 a.m.