Three days of science fiction: The 18th Elstercon kicks off on 18 September

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From 18 to 20 September, the 18th Elstercon at the Haus des Buches in Leipzig will once again focus on the tension between science and fiction. At this festival of fantasy literature, readers will engage in discussion with authors and experts under the theme “Science? Fiction! – Literature meets science”.

From 18 to 20 September, the 18th Elstercon at the Haus des Buches in Leipzig will once again focus on the interplay between science and fiction. At the festival of fantasy literature, readers will discuss with authors and experts under the motto “Science? Fiction! – Literature Meets Science”. Once again, there will be international guests who have recently been the talk of the town in the world of science fiction. But renowned local authors will also be taking the stage to engage with the audience.

Among those taking questions will be the American author Christopher Ruocchio (the ‘Sonnenfresser’ saga), the Austrian author and scientist Ralph Alexander Neumüller (‘Es geht euch zu gut’) and the German bestselling author Andreas Brandhorst (‘Das Erwachen’).

Also taking the floor will be journalist Bettina Wurche, who will speak on “Jules Verne and the Discovery of Marine Research”; columnist and author Theresa Hannig (“The Day After Tomorrow – Stories from a Better Future”); the scientist Metin Tolan, who will give a talk on physics in “Star Trek”, and the author T. Orgel (“Der verborgene Turm”).

Many other authors will also be in attendance, including the East German legends of science fiction literature Karlheinz Steinmüller (“Andymon”), Erik Simon and Boris Koch.

Visitors to Elstercon can get up close and personal with the authors – both at the talks, readings and panel discussions, and at book signings, the book fair and the informal get-togethers.

Further highlights of Elstercon include the presentation of the German Science Fiction Prize and a guided tour of the Jesco von Puttkamer School campus.

A three-day pass costs 55 euros. This includes a festival programme. If you only wish to attend a few events or just visit the book fair, single-day tickets can be purchased for 5 euros each. Admission is free for under-18s.

Elstercon has been held every two years since 1992. It is organised by the FKSFL – Freundeskreis Science Fiction Leipzig e.V. The full programme for Elstercon 2026 can be found here.